The Reason Why the Forsaken Fake Returned Chapter 106

“Your Highness.”

 

Shailoh, Sasha Griche. A woman with two names, she was a singer beloved by the people. She had become a hero who rose above adversity. After purging Diponz’s family, the plan was to keep her by Caleb’s side to sway public opinion more easily. However, after she overheard his conversation with Eric, both the relationship and the plan fell apart.

 

Caleb never did anything that strayed from the predetermined path, yet when it came to her alone, everything went awry and changed. He found it utterly displeasing.

 

“She will…” Caleb swallowed hard before responding slowly to Eric, who was eagerly awaiting his answer. “Become a fuse.”

 

“A… fuse?”

 

“She’ll drive a wedge between Albert and Queen Ingrid, creating a crack between them. It’s a crucial role.”

 

It seemed there was clearly something more beyond that. Eric, who had been about to pry further, studied Caleb’s expression before quietly shutting his mouth. His face was so vicious that it was impossible to speak to him.

 

The wheels set in motion toward an already determined fate. They began accelerating uncontrollably down the slope. What lay at the end was something that could only be known by witnessing it firsthand.

 

* * *

Following the foreign delegation’s visit, Shailoh began appearing alongside Albert at public events. People were bewildered yet intrigued by the sudden change in relationships. Opinions were divided on Albert’s side. Some argued that extracting information from Caleb was beneficial, while others warned that it might be a trap and should be avoided. The two sides were sharply divided, raising their voices.

 

“You must sever ties immediately. She’s been involved with the second prince for years, not just a year or two. Accompanying such a woman instead of your fiancée is disgraceful, especially if seen by foreign nations!”

 

“That’s right. Above all, she’s associated with the cunning second prince. There’s undoubtedly a scheme involving her.”

 

“I disagree. Anyone can see that the relationship between those two has collapsed now. The second prince is already entangled with other women, and recently he even tried to strangle her in a secluded hallway, didn’t he?”

 

“That’s right. If His Highness Albert hadn’t intervened, she might have died. That alone proves Miss Griche’s innocence. We should instead use this situation as an opportunity to pressure the second prince’s faction.”

 

Albert watched the nobles arguing heatedly around him with a bored expression.

 

“Your Highness, you must make a decision.”

 

“Who are you to order His Highness around? Even Queen Ingrid hasn’t said anything!”

 

“Her Majesty is still pondering the situation, which is why she hasn’t spoken yet. She will soon command you to sever ties with that woman.”

 

“Enough.”

 

The raised voices echoed through the spacious conference room. Albert raised his hand to halt the argument and stood up from his seat.

 

“Your Highness, where are you going?”

 

“This is all a waste of time anyway. Keep arguing if you wish.”

 

“Your Highness!”

 

“Since Duke Perus isn’t here, I might as well leave.” Albert knew that Duke Ferus was currently obsessed with finding Octavia, which was why he couldn’t participate, yet he deliberately mentioned it to remind everyone.

 

“Your Highness…!”

 

Both sides, fiercely debating, almost simultaneously rose to follow Albert.

 

Ignoring the chatter behind him, Albert left the conference room where his servant was waiting.

 

“Is the meeting over?”

 

“More or less. Cancel all my appointments for today. The old folks’ commotion is unsettling me.”

 

“Understood.”

 

The servant nodded politely and called for the carriage that had been prepared in advance. Albert’s tense expression relaxed as he opened the carriage door.

 

“Shailoh.”

 

“Your Highness.”

 

“What brings you here?”

 

“I had a feeling you’d be coming out around now.”

 

“You’re like a ghost.”

 

“You’re too kind.” Shailoh smiled brightly and gestured to the opposite seat.

 

Albert climbed into the carriage and tapped the roof a couple of times with his cane, prompting the coachman to immediately flick the reins.

 

Shailoh opened her bag and took out a hand mirror, pretending to check her makeup as she casually broached the topic. “What was today’s meeting about?”

 

“Why are you curious about that?”

 

“Just because.”

 

Though Shailoh replied casually, Albert’s face showed a hint of wariness.

 

Shailoh sighed inwardly. It had been two months since she had started seeking out Albert personally. Despite her efforts to get closer, Albert still regarded her with caution. While she understood the reason, the situation was becoming a bit tiresome.

