Raised the Villainous Daughter and Ran Away

168. Twisted Love

Raja touched a sore spot that should never be touched.

Frances’s wide-open eyes sparkle with life.

Emotions were stirred, and all the shadows in the living room were trembling, and a chill as if darkness would fall at any moment swept over them.

“… … .”

We must be patient. No matter how high Descartes’ authority is, the other party is the emperor of the empire. We must be even more careful because this is a time when we must cooperate with each other.

Also, Jin must keep the fact that he is planning to marry Frances a secret until the very end. That way, there will be no disruption to the plan and no pressure from anyone.

Frances exhaled, calming herself and then asked Raja again.

“Why does it happen like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about Jean Barenberg’s political marriage.”

Raja nodded slowly, saying, “Ah.”

“Actually, Leilia really liked the appearance of Jean Barenberg that she saw at the royal party. Isn’t he the owner of the golden eyes? His abilities are also certain.”

There are people with similar colored eyes, but none with the shining gold of Jean Barenberg.

This is a characteristic found only in the royal family of Barenberg.

“The combination of platinum blonde hair and jewel eyes, the symbols of the royal family. And the Barenberg gold eyes. If that happens, Leilia is really looking forward to what kind of child she will have. That’s why she’s trying to make it happen now… … .”

As he continued to speak, Raja sensed something unusual about Frances. Her face turned pale and she was glaring at him.

“…Did I do something wrong?”

“No. So?”

Raja, who felt a strange urge to live, continued his explanation with a “ahem.”

“If Barenberg is incorporated into the Empire as a local power, the title of Marquis will be bestowed upon Jean Barenberg, who was a member of the royal family. Then, through a political marriage, the Empire’s authority can be raised, and a close relationship can be maintained. I think it will be good for Leilia as well… … .”

Raja, who had been speaking, closed his lips for a moment. A chill that felt like his skin was being torn wrapped around his entire body, and a chill so strong that the back of his neck trembled, he could no longer open his mouth.

“It seems that the princess likes Jin very much.”

“Oh, that’s right. It seems like it’s more curiosity than favoritism… … .”

Why am I sweating? Raja looked down. His fingertips were shaking. Why? Did his instincts sense something? He was filled with confusion.

“Anyway… the liberated Jin Barenberg will now be free from your hands and become a noble of the Empire… Is there something you don’t like?”

Frances stared at Raja silently with a shadowy face. Her eyes were lifeless.

“… … .”

Gulp. Why am I so nervous? Did I make a mistake? Raja’s eyes blinked repeatedly.

“How about we postpone the political marriage issue for later? He is no longer a slave or a prisoner of war. He is a noble of the empire. I think we should listen to his opinion.”

Frances, who had been feeling uncomfortable for a long time, forced a smile as she said that.

“Opinion? A political marriage with the royal family─”

“stop.”

“… … .”

Frances’s firm voice. Raja was quite embarrassed.

“That problem later. There are other important things to do right now, right?”

“Ah, um. Right, right. Then let’s move on to the next agenda… … .”

The agenda items that Raja brought up were quite complex.

A magical revolution and military reform that will bring about an empire-wide revolution. Overseas trade, management of the continent, aristocratic order, etc.

“That’s all.”

“Confirmed.”

“… … .”

The atmosphere was cold. Raja’s whole body was trembling.

‘what?’

It’s not the end of spring and the weather is cold. But why does it feel so cold since a while ago…

‘No, it’s more cool than cold.’

It feels like a weak-willed person walking through a graveyard full of ghosts. Yeah, it’s creepy.

‘Is it because I’ve been so busy lately? I’m not feeling well.’

It was Raja who did not notice Frances’ discomfort until the conversation was over.

* * *

Late at night, after the banquet was over and the Emperor had left, Frances sat alone in her study, pressing her temples.

‘I thought that princess was after Jin.’

When I met him at the royal party, he showed no such signs. Was it because he was just a slave?

‘it’s annoying.’

Frances has been frowning all day since meeting Raja.

A scene that was drawn in Frances’s head even though she tried not to think about it or imagine it. Leilia in a pure white wedding dress and Jean in a wedding gown.

Although it was only a political marriage, the woman in her imagination seemed happy. Of course, Jin was perfect in looks and ability. Who wouldn’t be happy with such a groom?

After that, we’ll go straight to bed for the night. Frances imagined Leilia’s face, panting as she locked eyes with Jean. Eyes full of love.

Saaak-

Without even realizing it, Frances’ fingertips began to display the property of disappearance. Thanks to this, the pen on her desk turned into dust.

‘I’m the one who should be there.’

Of course, Jin will never give his heart to the princess. He loves France more than anyone else. However, the reason he feels uneasy is because he cannot refuse the royal family’s offer of a political marriage.

Surely, as soon as the title is bestowed after liberation, the royal family will propose a political marriage. Then, you will be caught up in a troublesome scandal.

“Tsk.”

Frances, feeling very upset, got up from her seat and picked up the lamp. She had to bring forward her plan.

The plan is to make Jin look only at France, and to make him unsatisfied with anyone but France. Originally, he had planned to complete all of this and then get married, but there is no other way.

For him… … .

