The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 15: The Price of Transactions

Chapter 15: The Price of Transactions

Earl Silver’s palace was adorned with a splendor Eleanor hadn’t seen in years.

“It’s almost more dazzling than the royal palace.”

She murmured softly.

Since arriving with Alexander, her heart had been swirling with complex emotions.

The world she once belonged to—the glittering heart of high society—she now stood in as a mere bystander.

Her dress was no longer a bespoke masterpiece but a repurposed, slightly altered garment worn multiple times.

“Eleanor, are you alright?”

Alexander asked with concern.

Since their argument yesterday, an awkwardness lingered between them.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

She forced a smile.

In truth, she was far from fine.

Before coming here, her father and brother had been locked in an even graver dispute at home over Sophia’s situation.

Time was ticking away, and no solution was in sight.

“It’s a beautiful palace.”

Eleanor tried to change the subject.

“Baron Silver… no, Earl Silver—where did he amass such wealth…”

Her words trailed off.

Her eyes caught sight of Lydia Silver.

The girl once known as a daughter of the Silverleaf family now shone as Earl Silver’s adoptive daughter at the center of the venue.

Clad in a pristine white dress, a diamond necklace that could rival royal jewels sparkled at her throat.

Young nobles surrounded her, and she responded with graceful smiles.

“I’m jealous…”

Eleanor muttered without thinking.

Just months ago, Lydia’s family had been on the brink of ruin.

Rumors said she herself had nearly become a slave.

Yet now, poised to inherit Earl Silver’s vast fortune, she had become the belle of high society.

“Lydia Silver, the earl’s daughter.”

Alexander was looking at her too.

His voice held a hint of… interest.

That sent a small pang through Eleanor’s chest.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

Eleanor voiced her honest opinion.

“Yes, indeed.”

Alexander agreed all too quickly.

Eleanor looked up at him instinctively.

His eyes were still on Lydia.

“Do you know her background?”

“Only rumors. A daughter of a fallen noble, saved by Earl Silver, I hear.”

“Like a fairy tale.”

Eleanor’s words carried a tinge of bitterness.

“The opposite of me.”

Alexander finally turned his gaze back to her.

“Eleanor…”

“I’m going to greet her.”

She said abruptly, leaving Alexander behind as she walked off.

She didn’t fully understand why.

She just wanted to meet Lydia.

Or perhaps, she wanted to uncover her secret.

“Eleanor!”

Alexander started to follow, but she didn’t look back.

As the crowd around Lydia parted slightly, Eleanor approached her.

“Lydia Silver, it’s been a while.”

Lydia turned and looked at Eleanor.

Her blue eyes showed a flicker of surprise, then shifted to… something else.

“Eleanor Frostheart, it’s been some time.”

Her voice was as cold as ice.

The two had been acquaintances in high society but never particularly close.

“Congratulations on becoming an adoptive daughter.”

Eleanor said politely.

But Lydia’s response was beyond her expectations.

“Thank you. I’ve heard rumors about your family too.”

A clear glint of disdain appeared in Lydia’s eyes.

“It seems you’re in quite a difficult situation.”

Eleanor was at a loss for words.

She was stunned by Lydia’s change in demeanor.

The girl she remembered had been more reserved and gentle.

“Our family is indeed facing tough times, but…”

“I also heard your sister might become a slave.”

Lydia’s words were sharp as needles.

“…What?”

“A contract with Hugo Black. Did you think it was a secret?”

Eleanor’s face drained of color.

How had that rumor leaked?

And why did Lydia know about it?

“That’s…”

“Life is fascinating, isn’t it? Such dramatic rises and falls.”

Lydia’s smile held a cruel edge.

“You, once the belle of high society, now fallen, while someone like me rises.”

“Lydia… why are you saying such things…”

“Why not ask my father for help? Earl Silver might be able to save your family.”

It sounded less like a suggestion and more like mockery.

“Though the price might be steep.”

An ominous smile crossed Lydia’s face.

Before Eleanor could ponder its meaning, another figure appeared behind Lydia.

“Well, two beauties together.”

It was Alexander.

He bowed courteously to Lydia.

“Miss Lydia, my greetings once more.”

“Lord Granblue, good evening.”

Lydia’s demeanor transformed instantly.

The coldness vanished, replaced by an elegant, captivating smile.

“As the earl’s daughter, I’m honored to have you attend our palace’s unveiling.”

“A splendid party. I’m in awe of your father’s vision.”

Their conversation flowed naturally, like that of old friends.

Eleanor suddenly felt out of place.

“Um, I…”

“Oh, Eleanor.”

Alexander finally turned to her.

“Don’t you think Miss Lydia’s dress is stunning?”

“You two seem to get along well.”

