One side was the royal family; the other, Duke Ruta. Though both came to save face, it was ultimately just a childish squabble between households. Due to their statuses, they compromised and dropped the matter. Yet Duke Ruta still wore a grim expression on the way home, planning to confront the Empress tomorrow about how she raised her children.

Well, only someone as respected as Duke Ruta dared question Her Majesty like that. But Rebecca, not wanting more trouble, kept soothing him during the ride. She urged him to let it go, reminding him his heart condition couldn’t handle anger—or it might worsen.

Duke Ruta was deeply moved, praising Rebecca for being sensible. Then he muttered curses about the hopeless royal brats of this generation…

Back home, everyone gathered for dinner. Two guests joined them: Laura and Kami, who’d helped find Rebecca.

“Rebecca was bullied at the academy?” Charles asked, slightly surprised. He glanced up at Rebecca, who sat silently eating with her head down.

“Yes! Royal children today are worse than ever—stooping to bullying, shaming their own dignity!” At this, Duke Ruta’s anger flared again.

Rebecca immediately tugged his sleeve, signaling him to calm down.

*You have a heart condition! All this shouting and emotional swings—if your illness flares up, what then??*

“Oh… Rebecca, I’m not angry, not angry~~” Duke Ruta chuckled, then apologized to her.

“…” Everyone stared helplessly at Duke Ruta, who was only this gentle with Rebecca. Even sisters Anna and Carina felt a trace of jealousy over how favored she was. Outsiders Laura and Kami, familiar with his temper, were simply astonished.

“Tomorrow I’ll report this to Her Majesty. She must punish those unruly royal brats,” Charles declared. Unusually, he didn’t stay silent about Rebecca’s ordeal or oppose her—he supported her. Rebecca was surprised.

Unbeknownst to her, Charles had investigated thoroughly but found no proof she was his brother’s child. Yet Rebecca caused no trouble at home and brought his father such joy. His view of her had shifted slightly. Though he didn’t fully believe her claim, he now saw her as a younger relative.

Duke Ruta waved a hand. “Rebecca doesn’t want this. Let it rest.”

“Uh…” Charles blinked, glancing at Rebecca. He was amazed she’d persuaded his father—who never let slights go unpunished.

“Eat, eat~ Laura, Kami, thank you for finding Rebecca today.”

“Duke Ruta, she’s our friend. It’s only right,” Laura said maturely. But Rebecca knew she was faking it…

“Thanks to you both, or my poor Rebecca would still be with the Demon Race…” Duke Ruta shuddered. Had he not seen her now—so lovely, sensible, and quietly eating—he wouldn’t dread it. But imagining her still trapped with the Demon Race chilled him to the bone.

Dinner ended peacefully. Duke Ruta finished his medicinal meal and retired. The children gathered together.

“Rebecca, tomorrow we’re coming to your classroom. I’ll see who dares bully you!” Laura said fiercely.

“Rebecca, as your sister, I’m coming too!” Carina declared, pounding her chest.

“What for? To cause chaos or perform comedy?” Anna yanked Carina’s hair, pulling her back to her seat.

“Ahhh, it hurts! Sister, I’m helping my little sister!”

“Sigh… Sometimes I doubt you’re Rebecca’s sister at all,” Anna said with exasperation.

Because Miss Monise was strict and impartial, even Duke Ruta’s anger couldn’t move Rebecca from that problematic class—where royals studied. What did being a duke’s granddaughter matter? Rebecca got her wish to stay in the underachiever class. But skipping lessons might now be impossible; she was under close watch…

“Rebecca, be honest. Did you beat someone up?” Kami asked suddenly, staring at her with a faint, unreadable smile.

Rebecca shook her head instantly, replying without a blush or hesitation.

*Little rascal, playing mind games? What are you probing for??*

“Kami, Rebecca would never beat anyone! Don’t be silly!” Laura chuckled.

After rescuing her from the Dark Lord’s palace, didn’t Laura know Rebecca? She was physically delicate… ahem! Gentle, meek, and never troublesome.

“Laura, don’t be fooled. She’s mischievous! My gut says she’ll cause you little troubles,” Kami said, tapping Rebecca’s forehead as she sat silently.

This was bad. Kami was the most perceptive. Rebecca’s discreet, repeated disappearances had caught her attention. Though excusable after years with the Demon Race, Kami sensed something off—like how Rebecca always sneaked out for Demon Potions.

“Don’t joke. What trouble could Rebecca cause?” Laura still doubted.

“Alright, I’m overthinking~” Kami waved, then pulled Rebecca into a hug. “I’ll watch you, little one. Cause trouble, and I’ll eat you up!”

“Eat up??” Carina blinked curiously.

“Mhm~ Like this~” Kami opened her mouth, gently nibbling Rebecca’s cheek.

Rebecca shivered. The bite was light—a flirtatious tease.

“Kami! How could you bite Rebecca!” Laura snatched her away. The two reenacted their old “rescue” rivalry—fighting over Rebecca.

“Delicious~” Kami grinned.

Rebecca touched her damp cheek, heart fluttering…

*Being a girl is so great~* (Though she’d only think this now…)

“Wah wah wah~ I want to eat Rebecca too~” Silly Carina pounced.

Seeing trouble, Rebecca wriggled free from Laura and bolted.