TVS 4

chapter 4

Seeing the revolution progress increase, it seemed the mission funded by my support had been successfully carried out.

Etius’s life hearts hadn’t increased, but at least they hadn’t decreased—that alone was something.

With the relocation of the base, the comfort level had risen, so it probably wouldn’t drop anytime soon.

Knock, knock—

“My lady, may I come in?”

At that moment, Heros’s voice came from outside.

Kicking the blanket that had been pushed aside, I pulled it back over myself and answered,

“Come in.”

A moment later, he entered, bowed politely, and began informing me of today’s schedule.

Then he delivered a piece of good news early in the morning.

“The High Priest has approved your request to establish the orphanage.”

A smirk tugged at my lips.

“He even asked me to convey that he looks forward to your efforts. If that’s the case, I don’t understand why he rejected it in the first place.”

Exactly. Why reject it just to make things troublesome?

Smiling faintly, I stretched.

Alright then—let’s start today on a refreshing note.

But unfortunately, my good mood didn’t last long.

Because Heros brought something far from welcome.

“And, my lady, the young Marquis Philios Regalo asked me to deliver this to you.”

Mid-stretch, I frowned and took the letter from him.

—My fiancée, Katrin.

Since you have not shown yourself since the Duke and Duchess’s funeral, despite once following me so devotedly, I have been unable to sleep from worry.

It troubles me further that you have even refused the assistance of Count Padelmon Elemore, who is concerned for you.

If you are well, would you consider visiting the office where I work?

I wish to comfort you—and discuss the new endeavors we might pursue together.

If you refuse again, I shall come to your estate myself to encourage you.

Your beloved,
Philios Regalo.

…

Right. Philios Regalo.

My dark history.

Ever since the funeral a few months ago, I had refused to meet him, yet he kept persistently sending letters like this.

For reference, the one who introduced this garbage of a man to me was my uncle Padelmon—who was eyeing the Elemore inheritance.

A man rotten to the core.

Well, it’s a complicated situation, but to summarize based on the original story:

My uncle and my fiancé had joined hands to drain my vast inheritance.

If I hadn’t transmigrated and viewed the situation objectively, I would’ve been stripped of everything—and eventually killed by the two of them.

Just like in the original story, where I was betrayed and killed by nobles of the emperor’s faction.

As I pressed my fingers against my temples, Heros spoke cautiously.

“Shall I inform him that you are still not ready to meet anyone, my lady?”

I had already used that excuse several times.

And more importantly—

“I didn’t avoid him because I was afraid of filth.”

I frowned slightly as I muttered.

“My lady…?”

“I avoided him because he’s disgustingly annoying.”

—If you refuse again, I shall come to your estate myself.

“But now he keeps pushing, doesn’t he?”

At my irritated tone, Heros stiffened and raised a gloved hand to cover his mouth.

I set the crumpled letter down on the desk and stood up.

“Prepare for an outing, Heros.”

Dressed in a luxurious violet gown, I entered the administrative building, drawing countless gazes.

It was only natural—my beauty was something even I couldn’t help but admire whenever I looked in a mirror.

However, true to my reputation as the Poison Rose of Elemore, no one dared meet my eyes directly when I glanced their way.

With elegant steps, I ascended the red-carpeted stairs and stopped before the door leading to Philios’s office and reception room.

—Hehe, he’s so handsome!
—Oh my, what is this?

Laughter like rolling beads echoed from inside.

‘Playing around, I see.’

The heavy door opened slowly, and as I stepped inside—

The women sitting closely on either side of him sprang to their feet in alarm.

Their eyes mixed with wariness and fear as they shrank back.

They were minor noble ladies I had occasionally seen at parties.

“Ah, my fiancée. Welcome.”

Philios stood and approached me with a bright smile, arms outstretched as if to embrace me.

The women with him quickly slipped out through another door.

“I’ve missed you terribly, my love.”

‘Disgusting bastard.’

I raised my hand and stopped him with a firm push against his chest.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

“…Katrin?”

I was already tired of cursing Katrin, but seeing this man made my anger flare.

Of all people—how did she manage to pick someone like him?

—“Would you like to date me and enjoy some benefits, or live forever as a useless puppet prince?”

Even her confession to the man she liked had been that terrible—her sense of romance was hopeless.

Arrogant at home, surrounded only by sycophants who feared her family’s power—no one had ever given her proper advice.

So the man she chose as a second option, Philios Regalo, was nothing more than a decent face and background hiding a corrupt core.

He manipulated even someone as strong-willed as Katrin, using his charm to justify his womanizing—if nothing else, one might call him skillful.

“Could it be…”

Philios narrowed his eyes with a faint smile.

“Are you upset about those women who just left?”

When I didn’t answer, he covered his face briefly with both hands and laughed.

“Oh, how adorable. Katrin, that side of you gives me such fresh inspiration.”

Shrugging, he gestured for me to sit, then took the seat across from me, crossing his legs confidently.

“But understand this clearly—they are merely admirers of my poetry. You know, great art requires critique. My true love is only you.”

“….”

Every time he was caught fooling around with other women, he made excuses like this.

Even when Katrin had once seen him kissing another woman’s cheek.

“You’re still inexperienced in love, after all. But I don’t blame you. Even your immaturity feels endearing—it makes me realize this must be true love.”

Perhaps because it had been a while, his tongue was especially long-winded today.

“Anyway, the reason I called you here today is…”

Go on. Keep talking.

“My artistic ventures, you see, require some funding. Not much—around 100,000 den. If you’d be willing—”

“I refuse.”

No need to hear more.

It was time to finish what I had been putting off out of sheer annoyance.

“And let’s break off our engagement.”

The words slipped out casually, like chewing gum being spat out.

A heavy silence followed.

“…Break it off?”

Philios’s pupils trembled violently as he spoke.

Yes—break it off.

There was no reason for me to remain engaged to someone this pathetic.

I had planned to leave for the principality in a few months anyway, so I hadn’t bothered meeting him to end things.

But since he insisted on clinging like a leech, it was time to apply some pesticide.