Chapter 2: The Villainess Is Condemned

The ignorant duke’s daughter was arrogant.

That was why she could walk proudly into the academy’s graduation party held at the royal castle, all by herself.

However, the moment she spotted His Highness the Crown Prince, her already sharp eyes turned even more severe.

“I am Your Highness’s fiancée!
Why will you not escort me!”

Claiming she had been humiliated, she hysterically pressed the accusation upon His Highness.

Furthermore, when she noticed her younger sister Fermina standing just beyond his shoulder, she ground her back teeth together.

‘That girl is nothing but a nuisance!’

Claudia despised this half-blooded, commoner-born half-sister of hers.

The way Fermina trembled the instant their eyes met only irritated her further.

In the end, even His Highness’s cold demeanor displeased her.

“I am not your fiancée.
You are merely a candidate.”

“They are the same thing!”

Up until this moment, Claudia had firmly believed that her status, backed by her noble bloodline, would never waver.

She and Sylvester, the kingdom’s First Prince, were second cousins.

Considering that the other fiancée candidates held ranks inferior to that of a ducal house, she was certain the position of fiancée was hers by right.

Just as Claudia was about to press this claim further, the evening’s main figure and graduating student, her brother Virgil, stepped forward as if to shield his sister.

“They are not the same.
And you are no longer even a candidate.
Father has decided to remove you from the ducal registry and send you to a convent.”

She could not comprehend the meaning of the words that left her brother’s mouth.

Her eyes trembled widely as she whispered hoarsely that it was impossible.

‘A convent?
Me?
I, a duke’s daughter and His Highness’s fiancée?’

Looking down at the stunned Claudia, her brother continued as if spitting out the words.

“We have confirmed that you have excessively abused Fermina.
I am disappointed in you.
Even if only half by blood, she is still your sister.
How could you be so cruel?”

At his words, the knight commander’s son standing beside His Highness twisted his refined features.

Apparently aware of the situation, he joined in condemning Claudia.

“And to think you even tried to have her assaulted by ruffians…
As a duke’s daughter, what exactly have you learned?”

‘What is happening?’

Her mind could not keep up with the situation.

It was true that she had mistreated her sister, who was the same age as her.

She had even attempted to have her attacked by ruffians, to make her understand her place as the child of a mistress.

But why, in this glittering setting, was she the one being denounced?

The chandeliers shone brilliantly from the ceiling of the grand hall, and the live orchestra’s performance drifted through the air.

The underclassmen, gathered to send off the graduates, were equally dressed in finery, adding splendor to the celebration.

Claudia herself had worn a dress lavishly adorned with jewels to celebrate her brother’s graduation.

“Please, stop!”

At last, even the sister she could not stand raised her voice.

Fermina, who had been hiding behind their brother’s back, suddenly stepped forward, her pink-brown hair swaying as she did so.

She was a charming girl who evoked the image of a small animal.

In complete contrast to Claudia’s sultry black hair, her brightly colored sister stood with tears brimming in her eyes.

Then she approached Claudia and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as if offering comfort.

The sudden contact made Claudia’s body stiffen.

“I’m sure Sister will understand if we just talk.
Please, everyone, stop blaming her!”

“Fermina, your kindness does Claudia no favors.”

“But, Brother…!”

Realizing her plea would not prevail, the delicate girl lowered her face sorrowfully.

In that moment, only Claudia saw the way her lips twitched as she suppressed a smile.

“You—”

“Sister, I believe in you!
If you enter the convent, I’m sure you will repent!”

Releasing her hand from Claudia’s shoulder, Fermina faced her directly.

Her voice dripped with sympathy, and those around them were moved by her supposed kindness.

But what Claudia saw was something entirely different.

It was her sister’s vicious expression, her cheeks flushed with delight.

Confronted with that hidden side, Claudia opened her mouth but found no words coming out.

As if mocking her, Fermina curved her eyes and silently shaped her plump, lovely lips.

—Serves you right.