The Regret Novel Female Lead with Unbreakable Mentality Chapter 63

Before I knew it, my clear voice echoed within.

 

“I’ve returned. Make sure no one sees you, and come quietly like the morning dew.”

 

Even with just the word ‘returned,’ people seemed to deduce who the letter was from, and murmured as they turned to look at Marquis Berto. After all, its content was a stark contrast to the way he’d always claimed ‘Giselle is clinging to me.’

 

While Marquis Berto stood frozen, unable to utter a word, I continued to read the next lines. “I’ll hold your hand, so come to me. We’ll see each other at the Feast of Saint Gladius, but let’s pretend we don’t know each other. As you well know, it’s embarrassing to be associated with you, isn’t it?”

 

A certain lady muttered quietly. “Wow, no matter what, that’s a bit much…”

 

For those from the countryside who were unfamiliar with the central social circles, or for young ladies and gentlemen who maintained a quiet neutrality in society, this letter seemed rather shocking. However, among them, someone acquainted with Marquis Berto spoke in a booming voice.

 

“Are you resorting to lies now?”

 

“Lies?”

 

“I-I apologize.”

 

Unfortunately, Duke Kalinos’s single retort seemed to have extinguished his courage. But even so, his rebuttal had already stirred up a tense atmosphere. After all, Marquis Berto had a good reputation, while mine was the worst.

 

At that moment, Lady Shabel, agitated, shouted. “Everyone knows you’ve been trailing after Marquis Berto.”

 

“Oh my, is that so? Then what is this letter begging me to come to him?”

 

“It’s obvious. Even if you forge a letter, the truth doesn’t change.”

 

Ah, I expected this response.

 

I widened my eyes dramatically and waved the letter. “Um, really? I hear there are plenty of mages here who can verify it.”

 

“Shall we bring in a handwriting expert to examine this trash of a letter? What do you think, mage over there?”

 

“W-W-Well…”

 

With a single command from Duke Kalinos, those who knew magic quickly gathered. Among them was someone who could use verification magic.

 

Marquis Berto, unable to do anything, just glared, hands and feet tied metaphorically.

 

The truth will come out soon.

 

After the magic verification, a bluish aura flowed over the letter. Watching the mage flail helplessly with their eyes tightly shut, I grinned.

 

“How is it?”

 

“I-It’s not a forgery.”

 

The atmosphere buzzed as intensely as when I first read it aloud. Until now, the prevailing rumor in society was that ‘Giselle is trailing after Marquis Berto,’ but this served as evidence to the contrary.

 

“See, it’s been revealed, hasn’t it?”

 

Finally regaining his composure, Marquis Berto approached me and snapped. “I only sent you that letter because you kept begging to meet me. Isn’t it too much to humiliate me by using such a letter?”

 

“Oh, is that so? Then here’s a bonus!” Just as Marquis Berto was rendered speechless again, I snuggled closer into Duke Kalinos’s embrace and spoke with a teasing tone. “Giselle Florette. Why haven’t you replied? How arrogant. Tomorrow afternoon, come to the place near the outskirts, where there’s an old green door.”

 

“T-That place.” Shabel’s eyes wavered.

 

Even if others didn’t know, Shabel, being closely engaged, would be aware. That location was Marquis Berto’s private property.

 

Matching Shabel’s trembling gaze, I read the next lines aloud with a clear voice. “I said I’d meet you, didn’t I? Come immediately. Oh, and by the way, that coffee house you started seemed to be doing well.” I mimicked Marquis Berto’s voice, slumping my shoulders. “But if people found out that a worthless woman like you owns that place, would they still come? How long do you think I’ll keep your secret? You’d better think carefully.”

 

As soon as I finished speaking, a subtle smile spread across my lips. “He’s even resorting to threats like this! Oh dear, how scary. But what should I do?”

 

It was obvious to anyone that I wasn’t scared at all, but it didn’t matter.

 

Duke Kalinos, standing beside me, lifted a contract from somewhere and muttered ominously. “The coffee hose is mine. Giselle brought it as part of her dowry.”

