“Now, let us hear your thoughts on this matter, Baron Inderon.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
We found ourselves in the royal palace’s audience chamber. I was next to my father, who sat on the throne, while the Marquis Noches stood a few steps below us.
Few guards were present, even fewer than when ‘proper’ guests like foreign emissaries came — only the bare minimum were there. Among them, a man lowered his head shyly. He had a gentle face, yet appeared somewhat weary.
Baron Inderon governed a region located far from the capital and was the father of Baroness Heronia.
Several days had elapsed since the graduation party.
After that day, when I had talked privately with Bertia, the graduation party was rescheduled.
Bertia blushed beautifully, indicating that something significant had happened. She appeared somewhat dazed as I escorted her into the venue. Upon our entrance, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and cheered.
Seizing a moment of showmanship, I apologized for the disruption caused at the party. Then—
“She is the best partner anyone could ask for. No woman loves me as much as she does. This event has helped me understand her love even more deeply.” As I spoke these words and kissed her on the forehead, the hall erupted in an extraordinary uproar, and it was called the most moving graduation party in history.
As a result, my class’s graduation party was a great success, and the foolish actions of Baroness Heronia, along with the light spirit, faded into a forgotten corner of people’s memories.
Unfortunately, not all issues had been resolved.
As expected, Baroness Heronia was expelled from Halm Academy.
As it became impractical to keep her indefinitely in the academy’s dormitory under surveillance—she was, after all, no longer a student—the decision to expel her was made. Before her father, Baron Inderon, could arrive in the capital, it was impossible to finalize everything. Consequently, until the Baron’s arrival, her custody was assumed by the royal palace.
Of course, she could not be treated like a normal guest and was placed in a room usually reserved for high-ranking nobles suspected of crimes. This arrangement was intended for reflection on her past actions and contemplation of her future. However, according to the knight assigned to monitor her, she still appeared to be under some misapprehensions.
For her, a lower noble, the ‘cage’ meant for upper nobility felt more like a no-exit guest room. It seemed she viewed herself as a guest of the royal palace. Perhaps it would have been better to confine her in an actual cell.
Considering the events at the graduation party, that was also an issue. Most importantly, she was still a minor.
Even if her actions weren’t a clear ‘crime,’ social sanctions were inevitable. Her deeds had become widely known among many nobles.
—Yet, Baroness Heronia seemed utterly unable to grasp this.
It was truly unfortunate, mainly because of what was in her head.
Nevertheless, a decision had to be made regarding her future handling.
Defaming the Crown Prince and his future princess, the Marquis Noches’ daughter, along with attempting to falsely incriminate the Marquis Noches—these were serious accusations.
A discussion involving the parents was inevitable.
Therefore, a judicial assembly with all relevant parties was convened.
Notably, Bertia, one of the concerned parties, was absent. Her involvement could further complicate matters. Furthermore, there was a risk that Baroness Heronia, who was to be brought in later, might try to harm her again.
After discussing with my father and Marquis Noches, we decided to keep Bertia in the dark and handle the punishment privately.
—Baron Inderon bowed so deeply that his forehead almost touched the floor.
With a quivering voice, he started to speak.
“This time, our daughter has caused considerable inconvenience…” Baron Inderon began.
“Let’s skip the preamble. Could you share your thoughts on what should happen next?” Marquis Noches interjected sharply, interrupting the Baron’s attempted apology.
An icy glare, one that would never be aimed at Bertia, pierced through Baron Inderon, causing him to emit a small, involuntary squeak. Typically regarded as good-natured and affable, Baron Inderon now revealed a vulnerability that almost inspired sympathy… Yet, as the parent who raised her, he couldn’t be excused. To do so might lessen the consequences for Baroness Heronia, a risk too significant to take. A hardened heart was necessary.
“I will cut all ties with my daughter… with Heronia,” he declared, his face twisting in agony before settling into a determined expression.
He then received a stack of papers from a servant he had brought along and handed them over. These documents were intended to formally disown Heronia Inderon from the baronial family records.
If accepted, these documents would make Heronia Inderon a commoner, severing her connection to the baronial family. Baron Inderon had made the heartbreaking choice to disown his foolish daughter to safeguard the livelihood of many connected to his estate.
It was certainly a painful decision for any parent to even contemplate, but it was one he felt he had to make.
Marquis Noches, his stern expression unwavering, pressed on. “Very well. What about the subsequent handling of your daughter?”
Although his words seemed harsh, the Marquis also needed to maintain the dignity of his title. While Bertia might have her naive moments, she was dear to him, and he could not allow her to be harmed again by any leniency shown to her accuser. Nor could he risk further damage to the Noches family’s reputation.
The royal family felt the same way. As the Crown Prince, I had been publicly insulted, a slight that could not go unaddressed.
In the room, no one was there to advocate for Baroness Heronia, the daughter of Baron Inderon.
Baron Inderon replied to Marquis Noches’s inquiry, saying, “I intend to send Heronia to a convent where she will live without the protection of the Inderon family. There, she can reflect on her actions for the rest of her life…”
This punishment may seem harsh at first, but it also offered a glimpse of a parent’s compassion by ensuring that her basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter—were met. Once disowned by the Inderon family, Baroness Heronia would have no means of survival; being disowned meant the family could no longer provide financial support or fulfill any of her basic needs.
Sending her to a convent appeared to be a thoughtful choice, ensuring she remained under watchful supervision as well.
“Hmm, that seems like a reasonable arrangement,” Marquis Noches nodded, as expected.
Of course, just because the daughter was disowned, it didn’t mean the baronial family was relieved of all responsibility. Once the family member was removed, any lingering issues could likely be resolved with a simple exchange of money.
The key point is to demonstrate to society the implications of insulting the royal family and the house of Marquis Noches.
Father appeared pleased with the plan and was ready to move on to discuss the details when I interrupted.
“Father, Marquis Noches, Baron Inderon, I have a request.”
Everyone in the room turned to look at me.
I spoke clearly, saying, “Please allow me to choose the convent that will be Baroness Heronia Inderon’s new home.”
In that instant, Baron Inderon stiffened, his face reflecting fear. Marquis Noches cast me a slightly amused look, while Father… why do you seem so worried?
What? Don’t you trust me?
Please don’t look at me like I’m about to cause trouble. Remember, I am still royalty, after all.
“I will not act unreasonably, nor do I possess sufficient interest in the former Baroness Heronia to put forth unnecessary effort. As long as she is out of sight for both me and Bertia, I will be content.”
“And so, Your Highness, at your… discretion,” Baron Inderon replied, his voice strained, as he bowed deeply.
“I have no objections,” Marquis Noches responded promptly in a calm voice.
The only one left was…
Father looked at me with a grim expression. To reassure him of my innocence, I flashed him a bright smile. However, this only seemed to deepen the furrows between his brows. After a deep sigh, he finally gave his permission, saying, “Do as you wish.”
“Thank you. Don’t worry; I won’t do anything harmful,” I said, trying to reassure everyone. Yet, why did no one seem relieved by my words?
Following a pause, Father exaggeratedly cleared his throat and redirected the conversation.