NMBTD 58

Chapter 58

Alesia silently stared at Caleb. The drawing room was filled with tense silence.

The longer her gaze lingered, the paler Caleb’s face became.

“Your Grace, I…”

“I told you to stand.”

Alesia gave the command again, her voice calm and unreadable. At her command, Caleb stood up.

Without a word, she gestured toward the sofa. Caleb awkwardly sat down and placed his hands on his knees.

Alesia looked at him calmly for a moment and then sighed. She erased the sharp tension from moments ago and let out a soft chuckle.

A bright smile, like the one she had shown when she greeted him earlier, spread across her face.

Shaking her head gently, Alesia spoke in a gentle tone.

“Caleb, there’s no need to be so stiff.”

“…Resa.”

At her affectionate tone, Caleb’s expression softened. He looked relieved and held her hand tightly.

Alesia gazed at his gloved hand with a gentle smile.

Placing her hand over his, she spoke with warmth in her voice.

“You know, Caleb, things have changed a lot since before. There’s a lot to be careful about now, a lot to be mindful of. Especially since His Highness the Second Prince is strict about these things. Just a little while ago, he got very angry because lamb was served at my table.”

Alesia furrowed her brow as if holding back tears. Caleb looked uncertain at her explanation.

“He got mad… just because of lamb?”

“Lamb is only supposed to be served at royal banquets. But Sara…”

Alesia trailed off. She continued with a sorrowful expression.

“That’s just how things are for me. His Highness doesn’t like me. In fact, I’d say he almost hates me. So when you tried to set him up with another woman, I got upset.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Caleb looked genuinely flustered. Inwardly, Alesia smiled in triumph.

“And why did it have to be the Roshanach family?”

She continued, her brow slightly drawn down.

“The Roshanachs are the Empress’s family and one of the most prestigious houses. Naturally, many eyes are on them. If you’re involved with that family, people who don’t know better will make up whatever stories they want.”

Alesia paused.

“I don’t like saying this, but people will start saying you’re blinded by power—even if you’re not. I’m just worried you’ll get caught up in rumors.”

“I didn’t realize you felt that way…”

Caleb trailed off, his face showing regret for the misunderstanding.

When he lowered his head, Alesia’s gaze briefly turned cold.

She studied him, then curled her lips into a smile.

Her eyes did not smile, but she continued speaking gently.

“With everything going on with the Second Prince, and since I was worried about you, I reacted a bit sensitively. I’m sorry. Were you upset?”

“No, not at all. Please, there’s no need to apologize.”

Caleb quickly shook his head. As he lifted his eyes, Alesia shifted to a serious expression.

“Still, I am sorry—for startling you.”

She patted his hand.

To anyone watching, it would look like a concerned little sister comforting her older brother.

Letting his guard down completely, Caleb finally said what he came for.

“The truth is, I came back because I have something important to discuss. If Your Grace can forgive my rashness, may I offer some counsel?”

“Why would you say that? Of course, speak freely.”

With her permission, Caleb smiled and leaned closer, lowering his voice.

“Since rumors were brought up… ever since Your Grace became part of the royal family, the Ambrose family’s situation has worsened. There are even rumors that the Second Prince tried to cut the dowry in half. And since you weren’t invited to the wedding, people have been avoiding Ambrose.”

Caleb frowned with concern.

“Thankfully, you invited me to the ball, or the Ambrose family would’ve been completely ostracized from noble society.”

“Really? I didn’t know. Being in the palace, it’s hard to hear news about the Ambrose house.”

“Of course. But Your Grace, the honor of the Ambrose family is your honor too. If the family gains strength, so do you. But with the family declining, I’m afraid it may negatively affect you.”

“That could be true.”

Alesia responded with a serious tone. In truth, she was barely holding back a bitter laugh.

Everything Caleb was saying was nonsense.

She already knew Franz hadn’t touched the dowry.

She also knew that the dowry she had received had already been squandered by the Ambrose household.

At the time, she thought it was because of her stepmother.

But after seeing Caleb today, she realized that wasn’t the case.

Everything he was wearing was of the highest quality—fit for royalty.

In the past, Alesia wouldn’t have noticed.

But now, after countless discussions about fashion trends with Lucette, she recognized the luxury instantly.

Among his things, the gloves were the most modest—her own gift, supplied to the royal family.

That was the most modest item he wore. The rest was pure extravagance.

Thinking back, even in her past life, all his formal uniforms were of fine quality—just designed plainly.

‘And now he doesn’t even try to hide it.’

He wore a jacket with golden buttons lined on both sides and elaborate embroidery.

The soft sheen of the fabric hinted that it was made of Astrayan silk, currently the most expensive on the market.

And not just the jacket.

The cravat pin was set with a premium ruby, and his shoes were the same model Creighton had worn recently.

‘Wearing the same shoes as the First Prince. That can’t be a coincidence.’

Alesia narrowed her eyes slightly.

It was suspicious that he’d suddenly appeared with Nerys.

She had suspected a connection between the First Prince and Nerys since they were academy classmates. Now, she was sure.

“So what do you want me to do?”

All that was left was to confirm his true intentions.

Alesia asked casually, flashing an innocent smile on her beautiful face.

Caleb looked satisfied, thinking he had successfully manipulated her.

He squeezed her hand tightly and said,

“Please invite me to the palace often. Let everyone see that Your Grace cares for the Ambrose family, so our reputation can be restored.”

“Would that really change anything? I don’t think it would make much of a difference.”

Alesia tilted her head and blinked innocently.

Caleb briefly looked frustrated, then smiled.

“Or… you could share some of your private budget.”

“My private budget? You mean the Second Princess Consort’s allowance?”

“Yes. I could buy a townhouse in Calex with that. If I live in the capital, Your Grace would feel more secure too.”

“That’s not possible.”

Alesia hunched her shoulders and let out a long sigh. Caleb furrowed his brow.

“Why not?”

“My allowance is managed by the Second Prince.”

“What? His Highness manages your budget?”

“I told you—he doesn’t like me. I guess he’s worried I might misuse royal funds.”

Caleb looked awkward. It was clear to him now—Alesia hadn’t changed. But beyond that, there was nothing to gain here.

Using her to get Nerys closer to Franz was no longer an option.

So at least, he had hoped to extract some money.

‘She can’t even use her own budget? What an idiot. What kind of mess did she make for it to come to this?’

Caleb barely resisted the urge to yell at her.

His foolish half-sister, who had nothing but innocence to her name, was still living naively in the palace.

‘No good. She needs to be removed—quickly.’

Caleb slowly pulled his hand from hers, then spoke with a sorrowful expression.

“I’ll speak to the First Prince. I can’t bear to see you living like this.”

“Would you really?”

Alesia’s eyes sparkled as she grabbed his hand again, on the verge of tears.

“Thank you, Caleb. You’re all I have.”

“Just trust me.”

Caleb replied stiffly and stood up. As he rushed to leave, he called out,

“I must get to the First Prince’s palace before the ball begins and report this. I’ll see you later.”

“Caleb, please make sure to explain everything clearly!”

Alesia called out earnestly as she saw him out. Once he disappeared through the door, the sparkle in her eyes faded.

Hearing his hurried footsteps echoing down the hallway, Alesia smiled faintly.

Soon, she saw him pass the fountain outside the window, and murmured to herself,

“Yes, go on.”

Go tell them how miserable I am. How pathetic I am.

So they won’t even bother paying attention to me. Make sure the First Prince knows it.

A smile spread across Alesia’s face as she watched Caleb’s retreating figure.