Translator: Nox

Chapter 104

#104. The Nightmare of Wednesday at 2 PM

A soft laughter spread on the gentle summer breeze.

The Emperor stared at one spot with a stiff expression.

It was natural for laughter to accompany a Tea Party, but the laughter was coming from the Heferti Delegation's table.

Even with Grand Duke Bikander, the very person who had defeated Heferti, sitting right in front of them.

Sensing his gaze, the Grand Duke glanced at the Emperor. His red eyes curved with a mocking smile.

Barely suppressing the chill that ran down his spine, an uncontrollable rage swelled within him. Flames flickered in the Emperor's sea-blue eyes.

If the Princess had not handed over the White Crystal Mine to the Grand Duke, they would have had a chance.

The hand holding the glass trembled.

Clang-. The sound of the glass hitting the saucer was sharp. But it couldn't drown out the brightly blooming laughter.

Only the Empress flinched and looked at the Emperor. Beneath his forced smile, a voice laced with anger leaked out.

"...It's not funny, Empress. That's where the Crown Prince should be sitting."

The Empress's heart sank. Olivia's seat, where she was smiling as if receiving praise, was supposed to be for the Princess, but the Emperor didn't mention the Princess at all.

"What on earth is the Crown Prince doing?"

"His rest should be over. I will bring him here quickly, Your Majesty."

"I also plan to have a private meeting with the Grand Duke regarding the mine, so bring the Crown Prince quickly."

The experienced Chamberlain approached the Emperor. As the Emperor gave his orders, the Empress moved her lips. But with the topic of the mine brought up, she didn't do the foolish thing of mentioning the Princess.

Instead, with a heavy heart, she called for Baroness Sophron.

"What happened to the person we sent to the Territory of Vikander? Is there still no contact?"

That was her only hope. She was so anxious that she felt like she was disappearing.

"Your Majesty, that person has just arrived at the Imperial Palace."

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"...I must excuse myself for a moment, Olivia."

The nobles perked up their ears. A moment ago, the Emperor's Chamberlain had come and whispered something to Grand Duke Bikander, and soon the Grand Duke made a regretful sound.

As if she had been waiting for it, the Princess also made a pretense of getting up from her seat.

"I should get up as well. I have been given a pleasant time by the gentlemen here. I hope you have a peaceful stay in the Empire."

"We have already received more than enough hospitality from you, Lady. It is regrettable that you are leaving so soon."

As the Princess rose from her seat, the entire delegation stood up as if to see her off. Duke Kiwel, as the representative, stepped forward in accordance with etiquette.

The nobles, who had been murmuring faintly, fell silent.

Duke Kiwel, who hadn't even properly paid his respects to the Princess's hand, stepped forward to kiss the Princess's hand and say something.

This was like...

As nobles of the Empire, they should be showing some sign of displeasure. But the nobles only looked back and forth between the Princess and Duke Kiwel with strange expressions. Duke Elkin, the head of the Aristocratic Faction, was the same.

"Come to think of it, it's really strange."

"Strange indeed. The Princess, no, the Lady, originally couldn't even laugh in social circles, let alone fit in. Yet she's laughing and getting along with the defeated delegation like that."

"Are they feeling some kind of kinship since they're both foreigners?"

Duke Elkin struggled to suppress the rising corners of his lips. The jealous voices were all directed at the Princess. The Princess, who had been an outsider, was now shaking up society to this extent.

Once she started to catch his eye, she seemed more useful than he thought. He had wasted his time on the Etel Marquisate.

Now it was time for him to get up and speak to the Princess directly.

Duke Elkin glanced at the head table and tilted his head for a moment.

The Empress was not there when he glanced back. She had clearly been there just a moment ago. She wasn't one to leave her seat in such a hurry when the Princess wasn't even there...

After thinking for a moment, Duke Elkin's eyes narrowed.

Far away, there was someone who had gotten up from his seat before him and was following the Princess.

It was Duke Madeleine.

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"Let me at least escort you to the carriage."