France walked towards the Kaiser’s workshop inside the ducal palace.

dripping-

─Yes?

“Kazar, may I come in?”

─Ah, come in!

Suddenly. As I opened the door and entered, I saw Kazar conducting research even late at night.

“Is what you said before going well?”

“Ah… that… … .”

Kazar turns his gaze away.

“Well, I’m working on it. But isn’t it a bit…?”

When Frances tilted her head and asked, “What?”, Kazar scratched the back of his head.

“Relationships with people are like that… … .”

The reason why Kazar was in such trouble was none other than the alchemical elixir that France had requested.

A potion that, when consumed, causes an explosion of desire that is uncontrollable.

It is what is called an ‘aphrodisiac’. And it is a very powerful one.

“You don’t have to go this far, do you?”

When Kazar asked, Frances chuckled.

“What are you talking about? I’m doing it for Jin.”

I don’t know where that was for Jin, but Kazar tried to swallow his doubts.

“Anyway, the reason I came here is for another reason. I might have to bring the date forward.”

“Bring it forward?” asked Kazar.

“Yes. Jin will now be officially out of my possession. Barenberg will be liberated. Then, Jin will be targeted everywhere.”

… Since Jin only looks at the Duke anyway, there won’t be a problem, right? This time too, Kazar’s mind was filled with doubts, but he didn’t bother asking.

I knew from the beginning that this Duke had a bit of a strange side.

“… Okay, I understand. It’ll be finished soon anyway.”

“Okay, thanks.”

Frances smiled after hearing the answer and moved away. Now it was time to go find Jin.

“Huh~ Huh~”

She hummed as she inserted the key into the cellar and went down the dark stairs. The creepy feeling of desolation turned into excitement for Frances.

Crunch. Crunch.

An iron gate appears as you come down the stairs. Jin is inside.

“jin?”

Frances looked through the bars, smiling brightly. Jean lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Your Highness?”

“Didn’t we decide to call you France?”

“…France.”

“I’ll go in.”

Clang. An iron door that can only be opened with France’s magic. It’s the magic tower’s security magic.

“Were you sleeping?”

“No, I was thinking about it.”

“Huh… … .”

Frances sat down on the bed where Jean was lying.

“Is it very difficult?”

“… It’s hard.”

“What kind of point?”

Jin said, sweeping his bangs back.

“Not only am I losing strength, but I feel so frustrated. I feel lonely. The saint came to visit me earlier and gave me something to talk to, but… I can’t shake off this feeling of frustration.”

Jin, who is sagging without strength.

“I’m sorry, Jin. I did it all for you.”

Frances said this, smiled broadly, and spread her arms.

“Come here.”

“… … .”

“Didn’t you say you were lonely?”

Jean approached Frances with a gaunt face and hugged her. Frances stroked the back of Jeans head and hugged him tightly.

“But, could you please tell me why you imprisoned me? I can’t leave Frances’ side anyway.”

A serious question. I can’t tell you the plan… … .

“Actually, I didn’t say anything because I was worried you might be anxious, but I heard that your existence is still unstable. I had no choice but to do it for your stability.”

Frances lied without any change in expression.

“Just bear with it for a little longer. The medicine will be ready soon. Aren’t you out of energy right now?”

“That’s right. I feel strangely weak. It’s like something is draining my strength.”

“That’s because existence is unstable. The strength is being drained somewhere.”

Jin nodded slowly as if he understood those words.

“okay.”

“Yes, I always think of you.”

Frances looked at the sagging jeans and smacked her lips. But not yet.

Slowly, little by little, step by step.

You have to endure to make everything yours from one to ten.

“Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I think Barenberg will be liberated safely.”

“… That’s fortunate.”

“You don’t look very happy?”

France tilted her head.

“Nothing has really changed. Didn’t France say before that the people of Barenberg were living well because they had their own territory?”

Oh, now that I think about it, Jin knew too.

“That’s true, but you are no longer a prisoner of war. Of course, you’re not a slave either. The Empire will even give you a title. A marquis at that.”

Jin’s eyes widened.

“A Marquis?”

“Yes. Because they are royalty of the local powers.”

So, that’s what I’m saying, Frances continues.

“What will you do if a political marriage comes into play?”

“A political marriage?”

“Yes. Now, you are the Marquis of Jean Barenberg.”

“Of course I should refuse, right?”

Frances smiled brightly in response.

“But suddenly it’s a political marriage? What happened?”

“Actually, the Third Princess said she was interested in you.”

Jin was startled and asked, “The Third Princess?”

“Yes. But I think you’re more curious. Are you curious about the combination of the jewel-like eyes that are the symbol of the Fedelian Imperial Family, the platinum blonde hair, and the dark gold eyes that are the symbol of Barenberg?”

Frances spoke briefly and watched Jean’s reaction.

“You just see me as a tool.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“I don’t feel so good either.”

Frances, who liked the reaction, caressed Jean’s cheek.

“That’s right. You should know that I love you the most. Do you understand?”

“yes.”

Frances smiled faintly. Even in this situation, she was weakening Jin’s power so that he could not resist the potion.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

The affection continues to seep into Jin without stopping.

If things continue this way, Jin will never leave Frances’ side of his own volition.