Life is not fair

Gossip about Duke Dulcia's imprisonment had already spread. His position as one of the ministers in the kingdom makes his position vacant. However, it didn't take long for Selah Dulcia to volunteer to fill the vacant position while waiting for Duke Dulcia's sentence to be clear.

That's how people started to think that Selah Dulcia was starting to take over as head of the Dulcia family.

"Not many women are the head of the family. There are only a few of them at the moment, and even then, most of their families are falling apart."

"Yes, from the start, the head of the family was indeed passed on to men only, right? But Duke Dulcia doesn't have a son…."

"And Dulcia's other relatives seem reluctant to go against Lady Selah. I think Lady Selah does have a strong position in her family."

"Unlike someone…"

Evanthe glanced sharply at the group of young ladies. She gave them a warning look.

One of them then hastily cleared his throat. "But if you remember Prince Aeneas' proposal at that time, it looks like they will get married soon," she said.

"Lady Selah changed course very quickly. Isn't that right, Lady Evanthe?"

Evanthe smiled at that. "Oh, I don't know. It's possible that from the start, Lady Selah was having an affair with Crown Prince Blair," he said.

"I want to know how Lady Selah seduces Prince Aeneas. I mean… the appearances of the two of them are a complete contrast."

"Isn't that what humans do?" Evanthe took a sip of her tea. "Sometimes they often forget their position."

"Just because she's the heir to the Tullia Mines… She thinks money can change her appearance?"

"Just see if she's married later. It probably won't take long for Prince Aeneas to divorce Lady Selah. He can't stand it."

Yeah, that's good, Evanthe thought happily as she heard her friends talk about Selah.

There's really nothing good about Selah. She's just the daughter of a duke and just happens to be filthy rich. Selah can't have a good life with money alone.

Beauty is everything! Evanthe can still live comfortably despite not trying as hard as Selah. Men always glanced at her and gave her gifts with just Evanthe's smile. He even managed to win the heart of Blair, the crown prince.

And now the crown prince has no one to be her lover. This was an opportunity for Evanthe to move forward.

The get-together ended. On her way home, Evanthe saw a sign for a boutique announcing that a new summer hat would be showing soon. He was already looking forward to buying it.

But when he got home, Evanthe was greeted with panic by his mother.

"Calm down, Mom. What is this?" asked Evanthe, who also panicked.

"Dulcia's family has decided to stop sending us money!" shouted Viscountess Gilmore. She threw a letter at Evanthe.

"What?!" Evanthe then hurriedly read the letter.

The letter was sent by Jeremiah, who stated that as long as there is no clarity regarding Duke Dulcia's sentence. The temporary family caretaker will only focus on restoring Dulcia's good name. Due to decreased public trust, many budgets are issued, so "less important budgets" will be cut or eliminated.

In the letter, Jeremiah stated clearly that one of the budgets was the mistress's. So far, the mistress's budget has always come from Duke Dulcia's personal pocket and a little from the family income. Given that the current caretaker couldn't open Duke Dulcia's personal pockets, the mistress's budget was also abolished.

Evanthe crumpled the letter. "This can't be happening! Papa is not necessarily sentenced to death!" he said no.

"Do you really want to go before Lady Dulcia and ask for it yourself?!" replied Viscountess Gilmore. She massaged her forehead. "Do you even know what news is circulating in the ministry? Lady Dulcia didn't make any moves to defend her own father!"

"S-she wants to be a duchess?" Evanthe asked in a trembling voice. "That can't be! That woman already owns the Tullia Mines and is about to marry a prince. But she wants to be a duchess too?"

Greedy! Evanthe thought in disbelief. How could Selah want to have everything?

"That duchess position should be yours. But if we reveal ourselves now…" said Viscountess Gilmore.

The moral burden they bear will be enormous. They couldn't. They had to wait for Duke Dulcia to acknowledge them first.

"Listen to me, Evanthe. The only way to take over the position is to approach Crown Prince Blair," said Viscountess Gilmore. "You can persuade her that at least Duke Dulcia's punishment won't be as severe and he can return to his seat."

"Blair…" Evanthe muttered doubtfully.

Blair's love for her is unquestionable. But cajoling Blair about Duke Dulcia?

No. Blair himself put Duke Dulcia in jail.

"Evanthe, you have to do it. You don't want us to live in hiding, do you?" Viscountess Gilmore demanded. "After all, you are still his daughter. When that ugly woman gets married, you will be the one to enjoy all of the wealth of the Dulcia family."

"I… I will try to persuade him.…"

***

Even though she said that Evanthe actually didn't know what to do.

Until the day Duke Dulcia's sentence was announced, Blair had yet to contact her. Though usually, her lover would pin himself to meet her. If he was busy, Blair would send Raul to get her.

"You will come tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course. I have to see for myself how things are going. My fiancee will be there anyway."

Evanthe stopped in her tracks. He saw Aeneas talking to a minister.

"I heard Lady Dulcia didn't do anything. Well, it's not really that surprising anymore."

Aeneas' laugh is melodious. "Oh really? You think so?"

"Yes…" The minister looked doubtful. "Actually, this has become the talk at the minister… Duke Dulcia doesn't seem to be treating his daughter well."

"I am surprised there is such talk about my fiancee."

"With all due respect, Your Highness. I didn't mean to insult Her Ladyship."

"Ah, of course. I know. I was surprised that there were people who saw it besides me." Aeneas stopped in his tracks, shocking Evanthe half to death. "I don't mean to badmouth His Royal Highness, but if I don't marry Lady Selah soon, she will continue to be in Duke Dulcia's clutches."

"That's why you…."

"Yes. We're getting married soon. I will invite you, so don't forget to come, okay!"

"Your Highness, sometimes I like to wonder about your attitude."

What did Evanthe just hear? Does that mean Aeneas really loves Selah?

How can a woman like that get that much love and protection? While Evanthe is here trying to beg Blair and her mother, hoping for money from Dulcia's family…

"This is not fair."

"Life is not fair, My Lady. So get used to it."

Evanthe raised her head. How shocked he was when he saw Aeneas suddenly standing in front of her. His smile looks so deadly.

"Well, looks like you got lost. Where do you want to go?"