"You've already escorted me enough, Your Highness. His Majesty is looking for you. Edwin, go quickly."

"I'm in a favorable situation anyway. What's the rush?"

"You should go even more because you're in a favorable situation."

Anyway, she was sharp and didn't give him an inch. But Edwin knew that this sharpness was only softened for him.

"I can't reveal my precious name so easily, Duke."

Compared to when she had drawn a line at Duke Kiwel's question about what kind of jewel she was a moment ago, this was an extremely gentle response.

The way she elegantly hid the Magic Stone, the way she reminded him that they weren't close, it was all like a textbook example of social etiquette.

And then, she immediately took care of his dessert. He barely swallowed the desire to return to the Territory of Vikander with her right away.

Unlike Edwin, who was making his regret so obvious, Olivia glanced at the garden where the Tea Party was taking place.

All eyes were on them. The Heferti Delegation and other nobles waiting for Edwin, and even Conrad.

But even though they had walked together to the entrance of the greenhouse garden, Edwin didn't back down. Instead, he tilted his head with a heartbreakingly beautiful face, pretending to be pitiful.

"We won't see each other for several days now. Don't you think I'm pretty for not pestering you anymore and only escorting you to the carriage?"

"You've been using your charms a lot lately, Edwin."

"If it's about charms, I haven't even started yet..."

Edwin gently pulled Olivia's hand. They had only moved two steps, but the shadows of the garden trees completely blocked the gazes of the nobles.

The sound of the wind brushed past their ears. The buzzing voices faded away, and the brilliant sunlight was dazzling.

Edwin's eyes curved bewitchingly.

"...How about it. Are you willing to fall for me?"

She almost fell for his beautifully curved eyes, but Olivia pretended not to notice. And she raised her left hand and shook it lightly. Two rings sparkled in the sunlight.

"I thought that face was already mine, Your Highness."

"Oh dear."

A low sigh mixed with laughter tickled the fine hairs on her ear. Olivia's eyes widened.

The cool, clear scent stimulated her nose as much as the firm body that was pressed closely against her, as if embracing her waist.

"My weapon isn't just my face, is it?"

Breath touched her skin along with the languid voice. Olivia's face grew hot, and she tried to escape, but she quietly buried her face in his embrace. His heartbeat throbbed beneath his rock-solid body.

It was unfair for him to be so relaxed and have his heart beating like this.

The tension that had been building up between Duke Kiwel and Conrad became sharp in a different way.

Olivia tried to think of something else. If someone saw them, they could show off the relationship between Edwin and her, and if not... well, it didn't really matter.

She gave up.

Olivia murmured, exhaling a shallow breath.

"I never thought I'd get to experience having a secret rendezvous in my life."

She had seen it a lot, though.

The embrace she was leaning against vibrated slightly. A voice full of laughter asked a question.

"So, do you dislike it?"

"...Is this also your charm?"

Embarrassed by the playful question, Olivia deliberately gave a different answer. Edwin grinned mischievously.

"I'm just being faithful to Olivia's order to raise the level higher and higher."

Hot lips touched her forehead and disappeared.

"And I just hope that your head is filled with only thoughts of me."

It was already full. Enough to swallow the desire to return to the Territory of Vikander. The sharp hatred that had been messing with her head felt like it was being soothed.

Feeling regretful that he had let her go so easily, Olivia only stroked her forehead with a flushed face.

Thanks to that, it was entirely Edwin's job to tidy up Olivia's disheveled hair. The deer-like, elegant nape of her neck, where his fingertips lightly touched, was dyed rose-colored.

His flushed face was so unbearably lovely that Edwin revealed his inner thoughts as if praying.

"Whatever you're thinking, put me first."

Her small face nodded slowly. Edwin coaxed Olivia, hoping for a little more.

"It's getting late. How about leaving at least tomorrow?"

It was the time when the sun was at its highest. Nevertheless, Olivia nodded as if making a reasonable compromise. Edwin chuckled.

"...Oh, can you wrap up the jewel story, Edwin?"

