That World of Otome Games is Tough for Us - Volume 2 - Chapter 14

Chapter 14:

As Her Fiancé

IT HAD BEEN DAYS since the hearings at the palace, and the date of Stephanie’s release was approaching.

An academy student was making his way to the dungeon to visit her—her former fiancé, Brad Fou Field. His well-groomed lavender hair flowed behind him, and expensive cologne clung to his uniform. Brad was so handsome that he seemed to sparkle in the damp darkness, his appearance at odds with the dreariness of the dungeon.

Brad was heir to a prominent house; Marquess Field oversaw one of the kingdom’s more important border territories. Several retainers had accompanied the young man on this visit.

When Stephanie spotted him, she seized the metal bars, bringing her face close to them. “Lord Brad?!” 

Part of her didn’t want him to see her covered in filth like this. At the same time, Brad was her last hope. They were no longer engaged, given the Offreys’ fall, but surely if anyone could save her, it was him. Through her despair, Brad was the sole beacon of hope; she knew how reliable he tended to be.

“Lord Brad, I’ve realized my mistakes and repented for my crimes. Please, save me! I beg of you!” Stephanie burst into tears.

Brad gave her a sorrowful look.

A Field retainer dressed like a knight leaned forward. “Lord Brad, do not forget your father’s orders,” he said.

Brad nodded. “I know.”

Stephanie had a sinking feeling about the meaning of that brief exchange. There was pity in Brad’s eyes, too. She shook her head, trying to drive the fear from her mind, and reached for him. 

“Please, Lord Brad! Save me! If you only lend me your aid, I swear I’ll never make mistakes like this again. I’ll spend the rest of my life abiding by your every order! You can enslave me if you wish. Please, I beg of you…”

Given the kind of life that now lay ahead of her, being his family’s slave would be less painful than many alternatives. If she left the dungeon under these circumstances, all that awaited was the vengeance of those she’d wronged.

Stephanie grasped desperately at the air, willing Brad to grab her hand, but he wouldn’t.

“I can’t save you,” he said.

“No,” Stephanie whispered in despair.

“I only visited so I could bid you farewell,” he continued. “As I’m sure you know, our engagement is off the table, now that your family has been stripped of all it possessed.”

Stephanie’s hand fell, palm smacking the floor. Her face was slick with tears and snot, a complete mess. Their engagement had meant everything to her; she’d been desperate for everyone to see her as a true aristocrat. At this point, her family wealth and status long gone, she understood how much she’d lost. But when Brad articulated it to her face, it sank in, like a dagger to the heart.

“Stephanie, tell me something. Why did you do all this?” Brad’s fingers curled into tight fists at his sides. “It wasn’t your fault your family collaborated with air pirates, but I can’t forgive your role in this, using them to terrorize fellow students.”

A fresh wave of tears trickled down Stephanie’s cheeks. She smiled through them, replying, “You can’t possibly understand how I feel. You’re a born-and-bred aristocrat.”

“You’re the same,” he argued. “The Offreys were nobility as well.”

“No. You’re a natural, hereditary nobleman. I was forever treated like an upstart merchant’s daughter who didn’t belong. I might’ve been part of high society, but no one ever treated me that way.”

Brad listened quietly, not commenting.

“Other blue bloods ridiculed me in my earliest memories,” Stephanie continued. “‘You’re not one of us, and neither is your family,’ they’d say. Even fellow earls’ daughters gave me the cold shoulder. Do you have any idea what that’s like? How painful it is to hold rank ­officially yet be treated as everyone’s inferior?”

Brad didn’t answer.

Stephanie pulled herself to her feet. “Everything finally changed when I used my family’s influence to get the upper hand over another girl. She came and apologized, and she looked pathetic sucking up to me. That was when I finally realized other people would obey me if I threw my weight around. Whenever I got back at those aristocrats who stared down their noses at me, they had to come crawling on their knees.” She burst into maniacal laughter.

Brad’s retainers reached for the swords at their waists, but he shot them a look that dissuaded them from arming themselves against her.

Despite her mirth, Stephanie was still crying as she demanded, “So what’d I do wrong, huh?! No one accepted me as I was! All I ever wanted was to be treated like I belonged.” Her tone had grown bitter and hostile. She was finally voicing the frustrations she’d buried inside for years.

Brad’s eyes were sincere as he held her gaze. “Even ­taking into account your unfair environment, your behavior was atrocious. You should’ve turned to someone for help. I wish you’d at least come to me, if no one else. If you’d only done that, things wouldn’t have—” 

He didn’t finish the thought. Even if Stephanie had approached him for help, nothing would’ve changed, and he knew that. He could never have saved her from this fate.

