Chapter 2, Episode 27: Condemnation (1)

"You look beautiful. Claire."

　It was Alberto who said that.
　In the center of the square, Claire savored her happiness as she danced with Alberto, who had come to dance with her even though he had to sneak away from work.
　Alberto's face, smiling as he danced, was kind, causing Claire to blush.

　She was oppressed by her stepmother and younger sister, and treated like a servant.
　At times, she was harassed and bullied.

　But. Right now, she can do what she likes, and she can be with the people she loves.
　She also made a cute friend called Riese. When she was being bullied by her younger sister, Claire was incredibly unhappy.
　She determined that she would definitely tell him how she felt after this dance.
　Amidst the dancing of the many couples, Claire and Alberto also had a good time, but the moment the dance music ended.

"It's that woman!!! That woman stole the necklace Loteccia-sama entrusted to me!!”

　A high-pitched voice echoed around the square.
　It belonged to Claire's younger sister, Viola.

"Is that true!? Are you sure!??”

　Then, her younger sister Viola arrived with soldiers.
　The soldiers, with their frightening expressions, pushed aside the boys and girls dancing in the square and came to Claire.

　Necklace? What are they talking about?

　Clare froze with fear as the soldiers looked scary.

"Let me have a word with you."

　And tried to approach Claire.

"There's no way Claire would do something like that, alright!?”

　Alberto stood in front of the soldier, as if to protect her.

"Alberto-sama."

　When Claire called out to him worriedly, Alberto smiled and said, “It's okay”.
　Alberto-sama, Loteccia's knight in shining armor, should be able to clear up Clare's name.
　Claire nodded.

"Let's hear an explanation of what happened."

　When Alberto angrily questioned the soldier, one of the soldiers looked uncomfortable and answered.

"Loteccia-sama's necklace has been lost.
　According to this young lady, that girl picked up the necklace that Loteccia-sama dropped and stole it."

　The soldiers' words drew the attention of everyone present.

"I-I didn't do that!!”
"Then, there shouldn't be a problem with inspecting the dress, right?”

　A dignified and lovely voice rang out in the square.
　When everyone turned their gaze in that direction―― What appeared was a member of the royal family with a cute appearance that drew the attention of those around her. That was Loteccia.

"Loteccia-sama."

　Everyone present kneeled when the royal figure appeared, including Alberto, who put his hands on his chest as he knelt.
"Is that your fiancé? What a cute young lady."

　Loteccia smiled gracefully as she said this, but―― Claire cowered under Loteccia's gaze. Claire was familiar with this gaze.
　The look that Viola always directed at her when she was torturing her.
　The look of hostility in her eyes as she looked at Claire through the fan was unmistakable.

"Alberto, if you are telling the truth and she is innocent, then I would like to examine her dress."
"But that's......!!!”
"This has attracted so much attention. Shouldn't you clear your name right here for her sake?”

　Alberto looked around and indeed, they had attracted the attention of the entire audience.
　Loteccia's voice was gentle, while Alberto looked at Claire hesitantly.

　Of course―― Claire did not steal the necklace.
　There is no way it will appear from a search. Even so, it would still be a dishonor to be suspected and taken to a different room.
　Even so, there was no way he could refuse in this situation.
　Because it was obvious that doing so would only make her look more suspicious.

　What should I do?
　Claire couldn't stop shaking. This was because her younger sister used this trick a lot.
　She mixed Viola's things with Claire's personal belongings and reported to her father that Claire had stolen them.
　Their father always believed what the cute-looking Viola said, making it a daily occurrence for Claire to get in trouble with him. This dress was sent from her parents' house.
　Perhaps the pendant was hidden inside this beautiful dress.

"you're so jealous of the beauty of the viola that you're acting like a spoiled child."
"I shouldn't have taken in the child of a lowly dancer."

　Scenes from her childhood, when she was made to feel like a stranger by her father and stepmother, came to mind.

　I thought I could finally escape the curse of Viola and be happy.
　Am I going to get caught for stealing something belonging to the royal family in a place like this?
　Can I never be happy?
　The people in the crowd looked on with suspicion.
　Alberto looked at her with a gaze that said, “I can't refuse.”
　And behind him, Loteccia and her sister smiled.

　Ah, as I thought, it was foolish of me, the child of a lowly concubine, to think I could be happy.

　What should I do?
　If things continued like this, she would be punished as a criminal who had stolen a precious object from the royal family.
　Probably, the death penalty awaited.

　Please, someone help me!――
　The moment Claire made her wish.

"Claire was with me the entire time!!　She didn't steal anything!!!!”
　A girl with brown hair appeared, breaking the oppressive silence.
　It was Riese.

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