The Villainous Noblewoman Is About to Be Forced into Love, Isn’t This Wrong?

"..." A response that was both unexpected and somewhat reasonable.

"What's wrong? Aren't you going to have a few more drinks?" Liana asked.

"It's a bit stuffy. I'm going out for a walk." Until she was certain that Liana had returned to her room, Nael had to keep an eye on her. She absolutely couldn't let Liana interfere with Countess Ruth and Grand Princess Mepeilu's conversation.

As Mepeilu stepped out of the ballroom, a noblewoman in a fiery red gown appeared before her.

"Is something the matter, Grand Princess Mepeilu? Was the food not to your liking?" Countess Ruth asked.

"Not at all. The dishes were delicious, and I'm quite pleased. I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed that Countess Ruth would go to such lengths to host this ball for me."

"This is only what I ought to do. Besides, Grand Princess Mepeilu came all this way for Liana. Naturally, we must welcome you with the highest etiquette." Countess Ruth spoke smoothly.

At the mention of Liana's name, a flicker of emotion crossed Mepeilu’s eyes. "Liana, she..."

"She's the same as always. Because of her parents, it seems she has never quite managed to step out from under that shadow. As her family, I can clearly feel her suffering. But even with me, she refuses to speak much about it." Countess Ruth massaged her forehead, as if she were dealing with a persistent headache.

"But there's nothing to be done. I am her only family now. Even if she sometimes acts out of line, it's just something unavoidable. She's simply trying to vent her frustrations. At her core, she isn't a bad person. And I—well, all I can do is tolerate her. As much as possible, I try to take responsibility for her actions and offer compensation to those affected."

Even Countess Ruth herself seemed moved by her own words.

"I truly appreciate Countess Ruth for taking care of Liana..." Mepeilu bit her lip, feeling an uncomfortable sensation in her chest.

But it wasn’t because Ruth’s words had touched her. It was because she hadn't been there when Liana needed her the most.

Though her own health had required her to remain in the royal capital to recover, the guilt had never left Mepeilu.

She had always felt that it was because she hadn’t been there for Liana that Liana had changed like this, that she had taken step after step down the wrong path.

Perhaps that was why, now, Mepeilu spoiled Liana endlessly. As long as it wasn't something too outrageous, she would agree to whatever Liana asked.

"This is merely my duty. It’s only right that I take care of her." Countess Ruth spoke with conviction.

Yet Mepeilu didn’t believe a single word of it. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Ruth was somehow responsible for what Liana had become.

But there was no evidence in her hands. And for now, Liana seemed to rely on Countess Ruth.

"By the way, I heard that Kalen often received your care at Ibet Magic Academy, Grand Princess Mepeilu. I must truly thank you."

Kalen? Mepeilu thought for a moment—ah, Countess Ruth’s son.

She had crossed paths with him a few times at Ibet Magic Academy, but they had never spoken much. It was hardly anything that could be called 'care.'

It was obvious that Countess Ruth simply wanted her to get closer to Kalen. But as a royal successor, Mepeilu had neither the time nor the interest to waste on romance.

Still, this did give her some insight. Perhaps this was why Countess Ruth had made such a grand effort to host this ball.

Mepeilu was no child—she understood perfectly well that if someone gained the support of a royal successor, it would give them a decisive advantage in competing for the Venus family inheritance.

Unfortunately for Ruth, the royal family couldn't interfere with noble succession matters so easily.

Besides, Mepeilu was well aware of Kalen’s true nature. His character was rotten—perhaps even worse than Liana’s current reputation. Mepeilu despised people like that.

That said, his talent in magic was undeniable. He was famous at Ibet Magic Academy for his mastery of gravity magic. Then again, she supposed it was only natural—after all, there wasn’t a single ordinary person among the Venus family’s children.

"Countess Ruth jests. Kalen is highly capable, and his achievements at Ibet Magic Academy are excellent. He hardly needs any help from me."

Hearing Mepeilu praise Kalen, Ruth's heart lifted with joy. There was hope.

"Is that so? Kalen, he..." Countess Ruth launched into a long-winded speech about Kalen's numerous virtues.

To Mepeilu, who already knew the truth about Kalen’s personality, every word sounded hollow and insincere.@@novelbin@@

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

Still, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. No matter what, Ruth’s late husband had sacrificed his life for the Lisat Kingdom.

"The years truly fly by," Countess Ruth sighed, gazing at the full moon from the balcony. "Back then, Grand Princess Mepeilu loved coming to visit the Venus estate."

And now she was trying to play the emotional card?

Mepeilu could only manage an awkward smile in response.

She used to visit often because she wanted to play with Liana. Now, she rarely came—because she couldn’t face Liana.

She didn’t know how she should act around Liana anymore. Should she scold her? Should she reach out a hand to save her?

She had tried everything already. And it was precisely because she had tried everything that the overwhelming sense of powerlessness, the deep-seated guilt, made her reluctant to return.

She didn’t want to shatter the last traces of the Liana she remembered.

"It can’t be helped. Growing up means facing more responsibilities. I can’t just come by every day like I did when we were children." Mepeilu’s gaze drifted toward Liana’s room in the distance, where a warm light had just been lit.

"That’s true. As one of the kingdom’s successors, Grand Princess Mepeilu must be incredibly busy. And yet, Liana called you here over such a trivial matter."

"Taking a walk now and then isn't a bad thing." Mepeilu smiled, as if indifferent.

"The First Prince and Third Princess are both exceptional successors as well. The competition must be quite intense. But you needn’t worry. The Venus family stands firmly behind you, Grand Princess Mepeilu." Countess Ruth made her loyalty clear.

"There’s no need to support me. The Venus family only needs to support the King of Lisat. No matter who the King is, they will lead Lisat to a better future." Mepeilu dismissed the empty gesture without hesitation.

"Grand Princess Mepeilu, you are truly noble." Countess Ruth’s voice grew emotional, as if her eyes were misting over. "It is precisely because of your character that I wish to support you."

"This is merely the most basic responsibility of any successor." Mepeilu didn't feel particularly noble at all.

If anything, she felt selfish.