Stephanie sneered at her former fiancé. “Don’t waste your time fussing and simpering over me now,” she spat. “It’s too late.” Especially since you never tried to spend time with me at the academy. You only ever chased that stupid commoner, she thought, squeezing the metal bars between them.

Unaware of the hostility growing within her, Brad replied gently, “I suppose you’re right.” His voice was thick with sorrow, his eyes on his feet rather than her face.

Stephanie stared at him. “Shouldn’t you be glad I’m out of the picture?” She knew it was unfair to say, but she didn’t care. “I bet you thought I’d be a shameful wife, given my less-than-stellar lineage.”

“That’s not true. You aren’t your family.”

“If you say so.” 

When she first pleaded for Brad’s help, Stephanie had tried being obsequious and ladylike. Realizing he had no intention of saving her, she dropped the pretense. Nothing mattered anymore.

“With me gone, no one’s left to criticize you for spending all your time with that commoner. You can play with her to your heart’s content,” she added. “Though I guess, in the end, she’ll end up like me. Discarded when it suits you.” 

She said it as a joke—her attempt at dark humor. Brad was the son of a prominent lord, and she was certain he would uphold tradition and follow the unspoken rules that applied to someone of his rank, ending his relationship with Olivia once they graduated.

“I would never play with her feelings only to abandon her.” The words rushed out of Brad’s mouth, his cheeks coloring. 

He sounded a bit too naive. His retainers gave him conflicted looks, as if wanting to express dismay, but they kept whatever complaints they had to themselves. Brad was oblivious to their disapproval.

“Hold on. You’re saying you’re serious about her? You’re kidding me,” Stephanie blurted.

Only now did she realize the gravity of her mistake. Brad and the other boys weren’t treating Olivia as a disposable toy at all. The commoner girl had genuinely won Brad’s heart—something Stephanie had attempted for years and failed to accomplish.

Despair washed over her.

Brad cleared his throat and turned his back to her. “Anyway, this is the end of the line for us. It’s a shame, since we’d never have reached this point if you’d only realized your mistakes sooner.” He started down the dimly lit hallway, his retainers close on his heels.

In his wake, Stephanie agonized over her own foolishness. He’s right. I really made a terrible mistake. I never should’ve gotten involved with Marie and Bartfort. The person I ought to have ruined was Olivia herself.

***

The moment he returned to the boys’ dormitory, Brad received a summons to Julius’s quarters, which were the most extravagant in the entire building. Jilk was present there as well, brewing them tea.

Julius was scowling. After a beat, he fixed his gaze on Brad and said, “Sorry to call you here right after your visit to Stephanie.”

“No trouble at all. I’m surprised you’re paying Stephanie any attention, though,” said Brad.

Julius had invited Brad as part of an investigation into the incidents involving his former fiancée. That investigation really had nothing to do with the prince’s personal curiosity, though.

“It’s a chore my mother gave me,” Julius explained with a tight smile. “She wants me to report on these events from a student perspective.”

Brad cupped his chin and nodded to himself, putting the pieces together. “You mean she wants to learn more about the academy’s affairs, correct? She was born in a different country, so I suppose it’s only natural she wouldn’t really be certain how things work here.”

“I don’t think there’s anything worth reporting on. Refusing her would be more trouble than it was worth, though,” Julius shrugged.

Brad grinned at him. “I’m more than happy to provide any assistance you require.”

“That will be helpful. I’ve got the gist of everything that happened; still, it’s a little shocking how well Stephanie hid her misdeeds this entire time. What kind of person is she, in your opinion?”

For a moment, Brad’s smile fell, though he forced it back to his lips. “It was inconceivable for a fellow aristocrat to liaise with air pirates and mobilize them for their own gain. The nobility’s job is meant to be protecting people from those outlaws. Betraying that principle shows that Stephanie and her family never understood what being part of the aristocracy meant. If only she’d confided in me, I—no. No, I’m sure that wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Julius cocked his head. “You’re being awfully calm and analytical.”

“Of course,” Brad said. “I may have been engaged to Stephanie before all this, but our relationship was never special. To the point, when I visited her, she had her own opinions on what happened.” 

Brad’s expression was tinged with sadness as he continued his explanation.

