“Isabella, were you dating Evan? Oh, then someone must have misunderstood both of you. Isabella, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. Then I’ll go first.”

“Oh, no. It’s not like that.”

Anna exited the medicine room before Isabella could finish explaining, and the curious people loitered in front of the medicine shop scattered upon seeing her.

Isabella felt that rumors about her relationship with Evan would soon spread throughout Rubella’s Castle.

“Why did you do that, Knight Evan?” Isabella asked Evan in alarm.

“I’m sorry, Isabella. I’ll take care of it soon.” Evan put his palms together and apologized. “I just couldn’t sit and watch you suffer while this vicious rumor about  you spread throughout Rubella Castle.”

“Vicious rumors? What do you mean?”

“It’s so inappropriate that I’m afraid it would destroy your reputation as a woman. A spark of rumor about you had been going around lately, but I think it caught fire after someone saw you leave Rubella Castle with his Highness last night.”

Isabella already had a niggling suspicion that the rumor was about without hearing it from Evan’s mouth.

Yes. It was inappropriate, but it was none of Evan’s business.

He might mean well, but she was confident it would worsen her situation.

She knew Evan was just concerned about her because she looked like his sister, but she didn’t want a rumor about them to spread around the Castle.

What would His Highness think?

“You can use me as an excuse to quell the bad rumors about you and His Highness down until it’s gone.”

“Knight Evan.” Isabella said calmly. “Thank you for your concern. But I want to take care of my problems  and deal with whatever these people say about me on my own.”

“Isabella.”

“I’m not your sister, Evan. I know you are worried about me because I reminded you of her. I am grateful for your sincerity and kindness, but please take back your words. People might get the wrong idea. Please tell everyone that we aren’t in a relationship, and I will help you clarify that if someone were to ask me.” Isabella said sternly.

Evan lowered his head in regret. “I will, Isabella. I’m sorry for making the situation worse for you.”

“I know you were just worried about me as someone who looked like your sister, Evan.” She replied.

Evan nodded with a bitter smile. “I will tell everyone the truth.”

Finally, Isabella let out a relieved sigh.

If Evan started correcting everyone’s false beliefs about their relationship, that rumor wouldn’t spread anymore.

She didn’t want that to reach His Highness’s ears.

Now, Isabella had to find out what vicious rumors she was in with the Archduke.

**

Ignis looked frustrated when he entered the bedroom, and Isabella quickly shut the door.

“Did it reach you, Ignis?”

Isabella asked.

Ignis raised his feathers before shaking his little body.

“All these people do is talk about you! They said that you seduced Duke Kyar with your body every night. What the hell are they saying? I had a hard time stopping myself from putting fire muzzles over these bastards’ foul mouths!”

She swore that steam was coming out of Ignis’ nose and mouth from his anger.

“There is also another terrible rumor I heard from the grapevine that you seduced Evan during the day and His Highness at night! I had no idea why Evan made another rumor about you and him to make this issue blow out of proportion!”

Knowing that Evan had done it out of concern, Isabella smiled bitterly while caressing the soft feathers on Ignis’ back.

“Ignis, calm down.”

“Do you think I can calm down after what I just heard? There are so many bad rumors about you, Isabella!”

Ignis was so furious as if it was his job to care and to defend her reputation.

Despite having no family in this world, she had never felt so alone because this firebird was always there for her.

“I think we should put the rumor to rest before it could spread further.”

Isabella glanced at the skin supplements on her desk, which she had constantly improved from the medicine she experimented with in the past.

She also developed natural face packs that were effective for a short period.

Isabella thought that she could use this to capture Anna’s heart.

Isabella picked up the organic face packs and skin supplements for the maid before leaving and went straight to Anna’s room.

Fortunately, she was there.

“What’s up, Isabella?”

Anna asked warily as if she still had the rumor in mind.

“Oh, it’s a new medicine I developed. I wanted to give it to you.”

“Really? What kind of medicine is it?”

“It’s a supplement to nourish your skin. Your skin is already healthy, but eating this will make you look more beautiful.”

Anna’s brown eyes twinkled from her compliment.

“Do you think my skin is good, Isabella?”

“Of course. I envy them every time I see you.”

“Isabella, your skin is better, though.”

“That’s because I’m using this medicine.”

“Really? Is this medicine effective?” Anna asked curiously.

“The supplement’s effects wouldn’t be visible right away. But it will show on your skin after taking them regularly. Since I’m already here, I should apply the face mask on you.”

“What is a face mask?”

“Oh, it’s an organic thing that brightens up your face. Would you like to try it, Anna?”

“Yes. I guess I should since I don’t have any work today.”

The maid’s response seemed optimistic.

Isabella beamed at Anna.

“Then, please lie down on your bed. I have to get some warm water first.”

Isabella had to put the rumor with Evan and Duke Kyar to rest before reaching His Highness’ ears.

**