My Engagement was Cancelled so I will stop Pretending to be a Fool

That night, Tiana was fuming.

The place is the worker house constructed for the prisoners near the excavation site.

Each prisoner is assigned their own room but the room is only big enough to fit a small bed. To prevent them from escaping, the window was built into the ceiling which only allowed a small amount of light to enter from above. They even have to clean the narrow and dirty shared toilet and bath themselves. For Tiana who’s formerly a noble lady from a count house, this humiliating environment is unbearable.

Lighting the small oil lamp, Tiana gazes down at her hands which have become rough, and frowned. Her neatly trimmed nails have been cut short and dirty. The back of her hand is also rough and ridden with small scratches from the excavation work. The most unforgivable thing though is the sunburn. Her smooth pure white skin has become the shade of earthenware pottery.

(Even though I have to endure all this……..!)

It was only a coincidence.

At lunch break today, Tiana was resting in the shade of a tree when she saw a familiar woman from a distance. When she focused her eyes, she found that it was Olivia with unblemished white skin and a beautiful dress accompanied by Cyrus and Alan.

That was unforgivable. That place is supposed to be hers. Yet, thanks to Olivia, she was forced to live in this terrible environment and dig through the dirt all day.

(Absolutely unforgivable.)

Tiana got up from her bed and left her room with the oil lamp. However, she was immediately stopped by one of the guards.

“No.214, where are you going.”

Tiana grit her teeth at the way he called her. This place doesn’t even use her name. Each prisoner is called by the assigned number which is written on the door to their room.

Enduring the humiliation, Tiana turned away in a soured mood.

“I’m just going for a walk. It’s fine right, it’s not even bedtime yet.”

“Be quick about it.”

“I know!”

After replying so in a harsh tone, Tiana ignored the guard who was about to say something more and left.

The wind outside is a little cold. There is only a small window in her room so it’s usually hot in there.

With her back turned against the building, Tiana sat down on a pile of stacked logs. She then looked up to the starry sky. She hates the life here but if there’s one thing she’s like it’s the night sky. Compared to the night sky of the royal capital, the starry sky here is much more beautiful.

When she let out a sigh as she gazed into the night sky, she suddenly heard a noise. It originated from the forest nearby. Thinking that it’s probably just some guards on patrol, Tiana ignored the rattling noise but she jumped in surprise when a man emerged from the thicket.

“S——.”

“Tsk!”

The man instantly closed in on Tiana and covered her mouth with his palm.

Tiana’s eyes opened wide in surprise as she looked up at the man’s face.

Illuminated by the moonlight, Tiana could tell that the man is in his mid-twenties. He has a tall and firm build. The palm that he used to cover her mouth was both thick and rough. His hair is black and his eyes are bluish-gray. She has never seen him before. At the very least, she thinks that he’s not one of the guards patrolling this area.

“If you promise to not make any noise then I will take my hand off.”

Hearing that, Tiana gives the man a small nod. If it’s this man then he would be able to break her neck faster than she could call for help. Moreover, if the man intends to kidnap her then she would gladly comply. Rather than keep digging this place for the rest of her life, being sold off somewhere is much better. Since she’s cute, she should be able to live a good life even if she’s sold.

Thinking so, Tiana thought that the idea wasn’t so bad. At this rate, even some rich old man is fine. If she can get a better life then she will gladly go along. It’s also possible that she might get bought by a good nature gentleman too.

When the man took his hand off her mouth, Tiana extended her hand for him with a grin on her face.

“I will be in your care okay.”

“…….Ha?”

“I mean, you can take me away.”

The man cast a suspicious gaze at her.

Seeing that, Tiana cocked her head and says [you don’t get it?]

“You want to take me away right? I’m cute so I’m sure that I will fetch a high price you know. Find a good man for me okay. You won’t get a deficit from this I guarantee you.”

“……what are you talking about?”

The man confusedly asked while repeatedly blinking.

Seeing that, Tiana snapped.

“Come one, just make up your mind already!”

“About what……..”

“I am saying that I am giving your permission to sell me off you know! I was supposed to be the queen of this country okay! Whatever, just take me away from this place and sell me to someone rich!”

The man’s thoughts processor was fried and his face stiffened.

In response, Tiana puts her hands on her hips and stands up before urging the man to quickly take her away.

Still confused, the man put his hand on his chin and thinks.

Tiana was impatient. If they take their time here then the guards might find them. What a dull man. He’s not qualified as a kidnapper at all.

Then, a possibility dawned on Tiana. Perhaps this man is unaware of her beauty. Tiana is wearing a shabby prisoner uniform. Her hair lost its luster and her skin has become tanned and rough. The man might be thinking of her as some poor commoner girl. Thinking so, Tiana was unamused.

“You may not notice it because I am dressed like this but I am the daughter of Count Lemone you know! I’ve never gone to a party where a man doesn’t try to court me okay. Even His Highness the Crown Prince had his eyes set on me. If I dress up then even you will fall for me!”

“…..you want to get away from this place?”

Eventually, the man asked in a tired voice.

“Obviously! Who would willingly stay in a place like this.”

“Is that so.”

The man nodded while listening to the sound from their surroundings.

“I guess it’s about time some patrol arrives huh.”

“I’ve told you to hurry it up didn’t I!”

“It sounds like you misunderstood something. I’m not a kidnapper, and I have no intention of taking you out of here.”

“Wha—.”

Tiana broke down and collapsed on the spot. When she thought that she could finally get away from this place, it seems that her joy was short-lived. Just what on earth did this man come here for then? How useless.

The man looked down at Tiana and let out a small smile.

“I can’t take you out of this place right now but if you want to escape then I’m willing to help you know.”

“What did you say?”

Tiana’s face immediately snapped up.

Then, as though he’s telling her a secret, the man put his index finger in front of his lips.

“Actually, this ruin has a secret.”

Tiana gulped and listened to the man’s story.

TLN: I wonder who’s this man………….I have no idea at all………………..AT ALL……