LMTM 16

Chapter – 16

In the original story, it was Selena who delivered that idea to the Empress. And Selena gave all the credit to Grace.

“I thought Grace was too shy to speak up.”

Readers had said Selena spoke first so she could steal Grace’s credit.
But it wasn’t that — she had really passed the credit on to Grace.
It felt strangely new to realize that.

Could things really be this different from the original?

“That’s not what matters, Grace. I can be recognized even if I don’t do anything. Because my mother is the rightful mistress of the ducal house. But you aren’t, are you?”

Selena spoke in a calm voice as she persuaded Grace. She sounded like she’d practiced several times. She squeezed my hand tight, nervous. I understood why she’d chosen to speak while I was there — she probably wanted me to step in if she made a mistake.

But sincerity has a way of coming through.

Grace’s eyes reddened.

“It isn’t your fault. It’s all the adults’ fault. But if just a few words can make your situation even a little better, then I hope you’ll say them.”

“…Sister…”

“No matter what anyone says, you’re my little sister.”

Her voice trembled as she said it. Selena sniffled like she was getting choked up. If I’d known they were going to handle this so well, I wouldn’t have worried so much.

Coloring book, praise be.

“People don’t seem to recognize that, and it upsets me.”

“…I’ll do as you say, sister.”

Grace finally accepted.

“Then maybe I won’t feel quite so upset?”

“Of course.”

Selena and Grace smiled at each other.
What was this novel again — a coming-of-age story?
A sisterhood drama? Friendship?
Whew. I think I’m a little moved.

＊ ＊ ＊

Cesar helped the three of them down from the carriage.

Because of the Empress’s errand, he had to go to work late — but it had been worth it. He could see that Reina was fine.

Thankfully, she didn’t seem hurt by the Tears incident or by Dawson. Reina chatted and laughed with Selena and Grace as usual.

All the way there, he listened to the sounds coming from inside the carriage.

He couldn’t make out the conversation, but he could tell it was cheerful.

“Reina.”

Cesar called to Reina as she stepped down last. She looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Thank you for helping my mother this time.”

“…Please don’t mention it. Who could go against Her Majesty’s words?”

“I’m saying this as a friend. Thank you.”

“Ah.”

Reina nodded like she wasn’t quite sure.

Then she naturally moved away from him.
One step. Two steps. Three.
And once she was far enough, she stopped.

To Cesar, it felt strangely unfamiliar.

Until recently, Reina had always tried to stay as close to him as possible.

And every time, she smelled like tears. When Cesar made the slightest uncomfortable face, she blinked her watery eyes. Even though he’d done nothing wrong, he couldn’t help feeling guilty.

But now, Reina seemed desperate to put distance between them.
And that distance… bothered him.

Cesar strode closer.

“Do you have a date again this weekend?”

Because the distance had closed, his voice sounded louder.

“Again? …Did my brother say I went on a date?”

“No. I happened to be there by chance.”

“Ah.”

Reina widened her eyes.

“I didn’t know.”

The moment she said that, Cesar felt as if he’d been struck on the head.
Among all those people, he had immediately found Reina.

But Reina hadn’t even noticed he was there.

His eyes wavered.

He’d been pushed completely out of her world. And now it hit him.

“I don’t have plans this weekend. My parents will be back from the territory soon, so I’ll probably spend time with my family. Well, I should go.”

Reina spoke casually and said goodbye, then walked away. Cesar watched her retreating figure, running a hand through his hair.

Strange. Something felt off.

And all of it was being watched by Empress Viviana.

She had seen Cesar, Reina, Grace, and Selena.

She murmured softly to the head lady-in-waiting,

“…Didn’t they say the Lady of Regifield and Cesar were finished?”

“That’s correct, Your Majesty.”

“Then why doesn’t it look that way to me?”

The Empress narrowed her eyes. A dangerous glint flashed, then faded.
She smiled brightly as the three young ladies approached.

“Oh my, how nice to see you. So the Lady of Regifield is here too. You’re friends with the Lady of Highbord, I see.”

Reina’s appearance was truly unwelcome.
If she’d known Selena would seize the chance to bring Reina along when told she could bring a friend, she would never have added such unnecessary words.

Since when were they close?

Viviana narrowed her eyes again.
As far as she knew, Selena didn’t socialize much with girls her age, and she’d also heard she wasn’t close to her half-sister. Yet here she was, arriving with Grace and Reina as if they were close friends.

Viviana clicked her tongue.

Everything diverging from her plan displeased her.
But it was fine. Time was on her side — and the heavens usually favored her. Ever since Cesar was born.

＊ ＊ ＊

On the way out of the Empress’s palace, a different knight escorted them. He introduced himself as the second son of Count Reliz.

“My aunt has spoken of you often. She said all three of you are admirable young ladies — and now I see why.”

No wonder he looked familiar.

Count Reliz was from the Empress’s family.
The novel had described them as a quiet, martial house. They appeared so rarely that I never imagined we’d run into them here.

“We can go back on our own.”

Selena spoke coolly. She was endlessly warm to her own people, but she drew sharp lines with others.

“No.”

The man — with features vaguely like Cesar’s — shook his head.

“My aunt contacted me urgently, but I don’t regret coming. It’s an honor to escort such beautiful ladies.”

Selena didn’t refuse again. Declining the Empress’s goodwill twice would be rude. Right now, Reliz was standing in for Viviana herself.

He escorted us to the carriage. Maybe it was because he resembled Cesar — he was handsome.

Was he in the original?
Then again, minor characters often pass by without even being named. It wasn’t strange I didn’t remember.

As soon as we sat down, Selena slumped back.

“I must’ve been too tense. My neck hurts.”

“…You get nervous at times like that?”

“Of course. I’m always careful. When meeting the royals…”

She sighed, but still didn’t forget to praise Grace.

“You did great today, Grace. Her Majesty really listened to your voice.”

“Really?”

“Of course! People will start seeing you differently.”

Why did she look so proud?

So cute.