ATIRPBT 58

CHAPTER 58…

“I want to host a tea party.”

“If that’s what you wish, then do so.”

“Can I invite a lot of people?”

“No matter how many you invite, it won’t be enough to fill this entire palace.”

I tilted my head in confusion at his repetitive remarks.

By the afternoon, all my belongings had been moved, and my new room was filled with an even more luxurious air than before.

Perhaps overwhelmed by the atmosphere, I took the opportunity to visit the Emperor in his office.

He looked busier than ever, and Renald, who was by his side, greeted me with tea.

I cautiously approached his desk and quietly observed his actions.

‘Looks like his hand has healed.’

I no longer saw the gloved hand or even the bandages that used to wrap his large hand.

“I was worried… I’m glad.”

…Oops.

Words I hadn’t meant to say escaped my lips, and I quickly covered my mouth with both hands. Renald, standing nearby, chuckled and commented,

“You must have been worried. Well, you were quite shocked back then, Your Highness.”

“W-Well, of course. His Majesty’s wellbeing is directly tied to the Empire’s wellbeing…”

Even as I tried to explain it away, Renald smiled slyly, leaving me at a loss for words.

I glanced toward the Emperor, only to meet his eyes unexpectedly, and quickly looked away.

“I’m relieved you’ve recovered.”

“…I see.”

And once again, silence fell between us.

Renald, who had been smiling wryly, leaned in close and whispered quietly to me.

“Surely… that’s all you’re going to say?”

“What do you mean?”

“About His Majesty. If Your Highness were to express your feelings a little more sincerely, I’m sure it would please him.”

“I already said I was worried. Why complicate things with more words?”

“I just meant… if you show more emotion, perhaps His Majesty will become warmer toward you.”

Yeah, right.

And why would anyone be emotional just because they’re worried? Is this some sort of joke about a sick person?

I shook my head and began turning to leave the office. That’s when—

“I’ll take care of the tea party. You just relax.”

“…Pardon?”

“You probably wanted to hold it in your own quarters, not mine. I’ll lend you the garden—just bring me the guest list.”

“…I appreciate the favor.”

I gave a stiff bow and awkwardly opened the door to leave.

As I left, I thought I heard faint voices from beyond the office door—but I didn’t catch what was being said. Or rather, I didn’t want to hear it. I ran down the hallway, afraid that if I listened, I wouldn’t be able to hate him anymore.

So I ran, without looking back.

Just like the Lilien of the past.

“If you had just said you wanted to be honest, Her Highness the First Princess would’ve liked that.”

“Nonsense.”

“It’s not nonsense. I dare say I’m offering honest advice to His Majesty.”

Even if he didn’t say it out loud, Renald, who had served Emperor Rius for a long time, knew well.

That, at long last, the Emperor had begun to bring back the ‘Lilien’ he had long buried under a mountain of indifference.

“If you’re this clumsy, Her Highness might just find you burdensome.”

“She’s not so weak as to be burdened by something like this.”

She certainly looked burdened.

‘He’s this bad at expressing himself. Then again, Princess Yevgeny was always assertive, taking what she wanted without hesitation…’

Speaking of which, according to Cecil’s reports, Princess Yevgeny’s treatment had just begun.

The Emperor had heard about her declining health but had not visited.

He said it would be cruel to give her hope when his burned hand prevented him from using magic—but Renald saw it differently.

‘Something didn’t sit right with him.’

The Emperor’s affection for Yevgeny wasn’t just because she was his blood.

It had started as a show of love to protect his other children from Dolores, but at some point, that affection had become real.

‘Ever since he heard that the Second Princess had assaulted the First, he seemed to lose some of that affection.’

Still, if he stayed away too long, the Second Princess would surely throw a fit.

Renald frowned, falling briefly into thought, but when he recalled Yevgeny’s physical condition, he simply shrugged.

‘From what I hear, she’s barely able to move. So for now, nothing’s likely to happen…’

But Renald would soon realize how foolishly optimistic that thought had been.

Unaware of the storm that would arrive in just an hour, he went back to his work.

Bzzz—Bzzz—

The communication crystal used to contact Orca Sorcier buzzed faintly.

I was back in my room, working on the guest list for the Emperor, when I set down my pen and picked it up.

The sender was Orca Sorcier. Upon answering, I heard his voice.

[Greetings, Your Highness. I hope you’ve been well.]

“I’ve been as well as always. What about you, Lord Sorcier? Has the work been too demanding?”

[It’s nothing out of the ordinary. But… Princess Yevgeny is showing severe resistance.]

“She’s throwing fits over taking her medicine again?”

[So you already knew.]

Orca Sorcier let out a heavy sigh.

[I’ve dealt with many patients who resist medication—there are all sorts of reasons. Some hate the taste, others hate the side effects. But the Second Princess… she doesn’t fit into any category.]

“What’s the reason?”

He hesitated. I could tell, so I gently opened the path for him.

“Is it because of me?”

[…How did you know?]

“She doesn’t like me. She may not even realize it herself, but her hostility and disgust are obvious.”

[So you expected this outcome.]

“Probably.”

As I gave my cryptic reply, I could almost see the frown on Orca’s unseen face.

He massaged his temples and said,

[Ever since she learned the medicine came from you, she’s been throwing violent tantrums.]

“Oh dear. Did she hit you too?”

[No. I’m just the prescribing physician. It’s the maids who suffer. Every time I go to the Second Princess’s quarters, I feel more and more drained.]

