Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 153
For the first time, Genevieve realized that when people become excessively angry, it feels like their insides are turning upside down, causing a sharp pain and nausea. She wasn’t someone who typically expressed anger easily.
Since childhood, showing anger had always led to undesirable outcomes for her. She had learned early on that suppressing her rising emotions and enduring the situation allowed her to avoid a worse beating.
She quickly understood that rebellion only resulted in more hits and that reality wouldn’t change. It was easier not to think deeply and to accept things as they were. She had learned that humans couldn’t endlessly muster strength to resist, and when hardships and adversity persisted, it was easier to give up and accept them.
This coping mechanism, developed to endure her stepfather’s abuse, remained part of her character, even now that she had become the Saintess.
Genevieve could brush off most misfortunes with a smile, and even when someone insulted her to her face, she accepted it with calm composure.
Though outwardly this seemed like positivity, deep down, it was rooted in a cynical sense of defeat.
Neither the Pope, who disgustingly massaged her neck and shoulders while saying it was because she reminded him of his granddaughter, nor the jealous people who hated her with murderous envy for receiving more of the Pope’s affection, could truly anger Genevieve.
Even the mouths that spread nasty rumors behind her back, or the persistent misunderstandings, were nothing compared to the guilt she felt over Adeline’s death.
In some ways, she possessed the very virtue most needed by a benevolent Saintess.
But now, Genevieve was so furious that her hands were trembling, and she didn’t know what to do.
If no one were watching, she would have given in to the impulse to throw and break whatever she could lay her hands on.
It infuriated her to no end that after sticking close to Adeline for days, she had nearly lost her in a place as safe as her own home.
‘I had everything covered. I’ve left no room for mistakes.’
Genevieve had tried to find out what was going on without letting Adeline know anything.
Edwin, Shane, and the Bertrand family had all worked together. They had minimized Adeline’s contact with others and thoroughly investigated anyone who could approach her.
Every one of them carried an item blessed by Genevieve herself, too.
For the past few days, Adeline had been as well-protected as anyone could be.
“Please! Spare me! I swear, it wasn’t me!”
Princess Mia of Brubewein was being dragged out by soldiers, screaming in desperation.
Genevieve, standing beside Harrison, watched the scene passively.
The charges against Princess Mia were unclear.
Strictly speaking, she was innocent. There was no evidence connecting her to the poisoned teacup. Her movements, her personal information—nothing matched.
But there was no concrete proof of her innocence either.
What was clear was that someone from Brubewein had committed the crime. Even a cursory investigation revealed ample evidence that Brubewein was deeply tied to dark sorcery.
They had managed to stay under the radar simply because no one had been paying attention.
Had they only used their tricks to gain small, petty advantages, this might not have been an issue worth pursuing.
Kneeling before Edwin, Mia desperately scanned the crowd, hoping to find a familiar face who could save her. When her hazel eyes landed on Patrick Bertrand, hope filled them.
Despite his reputation for being cold, Patrick had always smiled at her and spoken to her kindly. Mia was convinced he liked her. He wasn’t like Keith, but she believed he could take her to a different life…
But Patrick merely looked down at her with a cold, expressionless gaze.
Not a single one of the servants, maids, or even officials from Brubewein spoke up in protest, despite seeing their princess dragged like a dog to kneel before them. Mia felt the full weight of what it meant to be from a weak nation.
Edwin took a step forward and spoke.
“I’ll give you a chance to explain yourself. After all, you are royalty. It would be cruel for you to be beheaded without being allowed a final word.”
“It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it! Please, believe me! Where is Kaitlyn Blair? Ask her! I know nothing!”
“Princess Mia. For people like us, ignorance is a crime in itself.”
There was no time to interrogate everyone with excuses and justifications.
As royalty, Mia had to take responsibility. It was a grave offense not to have kept her subordinates in check.
“I swear, I-I told her not to…”
“See? You knew what that woman was going to do. You can’t claim innocence if you brought her here knowingly.”
“It was something she did on her own! Brubewein has nothing to do with it!”
“So quick to discard her after using her for your benefit.”
Her swift change in demeanor was sharp.
