Alana takes a slow breath, trying to steady herself before speaking again. "Isn't that too much?" Neither Olivia nor Claire interrupts her.
"For us to relinquish our noble title..." Alana continues, "...House Farnese has been part of the nobility since this kingdom was founded."
Olivia calmly shakes her head. "No, you haven't."
Alana's brows immediately knit together. "What?"
"House Farnese wasn't among the founding noble families." The certainty in Olivia's voice makes Alana feel a sting of irritation.
She has spent her entire life carrying the Farnese name. Ever since childhood, she has been taught that her family stood among the kingdom's greatest noble houses. To hear someone dismiss that history so casually feels almost insulting.
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"I do." Olivia doesn't raise her voice.
She simply meets Alana's gaze. "House Farnese was originally a merchant family."
