The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 34: Invisible Chains

Chapter 34: Invisible Chains

The next morning, I prepared early to visit the Frostheart residence.

I chose a more commanding outfit than usual, tucking a small dagger at my waist.

A precaution, just in case.

“Where to today?”

At breakfast, the butler of our capital residence asked.

“The Frostheart residence.”

“To see Lady Eleanor?”

There was a hint of something in his voice.

He’d likely heard the rumors.

About Eleanor and Prince Victor.

“Yes. It’s been a while, and I wanted to see her.”

I smiled, but my heart was tangled.

It was true I hadn’t seen her in a while, but this wasn’t a simple friendly visit.

It was to uncover the truth.

And, if necessary…

On the carriage ride to the Frostheart residence, the capital’s vibrant streets passed by the window.

But today, I had no room to be charmed by their beauty.

“My lady, we’ve arrived.”

The carriage stopped, and the driver opened the door.

The Frostheart residence loomed before me.

Once among the kingdom’s wealthiest and most powerful, it was now rumored to face financial hardship.

Yet its exterior still exuded grandeur, betraying no sign of decline.

I announced myself at the gate and was promptly ushered inside.

“Lady Leia Braveheart has arrived.”

The butler announced, leading me to the drawing room.

“Please wait here. I’ll inform Lady Eleanor.”

After he left, I surveyed the room.

The furnishings were lavish but slightly worn upon closer inspection.

Had they not acquired anything new?

“Leia.”

I turned to see Eleanor enter.

As beautiful and refined as ever.

But as she approached, I noticed fatigue in her face.

Faint shadows under her eyes, a strained expression.

Something new since our last meeting.

“Eleanor, it’s been too long.”

I stood, and we exchanged a light embrace.

In that moment, I caught a faint whiff of perfume mixed with an odd, slightly raw scent from her.

“Sorry for the sudden visit. I was in the capital and wanted to see you.”

“You’re always welcome.”

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

I sensed a heavy barrier in her heart.

We sat, and a maid brought tea and light refreshments.

“I heard you’re attending the ball in the capital.”

I broached the subject, watching for her reaction.

“Yes, the king’s birthday ball.”

Her reply was flat.

I noticed her hand trembling slightly as she held her cup.

“And your partner…”

I trailed off deliberately, gauging her response.

“Prince Victor.”

Her face twitched for a moment, but she quickly regained composure.

That fleeting expression hinted at her true feelings.

“That surprised me. I remember how much you disliked him before.”

“People change.”

She sipped her tea, looking away.

“Maybe he has…”

“Yes, his appearance hasn’t changed, but his heart… he helped my family… so…”

A trace of irritation crept into her voice.

It was clear she wanted to end the conversation.

But I wasn’t ready to let it go.

“Eleanor, if something’s troubling you…”

“There’s nothing troubling me.”

Her answer came too quickly.

And it was cold.

“Really? I remember five years ago, when he wouldn’t leave you alone.”

“That’s in the past. Don’t bring it up.”

Her voice carried clear rejection.

She was avoiding the topic.

“I’m worried he’s forcing you.”

At my words, Eleanor’s expression froze.

Anger, fear, and deep sadness flickered in her eyes.

But she quickly suppressed it.

“No… nothing like that.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

“Don’t worry more than you need to. It’s just a social obligation.”

“A social obligation? What about Alexander?”

When I mentioned Alexander, the color drained from her face.

Her cup tilted, spilling tea onto the saucer.

“He… he’ll understand.”

Her voice grew small, laced with obvious guilt.

“Will he? He seems deeply hurt.”

Eleanor looked up, meeting my eyes for a moment.

Her gaze swirled with unspoken emotions—love, guilt, despair, and above all, fierce regret.

“Leia, please… stop talking about this.”

Her voice held a plea.

“Why? If you’d just tell me the truth…”

“There’s nothing to tell!”

She suddenly raised her voice.

The rare passion in it startled me.

The clink of her cup echoed as she set it down, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

“I’m sorry… but really, there’s nothing…”

Her words trailed off.

She was clearly struggling.

Wanting to speak but unable to.

Wanting help but unable to ask.

“Eleanor… is something hard to say? Is he threatening you? I want to help…”

“I’m fine. I’m in control.”