 

“That’s right! I brought it as my dowry, so now it’s part of the Kalinos family’s assets~♡”

 

Of course, according to the contract, if we divorce, it reverts to me! Though, would anyone have the guts to scrutinize the contract in detail?

 

We’re in perfect sync!

 

With both my and Duke Kalinos’s shocking statements, the ladies who’d sided with Shabel earlier were all left speechless. It was one thing to trample someone as insignificant as ‘Giselle Florette,’ but to stir up trouble regarding the property of the Kalinos family was a serious issue.

 

“M-My goodness.”

 

The faces of the ladies, who often visited the coffee house due to its ties to the opera house, turned pale in an instant. When they thought the coffee house belonged to me, they might have considered boycotting it out of mere annoyance. But now, faced with real fear, they didn’t even seem to have the energy for that.

 

“I-Is it really true?”

 

“No way. T-There was even that cute te-teddy bear decoration…”

 

I recalled the interior of the coffee house. It was filled with rococo-style lace and warmth, all targeting the ladies. It certainly didn’t fit the Kalinos family image, so it was understandable to have doubts.

 

I quickly looked up at Duke Kalinos and spoke. “Hmm! All those cute decorations~ The Duke made them for Giselle! That’s how much he loves Giselle!”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

With the contract as evidence and Duke Kalinos nodding in agreement, no one dared accuse me of ‘How can an unmarried lady run a coffee house?’

 

I smiled contentedly and clung to Duke Kalinos’s collar. “Hmm, then, isn’t it time to punish those who spread lies?”

 

“H-How could that be?”

 

“Sha-Shabel, did you really lie?”

 

As all eyes turned to Shabel, I fluttered my fan and laughed. “Giselle has memorized the names of everyone who spread lies, Darling! Should we send them all to prison?”

 

“Indeed, my lady.”

 

I glanced around. Marquis Berto was left speechless, his lips moving soundlessly, while most people seemed to be in doubt.

 

“So, we’ve been deceived all this time? Is that even possible?”

 

“Look at Marquis Berto’s face.”

 

Unlike me, Marquis Berto had probably never experienced such humiliation in his life. Looking around, he tried to flee the scene, even leaving Lady Shabel behind without escort.

 

“T-This is nonsense. I’ll address this again after the commotion has settled.” He seemed oblivious to the fact that his cowardly retreat was more humiliating than his defeat at the sword competition.

 

But you know, dealing with a troublemaker requires a thorough three-step process.

 

I grinned as I watched Count Florette charge after the fleeing Marquis Berto.

 

“You, less than a dog!” He was holding a stone in his hand. “You damned rascal, I’ll punish you in the style of Count Sehera!”

 

Even I hadn’t expected things to escalate to throwing rocks! And isn’t this insubordination? Isn’t this going to be a problem later?

 

Yuliana Kalinos quietly rose and spoke. “What an absurd situation.”

 

“Mother, I’m ve~ry sorry for the lack of decorum!”

 

“Alright, bring me a sword. It’s been a while since I’ve used one.”

 

…Count Florette held a stone, and Yuliana wielded a sword. Neslan Kalinos was already preparing to use a magical artifact. It was a chaotic brawl, utterly lacking in refinement, that left everyone, including me, wide-eyed. I didn’t anticipate this!

 

Anyway…

 

“Everyone, cheer up!”

 

Since they were going to beat up the villain on my behalf, there was no need to stop them, right?

 

As I watched Marquis Berto flee, I looked up at Duke Kalinos, who was holding me tightly. I succeed in stirring things up, right? I felt the thrill of having completely twisted the original story. Though not as much as me, Duke Kalinos’s earlobes seemed to be flushed with the same thrill.

 

Watching the departing Marquis Berto, I smiled slyly. I bet he’ll act like his ruined reputation is the end of the world and cry about it. He might even think it’s all over now. But guess what. My eyes sparkled as I glared at his retreating figure.

 

It’s not over yet. There’s still a matter of those paintings he so carelessly made of me.