How The Sub-Male Lead’s Stepmother Teaches Love Chapter 220

“When will the third prince’s coronation ceremony be held?”

 

“There’s about a month left.”

 

“What happens if we don’t manage to reveal that he isn’t of royal blood before then?”

 

“He’ll become the Third Prince for now. But once the truth comes out, he’ll meet with… an unfortunate accident.”

 

The phrase “unfortunate accident” sent a chill down my spine.

 

Leonhard noticed me and pulled me into his arms and hugged me.

 

He gently patted my back, as if to soothe me, and continued speaking.

 

“Either way, the fact that he artificially created the symbol using royal blood will be buried in secret.”

 

“I guess so…….”

 

If that fact were to be revealed, the honor of the five families that had passed down the throne and titles solely based on the existence of the symbol would fall to the ground.

 

That’s the nature of honor. Even without solid evidence, a mere suspicion can easily tarnish it. Especially if that honor had been revered as pure and spotless.

 

“You’re going to be really busy for the next month, huh?”

 

“Yes, I’m going to be very busy.”

 

I felt slightly disappointed when Leonhard nodded immediately.

 

‘Yeah, I knew you were coming here for work.’

 

‘It’s not like I’m helping with his work anyway, so how could I complain about him leaving me to go to work?’

 

I nodded, keeping my expression straight.

 

“Okay. I’ll take good care of Noah, so don’t worry and focus on your work.”

 

“Oh, by the way, I haven’t told you yet. Officially, I’m in the capital to attend your sister’s wedding.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“It wouldn’t be good if word got out that I came to the capital to investigate the royal family.”

 

“Ah… That’s true.”

 

Marquis Ajas, who does not get involved in central politics, rarely comes to the capital in the first place.

 

That’s why his last visit drew so much attention.

 

If word spread that he was investigating not only the third prince but also other royals, the capital would be in chaos.

 

“The Duke of Khalid is in charge of the royal investigation. I’m only here to attract attention elsewhere. …And, I have something to tell you, Nell.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Leonhard answered me with a slightly grave expression.

 

“It’s about the rumors spreading in the capital.”

 

“Rumors?”

 

Leonhard calmly explained, as if to reassure me with his presence

 

“So… Julia’s the one spreading those ridiculous rumors?”

 

I never thought I’d hear that name again here.

 

‘And what? The rumor’s already well known in the capital social circles?’

 

Of course, if a person from the North says that this is what happens in the North, everyone will believe it!

 

“Countess Dilas is really too much. She takes Julia with her wherever she goes. Does she have a grudge against us or something?”

 

“From our investigation, she simply enjoys being the center of attention. Apparently, after hearing the rumors, socialites started sending her invitations from all over the capital. It seems she likes that.”

 

“Unbelievable. Really.”

 

Fuming with anger, I began to worry.

 

“My sister and brother are here in the capital too…”

 

The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.

 

‘Wait, she got driven out and now she’s having fun?’

 

To be honest, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Lamberton family was ruined because of Julia.

 

But instead of reflecting on that, she came to the capital and did the same thing again.

 

If she had something to say, she could have said it to my face. Instead, she spreads ridiculous rumors behind my back?

 

Her actions were so petty and underhanded, I was just infuriated.

 

“This is all my fault. I only showed a bit of kindness because Lady Mamberton was once associated with you… If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. We just have to root out those ridiculous rumors.”

 

Yes. I’ll uproot them completely.

 

When the rumors first circulated about me and the Duke of Khalid… and when people gossiped that an unmarried lady had stayed in a hotel with Leonhard…

 

Back then, the second princess had spread the rumors, and I was powerless to respond. But not anymore.

 

I am the Marquise of Ajas.

 

My reputation is Ajas’s reputation. Am I going to just let people gossip about me like some party snack?

 

“So, actually—”

 

“You said you’re officially here for my sister’s wedding, right?”

 

“Yes? Yes, that’s right.”

 

“Then let’s make the wedding preparations as flashy as possible. Let the rumors spread, loud and clear.”

 

Leonhard blinked, then smiled sweetly.

 

“Yes. Just leave it to me.”

 

“Good.”

 

I must eradicate all rumors without a trace.

 

I will make it so that the people of the capital will start saying that the Marquis and Marquise of Ajas are such a good couple!

 

* * *

 

—Creaak

 

“Eek! What is this? The fabric tore! Who makes dresses this flimsy?”