She spoke defiantly, but her voice rang hollow.

“By the way, how about you?”

She was clearly changing the subject.

“I heard you’re going to the ball with Alexander.”

“Yes… he asked me.”

“Be kind to him.”

Her words carried unexpected tenderness and deep pain.

In that moment, I understood she truly loved Alexander.

And for some reason, she couldn’t express that love.

“Eleanor, it’s not just about the donation, is it? Something happened, didn’t it? Tell me… if the prince has truly become kind, he wouldn’t ask an engaged woman to be his partner. I swear I won’t tell anyone…”

“Nothing…”

The door suddenly opened.

“Eleanor, I heard you had a guest.”

It was Prince Victor.

He was even more obese than five years ago, his face slick with sweat as he entered.

Seeing him, my anger flared anew.

But more shocking was Eleanor’s reaction.

Her body tensed instantly, her face became a mask, devoid of expression.

It was unmistakably a reaction of fear.

“Your Highness…”

Eleanor’s voice hardened.

I saw her hand tremble slightly.

“A Braveheart girl…”

The prince’s eyes locked on me, his face twisting with fear for a moment. He remembered five years ago.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

I smiled coldly.

“I haven’t heard much about your tales of valor lately… are you still training?”

At my words, his face flushed with anger and fear.

He tried to speak but only managed heavy breaths.

“Leia… apologize for that remark…”

Eleanor called my name in a warning tone.

Her eyes were filled with clear fear.

Not for herself, but for me.

She was afraid of what the prince might do.

Understanding the situation, I decided to rein in my anger for now.

To help Eleanor, confronting the prince head-on wasn’t the best approach; I needed a different strategy.

“Just a jest, my apologies, Your Highness.”

I forced a polite smile.

“I’m only here to visit Eleanor today.”

The prince eyed me suspiciously but seemed to relax slightly.

“I see…”

He approached Eleanor, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Her body visibly stiffened.

For a moment, intense disgust flashed in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with composure.

“How are the preparations for the ball?”

“Yes, I’ve chosen a dress.”

She forced a smile.

Imagining the storm of emotions behind that smile, my heart ached.

“Good. I look forward to seeing a beautiful woman like you in a fitting dress.”

His words dripped with ulterior motives.

His eyes roamed over her body, predatory.

I clenched my fists, struggling to contain my anger.

Eleanor’s situation was clearly worse than I’d imagined.

She was being forced to comply with the prince for some reason.

But she wouldn’t share that reason with me.

“I should take my leave.”

I stood, offering parting courtesies.

Staying longer risked losing control of my emotions.

“I see…”

Eleanor’s voice held reluctance and a hint of resignation.

She didn’t seem to want help, but her eyes spoke of something unspoken.

“Let’s meet again at the ball.”

I smiled at her, infusing it with a silent promise: I’ll save you.

Even if she didn’t ask for help, as her friend, I felt it was my duty.

“Oh, the ball… you’re attending too?”

The prince asked, his face showing displeasure.

“Yes, with Alexander.”

At those words, his eyes narrowed.

He glanced at Eleanor, then back at me.

A fleeting, intense emotion crossed Eleanor’s face.

Likely a reaction to Alexander’s name.

Her eyes held sadness and deep affection.

“I see…”

He seemed to be calculating something.

“Then, at the ball.”

I bowed politely and left the room.

Before closing the door, my eyes met Eleanor’s.

Her gaze held fierce resolve, regret, and deep loneliness.

She seemed to have chosen to fight alone.

Leaving the Frostheart residence and boarding the carriage, my mind raced with thoughts.

Eleanor’s situation was undeniably serious.

She was likely being threatened by the prince.

Yet, with her strong pride, she might be trying to resolve it alone.

“I have to do something…”

I muttered softly.

With only a few days until the ball, I had to act within that time.

To save Eleanor, expose the prince’s misdeeds, and protect her relationship with Alexander.

Even if Eleanor didn’t want it, as her friend, I had to help.

That’s what friendship meant.

As my thoughts churned, I renewed my resolve.

In a different way than five years ago, but with the same strength and courage, I would face the prince again.

*

Three days before the ball, I had arranged to meet Alexander.

My dress was ready, but he’d invited me to pick out accessories together.

“As partners, I’d like us to match in style.”

