They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 203 - 203 Defaming Her

Chapter 203: Defaming Her Chapter 203: Defaming Her Carl had arrived.

The moment he stepped into the gathering, the entire atmosphere shifted.

He walked with his usual air of effortless confidence, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd like a predator assessing his surroundings.

His tailored black and gold attire only added to his imposing presence, the very sight of him demanding attention.

The murmurs and whispers that had filled the air just moments ago died instantly.

Every single pair of eyes turned to him, assessing, calculating.

And just like that, the conversation about Nnenna was temporarily forgotten, replaced with a new focus.

People started plotting again.

The royals, the nobles, the ambitious social climbers, everyone present had been desperately trying to gain Carl’s favor since the ball began.

The fact that the event was slowly drawing to an end and no one had made any significant headway with him only heightened their determination.

For those seeking power, securing Carl’s good graces would ensure a lifetime of influence.

They would wake up every morning smiling if they could win him over.

The problem?

Carl had not given anyone the chance to even play their game.

He had remained distant, uninterested, and wholly unapproachable.

And now, seeing him here, appearing at such a pivotal moment, set off a fresh wave of silent schemes and desperate hopes.

Especially among the women.

The ladies, who had been indulging in gossip just moments ago, straightened up immediately.

Their expressions shifted, becoming more composed, more refined.

No one wanted to appear like a petty gossip in front of Carl.

No, they wanted to look like the kind of woman worthy of his attention.

Carl’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd before locking onto Nnenna, who stood apart from everyone, her head bowed, her entire posture weighed down by the whispers and judgment surrounding her.

He knew she must still be upset with him.

Knew she probably didn’t even want to see him.

But the moment he heard the news, he didn’t care.

He came as soon as he could.

As he strode towards her, the crowd unconsciously parted for him, making way as though compelled by an unseen force.

Silence stretched over the gathering, tension thick in the air.

When he finally reached her, he did something that made the entire kingdom freeze in shock.

He lifted her chin gently, forcing her to look at him.

“Don’t tell me you’re sad about all this,” he murmured, his voice carrying an effortless confidence.

“Do you really think these people deserve you?

It’s clear they don’t.” The words sent ripples of unease through the nobles standing nearby.

“Don’t worry,” Carl continued, his tone growing softer but carrying an unmistakable edge.

“If I have to, I might even take you away from here.

If you want me to, that is.

I didn’t plan to yet… but if these people keep taking you for granted, I might just move my plans closer.” Gasps erupted throughout the crowd.

Take her away?!

The reaction was immediate and overwhelming.

The murmuring that had stopped when Carl first arrived now returned in full force, only this time, it was filled with disbelief, envy, and barely concealed rage.

Take her where?

Across the seas?

To his kingdom?

To a life of power, wealth, and prestige that everyone here could only dream of?

The sheer weight of the opportunity he was offering made the nobles see red.

Why her?

What did she have that deserved the attention of such a legendary prince?

What did she have that they didn’t?

Even those who had previously mocked her for being adopted now looked at her with pure resentment.

The very thing they saw as her weakness was now making her a target of their jealousy.

Meanwhile, Nnenna herself was in shock.

Wasn’t Carl only helping her because Somto had asked him to spy on her?

That was the reason, wasn’t it?

There was no way Somto had also told him to take her with him.

That would be ridiculous.

That would be… a huge upgrade.

And who in their right mind would help their enemy gain such a powerful advantage?

It was annoying.

No, it was infuriating.

Now that they knew she was adopted, they acted like she was suddenly less than nothing.

Less qualified to stand beside them, let alone be considered close to a prince like him.

And yet, here they were, watching as Prince Carl remained at her side, unfazed by the scandal they were all so eager to use against her.

Whispers slithered through the crowd.

“He must not have heard the full news yet,” someone muttered.

“That must be it,” another agreed.

“Otherwise, why would he still be standing there?” If Carl knew, really knew, then there was no way he would still be acting this way.

A delicate yet sharp voice cut through the murmurs.

“Prince Carl,” Princess Bora of Dixan stepped forward, her expression composed, her eyes gleaming with something dangerously close to satisfaction.

Nnenna tensed.

She knew Bora.

Knew how sharp her tongue could be and how easily she twisted words to her advantage.

Bora’s gaze flickered toward her, just for a moment, before returning to Carl with a sickly sweet smile.

“I must commend you,” she said.

“It is truly admirable how kind you are.

But surely, you must not have heard the full story yet.” She paused dramatically, then tilted her head, her voice carrying just loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Princess Nnenna, you should thank Prince Carl.

He’s only trying to help you.

After all,” she smiled wider, “an adopted daughter should know her place.” Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Nnenna inhaled sharply.

Carl, however, didn’t react.

The smugness in Bora’s eyes dimmed slightly.

A second passed.

Then another.

And still, Carl did not react.

His face remained unreadable, his posture relaxed, as if Bora had just made the most boring statement in the world.

Bora’s confident smile twitched.

The crowd stirred uneasily.

This wasn’t the reaction they were expecting.

Carl finally blinked, tilting his head slightly.

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