Only after a long time did Olivia say, clutching the Magic Stone of the necklace. Only then did Edwin recall Duke Kiwel's words as he kissed Olivia's hand.

"Then, may we continue the jewel story next time, Lady?"

"Of course. Of course."

If there was anyone who knew about the Magic Stone, Edwin would welcome it.

* * *

Edwin turned back several times before heading to the Emperor's Palace.

He had said several times that no one knew the Imperial Palace as well as Olivia, including this summer greenhouse and the other palaces, except for the Emperor's Palace, but Edwin repeatedly urged her as if he were watching a child near the water.

"You must move with Dian."

What Edwin didn't know was that Dian, who had gone to rest, hadn't returned.

Olivia craned her neck and looked around.

Her striking red hair should have been noticeable, but there wasn't a single strand in sight.

Could she have gotten lost in the palace? Only then did Olivia realize that Dian had never been near the capital and felt a pang of regret.

Should she go back to Edwin, or would Dian return first? She was hesitating for a moment.

A carriage stopped in front of Olivia. A familiar face was visible through the window.

"I greet the Princess."

"...It's been a while, Baroness."

Olivia smiled faintly. It was Baroness Sophron, the Head Maid of Tiaje Palace.

"It's been a long time indeed. Have you been well?"

"Yes. Have you been comfortable as well, Baroness?"

It was a ceremonial greeting, but the Baroness's face brightened noticeably at that moment.

"Yes. Thanks to you, Princess, I have become more comfortable as I have regained the palace."

It was a strange thing to say. Regaining the palace thanks to her.

A strange feeling swept over her, but Olivia didn't ask again. Meanwhile, Baroness Sophron got out of the carriage and asked.

"Where is your carriage?"

"I have someone waiting for me."

"Are you perhaps waiting for a Knight wearing a Knight's uniform with the Vikander crest? A Knight with red hair?"

It was Dian. Baroness Sophron looked embarrassed.

"I remembered just in case, but I saw her going in the opposite direction. How about I help you find the Knight, Princess?"

Something felt strange. Everything was falling into place too perfectly. Just as Olivia was about to shake her head.

"I would be grateful if you would consider it as an apology for being hasty when you looked at the palace on the last day."

The memory of that day settled on Baroness Sophron's face. Olivia nodded slowly.

It was an impulsive choice. The Baroness smiled faintly.

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"This is... a place where my Knight cannot enter."

The carriage had arrived at Tiaje Palace. The garden visible outside the window was clearly different from the Tiaje Palace in her memory.

"...I'm sorry, Princess."

Baroness Sophron apologized silently, but her tightly closed mouth was full of disappointment. Olivia stared at the Baroness quietly.

She was a gentle and diligent person.

"As the Head Maid of Tiaje Palace, I realized only late that you, Princess, are the only one who cherishes this palace the most. His Highness the Crown Prince also has the remnants of the conquered country..."

"Turn the carriage around."

"Princess. Please, again,"

Baroness Sophron, who was calling out to the Princess desperately, flinched. The Princess was sitting there with a more dignified posture than she had ever seen.

A heavy atmosphere that overwhelmed people enveloped the carriage. Cold green eyes, like frost, met the Baroness's indifferently.

"Use the correct title, Baroness. I am not a Princess, but a Grand Duchess Consort-to-be."

"......"

"The Grand Duchy of Bikander will not condone this. Not only you, Baroness, but also the person who ordered you to do this."

Olivia turned her gaze to the outside of the window. A terribly familiar garden, with a tea table placed on it without a single deviation from her memory.

Ha. Olivia gave a cold smile. It was the same setting that had made her wait throughout the past. It was terribly pathetic.

Today was Wednesday.

"So, if you want to seek a lenient disposition, get out right now, Baroness."

Eventually, when the Baroness's lost gaze subsided. The carriage dropped off the Baroness and started running back to the main gate of Tiaje Palace.

Only inside the carriage, where she was alone, did Olivia clasp her trembling hands together. And she took a shallow breath.