His voice held a touch of brightness.

Though shaken by Eleanor’s situation, preparing for the ball seemed to lift his spirits slightly.

Waiting at the central plaza, he arrived a bit early.

Dressed in blue and silver formal attire, he looked as gallant as ever.

“Not keeping you waiting, am I?”

“I just got here.”

He smiled, offering his arm.

His gentlemanly gesture warmed my cheeks.

“Which shop are we going to?”

“I thought Crystal Garden, the capital’s finest jewelry store. They have items perfect for the ball, and I’m acquainted with the owner, Martin.”

It was a thoughtful, well-planned suggestion, typical of Alexander.

We walked side by side toward the upscale shopping district, slightly off the central plaza.

The weather was pleasant, the streets bustling with people.

With the ball approaching, other nobles were also shopping for accessories, some visibly surprised to see Alexander and me together.

“They’re probably gossiping about us.”

“Don’t mind them. I’m proud to attend the ball with you, no matter what they say.”

His words warmed my heart.

I knew it was friendly encouragement, but it made me happy.

As we neared the shopping district, the streets grew livelier.

Shop signs and display windows caught the eye, and Alexander shared stories about the city’s history and buildings.

His knowledge and calm demeanor soothed me.

“By the way, I heard you visited Eleanor.”

His sudden shift in topic caught me off guard.

“Yes, I went to see her the other day…”

“How… was she?”

His voice carried unconcealed worry and affection.

“Well… she seemed…”

I chose my words carefully, unsure how to convey her complex situation.

“She’s hiding something, I think. But she wouldn’t tell me…”

Alexander’s insight was sharp.

“Yes… she didn’t want to talk. But she seemed reluctant about attending the ball with the prince.”

“I knew it…”

He let out a heavy sigh.

“If the prince is forcing her…”

His words, laced with anger, echoed my own feelings.

But with Eleanor unwilling to share, our options were limited.

“For now, we’ll see her at the ball. We can gauge things then…”

My words trailed off.

Ahead, at the entrance to Crystal Garden, I saw familiar figures.

“Is that… Eleanor?”

Alexander’s gaze fixed.

Indeed, there were Eleanor and Prince Victor, about to enter the store.

“They’re probably preparing for the ball too.”

Alexander’s voice was heavy, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

“Let’s go closer.”

I suggested.

“At least we can greet them.”

He hesitated but nodded, and we approached the store.

Inside, the shop sparkled with fine jewels and gold and silver craftsmanship.

Elegant music played softly, and a few customers were being attended by courteous staff.

Near the back counter, there were Eleanor and Prince Victor.

They seemed to be looking at a diamond necklace, but something about the scene felt off.

As we approached, the prince’s voice carried over.

“This necklace would look stunning on your chest…”

His voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear, its content clearly inappropriate.

“How about it? Want it? I’ll buy it for you…”

The prince’s hand slid from Eleanor’s waist downward, brazenly touching her buttocks over her dress.

Humiliation clouded her face, but in front of the shop staff, she couldn’t raise her voice, only quietly trying to brush his hand away.

“Your Highness, please… not in a place like this…”

Her small voice reached us.

Resolute yet somehow restrained, as if bound, unable to fully reject him, her demeanor stoked my rising anger.

“What’s wrong? You’re my partner, aren’t you?”

The prince didn’t lower his tone, speaking as if to ensure others heard.

The shop staff averted their eyes, visibly uncomfortable.

“This is…”

Alexander’s voice trembled.

His fists were clenched, anger etched on his face.

“Alexander, hold back…”

I placed a hand on his arm, though my own anger was barely contained.

“Oh, Eleanor.”

I called out.

Both Eleanor and the prince turned, their faces showing surprise.

The prince’s complexion paled instantly.

“L-Leia… Alexander…”

Eleanor’s voice mixed warning with fear.

Her eyes seemed to plead, “Stay away.”

“Are you two shopping for accessories as well?”

I spoke as calmly as I could.

But seeing the prince’s hand still on Eleanor’s body, suppressing my anger was a struggle.

“Yes, that’s right.”

The prince answered curtly.

He pulled Eleanor closer to his side.

“If you have business, make it quick. I’m busy.”

“Eleanor, are you okay?”

Alexander’s voice was gentle, but his eyes burned with anger.

