They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 196 - 196 The Secret is out

Chapter 196: The Secret is out Chapter 196: The Secret is out People turned to look at her, their gazes sharp and filled with something she could not quite place.

Then the whispers started.

Low murmurs rippled through the crowd like a quiet storm, following her with every step she took.

At first, she ignored it.

Maybe it was nothing.

But as she walked further in, their eyes didn’t waver.

Some whispered behind their hands, others simply stared, their expressions unreadable.

That was when she knew, something was definitely wrong.

But what?

She had no idea.

Nnenna’s confusion deepened as she glanced around, searching for a familiar face, someone who would explain what was happening.

But Somto was nowhere in sight.

Neither was Arthur.

Or Carl.

Even her own family was absent.

At this moment, she completely forgot that she wasn’t even happy with Carl.

The isolation made her stomach tighten.

Before she could dwell on it further, Prince Ankhbayar approached her.

He walked with purpose, his usual confident stride slightly hesitant this time.

Without a word, he took her by the arm and gently led her away from the murmuring crowd, guiding her to a quieter spot on the sidelines.

He looked at her, his expression conflicted, like he was trying to decide something.

But then his gaze steadied, and he spoke.

“It’s okay,” he said, his voice calm but firm.

“I don’t care about what they said.

If you’re willing, we’ll still be friends.” Nnenna blinked, startled.

“Of course, I’m willing for us to be friends!

But… what are you talking about?

What did they say?” Her heart pounded.

She had no idea what was happening, but the way everyone had looked at her, like she was something strange, made her uneasy.

Ankhbayar frowned.

“You haven’t heard?” She shook her head, her unease growing.

He sighed.

“Someone claimed they got information from a reliable source that…” He hesitated, then finally said it.

“That you’re not a true royal.

That you were adopted.” Ankhbayar’s words hit her like a thunderclap.

Nnenna stood frozen, her mind struggling to process what he had just said.

So that was why everyone was staring at her like that.

Everyone knew.

The secret that had been guarded almost all her life, the truth of her origins, was now out in the open.

She had always known this day would come, but not like this.

Not so soon.

Not without warning.

No wonder she hadn’t seen any of her family members.

They must have rushed off to discuss damage control, to figure out how to spin this before it got out of hand.

Her stomach twisted with unease.

How was she supposed to go through today’s hunt with all eyes on her, filled with suspicion?

How was she supposed to act normal, when her entire world had just shifted under her feet?

More importantly, who exposed her?

This wasn’t a secret known by many.

Only her family, Arthur, Carl, few select people and the servants in the castle had ever known the truth.

Even if the servants spoke, those proud royals wouldn’t believe them completely until a credible source spoke up.

So how did it get out?

A dozen possibilities ran through her mind.

She could already think of a few suspects, most of them from her own family.

The thought made her chest tighten.

But even if one of them had leaked it, they would never do it openly.

The king would never allow it.

It was too dangerous, too much of a disadvantage for the kingdom.

Unless…

Unless someone had grown bold enough to act without fear of his wrath.

If that were the case, they would have done it in a way that made it seem like the truth had simply “come to light” on its own.

They would pretend to be just as shocked as everyone else, act innocent, as if they had nothing to do with it.

Nnenna clenched her fists.

Whoever it was, they had set her up to take the fall.

And now, she had to face the consequences.

Nnenna turned to Prince Ankhbayar, who let out a long sigh, his expression filled with unspoken thoughts.

She smiled gratefully at him.

“Thank you.

I’m glad to have a friend like you.” “I have to go now,” she added, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

Ankhbayar nodded.

“Don’t worry about this.

Regardless of what they say, you are more qualified to be called a royal than any of us here.” His voice carried an unwavering confidence.

She blinked at him in surprise.

He didn’t know the full truth, that was clear.

But he had recognized her worth, despite everything.

A black horse in this whole event… that’s what she was.

Even if she wasn’t of royal blood, it didn’t change the fact that she had outshined most of them.

Whether they acknowledged it or not, she was better.

Stronger.

More capable.

That much was obvious.

Ankhbayar watched her leave, then turned and quickly made his way back to where his family stood.

His parents had been planning to secure his engagement to Nnenna by the end of the royal ball, but now, with the shocking revelation of her origins, their strategy was shifting.

Their target was now the First Princess instead.

He didn’t want that, but there was little he could do to stop it.

Meanwhile, Chimeg had been throwing a full blown fit since the news broke.

Her voice was sharp, filled with venom as she spat out insult after insult.

“I knew it!

That gold digger!” she seethed.

“A toad dreaming of a swan’s flesh!” “A big fat liar!

To think I was starting to admire her.

Not knowing she’s not worthy of my admiration.” Her outrage echoed through the space, but no one dared to stop her.

The tide had shifted, and Nnenna was no longer a favored candidate.

At least… not in their eyes.

It wasn’t just Ankhbayar’s family.

The rulers of the other kingdoms were equally displeased.

The news had spread like wildfire, and disappointment settled heavily among them.

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