TOPWL 28

“I don’t think it’s necessary to donate money or jewelry. I believe donations can also be made through songs, music, poetry, paintings, or even precious embroidery.” 

“Sonia’s words are correct. I will cherish anything that is given.”

“If you plan to hold a charity event, when and where will it take place?” A woman raised her hand and asked. After a brief pause, Selena answered.

“I’ll need to check the schedule, but for now, I’m thinking of holding it about a month from now at the Craven estate on the outskirts of the capital.”

“I would also like to perform music. Would that be possible?”

One by one, people began asking questions. Things were progressing more smoothly than expected. While Selena occasionally stumbled, she responded with ease. Whenever a topic arose that she couldn’t address, the Cravens stepped in to speak on her behalf.

“As for the discussions on compensation for the damages, we will visit each of you at your homes starting tomorrow to speak with you slowly and carefully. I am truly sorry that what should have been a joyous gathering turned into a painful memory.”

No voices of criticism were heard from those gathered as Selena bowed her head. She raised her head and gazed at the crowd.

“Donations will generally be made under real names, but we will also accept anonymous contributions. If anyone wishes to donate anonymously, please send the items to the Craven estate. Additionally, the budget for the proceeds will be made transparent. If there are any additional funds, they will be donated to other causes that need help.”

This was a message from Selena to the person who had thrown the cigarette. People with quick wits understood her intent, while others debated the point of anonymous donations.

“Thank you sincerely for listening to our discussion. Please be careful on your way home.”

Selena bowed to the crowd, and someone began clapping. Others joined in, and soon the room was filled with applause. Yudit also clapped as enthusiastically as anyone else.

As people left the room like the ebbing tide, Yudit sat on the sofa, leaning back. He felt as exhausted as if a huge wave had passed.

“Here, Your Highness.”

Selena handed Yudit a glass of fruit juice.

“Thank you.”

The fruit juice had a strong tangy taste. He thought he wouldn’t drink much due to his fatigue, but the refreshing taste made him continue sipping.

“I added a bit more orange and lemon. It’s good for boosting your appetite and restoring your energy.”

“Really?”

Selena sat across from Yudit with the fruit juice. Today, Khalid hadn’t come. Only his representative had come and gone. Yudit felt relieved but also a bit regretful.

“Selena, you did really well today.”

Yudit spoke kindly. Selena’s smiling expression quickly turned pained. Tears, like beads, fell from her eyes. Yudit hurriedly took a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

“I’m sorry.”

It seemed that Yudit’s words had touched something in Selena. As she accepted the handkerchief, she shook her head.

“It’s not your fault. Hearing those words made me feel a little more at ease…”

With the handkerchief, Selena wiped her eyes but immediately broke down in tears again, her face hidden. At that moment, Lyett and Sonia, who had briefly stepped out, entered the room.

“Lady Selena, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”

Lyett and Sonia rushed in to comfort her. Selena waved her hand, signaling that she was fine.

“I’m fine. I just feel a bit more at ease now that everything’s over…” Lyett and Sonia’s expressions softened, realizing it wasn’t something tragic that had made Selena cry.

“Over? No, this is just the beginning. A charity event isn’t an easy thing.”

Lyett crossed her arms and spoke, though her confident demeanor contradicted her words. It was no surprise since today’s gathering had gone exactly as planned by the four of them.

Yudit had arrived at Lyett’s townhouse much earlier than the meeting time. As expected, Selena’s family and Lyett were already there.

“Your Highness…? You’ve come early.”

“I’ve come to keep my promise.”

“Really?”

“We agreed to think for a solution together.” Yudit’s words caused Selena’s eyes to well up with tears once again.

“We shouldn’t be doing this here. Please, come in.”

Yudit was led to a seat, where he heard about their plans. The Cravens intended to offer them sufficient compensation, most of which would come from Selena’s dowry.

“I won’t be marrying.”

Yesterday’s party had been an event to show that Selena could host a gathering on her own. Because of that, the Count and his wife intentionally did not stay at the townhouse. However, the accident happened, resulting in astronomical damages.

It was a relief that the fire didn’t spread to the neighboring house. Townhouses are usually built close together, making it easy for fires to spread, but they were fortunate this time. However, the Craven family, who had already spent a lot on Selena’s wedding prospers , couldn’t bear the financial burden of the damage. Knowing this, Selena decided to forgo the marriage and use her dowry as compensation for the damages.

Yudit, who had been quietly listening to Selena’s story, spoke up.

“How about holding a charity event?”

“A charity event?”

“This wasn’t Selena’s fault; it was an accident caused by someone throwing a cigarette. And everyone knows you stayed behind, risking your life to help people until the very end, despite being the host of the party. There might not be much opposition if you announce a charity ball.”

“That’s a good idea. Can I hear more about it?”

At the sound of the voice from behind, Selena turned around.

“Sonia!”

Sonia, who had arrived earlier than expected, greeted them. The group focused on the charity event, planning it step by step. Yudit, knowing the right moment, suggested the idea of a charity event, and others played their parts in supporting the cause. In the end, the result was a success.

“I didn’t expect Lady Raphine to cooperate so actively.”

“Yes, I’ve never seen the Marchioness speak so much.”

“Anyway, it’s something we should be thankful for.”

Yudit thought about Raphine. Just before leaving, Raphine had looked at Yudit as if she had something to say. Yudit, too, expected her to say something, so he waited for her. However, instead of approaching Yudit, Raphine turned and left the room with the others. She was an intriguing person.

“Thank you so much, Your Highness. You really worked hard last night, Lady Selena. I will assist you with all my heart, so feel free to contact me whenever you need help.”

Selena hesitated for a moment at Yudit’s words and then asked.

“Umm, Your Highness. May I ask you something?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“I went to the newspaper office this morning. I wanted to ask them not to write too sensationally about today’s events. But they told me it was already too late to stop the article. Could it be that Your Highness is involved in this matter?”

Selena’s voice was filled with certainty. Sonia and Lyett also seemed curious and focused their attention on Yudit.

“I’m not very involved. It was actually His Grace the Duke who made sure that article didn’t get published.”

“So it was the Duke after all.”

“… But if His Highness hadn’t asked, the Duke wouldn’t have done such a thing, would he?”

Lyett interjected, making a slightly bold statement. Selena seemed to be debating whether or not to caution her about the remark.

“That’s not quite it. Before I could ask, His Grace had already contacted the newspaper.”

Although it was all true, they didn’t seem to believe it entirely. They all firmly believed that Yudit had made the request to prevent the article from being published.

“Your Highness, you’re an omega, right?”

Sonia, who had been quietly listening, asked. Yudit nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct. My traits are weak, so I’m almost like a beta.”

Sonia, too, was an omega. Likely, a dominant omega. Even though she was common-born, a dominant omega could marry into nobility or even the royal family. The reason Reginald was courting her was probably because of this. A dominant omega had a much higher chance of bearing a dominant alpha or omega child, compared to other omegas.