“Yes… ngh… I’m fine…”

Her response sounded hollow.

Her eyes held a plea for help but also a complex message: “Don’t get involved.”

“Hey, Granblue boy.”

The prince raised his voice.

“Don’t talk to her. She’s my partner now.”

With those words, he began touching Eleanor’s body more lewdly.

As she squirmed, my anger reached a boiling point.

“Hah… Y-Your Highness, please… stop…”

Eleanor’s voice trembled.

Tears of humiliation welled in her eyes.

At that moment, I reached my limit.

“Stop it!”

My voice echoed through the store.

Every customer and staff member turned in shock.

“Let go of her!”

The prince flinched but quickly regained his arrogant demeanor.

“What’s that? You think you can order royalty around, Braveheart girl… another one of your ‘lessons’?”

“I just can’t stand by while my friend is made uncomfortable.”

I stepped forward.

The prince instinctively released Eleanor, stepping back.

“Leia, stop!”

Eleanor positioned herself between me and the prince.

“This… is my problem…”

“But he’s—”

“I chose to be his partner!”

Eleanor’s shout left me speechless.

Tears glistened in her eyes.

“This is my issue. It doesn’t concern you.”

Her cold words stung.

But the pleading in her eyes made it clear she wasn’t speaking her true feelings.

“Eleanor…”

Alexander stepped forward.

At the sight of him, Eleanor’s expression shifted.

Her eyes widened, filled with deep sadness.

“Alexander… please, ugh, understand…”

Her voice was small, trembling.

“Understand what? That you’re being treated like this?”

Alexander’s voice carried uncontainable emotion.

“I… I…”

Eleanor’s words faltered.

She seemed to want to say something but couldn’t.

“Enough.”

The prince interjected.

He grabbed Eleanor’s arm, pulling her to his side.

“She’s my partner. Keep your noses out of it.”

His voice carried menace, but his eyes, especially when looking at me, held a trace of fear.

I noticed his body tremble slightly.

“Eleanor, you don’t have to endure this.”

Alexander spoke quietly.

“If something’s wrong, tell us. We can help.”

“That’s… enough…”

Eleanor’s tone was icy, like a mask of frost.

“Your Highness, let’s… go quickly…”

She placed a hand on the prince’s arm, urging him.

The prince smirked smugly, casting a triumphant glance at Alexander and me.

“Goodbye, Granblue. And Braveheart.”

With that parting shot, he moved to leave with Eleanor.

But as they turned, Eleanor glanced back at us.

Her eyes carried a silent message—a mix of “Forgive me” and “Don’t help me,” steeped in complex emotion.

Silence returned to the store.

The staff looked away awkwardly, and other customers began whispering.

“Why did she defend the prince?”

I asked, stunned.

“There must be a reason…”

Alexander’s voice was quiet, his eyes filled with sadness and firm resolve.

“She should hate him. There’s no way she wants to be with someone so vile.”

“Yes… she might be threatened.”

“But she won’t tell us anything.”

“She has her reasons. Eleanor always tries to handle everything alone…”

Alexander gazed into the distance, sighing softly.

“We have to trust her. And do everything we can.”

I nodded at his words.

We went ahead and looked at accessories, but our hearts weren’t in it.

Our minds were consumed with Eleanor’s complex situation and how to save her.

We chose an emerald and diamond pendant, matching my dress and Alexander’s silver adornments.

Given the territory’s situation and financial concerns, it was a painful expense, but for the king’s celebration, nobles had to dress appropriately.

Normally, I’d be thrilled, but my heart wasn’t in it now.

“We need to find a way to talk to Eleanor at the ball.”

I murmured on the way back.

“Yes… but the prince won’t let her out of his sight.”

“We’ll have to think of something…”

We walked quietly, beginning to strategize.

The ball would be more than a social event—it would be a battlefield to rescue our friend.

That night, I stood by the window, lost in thought.

Eleanor’s image from today.

The contradictions within her.

Hating the prince yet defending him.

Needing help yet rejecting it.

“There’s something going on…”

I whispered, gazing at the starry sky.

Eleanor’s secrets, the invisible chains binding her.

And what I could do.

At the ball, I had to find a way to save her.

I renewed my resolve.

To save my friend and uncover the truth.