Larittes thin, long eyelashes shuddered as she opened her eyes.

What first covered her view was a colorful wallpaper and expensive giant landscape paintings.

It seemed like a place where people stored luxurious materials, which didnt suit their house. It reminded her of the house of Count Brumayer. The place where she had lived for half of her life. She wasnt surprised though.

The room was stuffy, but she couldnt use her hands because they were tied back in the chair.

On the opposite side of the long table sat Rose.

Had a nice dream, my sister?

She sipped on the tea and smiled softly.

My sister.

Laritte felt resentful as it reminded her of calling her sister in the Imperial Palace.

Looking down at her, she saw herself wearing a ragged dress instead of the dress of Ians mother. Rose might have taken it.

Meanwhile, Laritte was irritated by the thought of men touching her. She hoped, at least, this heartless sister of hers had ordered maids to change her dress.

She asked, glaring at Rose.

Where am I?!

Time hasnt passed much. Maybe half an hour after you were caught? This place is still close to the castle.

Rose grumbled a little about missing the chance of meeting the royal family for the first time.

Then perhaps, Ian hasnt broken into the banquet hall.

Laritte thought, but Rose continued.

Why on earth were you born in the first place?

She meant it.

She wondered why anyone could exist in the world when Laritte had no one to care for her.

Youve always been a headache for me.

White foam formed at the top.

Laritte was as useless as this to Rose.

Rose skimmed it off with a spoon. The foam on the spoon disappeared as it touched a small cloth.

You think I was born because I wanted to?

Of course, it wasnt your will. But if it wasnt for me, you couldve done whatever you wanted.

..Rose Brumayer.

Hmm, youve grown up. Calling my name with that look on your face.

Roses smirk irritated her.

She whispered something to the maid standing next to her. The maid bowed politely and walked towards Laritte.

Then she raised her hand and slapped Laritte on her cheek.

Her face hardened. She was unable to do anything. She stayed silent.

She couldnt even use her hands, which were tightly bound to the chair.

As the maid was about to slap her again, Rose said.

Stop.

The maid halted and stepped back politely.

Larittes emotionless eyes were still fixed on Rose.

But Rose, who was in a good mood, was satisfied. She even felt a bit of sympathy.

Really, I pity our fate.

..?

The result of hating each other so much was inevitable.

Rose murmured pretentiously.

Ha!

Laritte wanted to laugh out like a mad person if she had her strength.

As far as she knew, they had no choice but to hate each other.

Sun-hin was a dragon who reached the place in advance so that he could destroy the human territory without causing any harm to himself.

A weak, naive runaway dragon that was known to slaughter humans. But it happened only once in every decade or so.

Sun-hin was so selfish that he didnt care if his own race was killed by a Swordmaster.

After all, all that remained was the weak dragon that died along with the corpses of the dead humans.

Did Laritte also belong to such a fate of being destroyed with Rose?

Laritte blankly stared at the plant on the table.

She spoke quietly.

No, Rose, the reason we are like this is that..youre a sucker and a goddamn bastard.

There were various illegitimate children in the Empire of Iassa. Some of them might have lived a life respectfully in an aristocratic family.

But Rose was the sole reason for Larittes pain.

Furthermore, the Brumayer family was all to blame.

Even if she was an illegitimate child, they were supposed to have the responsibility to take care of her.

Rose jumped from her seat. There was a clear mark of anger on her face.

Ha..!

She tried to calm down by breathing out and then trudged towards Laritte.

Sigh, all right. Then, thatll be the end for you!

..How so?

Youve lived in that old villa for quite some time, havent you? I heard that you didnt have to pay any money to the Imperial house.

Rose stood in front of her and pressed a finger on her forehead.

So now youre going to another territory. Youll be used as a laborer there. You dont even have to see my face, so look forward to it.

What.?!

Afraid that she might bite her finger, Rose backed away.

The two knights, who had kidnapped Laritte, forcefully untied her hands from the chair and tied her hands again, holding her by her shoulders.

Come on, get her into the carriage.

Yes, Miss!

Such a shame that you ended up like this.

Rose thought.

Wait a second. Dont go out like that.

Then.shall I put out her shoulder? Its very painful to carry her like this.

The knight said, who was gritting his teeth at Laritte, who was struggling.

Thats a good idea.

Rose thought. She was about to beckon to do so but another maid barged in through the door.

What?! Who gave you permission to enter?!

M-Missitsits.

Her face was as pale as if she had seen a ghost.

She had run so fast that she was out of breath. Catching her breath, she shouted.

Its the Duke.! The Duke of Reinhardt, who was known to have died, appeared in the palace!

The Duke? What do you mean?

Its true, Miss. The Imperial banquet is in chaos.

Rose was shocked.

Laritte, who was held by the two knights, raised her head.

Finally, he made his move. Good luck, Duke.

So, the people of the Imperial Household are in danger because of the appearance of a traitor?

I dont think that is the case, Miss. All of them are gathered on the first floor.I just came here to give you the news.

Ha!The Duke is alive!

It was Rose who had fallen in love with Ian at first sight. She used to nag her parents for her to marry him.

Various emotions crossed through her heart.

His firm spirit, confidence, and perfection that any young child would fall in love with.

No matter how strong he was or even if he was a Swordmaster, he would be caught and killed one day.

And yet, Rose was thrilled.

My Duke!

The place where Rose and Laritte were present was a two-story old restaurant.

Rose shoved the maid out of the way, making her way towards the Imperial hall. She ordered the knights, peeking her head through the door.

Well, you two are on your own now. Get to the carriage from the back door and take her to her destination.

Laritte, who had her mouth covered, spat curses inwardly.

She thought Rose would forget about her, but she didnt.

Yes, Miss!

And you will be accompanied by one of my maids so that you wouldnt need to touch that ugly girl..or do something thatd hurt her pride.

The knights nodded quickly.

The moment Rose left, Laritte was appalled at what was about to happen.

As they held her arms up in the air, she turned her head.

Wait.

You must have said that earlier, dont you think?

The knight put his hand on her back and left shoulder without any hesitation. He pressed it tightly for a moment until her shoulder felt numb.

At first, it felt like something was missing.

But soon, the pain spread to her whole body.

A.Argh!

Laritte screamed.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep