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chapter 22
“No way. Unlike some people, I know my own limits better than anyone.”
I deliberately emphasized the part “unlike some people,” and Caroline seemed to catch that the “someone” she was referring to was herself.
She let go of my hand, which I had grabbed without permission, and stood up.
“I guess I was mistaken. No matter how upset I am, I wouldn’t come to you just to vent my worries.”
Huh… that counts as venting?
“I’ll be going then.”
“Yeah, okay.”
Since I was leaving, she naturally stood up as well to see me off.
As she moved toward the door, Caroline suddenly seemed to remember something. She turned to look at me and asked,
“Have you chosen a partner yet?”
If I mentioned that Sister Pere had decided Teor would be my partner, it might seem like I was ignoring Caroline’s earlier offer, so I just shook my head.
Caroline smiled enigmatically and nodded, as if understanding my gesture.
I would find out the true meaning of that smile that very evening—through a message from Teor.
[Lady Triase made me an offer to be her hunting festival partner.]
“Caroline herself?”
[Yes, she came to the Grand Duke’s residence without notice.]
Wow, how diligent.
I raised an eyebrow in mild embarrassment at the awkward situation, letting out a nervous laugh.
Teor, noticing my reaction, asked if I was upset by what he said. I shook my head and replied that I wasn’t.
“What could possibly upset me? So… did you accept?”
For some reason, Teor seemed slightly down at my question. He looked at me for a moment without answering, then asked in a pleasant mid-low voice:
[Do you wish I had accepted?]
I made a slightly awkward expression and shook my head.
“No, actually… I was going to ask you myself.”
Teor’s eyes widened slightly at my words.
[You were going to ask me to be your partner?]
“Yes, of course. Since the Crown Prince and Sister Pere became partners, it would be good in many ways if you, His Highness’s close friend, became my partner.”
[Then why didn’t you say anything until now?]
“Well, my social status is low, so I couldn’t contact you directly… So Sister Pere said she’d take responsibility and offer you as my partner…”
[Lady Triase’s proposal was declined.]
Teor interrupted me, and I stared at him in surprise.
Then he smiled warmly and said,
[Actually, Elinea, I contacted you because I wanted to offer to be your partner.]
Once he started smiling, he seemed to do it often.
My heart fluttered at Teor’s kind smile, and I awkwardly replied,
“Thank you… for offering directly.”
[It’s nothing. From the moment I received your handkerchief, my choice was already made.]
I had no idea Caroline would show up and offer a partner—so I was a bit flustered.
I was very flustered anyway. The main male lead didn’t work out, and now I’m reaching for the sub male lead—not even knowing if they already had someone in mind.
It felt like destiny was pulling us together. I thought about how intense the battle would be for Sister Pere’s affections once we became adults.
In the original story, the main male lead had to be given to the villainess, so it made sense to push the sub male lead, Teor, toward Caroline.
Ouch.
Suddenly, a sharp jolt hit my heart.
Hmm…?
I was puzzled by the strange pain, when Teor spoke:
[Then we should choose our matching hunting outfits too.]
“Ah.”
[Since we’re meeting this weekend, we can stop by a tailor together then.]
“Yes, okay.”
[Do you have a preferred tailor?]
“No, I…”
[Then I’ll find a few places and make reservations.]
“Several places? That’s not necessary…”
I suggested we just pick one place and save ourselves the trouble.
Teor replied that since it would be his first time making a custom outfit with a female partner, he wanted to pay attention properly.
[It’s your first time too, isn’t it, Elinea? Since it’s the first for both of us, we’ll choose something we both like.]
Was Teor always this considerate?
In the original story, Caroline disliked Teor’s clumsiness and coldness, so Lloyd became the main male lead.
Of course, his light-element power helped him claim the main role, but the main and sub male leads were basically determined by how they treated Caroline.
So it was amazing that the previously dull and oblivious Teor was now so meticulous over a single hunting outfit.
“Got it.”
Since he chose me as his hunting festival partner, it felt natural to go along with him. I nodded and agreed.
Teor smiled brightly again at my nod.
Seeing him smile so freely in front of me—who had declared we would meet once a week just to see him smile—was overwhelming.
I felt warm all of a sudden, avoided his gaze, gave a quick farewell, and ended the message.
My heart started pounding again.
The hunting festival outfits were similar to riding attire, but more elaborate, with colorful patterns.
Partners often highlighted matching colors or patterns to indicate their pairing.
Since the festival was a major imperial event, the chosen young lords and ladies tried to wear outfits that suited each other.
Sister Pere decided to make a custom outfit combining the golden embroidery representing Lloyd and the red for herself on a pristine white outfit.
Teor and I chose a combination of black and red to highlight his black hair and red eyes and my black hair and eyes.
“El, it’s so cute.”
The princess dress, designed by Endiwion, had red floral accents that matched my cute face perfectly.
Its vertical seams and seamless waist gave a lively and cheerful impression, making me happy just to wear it.
But compared to my dress…
“Sister, you’re too beautiful—like the goddess of blood.”
The mermaid-style dress perfectly captured Sister Pere’s proud, noble image. Its fit accentuated her curves, flaring below the knees to highlight her slim, sensual figure.
Even though it was a pale pink dress with red flowers, it looked completely different depending on the wearer.
I was impressed with Endiwion’s design skills.
“Goddess of blood?”
Sister Pere raised an eyebrow, not entirely pleased with my comparison.
Honestly, nothing else captured her presence better than that—so I just explained honestly.
“There’s no better comparison… Sorry, Sister. You’re not angelically kind, as you know. But your presence is so goddess-like, especially with red, so I compared you to a goddess…”
“You sure know how to phrase that I’m wicked.”
“Oh, I didn’t say you’re wicked directly. I agree with your own statement, but I didn’t mean it offensively.”
Sister Pere gave a small smile at my awkward explanation, making me feel cheerful, and I laughed.
“Anyway, among those with a villainess image, you’re the most villainous—and beautiful.”
“Is that a compliment or an insult?”
“Obviously a compliment.”
“Well… not bad to hear.”
Sister Pere, with the blood of a villainess, smiled without offense at my words.
I linked my arm with hers and headed to the carriage to go to the tea party, determined to make sure everyone admired our villainess goddess.