 

‘It’s not that the dress is weak, it’s that you insist on wearing something small!’

 

‘How great it would be if I could shout like that!’

 

Although she was a talented and popular designer who designed the Duchess’s dresses herself, Madam Stella was a commoner.

 

Which meant she had no choice but to take the unreasonable complaints and whims of noble ladies.

 

“Oh no, I’m terribly sorry. That was a dress finished by one of our new assistants. They must’ve made a mistake. I apologize, my lady.”

 

“You brought this to me for me to try on? Now I see that Madame Stella’s reputation was in vain.”

 

“I’m very sorry, my lady. Please, for the sake of my face, try not to be too angry.”

 

The girl with freckles on both cheeks looked at Madam Stella, who was bending down deeply, and then snorted.

 

“Take this off now! How long are you going to leave me standing here like this?”

 

“Yes, I apologize, my lady. Girls, what are you doing? Help the lady change, now.”

 

“Yes, Madam.”

 

Madam Stella’s staff, seasoned from dealing with nobles, quickly helped the girl out of the ripped dress.

 

“Would you like me to bring you some other dress?”

 

“No need! I wouldn’t wear anything else from this low-class shop. Give me back my clothes!”

 

“Yes, lady.”

 

Does she even realize she forced herself into a dress that didn’t fit her in the first place?

 

Face red with shame, the noble girl stormed out of the shop. Of course, she didn’t pay for the damage.

 

But from Madam Stella’s perspective, the fact that she left without further fuss was already a blessing.

 

She wasn’t the first noble to make a mess and then act like the victim.

 

“Sarah.”

 

“Yes, Madam.”

 

Recognizing the tight tone of her master, Sarah took out a basket of salt and began sprinkling it by the door. A superstition from the Eastern Continent—hopefully it worked.

 

Madam Stella pressed her temple, fighting dizziness, and called to her assistants.

 

“Try to repair that dress.”

 

“This one?”

 

The torn seam could be reused with care, but managing the frayed threads was the challenge.

 

If it were tougher fabric, maybe. But with this delicate material, one wrong move and the dress would be ruined.

 

Cutting the frayed section would destroy the entire look—was it even safe for assistants to handle?

 

“Madam, we—”

 

“How long are you going to only do easy tasks? If you want to improve your skills, you have to try difficult tasks as well.”

 

“……”

 

They knew she was right, but the gloom didn’t leave their faces.

 

Madam Stella sighed and waved her hand.

 

“Even if you ruin it, I won’t punish you. I won’t make you pay for it either.”

 

“I’ll try my best!”

 

“Just leave it to us, Madam!”

 

She chuckled.

 

Afraid their mentor might change her mind, the two assistants hurried away with the dress.

 

Madam Stella, thinking they were both shameless and timid, returned to the VIP room.

 

“I’m sorry, Lady. Are you tired of waiting?”

 

“Oh no, it wasn’t boring at all. This is much more fun than looking at design books.”

 

It seemed like she had heard the commotion just a little while ago.

 

‘Even with the VIP room’s top-notch soundproofing, how could she hear the noise outside?’

 

‘I thought the door was open…’

 

In this boutique—visited daily by dozens of noble ladies—this sort of thing wasn’t unusual.

 

Some even arrived at dawn and stayed until evening, clearly there for gossip more than fashion.

 

‘Good thing that wasn’t even a serious commotion.’

 

Instead of sighing, Madam Stella smiled and clapped lightly to call the staff.

 

“Then, Lady, would you like to see the design book—”

 

“Madam, Madam! Madam!”

 

Madam Stella almost screamed at the loud call of the staff.

 

How dare someone raise a fuss in the VIP room of all places?

 

“You—”

 

“M-Madam, outside…”

 

The staff, realizing too late there was a client in the room, gave an awkward expression, then whispered urgently into Madam Stella’s ear.

 

“What?”

 

Madam Stella, who was barely holding back her anger, suddenly changed her expression.

 

The staff nodded urgently at her face, which seemed to ask, “Really?” with her eyes wide open in surprise.

 

“Lady, I’m terribly sorry, but….”

 

“Oh, don’t worry about me. Go on and take care of it.”

 

Madam Stella did not know what gave rise to the lady’s generous permission.

 

But she had no time to think about it, so she bowed to the countess and hurried out of the VIP room, with the staff following behind.

 

“Is that true? That Marquis Ajas and his wife really came to visit?”

 

* * *