NIYTR 44

Chapter 44

You Didn’t Put Her Up to This, Did You?

It wasn’t an unreasonable accusation. It wasn’t allowed to speak to royalty before they gave permission.

Even Duke Stern couldn’t protect Rosemary, since he knew that rule as well.

“Sis, what should we do?”

Princess Charlotte rubbed her cheek against Edelweiss’s hand, softening her cold expression.

“Charlotte.”

Damian called to her, as if to tell her that was enough.

“Hmph, since today is sis coming-of-age ceremony, I’ll be merciful and let it slide. You better be grateful.”

“…”

Edelweiss suddenly realized that Princess Charlotte remembered what had happened before and was doing this on purpose.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll scold her for you.’

‘She really did scold her.’

No matter how gentle and sweet she appeared, Princess Charlotte was still Damian’s sister.

Rosemary inhaled sharply, her expression one of disbelief—but she didn’t argue back.

She was clearly in the wrong, and even Duke Stern remained silent.

“Aren’t you going to answer?”

“…Thank you for Your Highness’s mercy. I will be more careful from now on.”

When Princess Charlotte demanded a response, Rosemary reluctantly answered with a clenched jaw.

‘Aunt?’

At the same time, Marquis Blossomweaver was descending the stairs.

The mood, which had been full of mockery toward Rosemary, shifted to confusion as the butler followed behind the marquis, carrying a silver tray.

Marquis Blossomweaver’s complexion had gone pale, and her steps were oddly slow.

For a moment, Edelweiss recalled the marquis’s approaching death. Feeling excited over her coming-of-age ceremony now seemed foolish.

She would soon have to say goodbye to her. Yet even now, the marquis was pushing herself for Edelweiss’s sake.

“May the scent of roses continue to grace Blossomweaver.”

Guests bowed as the marquis descended.

“And may Blossomweaver’s blessing reach all of you.”

As she responded, the marquis gestured to the butler standing behind her.

He stepped forward and presented a silver tray.

On the tray lay a key adorned with a rose motif—

The key to the treasure vault where Blossomweaver’s heirlooms were kept.

Only the head of the house and the heir could possess it.

People who belatedly recognized it were visibly shocked and quickly fell silent.

They had assumed this was a simple coming-of-age celebration. This development was completely unexpected.

“Thank you all for taking the time to come to my daughter’s ceremony today.

I have something special to announce.”

“….”

“I ask you to be witnesses to Edelweiss Oberlin Blossomweaver being named the heir apparent.”

Marquis Blossomweaver turned to Edelweiss.

“Edelweiss. Prove that you have what it takes to lead Blossomweaver.”

Edelweiss took a deep breath and summoned the green butterfly.

It emerged in a burst of light, circling her in wide loops.

‘Show them the forest.’

The butterfly fluttered among the guests.

Many gasped in awe at the brief illusion of standing in a forest.

Applause quickly followed.

“Her powers have awakened! Congratulations!”

“A true and rightful heir to Blossomweaver!”

The marquis placed the key into Edelweiss’s hands.

“I look forward to the new history you will write for Blossomweaver.”

Edelweiss gripped it tightly to hide her trembling hands.

“…I won’t disappoint you. I’ll live up to that hope.”

Overcome with emotion, she swept her hand over the marquis’s as she accepted the key.

The marquis responded with a soft, reassuring smile.

Rosemary’s eyes were filled with confusion, and Duke Stern was clearly displeased.

“Even if she became Blossomweaver’s adopted daughter, how could you proceed like this without the consent of her biological father?”

His bitter tone chilled the air, and the congratulatory mood instantly died down.

Marquis Blossomweaver blinked calmly.

“Duke Mateo Stern. As of today, I formally declare that Blossomweaver is no longer a vassal house of Stern.”

“…Sister.”

“Therefore, I expect you to show proper respect to the heir of Blossomweaver from now on.”

At first, Edelweiss had worn the poinsettia brooch only because she didn’t want to hear she had been discarded by Stern.

But now—

There’s no reason to keep this if I’ve received the key to Blossomweaver.

She removed the brooch from her chest and handed it to the butler.

The butler, reading the room, presented it to Duke Stern.

“Duke Stern. I’ve relinquished all ties to the title and assets of the Stern family. I ask that you refrain from mentioning me in connection to Stern again.”

“I hope you realize how foolish that decision is… Lady Blossomweaver.”

He snatched the brooch violently—

Crash!

He threw it to the floor, and it shattered into pieces.

“Father!”

Rosemary looked between the broken brooch and Duke Stern with a vacant stare.

‘She was probably planning to ask for the brooch back after the ceremony.’

Too bad, Rosemary.

Everyone saw the poinsettia brooch get smashed to pieces.

Could she really wear a newly made one now?

Marquis Blossomweaver finally opened his mouth.

“Foolish decision?”

He echoed Duke Stern’s words.

“I hope you won’t ruin the coming-of-age ceremony of my daughter—one who will always have the protection of both Blossomweaver and Oberlin—any further.”

At that moment, Princess Charlotte gestured toward Damian.

He had been ignoring her at first, but when she tugged on his sleeve, he finally gave a shallow bow.

At her whispered words, he gave a brief snort of laughter—

Then walked to stand beside Edelweiss.

“!”

He wrapped his arm around her waist and gently pulled her toward him.

Startled by the firm grip, Edelweiss glanced up at him.

Realizing this was undoubtedly Princess Charlotte’s doing, she let out a quiet, ironic chuckle. So this is what she had in mind.

She subtly avoided the intense glare of Marquis Blossomweaver, who clearly wanted to pry Damian away from her right that moment.

“The Lady Blossomweaver and I are engaged to be married, and there will be no annulment.

I ask you to refrain from spreading malicious lies and instead bless our future together.”

Damian’s eyes locked onto Rosemary.

Though he spoke to everyone, it was a direct warning to her.

The heavy, sharpened warning in his voice caused the atmosphere to tense again.

Sensing the room needed relief, Edelweiss smiled gently and spoke.

“Well then, everyone, please enjoy the banquet.”

She flicked her fingers at the violinist who’d been waiting.

The lush notes of the violin filled the hall, soon joined by the soft harmony of the piano.

With the room bathed in music, the tension began to melt away.

While Marquise Blossomweaver and her husband greeted the arriving guests in a flurry of activity, Rosemary’s gaze settled on Edelweiss.

“Edel, can you help me to the lounge? Dad, I’ll go rest for a bit.”

Now separated from Duke Stern, Rosemary held out her hand.

The duke sipped his wine, still visibly displeased.

What are you planning to say now…

Edelweiss helped support her and walked her toward the lounge.

“Edel, why didn’t you tell me? That your power had awakened?”

“The duke said not to… He thought you’d be upset if you found out.”

Using Duke Stern as an excuse, Edelweiss watched Rosemary’s face ease with understanding.

“Still, I’m a little hurt. I used to be the first person to know when something happened to you.

But now that we live apart, it feels like we’re drifting away.”

“…”

“When did you get so close with Princess Charlotte?

I know I made a mistake, but I never imagined she’d humiliate me in front of everyone.”

“…”

“Edel… you didn’t put her up to it, did you?

I don’t want to doubt you, but… I can’t help wondering—why else would she act like that?”

“Why would I do that?

You’re… you’re too precious to me, you’re family…”

Edelweiss whispered in a small, wavering voice.

Her head drooped slightly, just enough so Rosemary couldn’t see her eyes—

so she could hide the calculation behind her carefully fragile tone.