“So you’re asking for my help?”

[Yes. If we delay any longer, I fear something serious may happen to her.]

“Ah.”

I nodded in understanding and slowly stood up.

“Are you still at Yevgeny’s palace?”

[Yes.]

“Then I’ll head there. You may leave now.”

[…Pardon?]

“There’s no point in you staying. It’ll only lower the dignity of the royal family. I’ll get her to take the medicine myself. I’ll contact you afterward.”

Realizing my intentions, Sorcier quietly ended the call.

I stared at the now-dim crystal for a moment before pulling the bell cord and calling for Ilia.

Soon, both Ilia and Mullin entered the room.

“I’m going to see Yevgeny. If Lady Cecil asks where I am, tell her I went to visit her.”

“You’re going to check on her?”

“Something like that.”

Ilia frowned.

“I have a bad feeling about this. Do you really have to go?”

“She’s refusing her medicine. Who else can convince her? She’ll only take it if I go.”

“But still…”

“I’m not going in blind.”

I gestured for Mullin to come closer.

As she leaned in, I whispered something in her ear. Mullin nodded, and I turned to Ilia.

“Make me look as pitiful as possible. I’m supposed to look like a concerned sister visiting the sick.”

“Leave it to me!”

With clenched fists, Ilia rushed off to the makeshift dressing room within the Emperor’s palace.

She soon returned with several dresses, and I smiled.

“Time to reap what I sowed.”

So they’ll truly understand who holds the upper hand now.

To watch the pristine lake you were built upon turn into a muddy swamp—to see the fish that once flattered you scatter…

That future version of me, the one who would witness it all, was someone I already envied.

‘Oh, right…’

Looks like I lost that bet with Ilia and Mullin.

“Nora! Your face…!”

“Princess Yevgeny threw something again! How many times is this now…?”

Nora was bleeding from a wound on her head, struck by a teacup thrown by the Second Princess in a fit of rage.

Holding back tears from the pain, she collapsed into the arms of her fellow maid Mireille and sobbed uncontrollably.

“I can’t do this anymore. How long are we supposed to cater to her tantrums? We didn’t sign up for this. We just want her to take the medicine… How could she throw a cup at me?”

“Hang in there. I’ll call the physician. This will pass… She’s just sick…”

“I’m so tired of that excuse! Just because she’s sick, does that make her violence okay?!”

“Nora! Watch what you say…!”

Palace walls had ears—and mouths. That wasn’t just a saying.

Just then, a new voice cut in.

“Oh dear, looks like your head’s hurt.”

Nora and Mireille stiffened at the unfamiliar voice and looked toward the entrance.

The First Princess, in a white dress and flanked by her maid and guard, stood before them.

Pale-faced, the two hurried to bow before Lilien. Nora trembled as she tried to lift her bloodstained gaze.

“Y-Your Highness… What brings you here…?”

“I came to visit. I heard my little sister was unwell, and I was worried.”

“Y-Your Highness… Even if you came to visit, I’m afraid you won’t be able to see her…”

“Why? Is she worse than I expected?”

“Well…”

Because you’re the reason for her outburst…

Unable to speak the truth, the two maids nervously glanced at Lilien, who just smiled gently.

“I already know, so no need to make those faces. I’m here to help.”

“…Pardon?”

“You’re here to help us…?”

The two looked confused, casting glances at Ilia and Mullin behind her, but the two only smiled proudly.

Lilien continued.

“She’s refusing the medicine because of me, right? Because she hates me.”

“T-That’s…”

“It’s fine. I don’t hate her. I still remember how sweet she used to be. I’m here to help. I heard you’ve been struggling.”

“…You came… for us?”

As Lilien silently nodded, Nora choked up, tears welling in her eyes. Lilien handed her a handkerchief kindly.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry. Now hurry and see the physician.”

“Th-Thank you… Your Highness… I’ll never forget this kindness.”

Of course you won’t.

Lilien, hiding her true thoughts behind a saintly smile, made her way to Yevgeny’s room.

As she left, Nora clutched the handkerchief to her chest.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“About what?”

“When the Second Princess recovers, I’m requesting a transfer.”

“A transfer?! To where?”

“Where else?”

To the kind First Princess, of course.

‘I never knew she could smile so beautifully…’

Nora, cradling her handkerchief, followed Mireille to the infirmary.

Meanwhile, Lilien entered Yevgeny’s quarters and clicked her tongue at the mess.

CRASH!

“Get out! I said get out! How many times do I have to tell you I’m not taking it?! If anyone touches me again, I’ll go to Mother and have you punished!”

Yevgeny’s shouting turned the maids pale.

“Please, Your Highness, reconsider!”

“You’ll only get worse like this… Please, just a sip—!”

“I said no! Call Father! Are you all deaf?!”

That was enough.

I stepped forward, cutting off her tantrum.

“Yevgeny, no matter how angry you are, as royalty you must maintain your dignity. What are you doing?”

And how dare you mention him with that filthy mouth?

I glared coldly at her.

“You know who rendered His Majesty powerless for a while?”

Do you think you have the right to speak of him?

She flinched and bit her lip, and in the chaos, I dismissed all the maids.

Now, it was just the two of us.

“Shut up and take your medicine, Yevgeny.”

I haven’t even begun to make you pay. Not even one thousandth.

I’ll keep you alive—if only to make sure you suffer every bit of it.