Now that Amelia reflected back on that night, Luke had acted strangely when he’d caught sight of Prisca. So it was because she was wearing a dress made from fabric he was supposed to have gifted me.
“I have made a written record of everything I have gifted Princess Amelia up until the present,” Luke said. “I also possess a part of the fabrics as samples. The truth, I believe, would be revealed at once if I am given permission to compare the two.”
Prisca looked evidently panicked at the mention of a record, and she yelled, “M-My sister gave it to me!”
Luke furrowed his brows. “She did? Despite the fact that none of these goods have been delivered to Princess Amelia? When I met her for the first time in four years, she was wearing a rustic dress no different from a commoner’s clothing. After that, I launched an investigation and have confirmed that many of the fourth consort’s and the fifth princess’s accessories were either identical to my gifts or appeared to be my gifts with isolated parts that were remade. Now then… Are you claiming that you received all of those from her as well?”
“I, well…”
Amelia was stunned. They didn’t just snatch up the dresses; they even appropriated the accessories? On top of that, the fact that they’d remade parts of the accessories could be taken as an underhanded maneuver to prevent discovery.
Not even Prisca or the fourth consort could find a skillful way to dodge the accusation, for they were at a loss for words. Seeing that, Luke let out an exaggerated sigh. “I have no intention of marrying a woman who would trick the king with deceitful reports, thoroughly isolate her older sister from the outside world as a prisoner, and embezzle presents meant for someone else. The one and only person who will become my wife is Princess Amelia Glaisharle, and no one else.”
Frantically, Prisca raised her voice. “Th-This is a misunderstanding! My sister is lying to you! Not to mention that since I am a Saint, the rules dictate that you must marry me, Lord Luke!”
But as one would expect, Luke—and even the king—wore austere expressions. After a long pause, the king said, “In any case, I shall arrange an investigation into these matters.”
“My goodness!” The fourth consort gave him an imploring look. “My king, please believe us!”
The king heaved a heavy sigh in reply. “If you are telling the truth, I suggest you assist us in uncovering the facts. If your claims are correct, it would mean that Amelia is a compulsive liar. If young Lord Klein’s claims are correct, it would mean that not only have you abandoned your duties as her guardian, but you have even imprisoned a princess, disrespected her rights and status, embezzled her personal possessions…and depending on the severity of the situation, your actions could even be taken as attempts on her life. No matter which it is, we will have a dire problem on our hands. I shall put this case on hold until after the investigation is complete.”
The fourth consort’s and Prisca’s faces overflowed with displeasure, but since the king had decided, no one could overrule it. They must’ve thought that being too tenacious at this point would leave them in an unfavorable position, so both nodded and tentatively displayed their agreement.
With the dispute settled for now, the king moved on. “That said, the matter of Prisca’s spouse is a separate case. The young lord of House Klein, you must comprehend that you are the primary candidate to be her husband, yes?”
Hearing that statement, Prisca’s expression lit up instantly. Her gaze shifted to Amelia, and she triumphantly quirked up the corners of her lips. Though she hadn’t spoken a single word, the statement “Serves you right” was practically written on her face, and Amelia marveled at the younger girl’s talent with expressions.
“I do,” Luke replied. “However, as I have stated earlier, I wholeheartedly cherish Princess Amelia, and I have nothing but suspicion toward the fifth princess.”
To everyone’s shock, Luke made that brazen declaration with a smile. Even the dignified king was somewhat appalled. “Well, yes, I have heard about your sentiments on the topic. Nevertheless, you must also be aware that the issue lies elsewhere.”
“You are referring to the fact that a princess Saint must marry into a household only second to the royal family, am I correct?” Luke replied without hesitation.
Looking a little reassured, the king slowly exhaled. “Indeed.”
The next moment, Luke curled his lips into a wide smile. “There is actually something I wish to ask about that decision.” He paused for emphasis. “Is the fifth princess truly a Saint, I wonder?”
Immediately, a stir took over the throne room. The Saints were pillars that supported the kingdom, not to mention that Prisca was also a princess. Since she’d been recognized as a Saint, the church should have naturally been involved as well. However, Luke was now challenging all of that.
Amelia could tell that tension was skyrocketing within the chamber.
“The Saint is a sacred person who can produce orison stones, yes?” Luke asked. “Your Highness, may I ask where your orison stone is?”
“This is a matter that concerns both the Saint and the church.” Prisca shook her head as if that was the obvious response. “I have no reason to show it to you, my lord.”
Luke’s scrutinizing gaze fell upon her. “Not only was my fiancée, whom I have adored for many years, maltreated, but you are even attempting to snatch her away from me in an unreasonable manner. Anyone in my shoes would want proof that you are a Saint, which is the basis of your claims. Or…do you not possess an orison stone despite being a Saint?”
His wording was clearly meant to be a taunt, and it must have agitated the man who appeared to be a priest, for he ushered Prisca to display the item. Prisca resisted at first, but she likely suspected Luke would accuse her of not being a Saint if she didn’t show it, because she reluctantly pulled out the necklace she was wearing. Dangling from the chain was a pale pea-green stone.