The Villainous Lady Doesn't Speak Chapter 110

The Wind Blows from the Imperial Country 2

Liliana would soon arrive at the royal palace—Riley Williams Slibegrad swallowed the surge of nervousness rising within him. Everything had gone according to plan, but the final steps still lay ahead.

In front of him, his close friend Austin was watching Riley with half-lidded eyes, clearly unimpressed, but Riley had no energy left to deal with complaints. Across from Austin sat Clyde, who was looking slightly pale. Though Riley himself was feeling far from calm, it was clear that Clyde was the one carrying the heaviest burden. With that in mind, Riley spoke up.

“I’m sorry, Clyde. It’s going to be especially tough from here on out—”

“No, well… just imagining what my father will say makes my stomach hurt.”

“Fortunately, the chancellor will be busy while the prince and princess are visiting. I don’t think he’ll question you immediately.”

“That would be a relief.”

Clyde’s face remained pale as he responded. Of course, Riley thought, feeling a bit sorry for him. He understood that he was the cause of Clyde’s distress. Still, there was something he couldn’t compromise on.

Austin, who had been silently observing the two, let out a sigh before speaking up.

“I had no idea you were so obsessed with this, sneaking around and plotting behind even the chancellor’s back. You could’ve at least told me.”

“I couldn’t risk it, even with an ally, in order to ensure everything went perfectly.”

“I figured you’d say that—did the grand duke really agree to this?”

“It was easy. She was apparently lonely since she hadn’t seen him recently, and the marquis has been so busy that he hasn’t returned home.”

Austin, seemingly expecting this answer, simply shrugged.

—To make Liliana Alexandra Clark his fiancée.

Riley had made that decision about two years ago during his visit to the Clark Duchy. Compared to the other candidates, Liliana excelled in her studies and etiquette and possessed all the qualities necessary to be a crown princess. Beyond that, she had the vision to propose policies that would benefit the people and the nation, sometimes outshining even Riley’s own ideas. Her knowledge and passion for expanding her horizons were invigorating for Riley.

If he were to rule the kingdom as king, Liliana was the only one he wanted by his side as queen—no, she was the only one he could imagine in that role. But many nobles did not share his understanding. Even those who acknowledged Liliana’s abilities often thought she was unfit to be the crown princess. Yet, no matter what they said, Riley would not yield. Even if his adversary was the chancellor, who would become his father-in-law, his resolve would not waver.

As Riley reaffirmed his determination, Clyde took a small breath and asked in a hoarse voice, “Even so, Your Highness, are you really—”

His face, still pale, showed how deeply concerned he was for his sister.

“Are you really going to make Lily—my sister—your fiancée? She still hasn’t regained her voice. I can’t imagine she could fulfill the duties of a crown princess.”

“Her inability to speak is a trivial matter. Besides, I believe she is the most suitable person to be crown princess.”

Riley responded with a radiant smile. In the face of her qualities and abilities, the fact that she couldn’t speak was insignificant. It was something that could easily be compensated for if necessary.

Moreover… Riley recalled the kidnapping incident and the monster attack stampede he had encountered in the past. The kidnapping had occurred on the way to a tour of the dye district in the Clark Duchy. At that time, Riley had suspected that Liliana might be capable of using magic. That suspicion had turned into certainty during the monster attack stampede that took place near the capital on the day of Riley’s tenth birthday celebration. The Liliana who was supposed to be resting was merely an illusion, and the real Liliana was nowhere to be found.

—Liliana can use magic.

Riley was convinced. He had never seen her use magic directly, nor had she confessed to being able to use it. However, if she could use magic, then she must have regained her voice. Magic required incantations, and there was only one conclusion that could be drawn.

“I believe Liliana is the best choice. Regardless of what she thinks, the fact remains that she is a candidate for my fiancée. Once she’s chosen, she will be mine.”

Clyde’s mouth twitched slightly at Riley’s words. Seeing this, Riley smiled in satisfaction. He had a sense that Liliana didn’t want to marry him, though he didn’t think she hated him either. The reason she was trying to avoid becoming his fiancée likely wasn’t an emotional one. Riley understood that feelings like love and hate were distant concepts for Liliana. That being the case, there was no reason for him to hold back.

Clyde seemed to have accurately grasped the implications of Riley’s unspoken words. Meanwhile, Austin looked even more exasperated.

