Chapter 26…
“I believe there isn’t a single person here who doesn’t understand how valuable the Ritemper Trading Company is.”
…What?
Cynthia blinked, unable to keep up with the sudden change in topic.
“Y-yes, of course…”
“It’s been only a year since the Bailey family discovered that enormous gem mine in the Luteria region.”
A plump noblewoman and another noble beside her glanced nervously at Castleton before speaking up one after another.
“But without our own trading company, we end up paying unnecessary commissions for mining, processing, and selling the gems.”
“Indeed, they have no conscience. What has the crown ever done for us to take such huge fees?”
Castleton slowly nodded.
“Exactly. And more importantly, we cannot entrust the Bailey gems, mined from Bailey land, to just anyone.”
“I agree completely.”
“My modest goal was simply to reclaim the Ritemper Trading Company, which my foolish ancestor once sold off cheaply to the Lumanov family.”
Trailing off, Castleton lifted his sharp green eyes and fixed them on Cynthia. The others’ gazes followed suit, all directed at her.
Suddenly facing several pairs of piercing green eyes, Cynthia flinched and widened her own.
“Cynthia White.”
“Y-yes?”
Startled to hear her name, Cynthia jumped to her feet. Murmurs and mocking laughter rippled through the meeting room.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say you bear no responsibility for our failure to reclaim the Ritemper Trading Company, do you?”
“…”
“What happened between you and the Grand Duke? You just had to sit still and maintain the engagement, yet you still haven’t gotten it back—why?”
Castleton’s voice turned cold.
Ah…
Cynthia lowered her head without realizing it. It was now clear—this meeting had been called to accuse her of failing to bring the Ritemper Company back.
“Punish that woman immediately!”
A tall, gaunt Bailey noble shot to his feet.
“We were deceived as well! She was the one boasting that she could perfectly play Elizabeth’s role, and now she’s ruined everything!”
Huh? When did I ever boast about that?
Cynthia blinked in disbelief, her green eyes wide behind her lenses.
Then an elderly noblewoman rose from across the table and shouted,
“That’s right! The Ritemper Company is as good as lost already, but at least she should be taught a lesson! How dare she deceive the Baileys?”
Who did I deceive exactly!?
“Indeed!”
“Didn’t she take money too?”
“Return it at once!”
The Baileys, as if rehearsed, all jumped to their feet and started pointing accusingly at Cynthia.
Cynthia bit her lip and glared back.
‘Cowards…’
They had been the ones to suggest she pose as Elizabeth because her voice was similar, but now that Castleton was angry, they were trying to cut her off to save themselves.
These vile, spineless Baileys!
“Silence, silence!”
Castleton, who had been watching everything from his seat, suddenly shouted.
His strict tone instantly silenced the room. Everyone hurriedly sat back down. After scanning the now-quiet space, Castleton spoke.
“This meeting was not called to punish anyone.”
“Ahem…”
Frowning, Castleton turned toward Dale, who was standing near the door, and gave him a look.
Understanding, Dale stepped forward and bowed slightly.
“I am Dale, aide to the Bailey family.”
He greeted the Baileys politely, then lifted his head to continue.
“I have been tasked with observing Lady Elizabeth—played by Miss Cynthia White—and His Grace, Grand Duke Tession Lumanov.”
Cynthia watched him closely—he was the only one in this room full of Baileys she could somewhat rely on.
Dale… thank goodness you’re here.
“For the past two months, Miss Cynthia has been acting as Lady Elizabeth. She’s met with the Grand Duke several times, but never once has she caused any major issue in their relationship.”
Yes, Dale! Good! Keep going!
Cynthia silently cheered him on.
“Then why has the Grand Duke suddenly refused to return the Ritemper Company?”
One of the seated Baileys asked with a sneer.
“That part is still under investigation.”
“Oh, it’s obvious! This fake Elizabeth must not have pleased him! He can’t annul the engagement outright, so he’s just decided not to return the company!”
A noblewoman on the opposite side raised her voice, followed by snickers and laughter around the room.
Dale calmly adjusted his glasses and replied,
“I don’t believe that is the case.”
“And what makes you so sure?”
Castleton, still seated, asked quietly.
Turning slightly toward him, Dale answered,
“Based on my observations and analysis, it appears that Grand Duke Tession Lumanov actually likes Miss Cynthia White.”
“He likes her?”
“What do you mean?”
“The Grand Duke has shown clear affection toward Lady Elizabeth—as portrayed by Miss Cynthia.”
The Baileys began murmuring among themselves, while Cynthia blinked in confusion.
Tession… likes me?
He was just naturally kind and formal toward his fiancée, wasn’t he?
“Therefore,” Dale continued, “I believe Miss Cynthia should continue to play Lady Elizabeth for the time being.”
“W-what?”
“Didn’t the Grand Duke regain his sight? How can this common girl continue playing Elizabeth now?”
The murmuring grew louder again—until Castleton’s voice cut through it all.
“He has never seen the real Elizabeth.”
“…”
“You’re implying that the Grand Duke doesn’t know what the true Elizabeth looks like, correct, Dale?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Miss Cynthia.”
Castleton turned his gaze back to her.
“You heard him. You started this, so you’ll have to finish it.”
“…”
“Continue playing Elizabeth until the Ritemper Company is returned. Your role now is not only to maintain the engagement with the Grand Duke but also to demand the return of the company.”
But I didn’t start any of this…
Cynthia felt suffocated—no matter what she said, these Baileys refused to listen.
“If you complete this task properly, we might even increase your payment.”
“Huh?”
Increase… the payment? Cynthia’s ears perked up.
“We’ll give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life without ever having to lift a finger. The Baileys are generous, after all.”
Cynthia clenched her fists tightly on her lap. The offer was tempting—very tempting.
But to keep pretending to be Elizabeth indefinitely? To keep deceiving Tession?
No… I can’t. I can’t do this anymore!
After some inner struggle, she finally opened her mouth to refuse.
“No, I—”
“But if you say no…”
Castleton’s voice cut her off. Cynthia froze.
“Well… perhaps you should find out firsthand what happens to a commoner bold enough to impersonate a duke’s fiancée.”
“…”
“Dale, what was it you said happened to Miss Cynthia’s house?”
Her… house? Cynthia thought of her shabby little cottage on the verge of collapse. It wasn’t much, but she had built it herself—a small refuge earned through years of effort.
Dale glanced at Cynthia over his glasses, hesitated for a moment, then bowed his head.
“As you ordered, it has been completely destroyed.”
