# 83 - 83
But O'Pray pretended not to notice and continued speaking logically.
“It is a proposal from the Imperial Palace. If we refuse, the relationship between the Fraser family and the Imperial Palace will deteriorate, so it is normal.”
It was an answer that left Sophia absolutely no room to say “no.”
At this point, I took my time looking around at everyone.
First, Count Nigella Fraser.
He seemed to think that it was “lucky” for this offer to reach Sofia.
That was really fortunate. If it weren't for this suggestion, wouldn't there have been an accident that could have completely destroyed the Viscount's family?
Since she was just an adopted daughter anyway, no matter how flawed the Crown Prince was, he probably thought this was an incomparably good marriage.
The expression on the face of Cale Fraser, Nigella's eldest legitimate son, was indecipherable.
Keynes Fraser, the second son born of an affair with a mistress, was rolling his eyes around, reading what was going on in the room.
“Come to think of it, Qinz Fraser was also standing next to Tedric during the hunting competition.”
Of course, he didn't catch the bow directly, so he didn't receive any special punishment.
Keynes, who had made eye contact with me, shuddered and looked away.
“I have to keep an eye on him.”
And…
Sandra Fraser.
“Sandra is a little different.”
The daughter adopted by Nigella and immersed in love.
Sandra Fraser, who does not carry even a single drop of Fraser blood, is literally a daughter his mistress birthed from the outside and brought inside.
She had a slight sarcastic smile on her face.
What about the twins?
“They seem completely uninterested.”
How could they show such blatantly indifferent facial expressions?
It was rather impressive, if you will.
Lycian was calm, but the expressionless face where calm and indifference coexisted was even more strange.
“Your Highness.”
At that moment, Rock Culfusher entered and announced that all the elders and senior servants had arrived.
Grand Duke Assis Fraser stood up and said.
“Everyone have a little rest, then come to the grand banquet hall at the appointed time.”
“Yes, Dad.”
Count Nigella Fraser, as the eldest, answered for everyone. Everyone stood to bid farewell to grandfather.
“Tulia.”
Call me grandpa.
"Yes?"
“The way you decorated the hall is very excellent.”
It was an unexpected comment.
“You must have worked very hard.”
Without having to turn around and check, I felt the faces of the butler's assistant and the personal doctor, who had worked hard to help me decorate the hall, brighten.
“I have to tell Adel about this later as well.”
Adel, as the head maid, was absent from this dining room because she was busy helping with the grand banquet that would be held today.
Hmm, in a way.
Even apart from feeling proud to receive praise in front of all these people.
Since Grandpa, the owner of this birthday banquet, said he was pleased with it.
I felt strangely happy.
I replied with a sincere smile.
Happy birthday, grandfather!
Grandpa smiled, which was rare for him.
“And Sophia Fraser.”
Sofia answered hurriedly, her face turning pale since she heard her grandfather's words.
"Yes!"
“Think of the gift you would like to receive, and come to my office tomorrow. I will send Rock for you.”
“…!”
For a moment, O'Pray's face lit up like a rainbow, albeit very briefly.
And of course, she soon went back to being an elegant gentlewoman.
Having been quietly watching Opry like a mouse the whole time, I realized it at that moment.
Aha!
Auntie Opray?
You're planning to try to save Tedrick with the engagement gift Sofia will receive, right?
"impossible."
* * *
“Impossible! Marrying this monstrous crown prince!”
Sofia shouted angrily. Opry hastily tried to calm her down.
“Sophia, listen to your mother. Now, the only thing that can save your brother is the ‘engagement gift’ you can get!”
Sophia's face frowned in frustration.
I realize everything now.
That Tullia had been deprived of all the rights to manage the affairs of the household that she enjoyed with her parents.
What status were her father, Viscount Lilius, and her brother Tedric in at the time?
And why did her mother support her engagement to “that” crown prince?
At that moment, her family was like a candle before the storm!
Opray patted Sophia on the shoulder as she wiped away her tears.
“Your brother will be your only ally in the future, and your trusted supporter forever. If we sink like this, what will happen to our family, and your future? Hmm?”
“But Crown Prince Ferdinand is a monster that won’t even grow old, that’s what everyone is whispering! Of course, they also say that you can’t have children with the Crown Prince!”
“You, don’t say such things out loud like that…!”
O'Pray, terrified, tried to stop her, but Sophia was shaking with rage.
“Sophia. But think about it. The Crown Prince not being able to have children is actually a good thing for you.”
“Why?!”
“You can use that as an excuse to get a lover later, right?”
"…What?!"
Sophia found Opry's words so ridiculous that she subconsciously screamed.
“…oh…”
But.
Now that I heard it, it wasn't entirely wrong either.
However, it was still a story with too many risks and drawbacks for her.
“But my father said the gift was mining rights to a gold mine...”
The engagement gift that Grandpa was going to give.
Her father, Viscount Lilius, said he had obtained the mining rights to a gold mine when he became engaged to her mother.
Couldn't she at least have something like that?
Aubrey, sensing Sofia's thoughts, said hurriedly.
"I'll buy you whatever you want. And having something like mineral rights isn't necessarily good for you."
“What? Why...”
“You are studying at the academy, so it is difficult for you to get involved in business immediately, and all of the mines my grandfather owns are far from cities, right? You already suffer from severe motion sickness, and studying at the academy is difficult, when will you find time to inspect those places? We have to think about what will help you immediately, and help us as well.”
In fact, Lilius also used to send advisors instead of conducting inspections himself, but O'Pray did not mention this.
Sophia began to hesitate.
"but…."
"I will buy you all the beautiful dresses and jewelry you want. Look, didn't all the gifts I prepared for you today perfectly suit our daughter's taste? I know our daughter's taste better than anyone else, so who else knows it better than me?"
Hearing those words, Sophia couldn't help but nod her head as if she was enchanted.
“Although the rights to run the house have been taken away from the mother and father, they must have a lot of hidden assets.”
Naturally, Sofia did not know that this money was borrowed using the jewelry as Tulia's collateral.
“Then… I will ask my grandfather to pardon Tedric.”
After thinking carefully, Sofia decided to listen to her mother for now.
First save the family, then she can use this as leverage to get things that are in her best interests.
“Yes, yes!”
“But shouldn’t I save my father too?”
Sometimes selective focus was necessary. Opray spoke with an expression full of remorse.
“It might be too difficult. Instead, your father will be able to get out on his own, so let’s save your brother first. If he goes to the border, he will definitely not be able to bear the harsh treatment and will return disabled somewhere.”
“I understand, mom.”
With her face finally brightening, O'Pray cradled her daughter in her arms.
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful daughter we have!
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