“—Didn’t you say you wouldn’t create any special relationships?”

Austin was the one who asked. Riley looked up and met his friend’s gaze. Despite his exasperation, Austin’s expression was somewhat teasing. Riley tilted his head slightly.

Indeed, it was something Riley had been saying since he was a child. His grandfather, who was admired by many as a hero and revered as a wise king, had told him that a king must never create special relationships, as the doubt that arises when weighing the kingdom against someone dear would lead to hesitation. Riley had clung stubbornly to those words.

He remembered clearly when he first began to question that belief—when he was summoned to the sickbed of his father, the current king, Horatio Jeff Slibegrad. Riley had learned about the darker side of his grandfather and the true meaning behind his words. His grandfather had always told him to trust no one, to constantly doubt others and search for the betrayal hidden beneath the surface, and to remember that a king is a solitary, unique existence.

“Someone special… Do I seem that way to you?”

Riley showed Austin a wry smile. He still wasn’t sure. Was his grandfather right to say not to trust anyone, or should his father, who loved and trusted others, be the example to follow? Riley still grappled with the question. Though he admired Liliana for her unwavering resolve, Riley had a sense that he could never be like his grandfather or Liliana. He couldn’t keep his eyes fixed on one path and move forward with absolute certainty. Riley was always caught in a struggle, trying to choose the right path among many.

“You do seem that way,” Austin replied, tilting his head as if puzzled by Riley’s lack of self-awareness. Then, he glanced sideways at Clyde.

“Since you seem fond of her, that sister-loving fool over there is probably willing to help you out.”

“What do you mean by ‘sister-loving,’ Austin?”

“I mean you, Clyde. You’re crazy about your sister. I can’t even begin to understand it.”

Clyde snapped back at Austin, who paid him no mind. Riley chuckled softly and nodded.

“I see what you mean.”

Austin wasn’t estranged from his sister—in fact, they seemed to get along well. But apparently, they fought frequently. Clyde, on the other hand, was almost overly protective of his sister. If Riley were seeking Liliana’s hand for purely calculating reasons, Clyde would never have supported him. After all, their father, Duke Clark, was opposed to Liliana’s engagement to Riley. Clyde would never go against his father’s wishes. Yet, though Clyde wasn’t actively supporting the idea, the fact that he was silently cooperating showed that, in some way, he was open to the engagement.

“Yeah, maybe she is special to me.”

Riley nodded, though not with full confidence. The truth was, having never experienced genuine love, Riley wasn’t certain what feelings he held for Liliana. Looking back, it seemed his grandfather loved himself more than his grandson, and his father loved only his mother. His grandfather probably only indulged Riley as a conversation partner, and though his father treated him as a child to be loved, that was all there was to it.

Yet, in Liliana’s presence, Riley felt emotions he had never experienced with anyone else. During the kidnapping incident, seeing her stand firm without showing fear made his heart ache. When he realized she had disappeared during the monster stampede, it pained him to know she was trying to do something on her own. He wanted her to rely on him, and at the same time, he was frustrated that he wasn’t someone she could rely on.

“I want to be there by her side and support her.”

Riley swallowed the words he truly wanted to say: that he wanted her to rely on him. He didn’t want anyone else to take on that role. Even though what he ended up saying sounded like an excuse, both Austin and Clyde seemed to accept it. Austin’s expression twisted with a complicated emotion, but when Riley tilted his head in confusion, Austin simply muttered, “It’s nothing.”

A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. It seemed Liliana had arrived. Feeling a surge of joy, Riley beamed.

“Hello. You’ve arrived, Liliana.”

The outfit Liliana wore as she entered wasn’t her ceremonial dress. Yet even so, her budding beauty, like a flower slowly beginning to bloom, was stunning. Standing beside her filled him with pride.

If he misstepped, Liliana would slip through his fingers in an instant. This was the first hurdle, and Riley silently steeled himself for what was to come.

*****

In the end, while Prince Roland was staying, Liliana had no choice but to play the role of Riley's fiancée. The intensity with which Riley pressed forward, smiling all the while, was something Liliana had never seen before. Even Austin, who was present, and Clyde, who had always been protective of her, supported Riley. Liliana had no escape.

Feeling a heavy sense of dread, Liliana entered the dressing room that had been prepared for her and began changing into the ceremonial dress. The dress had been arranged by the ducal family, but as Liliana looked at it again, she felt the color drain from her face.

