# 86 - 86
“…?!”
Sophia was confused. While she was confused, she seemed to realize it herself.
My reaction now means that I guessed everything correctly.
As expected, Sophia Fraser was an easier person to get along with when she was young.
In the midst of all this, I felt a frightening certainty that Viscount Lilius and Aubrey were indeed two people who only cherished their “son.”
Honestly, I think it was a bit exaggerated.
If they raised her from childhood, shouldn't they treat her as their equal child?
He pushed their daughter into a marriage that no one wanted, just to save their son.
“In the original story, they did not accept Ferdinand's proposal immediately, but rather delayed it.”
In the original game, Viscount Lilius and Aubrey were figures with the influence and authority of the Grand Ducal House.
Perhaps this is why they did not accept Ferdinand's proposal immediately.
But they do not reject it outright either.
Ferdinand's proposal, which had been pending, eventually goes ahead when he returns from the battlefield with a huge dowry.
Sofia also made a fuss saying she didn't want to, but reluctantly accepted after seeing Ferdinand's appearance when he came in person – that was the original setup for.
“But I understand that.”
defective.
Excess divine power.
A boy who is not growing.
Despite all these rumors and adverse circumstances, Ferdinand's appearance was very beautiful.
“I had trouble breathing too when I actually saw him in the White Tower.”
Although he was a bit thin due to malnutrition as a result of Empress Karmi's secret abuse of him, his appearance was extremely bright.
There was also a secret hope among the nobles supporting the Crown Prince that the Divine Overpower Syndrome he was suffering from would eventually be cured.
In fact, that's all that was revealed in the game as well.
At the time, Sophia was just a passing minor character.
But now the situation has changed radically.
Frankly, the situation was ridiculous.
“Anyone would think I was planning to execute Tedrick by dismemberment.”
What exactly?
Going to the frozen frontier, what?
What does it mean to be manipulated as a low-ranking knight?
What if you were bullied and learned a lesson through harassment everywhere?
You might break something here and there and get some scratches, what?
That's enough, isn't it?
But you can't stand it and are trying to take advantage of your daughter?!
Thinking this way, I felt a little sorry for Crown Prince Ferdinand.
just a little.
It was because I referred to it as “a marriage no one wants,” even if it was only in thought.
“Well, there's nothing to apologize for.”
Ferdinand later becomes a very amazing man.
Plus, he's one of the main male characters, right?
After Ferdinand's awakening, how many nobles struck the ground in remorse.
In that time, the story has transformed from “a story of family regret” to “a story of noble regret.”
Sophia will become a role model among them, but well... it's not my job to enlighten her.
“Anyway, she won't listen to what I say.”
“Power over internal affairs is a very good thing indeed.”
Then Sophia's sarcastic voice was heard.
“What a change of fortune! To see you telling me all these things and giving me all these jewels.”
Angry and having nowhere to go, she seemed to begin to find me, who was right in front of her, undesirable.
“You originally lived in the warehouse. At that time, you could barely survive on two or three dresses.”
"So you knew too. It was a warehouse and not a castle?"
For a moment, Sophia shuddered.
“I found out a little late. Tedrick said it would be a big problem if I found out, so I had no choice.”
“I don't blame you for anything.”
The phrase “change of luck.”
Sophia said that to make fun of me, but it wasn't wrong.
I was recently struck by the fact that I am an authority figure with powers over internal affairs.
If I had not been, would I have been able to hear such words from Sophia, daughter of Viscount Lilius and Aubrey?
“As expected.”
There's no need for Opry not to consider this girl her real daughter, right?
She's a daughter who fits right into that family.
Look how she has grown and become so mean and selfish.
Moreover, although she immediately backed down, the fact that she bothered to mock me was only possible because she knew her current situation better than anyone else.
“Right now, she has become the imperial family’s fiancée, so even if she gets angry, I can’t torture her properly—she has finished those accounts.”
In the meantime, this is the situation.
In fact, the environment you grow up in is more important than the blood that runs through your veins.
“It would have been better for Viscount Lilius to make Sophia his heir instead of Tidric.”
Don't you have a mind that works exactly like his, haven't you completely inherited his selfish nature?
“Of course, in this world, there was no one with a worse personality than Tullia.”
I regained my shaky breath briefly, and gathered my thoughts as well.
“Sofia.”
I rested my chin on my hand and looked at Sofia. And immediately.
I've come to the main point of the day.
“I actually think you're kind of stupid.”
"What did you say?"
“Why should you ask for Tedric's rescue as an engagement gift?”
“Ha.”
Sofia finally smiled softly as if she understood.
“Did you summon me here to stir up a dispute between me and my brother Tedric? That’s why you gave me these big gifts as well.”
“Yes, that's right.”
“…”
When she admitted it too easily, Sophia hesitated again.
Anyway, Sofia was smarter than Tedrick.
The method of constantly surprising her was much better.
“Why should you ask Grandpa to take care of Tedrick's well-being while you forgo that 'wonderful engagement gift'?
“No matter how hard I try, the fact that saving Brother Tedric is more beneficial to our family does not change.”
“Family interest?”
She finally burst into a loud laugh. Sophia's features froze completely.
“Sophia Fraser. Are you really stupid?
"What?"
“Find your own interests, not your family’s interests.”
“…My interest?”
"This is correct. How stupid.”
"I continue…!"
“What will change from now on if Tedrick announces his sexual orientation?”
Suddenly, Sophia closed her mouth.
“Tedrick is still the ‘biological son,’ so he will get all the good things you can’t even imagine. “You are just an adopted daughter.”
“…!”
“You can get rid of Tedrick with a 'legitimate reason,' so why try to save him with your once-in-a-lifetime engagement gift?”
“…”
“If this isn't stupidity, then what is stupidity? Am I wrong?
“…”
Sophia had no answer.
But her face looked very confused.
“Listen carefully, Sofia.”
In today's conversation, I took a sip of the “Summer Continent” tea that I had specially prepared.
Sofia also seemed thirsty, so she followed me, taking a few sips of tea.
Although its temperature dropped significantly, the tea retained its aroma and made one feel comfortable.
In fact, there was a reason behind the high prices of tea leaves.
That was something Lysiane gave me.
If Lycian is giving me all this, what will he drink? Surely it's not just plain water...?
Maybe I should suggest to Lisian that we go to the shopping area together around the next day to buy tea leaves…
Ooops.
After quickly sorting out my scattered thoughts, I returned my gaze to Sophia.
“Is there really a need to save Tedric with your engagement gift? Sophia Fraser.”
"but."
“Of course I understand your position. But your parents are the kind of parents who would give up your precious engagement gift for their beloved biological son, right?”
“…”
“So, how about you go to your grandfather and say this?”
I whispered like a sinister member of a conference room divulging embezzlement secrets.
“You'll be running the Tedrick shopping district.”
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