Slow Life in the Frontier with the Villainess

Snap.

Celestina’s fan snapped shut.

The face it had concealed showed no trace of tears. If anything, a faint smile graced her lips.

“Hmm. Are you suggesting that I harassed Iroha?” she asked, casually addressing the “Azure Saintess” without honorifics.

Luchriedit’s brows furrowed at her audacious tone, and his voice, barely masking his anger, demanded,
“That’s right. You must have some idea of what you’ve done, don’t you?”

“How unfortunate, but I have no recollection of such a thing.”

“You dare feign ignorance!?”

“No, truly. I have no memory of it whatsoever.”

“Then why would Iroha have to endure such humiliation!?”

“That, I cannot say. In fact, I’d like to know myself.”

“How shameless! Are you accusing Iroha of lying!?”

“I said no such thing. I’m merely stating the facts. Rather, I wonder—what have you done for Iroha? Isn’t it the duty of someone bound by ‘true love’ to protect their beloved from such misfortune?” Celestina’s tone remained calm and composed.

Luchriedit ground his teeth in frustration.
“Enough excuses! I won’t allow someone as faithless as you to remain my fiancée! This engagement is nullified! According to Article 6, Clause 3 of the Solmontaille Imperial Charter, I, as the first in line to the throne, have the authority to pass judgment in the Emperor’s absence. Objections will not be tolerated!”

He recited the article with practiced confidence, clearly proud of his knowledge.

The Solmontaille Imperial Charter was the fundamental law governing the empire, outlining everything from royal conduct to citizens’ duties, the roles of government institutions, and legislative processes.

The specific article Luchriedit cited stated: “In the Emperor’s absence, the individual with the highest claim to the throne shall have the authority to arbitrate.”

Luchriedit had a long history of abusing this clause to push his whims, using it frequently during his childhood and academy years. But to invoke it now—at the age of 17, and over something as serious as an engagement—was beyond anyone’s expectations.

Celestina lowered her brows in feigned regret and partially covered her face with her fan as she replied in a demure voice,
“If that is your decision, I have no choice but to accept it.”

The hall erupted in murmurs. No one had expected her to acquiesce so readily.

Luchriedit beamed and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Ah, Celestina, such a noble decision! I admire your resolve. Now, gather your things and leave the capital at once…”

“Your Highness, may I ask one thing?” Celestina interrupted, halting his triumphant speech.

His expression turned sour as he looked at her.
“…What is it?”

In the same humble tone, she continued,
“Since I am to be exiled from the capital, might you grant me the final kindness of deciding my own future?”

“Fine. Do as you like. I am generous, after all. I’ll grant you this one last wish.”

“Thank you.”

Celestina lowered her fan, her lips curling into a serene smile. She turned on her heel with graceful poise.

“Wait! Where are you going!?”

Luchriedit called after her, flustered, but Celestina paid him no mind. She walked straight toward the circle of people who had gathered to spectate, cutting through the crowd with an air of authority.

Naturally, no one dared block her path, stepping aside to let her pass.

Her destination?

One man. The only person in the hall who had shown no interest in the unfolding spectacle: Dietvelde, the story’s protagonist.

“…Huh?”

Dietvelde blinked in surprise as Celestina appeared before him.

In his hand was a skewer with an orange slice, poised mid-air as he prepared to take a bite. Mouth slightly open, he stared at her in disbelief.

Celestina frowned momentarily at his foolish expression but quickly composed herself, offering a dazzlingly elegant bow that captivated the onlookers.

“Dietvelde, may I humbly ask you to take me to the Savignac Territory?”

“…What?”

“Oh my, did you not hear me? I said, please take me to the Savignac Territory.”

“Wait—what are you talking about?”

To Dietvelde, this was an utter bolt from the blue. He had never imagined that this farcical drama would come crashing down on him.

“Who… who is that?”

Even Luchriedit approached the table, his curiosity piqued.

Celestina turned to the Crown Prince with a mocking smile.
“Why, Your Highness, don’t you know? This is Dietvelde, the son of the Marquis of Savignac.”

“Savignac? Oh, that remote backwater?” Luchriedit sneered, casting a derisive glance at Dietvelde.

“A noble from the fringes of nowhere—why, I didn’t even notice someone like that attended the Imperial Academy. How quaint,” he jeered, eliciting chuckles from the crowd.

It was true. The Savignac Territory, located in the empire’s inland region, was a vast breadbasket but otherwise barren and isolated.

The Marquis of Savignac rarely left his domain, leaving the family largely forgotten in the capital. Few even recognized their name until reminded.

Dietvelde, as the second son, had followed tradition by enrolling in the Imperial Academy. He had lived quietly as an unremarkable presence, blending seamlessly into the background—so much so that even the Crown Prince had failed to notice him for six years.

This anonymity had suited Dietvelde perfectly. But now, at the graduation party, his cover had been blown.

Sighing inwardly, he stepped forward and performed a polite bow to the Crown Prince.
“I am Dietvelde, second son of the Marquis of Savignac. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

Luchriedit smirked, sizing him up with a condescending air.

“Celestina,” he began with a saccharine smile, “I understand how difficult it must be to find a new match after having your engagement annulled. It is no small matter.”

Placing a hand on her back, he added, “But fear not—I, in my wisdom and kindness, have found you a new path.”

Celestina raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity.
“And what might that be?”

With theatrical flair, Luchriedit pushed her forward, positioning her before Dietvelde.

Drawing a dramatic breath, he proclaimed loudly for all to hear,
“By the authority granted to me under Article 6, Clause 3 of the Solmontaille Imperial Charter, I decree: Celestina du Sanctrenar shall marry into the Savignac family!”