“Stephanie was always an outcast in high society,” he told Julius. “Her destructive tendencies were a product of pent-up frustration. But regardless of her circumstances, I personally think she still bears most of the responsibility for her actions.” He went quiet for a moment, face turning pensive. “I can’t help but wonder, if I’d spent more time with her, could things have turned out differently?” He couldn’t bring himself to entirely hate her for her actions; a large part of him pitied her.

“I suppose, in a way, she was a victim of high society,” Julius noted with a muted sigh. “How long will we let ourselves be bound by antiquated traditions? There is something inherently wrong with the kingdom as it is.” He narrowed his eyes, frowning.

Jilk stepped toward him, offering the prince a steaming cup of tea. “Today’s brew is my best yet.”

The unappetizing scent jolted Julius out of his thoughts. He glanced back to Brad, who was more startled by the prince’s critical assessment of Holfort than the eerie liquid Jilk poured him. 

Julius shook his head, smiling. “I don’t mean to come across as lambasting our country. I simply have doubts about the traditions we uphold. I don’t approve of outdated rules and values.”

Brad relaxed in his chair, relieved that the prince wasn’t expressing radical ideas. “I understand where you’re coming from. I’m not on board with some entrenched customs, either.”

The tension that had momentarily filled the room eased.

Responsibility for this mess lies partly with all us nobles for failing to welcome the Offreys into the fold, Julius reflected. And that was entirely due to old ways we’ve upheld since antiquity. The kingdom needs to change.

The Offrey incident certainly gave him cause to doubt Holfortian society’s present structure. He was increasingly resentful of the old ways.

At times like this, I wish I could consult Olivia. She’s so pure and honest about her opinions, it always surprises me. I’ve never met anyone like her before. Julius longed to have her weigh in.

***

Angelica and Deirdre, the leaders of the first-years and third-years, were visiting the palace dungeon together. They’d come for the same reason: to meet with Stephanie.

As a representative of her peers, Angelica had a duty to review the events that led to this whole mess. Deirdre’s motives were less pure. She’d come out of pure curiosity.

“It brings me such joy to imagine her trembling in her cell, utterly terrified,” said Deirdre. Her face almost shone in the dimly lit corridor, which made her seem all the more out of place in the dungeon.

Angelica gave her a look. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Oh? You aren’t the least bit excited about that mis­creant’s downfall? The Offreys’ actions were indefensible for fellow aristocrats.”

In light of the cascade of wrongs Stephanie had committed, her punishment was well deserved. That was Deirdre’s perspective, and though she didn’t ask outright, she was feeling Angelica out to confirm the opinion was shared.

Angelica, however, expressed no particular interest. “All I want is to ask a few questions on my peers’ behalf,” she said matter-of-factly. “There was never any need for you to come along.”

“Well, I couldn’t help myself. I’m far too curious.” Deirdre hid her mouth behind her folding fan.

Angelica let out a long breath. The dank dungeon air had dampened her mood. “You’d best not interfere with the discussion, or I will chase you off.”

“My, now you’re threatening me? No matter. I love this side of you.” Grinning behind her fan, Deirdre followed at Angelica’s heels. Angelica, meanwhile, was just about fed up with her companion.

When the two finally reached Stephanie’s cell, she sat on a bed near the wall, head bowed.

“What? Did all that wailing and sobbing exhaust you? Good. It’s your just deserts,” Deirdre scoffed, already violating the warning Angelica had issued her.

Angelica pinned Deirdre with a cold, hard glare. “Don’t speak out of turn,” she ordered.

“I suppose I won’t, if you insist,” Deirdre said, shrugging.

Angelica ignored her and turned to Stephanie. “I got the gist of your side of the story from Brad. Still, I have to ask—why did you have air pirates torture fellow students? Do you recognize the gravity of the crimes you committed? No amount of repentance will balance the scales.”

Frankly, Angelica didn’t care whether Stephanie had a change of heart or instead cursed her out. All that mattered was establishing that she’d made the effort to come speak to the Offrey girl. She didn’t particularly want Stephanie to repent; her punishment had already been handed down. Nothing Angelica, or anyone else, said would change that.

I only came because Her Majesty urged me to hear Stephanie out. I don’t see how this will ever be useful to me. I wish I could’ve refused her request. If she hadn’t loved and respected the queen so much, she might’ve done just that.

Once Angelica posed her question, a whole ten seconds passed before Stephanie finally lifted her head. Her eyes reflected no light; she was like a woman possessed by something dark and foreboding. Gone was the haughty confidence she’d always carried herself with at school.

“If I say how sorry I am for what I did, will you absolve me of my sins?”

