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Chapter 6
“My proposal… it won’t be bad for you or for me.”
“…Pardon?”
“From now on, I want you to be Asha’s companion. In return, after I become Emperor, I will grant Greg Winsel the title of Duke.”
At Dvaltin’s unexpected words, Celestine froze with a blank expression.
“Of course, I have no intention of making you Empress. That would be impossible no matter how I think about it.”
Hey, same here, you know?
She was dumbfounded, but thankfully not so shaken that it showed. So Celestine simply kept her mouth shut.
‘But something feels strange…’
This kind of development didn’t exist in the original story. In fact, Celestine had even bullied Asha before.
“Asha seems very grateful for what happened that day.”
Ah, the debutante incident?
“She said she was tired and returned to her palace without attending the debutante, but she looked to be in a good mood.”
She didn’t attend?
Celestine hadn’t known that. She had run straight back to the count’s estate as soon as she left the garden.
‘But in the original story, the debutante was one of the moments when Dvaltin started to like Asha…’
Is that okay?
Did things change because I interfered?
‘Well, whatever. They’re the main characters. They’ll end up together somehow. I just need to worry about myself.’
And if Greg received a duke title, maybe that would finally shut him up.
Dvaltin was right. This deal wasn’t bad for either of them.
“Yes, I’ll do it.”
So Celestine smiled brightly and answered.
“I know how much Your Highness cares about the Princess. If I can help even a little, I’ll gladly do it.”
“Good. She is my only younger sister, after all.”
Hmm…
“She’s shy and doesn’t have many friends. I can’t always look after her myself, so she needs someone her age.”
‘Can’t always look after her?’
Even after becoming Emperor, he had dropped everything for Asha in the original story.
Well, maybe he just hasn’t realized his feelings yet.
Celestine thought to herself.
“The conversation ended sooner than expected. From now on, visit the palace once a day to meet Asha. You understand, right?”
The conversation might have ended for Dvaltin, but not for Celestine.
She had to at least give him a hint about the Second Prince.
But if she spoke carelessly, he might realize she knew his secret.
And if that happened, her life would be in danger.
“Let’s end it here.”
As Dvaltin stood up without hesitation, Celestine panicked.
“W-wait!”
“What?”
“Ah… just a moment, please.”
He frowned slightly but sat back down, staring at her.
“Do you have more to say?”
“Um…”
“Um?”
“Will all the royal family attend this banquet?”
“Of course. Except for Asha.”
“I see… it must be quite crowded.”
“Why?”
He looked at her as if she was ridiculous.
“You don’t think I’ll fall for you, so are you planning to target someone else?”
“Excuse me?”
“It might work. Other than me and Asha, none of the Emperor’s bloodline here are particularly intelligent.”
Wow, insulting your own family like that…
“Don’t tell me you’re asking me to play matchmaker, Celestine Winsel.”
“My only dream is to live comfortably on my own, Your Highness.”
“That’s good news.”
“Ah… yes.”
“Then why ask about the royal family?”
His eyes gleamed sharply, like a metal detector finding gold buried in mud.
“No special reason… I was just worried.”
“Worried?”
“Well… it’s widely known in the Yeshua Empire that the other princes are wary of Your Highness.”
Dvaltin said nothing. He only stared at her calmly.
But she couldn’t attend the banquet without doing anything. She tried her best to explain indirectly.
“So… I was worried something might happen to you when everyone is gathered. People think nothing can happen at a banquet because there are many witnesses, but actually… it also means there are many suspects…”
“…”
“So I just… felt concerned…”
“…”
“I dared to worry…”
She couldn’t say more than this. Anything further would depend on his reaction.
…But why isn’t he responding?
“Celestine Winsel.”
Just as she thought that, Dvaltin spoke in a low voice.
“Right now.”
“…”
“What are you trying to say?”
His atmosphere had completely changed.
Before, he wasn’t exactly kind—but now he was far more terrifying.
Like the moment he drove those noble girls away in the garden.
At that moment, Celestine realized her attempt had failed.
“I… it’s nothing…”
Her voice trembled.
“I was just worried. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my place.”
“You should leave now.”
There was nothing more she could say.
So Celestine jumped up like a spring and awkwardly walked out.
‘I’m screwed.’
That was all she could think.
“Ha… damn…”
Walking down the long hallway, Celestine’s face was pale.
What should I do now? And the banquet starts in two and a half hours.
What can I even do?
Should I just kidnap the Second Prince and kill him? Greg may be useless, but he’s still a count. Maybe it’s possible?
Her thoughts were completely derailed.
“Lady Celestine.”
A sudden voice made her flinch. She turned around.
It was Asha.
“I knew it was you! I’m truly happy to see you again.”
Asha approached, cheeks slightly flushed, and carefully held out her hand.
Ah, a handshake.
“I feel the same, Your Highness.”
“Really…?”
“Of course. Why would I lie?”
Asha lowered her head shyly.
Does she even know? Every little action she makes drives all the men in this story crazy.
And that’s exactly why her life becomes so miserable.
“But what brings you to the Crown Prince’s palace? There’s still time before the banquet…”
“Ah, His Highness sent for me. I just met him and was leaving.”
Without solving anything.
Celestine swallowed those words.
But something was strange.
At her answer, Asha’s expression became complicated.
She looked upset, confused… even restless.
Celestine looked at her curiously.
Then Asha spoke in a very small voice…