Eleanor blurted out without thinking.

Regret hit her immediately, but it was too late.

“What do you mean?”

Alexander’s expression darkened.

“Nothing.”

She brushed it off.

Lydia watched the exchange and gave a small laugh.

“Miss Eleanor, are you feeling unwell?”

Her voice dripped with clear sarcasm.

“There’s a slight… odor. Like blood.”

Eleanor gasped.

Could the scent of blood from her beast-slaying still linger on her?

No matter how much she washed, it might never fully fade.

“I’m sorry, excuse me.”

Unable to bear it, she fled the scene.

Tears welled in her eyes.

She heard Alexander call her name behind her, but she didn’t turn back.

Stepping into the palace’s courtyard, the night breeze cooled her flushed cheeks.

Moonlight alone illuminated the stone path.

“What have I done…”

Unable to hold back any longer, tears streamed down her cheeks.

Eleanor sank onto a small stone bench and wept quietly.

The once-proud lady of the Frostheart family had become someone who faced public humiliation and fled in tears.

“Eleanor!”

She turned to see Alexander chasing after her.

His face was etched with worry.

“Leave me alone…”

“No way.”

He said firmly.

“I won’t leave you alone.”

“Alexander…”

“I hurt you yesterday and today. Please forgive me.”

He knelt before her and took her hand.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry…”

Eleanor said through tears.

“I couldn’t be honest… and I took it out on you…”

“It’s alright. I understand how much pressure you’re under right now.”

“But you’re always so kind… and yet I…”

She faltered.

“I, truly…”

“Truly?”

She took a deep breath and finally spoke.

“I truly love you. I love you, Alexander…”

Surprise crossed his face.

Then it softened into a gentle smile.

“I love you too, Eleanor.”

He leaned in slowly.

She closed her eyes and accepted his lips.

A sweet kiss.

As their lips met, a warm wave spread through Eleanor’s heart.

This was different from their previous light kisses.

Deeper, more passionate.

His arms wrapped around her, and the kiss deepened further.

“Mmf…”

She let out a small sound without meaning to.

Her first deep kiss.

It sent a current-like sensation through her entire body.

When they finally parted, Eleanor’s face was flushed bright red.

“S-Sorry…”

She looked away, embarrassed.

“What are you apologizing for?”

Alexander smiled gently.

“I’m happy to hear your true feelings.”

“But someone like me…”

“It’s you I love.”

He hugged her tightly.

Eleanor buried her face in his chest, enveloped in a sense of safety.

“No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side. I promise.”

His words filled her heart with warmth.

But at that moment, a strange sensation struck her.

A hot feeling from her lower abdomen, and a sense of dampness.

It surged, fueled by his warmth and kindness.

“Ah…”

She instinctively pulled back.

“What’s wrong?”

Alexander asked, puzzled.

“N-Nothing.”

She answered hurriedly.

Confused and unsettled by her body’s reaction, she was shaken by the unfamiliar experience.

“Let’s go back. People will wonder.”

“Wait, Eleanor.”

He reached out, but she stepped back.

“I’ll go ahead. I need… to sort things out.”

She smiled at him and hurriedly left the courtyard.

Her cheeks burned, and her heart raced.

The new sensation in her body confused her.

But she didn’t want Alexander to know.

“I’ll return to the venue once I’ve calmed down.”

She told herself.

She needed time to process these new emotions and sensations.

And above all, she needed to find a way to save her family.

—

“Well done, Lydia.”

Earl Silver smiled, placing a hand on his adoptive daughter’s shoulder.

The two were speaking in a private room at the palace.

The party was at its peak, with guests dancing in the hall.

“You provoked her perfectly.”

Lydia bowed slightly.

“Eleanor Frostheart reacted as expected, Father.”

A hint of guilt tinged her voice, but she quickly suppressed it.

To maintain her current life, she had no choice but to obey him.

“Alexander chased after her, it seems.”

Silver looked out the window toward the courtyard.

“A perfect chance to drive a wedge between them.”

“Is that truly necessary?”

Lydia asked impulsively.

Eleanor’s pained expression lingered in her mind.

“Of course.”

Silver’s voice carried a cold edge.

“The plan must be flawless.”

“But…”

“Lydia.”

His tone grew stern.

“Have you forgotten your position? You and your mother owe your current life to my mercy.”

Lydia lowered her gaze in silence.

He was right.

Having lost her father and home, they had no other options.

“My apologies, Father.”

Silver’s expression softened.

“Don’t worry. Your role is done. I’ll handle the rest to corner her.”

“Yes…”

“Let’s return to the party. Your suitors are waiting.”

Lydia forced a smile, but her heart was conflicted.

Her happiness was built on others’ misery.