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CHAPTER 17
“Fairy Lady!”
The sudden voice made everyone turn.
A small girl with braided hair came running toward me from across the garden. Her cheeks were flushed, her smile innocent and bright.
“Fairy… lady?”
I stood frozen, confused.
Dina ran straight up to me and clutched my hand tightly.
“Where are you going, fairy lady?”
“Uh…”
My mind went blank.
Why is she here?
I tried to pull my hand away gently, but Dina held on stubbornly.
“Are you going somewhere fun? Let’s go together!”
The nobles behind me stirred in surprise. One of the ladies leaned over to whisper in Evgeni’s ear.
“Princess, who is that girl?”
Evgeni didn’t answer right away.
I looked up and met her eyes. Her face was unreadable, her smile frozen. I could see the stiffness in her posture.
I lowered my voice.
“Dina, you can’t just come here without warning.”
“But I came with Sir Rian!”
Dina beamed proudly. As if on cue, Sir Rian appeared from around the hedge, smiling sheepishly and bowing in my direction.
“Apologies, Your Highness. Dina insisted…”
His voice trailed off when he noticed Evgeni.
There was a pause, and then Evgeni stepped forward.
“Hello, little one. And who might you be?”
Her voice was warm and soft, the same tone she used with servants she wanted on her side.
Dina tilted her head, then pointed to me.
“I’m her friend!”
“…Friend?”
“Yes! The fairy lady helped me when I was in trouble, and I promised to give her a flower crown, remember?”
She reached into her basket and pulled out a half-woven crown of wildflowers.
“I was going to finish it and give it to you today!”
I blinked.
“…Me?”
Dina nodded enthusiastically.
Behind us, the noblewomen were now watching with mixed expressions—some confused, others whispering among themselves.
Evgeni’s smile faltered.
“…That’s very kind of you.”
She turned to me, her voice still sweet but her eyes no longer smiling.
“Sister, I didn’t know you had such… young companions.”
“She’s the daughter of a noble family from the south,” I said plainly. “I helped her with a small matter before.”
“Oh, I see. How generous of you.”
Her voice was sugar, but I could hear the faintest edge of irritation.
Dina tugged my hand again.
“Are you going to have tea? Can I come?”
One of the noblewomen chuckled politely.
“What a charming child. But perhaps it’s best if she rests while we talk?”
Dina puffed out her cheeks.
“I can behave!”
Another lady forced a smile.
“Children tire easily. This may not be the best place for her.”
Dina looked up at me, her smile faltering for the first time.
“I… I really wanted to give you the crown…”
I reached out and took it gently from her hands.
“You kept your promise. That’s enough.”
Her face lit up again.
“I’ll make a better one next time!”
“Next time, bring it when we’re both free, okay?”
“Okay!”
Sir Rian stepped forward and knelt beside her.
“Come now, Dina. Let’s not keep the princess any longer.”
“Bye, fairy lady!”
She waved excitedly as she was led away.
Only when her small figure disappeared did I turn back to the group.
The air had shifted.
Evgeni’s expression was carefully composed, but the corners of her mouth were tight.
I smiled.
“Shall we go?”
She nodded slowly.
“…Yes, let’s.”
Later – Tea Garden
The table was set beautifully under the canopy of blooming roses. Evgeni sat at the head, and I sat across from her.
The noble ladies chattered lightly, but I noticed the glances they kept sneaking toward me.
“…So, Princess Lirien. That child—Dina, was it? You seem quite fond of her.”
“She’s sweet. And honest.”
“Oh my. A rare quality among children.”
“She reminds me of someone.”
They tilted their heads, curious.
“Of whom, may I ask?”
I stirred my tea.
“Me. When I still believed people were kind.”
The mood dipped slightly, and a few women cleared their throats awkwardly.
Evgeni set down her cup.
“Lirien.”
“Yes?”
She gave me a practiced smile.
“I’ve been meaning to ask. Did Father speak with you recently?”
My hand paused mid-stir.
“…He did.”
“About what?”
“The usual. Family, palace matters.”
“Oh? I was told he rarely discussed such things with you.”
I met her eyes and tilted my head.
“Strange. He said the same about you.”
The nobles gasped softly. Evgeni’s fingers tightened on her teacup.
“Must have been a misunderstanding.”
“Of course.”
Silence fell for a moment. Then one of the women forced a laugh.
“Well! It’s wonderful to see sisters getting along so well.”
“Isn’t it?” I smiled. “We’re inseparable lately.”
Evgeni didn’t reply.
I sipped my tea, hiding my smirk behind the cup.
‘So much for your perfect performance.’
You invited me here to flaunt your social power—but the tables are starting to turn, Evgeni.
And you know it.