Now that Riley had asked her to act as his fiancée, the once plain dress seemed to carry a significant meaning. Initially, the design was supposed to be simple—a pale pink base with ivory lace adorning the entire dress. However, the dress Liliana now wore was a different color entirely. While the basic design hadn’t changed, the main color had been altered to a pale yellow, and the lace was now gold-threaded. To top it off, the jewelry paired with the dress was blue.

The gold of Riley’s hair and the blue of his eyes—anyone would assume that these were gifts from Riley. It would also undoubtedly fuel rumors that Riley was deeply infatuated with her.

(He must have done this to escape from my father’s scrutiny.)

Liliana suspected that even Clyde might not have known about the dress. Riley had likely arranged for the color change and planned everything so that Liliana would accompany him as his fiancée without anyone else knowing. It was clear that Riley was seriously closing off all avenues of retreat. Though he hadn’t shown his full capabilities until now, there was no denying that his skills had improved dramatically in a short period. As much as it frustrated her, she had to admit he had done a remarkable job. Considering that no one had interfered with his scheme, he must have even managed to slip past Duke Clark, the prime minister.

Liliana wondered what Duke Clark would think when he saw how Riley and she behaved at the ceremony. The Duke might have some words for her, but Clyde would likely suffer the most. He spent much more time with their father than Liliana did. She couldn’t help but worry about how Clyde’s stomach was holding up.

The Clyde from the game, which Liliana remembered from her previous life, was a cunning character. But the real Clyde, whom Liliana had come to know, was a sensitive and kind young man who cared deeply for his sister. There was no trace of the darkness that would lead him to imprison or poison his sister, as the game suggested. If the current Clyde were to endure Duke Clark’s barrage of sarcastic remarks, he would undoubtedly be worn out.

(Perhaps I should bring my brother a little something to cheer him up later... Though it’s not really my fault.)

There was no doubt that the root of all this trouble was Riley, who had orchestrated this entire farce—something Liliana could see as nothing else. She barely managed to suppress a sigh. She couldn’t afford to show any signs of weakness in front of the maids who were helping her dress and apply makeup.

Liliana was supposed to wait in the dressing room until the ceremony began. As the maids tidied up around her, she was about to take a seat on the sofa when there was a knock at the door. One of the maids opened the door for her.

“Is she ready?”

“Yes, she just finished.”

Hearing the voice from outside, Liliana couldn’t help but let her expression go blank. It was a voice she would have preferred to hear after the ceremony had already started. But, mercilessly, the owner of the voice stepped into the room.

Crown Prince Riley of the Kingdom of Slibegrad, now dressed in his ceremonial attire, stood before Liliana, a smile spreading across his face.

“You look beautiful. It suits you well, Liliana. I’m honored to stand by your side.”

“...I’m honored as well, Your Highness Riley.”

Liliana somehow managed to force a smile without her cheeks twitching. Riley’s ceremonial attire was an ivory ensemble with gold embroidery and a green tie. It was obvious that he had chosen it to match Liliana’s eye color. Standing together, they would look like a perfectly matched pair.

(He’s certainly making the most of the visual impact.)

Liliana took the hand Riley offered her. He then escorted her out of the dressing room.

“Riley-sama, where are we going?”

“To the audience chamber. Until the ceremony begins, we’ll be hosting Prince Roland and Princess Edith.”

“...I’m to accompany you as well?”

“Of course.”

Riley replied cheerfully, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Even though she knew it was futile, Liliana attempted to protest.

“But as you know, I cannot speak... I fear I may only be a burden rather than help.”

“That’s not true at all. Your presence alone is more than enough.”

Riley’s grip on Liliana’s hand tightened, as if to emphasize that he wouldn’t let her go. Realizing she had no choice, Liliana gave up. The two of them walked in silence until they arrived at the audience chamber. Beyond it were the royal family’s private rooms, including a parlor and game room. Riley led Liliana into the parlor.

“This is a room the royal family uses privately. We’ll stay here until Prince Roland and Princess Edith arrive.”

Though she wanted to ask him not to bring her to a place like this, she knew he would simply reply, “You’re my fiancée, so it’s not a problem.” Liliana smiled and sat down beside Riley.

—-

ToC 

Chapter 111