 

“If you won’t tell me, should I try guessing?”

 

“Go ahead and guess.” Albert rested his elbow on the window frame and propped his chin on his hand, looking at Shailoh.

 

After a moment of contemplation, Shailoh mimicked stroking a beard with a serious expression. “That woman is definitely a spy for the second prince. She should be removed from your side.”

 

It was an imitation of Baron Roden, who was most wary of Shailoh. Albert couldn’t help but chuckle at the unexpected mimicry.

 

Seeing Albert’s reaction, Shailoh’s eyes sparkled as she pretended to smoke a cigar, bringing her index finger and thumb to her lips. “That’s not it. It might actually be an opportunity. Let’s use it.”

 

“Pfft, hahahahaha!”

 

When Shailoh immediately imitated even the representative of the opposition faction, Albert finally burst into loud laughter.

 

“Am I right?”

 

“Did the servant tell you?”

 

“Of course not. That’s unfair.” Shailoh shook her head playfully and shrugged her shoulders. “Which side are you on, Your Highness?”

 

Instead of answering, Albert reached out his hand. Startled by the sudden movement, Shailoh froze. Though she had used every bit of wit and tact she had to gradually grow closer to him, she had never once allowed physical contact.

 

“I trust you. About eighty percent.” Albert lightly tapped Shailoh’s cheek and gave a sly smile.

 

“Why?” Suppressing her disgust, Shailoh widened her eyes.

 

“I sent people to the place you mentioned and had them searching all this time quietly.”

 

“…And? Did they find anything?” Shailoh remained stiff, only her lips moving. She tried her best to appear calm, but her voice trembled uncontrollably.

 

“Not yet.” Albert shook his head as he withdrew his hand. “However, people living nearby said they’ve seen a woman resembling Octavia several times.”

 

The moment she heard the answer, Shailoh inwardly sighed in relief. It seemed Caleb had strategically planted a woman who looked similar there. Afraid of arousing suspicion, she had been extremely cautious. Since their encounter at the royal castle before, they hadn’t exchanged a single message. Even though it had all been planned from the start, she had secretly worried that something might go wrong midway.

 

“I see. I hope you find her soon. She’s someone important to Your Highness, after all.”

 

“Important, huh.”

 

Albert laughed with a deflated sound and continued to gaze quietly at Shailoh. Initially, he thought of keeping her around out of mere curiosity and resentment towards Caleb, but his thoughts were gradually changing.

 

Sasha Griche was more than just a pretty face and a good body. She exceeded his expectations. Her company was enjoyable, and she was perceptive enough never to offend him. Although the information she provided about Caleb was mostly useless, except for the matter concerning Octavia, Albert decided to keep her around.

 

Suddenly struck by a thought, Albert tapped the carriage roof three times with his cane again. Understanding the signal, the coachman changed direction and turned the horses around.

 

As the route changed, Shailoh looked startled and asked with a confused expression, “Where are we going, Your Highness?”

 

“I have a secret hideout of my own.”

 

“…A hideout?” Shailoh’s eyes shook at the unexpected word. A secret hideout. It was likely a place even Caleb didn’t know about.

 

“It’s somewhere I go whenever my mind feels troubled.”

 

“Will you take me there?”

 

“If I take you there.” Lowering his voice suggestively, Albert reached out and played with Shailoh’s hair. He twirled the ends of her long hair around his finger and quietly gazed at her. “What will you do for me?”

 

At the question whose hidden meaning was obvious, Shailoh hid her clenched fist beneath her skirt. Albert, who had initially enjoyed this push-and-pull game, was gradually reaching the end of his patience. She had a strong premonition that the worst-case scenario might come before long.

 

“Answer me.” His low voice demanded an answer as she was lost in thought.

 

Shailoh quietly took his hand. Albert seemed surprised at her touching him first and stared at her. Without avoiding his gaze, she slowly lowered his hand. “I’m not a woman of the streets, Your Highness.”

 

“…”

 

His expression looked as though he had expected that response, yet Shailoh still caught the faint flicker of disappointment that passed through it. Suddenly, she rose and moved closer to his side.

 

“But I can be your friend.”

 

“Friend?”