Chapter 25
Zabel Laurel, the eldest son of the Duke Laurel family... tried to assault Reina, his stepsister and the Saint.
That outrageous incident spread like wildfire through the ducal mansion, sending shockwaves throughout.
"My son did something unforgivable... I'm so sorry! Truly, I'm terribly sorry!"
Upon learning of the situation, Zabel's father, Zeron't, cast aside his position as head of the Duke Laurel family and apologized to Reina.
What Zabel did was absolutely inexcusable.
Even if they aren't related by blood, he tried to assault his sister... and on top of that, the Saint.
If this fact were made public, the Duke Laurel family would be finished.
Not only the shrine, but even the citizens who revere the Saint would turn against them.
"I will give my son a severe punishment. He can even be disinherited. So, could we somehow settle this matter privately...?"
"What are you saying, Father!"
The one who raised her voice wasn't Reina, but Carrot, who was present.
"Lady Reina was nearly assaulted by her brother and was terribly frightened! And yet, you want to cover it up like it never happened? That's absolutely unforgivable!"
"Guh..."
(You shut your mouth! Besides, if the Duke Laurel family falls, you'll be in trouble too, won't you!?)
Zeron't screamed in his heart.
What on earth happened in just one day...? Carrot had grown remarkably attached to Reina, and even now, she was tightly hugging Reina's body.
To begin with, she said Reina had a terrifying experience... but in reality, Reina suffered no harm.
When Zabel sneaked into Reina's room, she had been staying over in Carrot's room and wasn't there.
"B-But... if this continues, the Duke Laurel family will..."
"Father-in-law, please raise your head."
"Lady Reina?"
In Carrot's arms, Reina smiled gently.
"Let's keep this matter between us. There's no need to make a fuss."
"I-Is that really okay? Truly?"
"Lady Reina, are you sure about this?"
"Yes. I don't mind."
Reina smiled warmly and looked at everyone present with eyes full of compassion.
"I am already a member of the Duke Laurel family. I don't want to excessively blame my family for their mistakes. If Brother-in-law Zabel truly reflects on his actions, that's enough. There's no need to disinherit him. Please don't punish him too harshly."
"I-I understand... I'll make sure Zabel reflects deeply."
"In exchange, if I ever make a mistake in the future, please forgive me with a smile. Let's call it even, shall we?"
Bathed in a divine glow, she declared it with a Saint's smile.
At that all-embracing gentle smile, Carrot clutched her chest and cried out, "Hau!"
"I-If Lady Reina says so, I have nothing more to say. I'll make sure that foolish brother rubs his head on the ground and apologizes."
"We are grateful for your mercy... Saint Reina..."
Carrot clasped her hands in prayer, and Zeron't deeply bowed his head.
The crisis that could have led to the downfall of the Duke family was averted—thanks to Reina's mercy.
(Lady Reina would never make a mistake... To be so merciful for that foolish brother...!)
(Thank goodness Lady Reina is such a kind-hearted person... I really can't lift my head anymore...)
Carrot and Zeron't both praised Reina's kindness and nobility.
"Fufufu..."
However... Zeron't hadn't realized it yet.
That the Duke Laurel family had incurred an enormous debt to Reina.
Rather than using Saint Reina for the sake of the Duke Laurel family, Zeron't had ended up being the one used instead.