I helped the fallen Lord Naserbert get up and supported his wobbly body.
Seeing this, Her Royal Highness the Princess smiled wickedly.
"Such an out-of-date dress and heavy laden make-up. You must be the rumored 'Potato Lady', miss Agnes Evantail."
".......... yes?"
I turn to Her Highness the Princess, wary of what she might say.
It seems to me that she has some other intention than to antagonize me because I went against her wishes.
As expected, Her Royal Highness unleashed a shocking statement to Lord Nazelbert and me.
"Right on cue. Let's hand down the punishment for Nazelbert."
"Punishment ......?"
"Yes! His punishment is banishment to the frontier. And then he will marry the ugly Potato Lady!"
―― Eeeeeh?! Is it me, why?!
The hall was abuzz at once. Everyone stared at us with curious eyes.
―― Is marriage with me that much of a punishment?
This was indeed quite depressing.
However, I could not challenge the princess to her face. Feeling sorry for Lord Nazelbert, I quietly got through the situation.
I am sure that His Majesty the King will do something about it.
※
"You disgrace!"
As soon as I returned home, my father's fist flew at me. Unable to avoid it, I again slammed my whole body into the wall with great force.
Instead of helping me, my mother agreed with my father and blamed me.
"Agnes, I told you! I told you to choose the son of the Viscounts of Bree! How could you marry a sinner who disrespected Her Royal Highness? It's deplorable!"
"You damned moron! You should not have interfered in such a situation! You've been ordered to marry in front of a crowd of people and now...... no house will ever consider you for a wife again!"
All I can do is nod silently.
I don't think any family would have considered me for a wife in the first place.
My parents, who are not well-informed, may have only learned about my current standing, but I am the "Potato Lady" who is ridiculed in social circles.
"I disown you, Agnes! Get out of the Evantail house right now!"
"N-No way...."
―― That's absurd!
I just got back from a party, and it is now well past midnight.
Moreover, when you leave your house, you need to make some preparations, such as luggage. We also have to think about what to do after we leave.
"Father. At least wait a little longer."
And if you can, please cool your head and withdraw your disownment.
My red-faced father forcibly grabs me by the arm and drags me out of the mansion.
―― It hurts, it really hurts!
Not listening, he handed me over to the soldiers outside.
The soldiers guarding the mansion are confused that someone like me has been entrusted to their care.
"Throw her out of the gate!"
"……!?"
Look, look, look~! Even the poor soldiers are freezing up, not knowing what to do with me.
"You bastards, get your asses moving! Or else I'll fire you!!"
But a word uttered by my father seemed to bring them back to their senses, and they began to move hurriedly to take me out. And I am not strong enough to resist the soldiers.
I am not a good enough magician to go on a rampage.
While I was thinking about it, the soldiers carrying me moved toward the gate.
I was thrown out without a second thought, and with too much force, I fell to my hands on the ground.
"Ah.....!"
The heavy iron gate was closed in front of us mercilessly. It was impossible to get inside.
Even if the gates were to open again, the soldiers would not allow me to enter the manor.
My father is stubborn and strict at times like this, so persisting in front of the manor must be futile. He is serious.
"I don't know what to do, I've been thrown away empty-handed. I'm still in my dress...... and even if I wanted to go around to my relatives' houses, they're all in the territory, and it's a few days away from here by carriage."
I walked around the city at night in my grandmother's high-heeled shoes, dragging my heavy dress behind me.
To be honest, I didn't know the geography of the royal capital.
I had been holed up in the mansion, and now I was paying the price for it. I didn't even have any close acquaintances in the royal capital.
Even if I did, they would not accept me, the target of so much scandal.
"What am I really going to do now?"
I wandered the streets under the moonlight and found myself in front of a large square. Even the path I had taken was hazy.
There are not many people on the streets now, but there should be more in the morning.
Fortunately, I heard that the security in the royal capital is not so bad, so I should look for someone I can rely on after it becomes brighter.
"I don't have any other good ideas."
Sitting on the edge of the fountain, I look at the sky over the quiet city that has fallen asleep.
Only the silver moon over the golden stars watches over me in my helpless state.
"Thank goodness the weather is nice."
Feeling a slight chill, I rubbed my arms with both hands.
I turned my head and saw an unexpectedly beautiful figure standing in the darkness. I thought I was looking at the wrong person, but I was sure it was him because of the expensive clothes he was wearing.
"...... Lord Nazelbert?"
I asked fearfully, and the person nodded with a smile on her face.