A faint sense of relief slowly enveloped her whole body. The Imperial Palace was this kind of place, and she had been too naive.

She had to go to Edwin quickly and tell him everything. And, she truly had to not let them get away with it.

Just as a cold anger was spreading thickly over her green eyes. The carriage suddenly stopped, and the horse neighed loudly.

Olivia, who was swaying defenselessly, looked at the door of the carriage that suddenly opened.

"Olivia. My fiancée has not forgotten our Wednesday appointment."

A handsome face smiled brightly. Seeing his relieved smile, as if he was relieved that she was safe, Olivia tightened her grip on the dress she was holding.

Who would know that she had come here.

Anxiety covered her whole body, but she had to remain calm.

The main gate was right in front of her. If necessary, she could run. Her heart was beating so hard that it felt like it would jump out of her mouth.

Meanwhile, Leopold smiled quietly with that arrogant face of his. The expression he had given her that night, looking at her desperately, had disappeared as if washed away.

"Well, I was a little late, but I thought you would wait for me quietly. Did you get impatient and come out to greet me like an angry colt?"

Ignoring the hand offering an escort, Olivia got out of the carriage alone. And she spoke as calmly as possible.

"I pay my respects to the little sun of the Empire. My fiancé is waiting for me. I will go first."

"Where are you going? I have prepared the Crown Princess Consort's room in my palace for you."

At the same time as the sweetly packaged voice, a strong force grabbed Olivia's wrist as if snatching her away. A strong pain spread, and Olivia's heartbeat increased greatly.

She had to get out of this situation, but all that came to her mind in her blank head was Edwin.

Olivia forced strength into her trembling lips. And she stared quietly at the Crown Prince.

"If you're going to say such things, it would be polite to at least change your clothes first, Your Highness."

At the pointed remark in her composed voice, Leopold blinked with a face that said he didn't know what she was talking about. Then, belatedly, he realized and looked down at his arm that was holding Olivia.

There was a red lipstick mark on the arm where Maria Etel had clung to him.

Damn it. He had said that she was clinging to him persistently even after Empress came.

Startled, Leopold released his grip. Taking advantage of the gap, Olivia quickly stepped back. Contempt and wariness flickered faintly in her green eyes.

"Olivia. This isn't like that,"

"For the first time, I feel sorry for Lady Etel."

"......What?"

"Leaving behind someone who clings to you so desperately, Your Highness is clinging to a painful past. And that, too, is something that Your Highness has already lost."

Her calm voice trampled on Leopold's pride.

Nevertheless, the face that was looking at him expressionlessly was endlessly beautiful, so Leopold raised one corner of his lips crookedly. A twisted inner self was seeping in darkly.

"I was going to bring you in gently. It seems you always want to stay by my side covered in scars."

Instead of replying, Olivia slowly stepped back.

Sea-blue eyes flashed fiercely as they stared at Olivia.

Slow steps followed Olivia.

"I was going to keep this story a secret for the sake of your pride, Olivia."

"......"

"When you went to the Territory of Vikander, were you happy?"

The voice, speaking softly as if singing, was ominous. Olivia tried to ignore Leopold's words. Just a little further, and she would be at the main gate.

"Everyone must have said you were pretty. They would have loved you no matter what you did."

Leopold slowly followed Olivia.

Her elegantly raised silver hair, her slender neckline that stirred up lust, her beautiful face that seemed to have finally bloomed. It was all his.

Why is Olivia running away like that? After all, her only place to return to is by my side. Leopold chuckled and recalled the words the Empress had told him.

"Rumors are rampant in the Grand Duchy, Crown Prince. Go quickly and tell that pitiful child."

"Poor Olivia. Did she enjoy that love?"

And then, with a laugh, she added,

"Without even knowing that it was directed not at you, but at the late Grand Duchess?"

Olivia, who had been hastily backing away, froze for a moment. Leopold grinned. And then, he drove the wedge in with a gentle tone.

"Surely, you, so clever, didn't believe the obvious lie that the Grand Duke, that son of a bitch, fell in love at first sight, did you?"