THSMW 61

Chapter 61

Just a moment ago—when I teased him, saying I wanted to see his scar—I almost felt as if I’d gone back five years in time.
Of course, I had to fight off the strange sense of unfamiliarity that kept creeping up on me because of how much he’d grown.

Either way, with my thin silk gloves pressed lightly against my red lips, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the eyes fixed on me.

Right… I had said that once, hadn’t I? That he should show off his looks along with his wealth.

I instinctively realized he still remembered that comment of mine perfectly. Otherwise, there’s no way he’d be looking at me with such raw, unfiltered eyes.

—Sliiide.

We both held our breath nearly the entire time he removed my gloves. His breath kept brushing over my fingertips, making my shoulders tense up on their own.

“…All done.”

Siegfried sounded almost proud. Strangely, though, the moment the gloves came off and my pale hands were revealed, both of us flushed bright red.

“It’s hot. Let’s go back inside.”

While I fanned myself silently, Siegfried cleared his throat before speaking.

“If it’s hot, shouldn’t we stay out here? Why go in?”

I muttered back as if scolding him. If we stayed still, even the faint warm breeze would cool us off a little.

“M-My throat is dry.”

Siegfried tucked the torn glove into his jacket pocket. My dress didn’t have pockets suitable for carrying anything, so I didn’t question it.

“Oh, well—same here.”

I didn’t try to stop him. Siegfried rose first and opened the terrace door, gesturing for me to go in. He followed behind as I stepped back into the hall.

“Your Highness!”

Just as we were passing by a column, a bright, lark-like voice called out to Siegfried.

When I turned toward the sound, I saw a young lady with a rosy blush and glittering eyes.

“…Ah. Lady Clary.”

I didn’t recognize her—imperial nobles weren’t my area—so I assumed she was just another party attendee.
At least until I saw Siegfried call her name with a slightly surprised expression.

Lady Clary beamed as she approached him. But Siegfried, as if he hadn’t seen her at all, moved as though to wrap an arm around my shoulder.

“Come here, Ariel. Before another pesky little bug latches on.”

But before he could lift his arm fully, Lady Clary yanked on his sleeve. I stopped walking and looked at her.

“I am so grateful for what happened last time.”

…Last time?
Siegfried just returned from the war. What “last time”? I tilted my head.

Unbothered, Siegfried attempted to pull his sleeve free as he replied,

“I only did what any knight should. You’ve thanked me more than enough.”

What are these two talking about?
Feeling like a third wheel, I glanced up at Siegfried.

He sighed—clearly receiving my silent demand for an explanation.

He looked annoyed, probably because Lady Clary refused to let go of his sleeve.

“She’s Lady Clary of Baron Marina’s family. I ran into her near the border with the Western Kingdom. Ended up saving her by chance.”

Ah… I see. So that’s how they know each other.

Now that I looked closely, the edge of a bandage peeked out from beneath her long gloves. I had wondered why she was wearing something so out of season—the reason was now clear.

“That’s far too simple a way to put it! I nearly became the kingdom’s prisoner! I had never been tied up with rope before, and I cried endlessly. And then—when my father, who had already been in poor health, passed away—I wanted to bite my tongue and die right then and there. And that’s when Your Highness appeared.”

Lady Clary looked at Siegfried with dreamy, starry eyes—and kept sneaking glances my way.
I stepped back slightly, looking between the two.

Oh, really…?

Five years ago, before sending Siegfried away, I used to think things like:

What if he comes back with some heroine I don’t even remember? If that happens, I’ll ruin everything for them.

It was a joke at the time, but now?
Exactly what I feared was happening.
Of course it was. I knew the heroine would appear someday!

The way her eyes sparkled—like stars embedded in them—made my mouth go dry.

Was she truly the female lead? I wasn’t sure… but I couldn’t dismiss the possibility.

All the joy and excitement I’d felt upon reuniting with Siegfried evaporated instantly. My mind cooled to ice.

I needed a moment to myself.
Preferably with wine.

I slipped away from the odd three-person standoff.

“Where are you going?”

Siegfried reached out toward me—but Lady Clary tugged at him again.

As I quietly retreated, Siegfried’s face twisted in frustration. He opened his mouth to call after me when—

“Your Highness! I’ve missed you!”

A middle-aged man pushed through the crowd toward him.

I recognized the black-haired, broad-shouldered man immediately: Duke Blanche, Siegfried’s maternal uncle.
He’d certainly have much to discuss with him.

It was Siegfried’s return party, after all.
I couldn’t monopolize him.

With Siegfried’s low sigh as my farewell, I slipped into the crowd and disappeared.

* * *

Back at the mansion, I was too drained to even change out of my dress—I just threw myself onto my bed.
What use was a stupid diamond ring anyway?
I pulled it off and set it on the table.

My mood showed no signs of improving. I knew the heroine would appear eventually, but actually seeing her made my chest twist.

He saved a noble lady who was nearly taken as a prisoner? Of course he should have—but it was downright romantic.

The lady at the party looked like she was already deeply in love. And when she kept glancing at me, I felt like some unwanted obstacle.

But wait—why was I upset?
Just because Siegfried came back looking incredibly handsome, did I fall for him again that easily?
I pushed him away again and again, only to crumble in an instant.

I should have prepared myself for something like this.

I took a deep breath, trying to settle this strange mix of bittersweet, almost painful emotions.

—Knock, knock.

I had rolled around the bed two or three times when the knock came.
I told them to come in, and bright blond hair poked through the door—Avicion.

“You came home early, Ariel. His Highness was looking for you.”

“I’m sure he was.”

And I bet Lady Clary was right beside him. Ugh. I pouted.

“Countess Ilya invited me to her tea party. Want to come with me tomorrow?”

“The one who was trying to set you up with her daughter earlier?”

“Yeah, her.”

“Sure, why not.”

I nodded halfheartedly and waved him away.
He looked like he wanted to say more—probably wondering what was wrong with me—but eventually shrugged and left. It was late; he was likely exhausted too.

I turned onto my side and used my arm as a pillow.
But I still couldn’t get the image of Lady Clary—and Siegfried looking down at her awkwardly—out of my mind.

That bastard.
The man who used to call any guy near me a leech and peel them off—he comes back with a girl stuck to him?

He said he wouldn’t do that.
He said I was the only woman for him…!

If he dared choose Lady Clary over me, I would absolutely make him pay for it.
Somehow, some way.
If I didn’t, I’d go insane.

But… how exactly does one make him pay?
I needed a plan—something concrete.

I schemed and plotted, imagining the most wicked revenge—
But then I’d remember how much he still clearly liked me… and that annoyingly beautiful face of his… and my heart would melt.

Then I’d remember Lady Clary, and I’d jolt upright and go “Aaaagh!” while punching my pillow.

And just like that, birds began chirping and the sun came up.