“No,” said Angelica without pausing to even think it over.

Stephanie smiled half-heartedly. “I figured as much.” There was a short pause. “I’m relieved. I always looked up to you as the paragon of what every noblewoman should be.”

Angie narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“I admired you deeply. Everyone respects and reveres your grace and propriety. Part of me resented you profoundly for having everything I didn’t, while another part longed to be just like you.”

“Again, what are you talking about? Answer my question,” Angie snapped.

Stephanie laughed. “Who cares whether I recognize my mistakes? Rather than answering, I’ll do you one better. I’ll give you a warning you’d be wise to heed.”

Angelica frowned, brows lowered.

“Be careful of that commoner Olivia,” Stephanie said gravely. “If you don’t treat her like the threat she is, she’ll steal Prince Julius right out from under you.”

Furious, Angie lunged at the cell bars, gripping them so tightly her knuckles turned white. Mana flowed through her, causing the metal to creak and bend. Her crimson eyes glowed in the darkness around Stephanie’s cell.

“Go on, say that again,” Angie hissed. “You think that woman could do anything to me? I take it you’re mocking me. I’ll turn you to ash where you stand!”

Behind her, Deirdre breathed a small sigh. “You know you can’t do that, Angelica. Why not excuse yourself and cool off? I have my own business with this girl.”

In the safety of her cell, Stephanie wore a toothy grin, but Angelica was incandescent with rage. It took great willpower to swallow her fury and peel away. She spun, telling Deirdre, “I’ve finished my business here. Do as you like.” Then she marched off.

Deirdre crossed her arms, exasperated. “Angelica always had a temper. She’d be the perfect future queen if she could only keep her composure. Then again, she’d frankly be a bit bland without that flaw. It balances out.” She studied Stephanie.

Stephanie was still smirking, not a bit daunted by Deirdre’s presence. She’d already lost everything there was to lose and had nothing more to fear at this point.

“Anyway,” Deirdre continued, “how about you answer one of my questions now?”

Stephanie said nothing, but her grin widened even further.

“What sort of diplomatic arrangements did your family work out with Fanoss?” Deirdre inquired. “Considering how terribly the principality resents Holfort, I still find it hard to believe any bargain convinced them to lay down their arms.”

The Principality of Fanoss was a neighboring country that had, up until a few years earlier, been locked in constant conflict with Holfort. Tenuous peace had been established through the now-defunct House Offrey’s diplomatic efforts. The Offreys’ success in talking Fanoss around was why the Fields agreed to engage Brad to Stephanie.

Fanoss had long held great animosity toward Holfort. The Offreys had been showered with praise for possessing diplomatic skill that enabled them to handle such a tough adversary. Most aristocrats, however, were still in the dark as to how they’d accomplished it. The majority assumed that the Offreys had some close personal connection to Fanoss, but Deirdre’s family was always skeptical of that explanation.

“A number of people feared we’d be at a diplomatic disadvantage with Fanoss after your family’s hearings and deposal, but such talk quickly died down. In fact, even Marquess Frampton, who long backed your father, withdrew his support. He’s pushing for your father to be executed as quickly as possible. It’s almost unnatural how quickly he turned on the Offreys.”

During the former Earl Offrey’s hearing, which Deirdre had attended, she’d started to suspect there was more to this story than met the eye.

“If you know something, tell me. Assuming it’s useful, I promise to take you in and protect you.”

Deirdre loathed Stephanie as a person. She detested how the girl regularly used her power to torment those weaker than her. Even her basic habits were so detestable that Deirdre couldn’t find a single likable trait. Nonetheless, if Stephanie proved herself useful and provided meaningful intel, Deirdre was willing to offer her protection.

“Unfortunately, I don’t know anything. Not about Fanoss, and not about Marquess Frampton, either,” Stephanie replied with a devious snicker. 

Even assuming she didn’t know anything, she could’ve lied and claimed otherwise just to save herself. But she hadn’t. Deirdre’s intuition told her that Stephanie in fact knew more than she was letting on. However, she could also tell there was no use pressing her.

Deirdre spun to leave. “Very well. Sorry for disturbing you, then.” She paused. “Before I leave,” she added, “I have to say, my opinion of you has improved after this little encounter.”

It was a marginal shift at best. Still, Deirdre appreciated how gracious Stephanie was acting in defeat. 

Climbing the stairs, she mused, Something about this whole mess bothers me. I have a feeling Leon’s hiding something from me as well. Tsk. There’s quite a bit I have yet to discover beneath the surface of this.