THVS 06

Chapter 06

The next morning.
The first thing I saw upon opening my eyes was Anna, holding a large travel bag.
“…No way.”
Instead of her maid uniform, she was wearing her going-out clothes. Her usually stern, expressionless face now bore a bright, cheerful smile.
“I’ll see you in three days, milady.”
Anna finished her greeting quickly and left with light steps. My hand stretched out, reaching for her even for a moment, felt utterly useless against her speed.

It had only been a few hours since Mother had ordered my confinement.
Yet Anna’s preparation was flawless, as if she had completed it days ago.
Yes, as if she had predicted it.

“She leaves as if she’s been waiting for this.”
I muttered, collapsing back onto the bed.

Normally, in novels, a confinement order is just a formality—girls usually laze about in their rooms, doing nothing.
Enjoying a luxurious breakfast brought by the maids in the morning, sipping tea while watching the scenery outside in the afternoon, and napping if drowsiness strikes… the usual homebody lifestyle.

“Not a chance.”
As I’ve said before, that kind of romanticized scenario didn’t apply to me.

The moment the confinement order was given, my personal maid was sent on leave, and all household staff—from those assisting with baths to the cooks—were strictly prohibited from interacting with me.

“Not even feeding me… that’s cruel…”
Having eaten breakfast every day without fail, hunger hit me the moment I woke up.
Wrapping my hands around my empty stomach, I weakly got out of bed.

After quickly tidying myself, I headed downstairs, greeted by a mouthwatering aroma.
Peeking into the dining hall, I made eye contact with my father.
Putting on a “starving” expression, he looked helpless and turned to Mother.
“Madam, shouldn’t the children be fed, at least?”

Silently, Kalian appeared and glanced at me, joining in the plea.
Our combined gaze fell upon Father.
“They are surely reflecting deeply, aren’t they?”
At the question, Kalian and I nodded so vigorously it was as if our heads would shake off.

“It’s not like the mansion got destroyed or anyone got hurt, so please forgive them this time, Mother.”
Even with Luente’s interjection, Mother remained unmoved, cutting into her steak.

An awkward silence followed.
The quiet was broken by the sharp thud of a hand on the table.

Thwack!

“Both of you, stop it. You still have energy, so you fight. Head chef, do not prepare meals for Kalian and Tien for the next three days.”

…And that was the end of it.

Although the chef secretly packed me a snack, it did nothing for my hunger.
I considered sneaking out, but I knew my confinement wouldn’t end after just three days.

Staring blankly at the ceiling, I heard a knock at the door.
“Milady, the daughter of Count Arvid has come to see you.”

…Leila?
It was a situation I would inevitably have to face.
No matter how much I wanted to throw that second prince into the river, I didn’t want to involve the original story unnecessarily.
However, pure-hearted Leila would only have one thing to say.
“She’ll probably ask to be with Kalian.”

I had no intention of refusing.
It was just that now was not the right time.
If later Leila still harbored feelings for Kalian after escaping the original story’s fate, I would willingly help then.

“Tell her to come in.”
Leila walked in with a bright smile.
“How have you been, Tien?”
Only three days had passed, but in the context of our relationship, it felt like a long time. I smiled faintly and nodded.

“Sit here.”
I had run countless simulations of how to respond.
I knew I had to be direct with Leila, but seeing her smile, I couldn’t bring myself to do so.
Truly, that face could soften anyone’s heart.

“Have you… thought about it again?”
“I will break off the engagement with His Highness the Prince.”
Leila’s gaze was firm, as if she had already made her decision.
Some parts of the story had already been changed from the original, and I didn’t plan to stand by idly.
Therefore, Leila’s engagement wasn’t a major issue.

The second prince, Sier Persent, was merely a last safety measure in case things went according to the original story.
If she insisted on breaking off the engagement, there was nothing I could do.

“…Alright. If that’s your choice, then so be it.”
Ultimately, Leila herself had the authority to decide her fate.
I had no right to forcibly change things in the name of “saving” her from the original story.
If Kalian ever felt the same way as Leila, I would find another solution—but I would not push him to act.

“Leila, about Prince Kalian—”
“Don’t worry, Tien. I have no intention of trying to be with Kalian.”

“…Cough!”
I choked. What was this?
She likes him but doesn’t intend to pursue him?

Leila handed me a handkerchief and continued.
“It hasn’t been long since the engagement with the prince was mentioned. Rumors like that would be bad. I don’t mind, but Kalian… would be affected.”

Hearing her speak so thoughtfully made me flinch.
‘Why does she suddenly seem so mature?’
Since the day she spilled wine on Charbiel, something about her had changed.
Almost like she had become a different person…
‘Strange…’
This wasn’t typical Leila behavior.
She hadn’t been so assertive as to retaliate against noblewomen who tormented her, nor was she capable of speaking her mind so coherently.

“Leila, did something happen?”
“…Huh? No.”
For a moment, her face betrayed slight embarrassment.

“Shall we… go watch a play?”
It was obvious she was trying to divert the topic, but I didn’t press further.
Whatever it was, she would tell me in her own time.

Thanks to Leila, I was temporarily freed from confinement and able to leave the mansion.
I teased Kalian a little out of jealousy and arrived at the grand theater in the plaza.

‘…Wow, so many people.’
The central grand theater boasted the largest capacity in the Persent Empire, and the crowd was immense.

“I should’ve just waited and come with Leila.”
I regretted not saying anything when I briefly stopped by the mansion before heading out.

I stuck close to the wall, trying not to stand out.
“Princess Elopez, this way, please.”
Thanks to a pre-arranged magical connection, the manager came to escort me.
I followed him to my prepared seat.

The seats for nobility, reserved in case of sudden attendance, were on the second floor, allowing me to escape the crowd.

‘…Where is Leila?’
I waited leisurely for the play to start, but she hadn’t appeared.

Just before the opening, the curtain at the back opened, and someone entered.
“Late… uh…?”
I thought it would be Leila, but it was someone unexpected standing behind me.

Even though the lights in the audience were off, his blond hair shone brightly.
“Greetings, Your Highness, the Second Prince.”
“Ah, Princess Elopez. What a coincidence to meet here.”

…Then why act as if it were expected?
Normally, if someone arrives early, they wait their turn quietly.
Yet Prince Sier entered with a sly grin.

“I really wanted to see this play today. May I join you, Princess?”
“…I’m sorry, but this seat already has an owner.”
The manager hesitated, as if wanting to explain.
“Princess Elopez, Lady Leila of Count Arvid said she has urgent matters and won’t be able to attend.”

“…Then the seat is yours, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave.”
As I turned to leave, he quickly grabbed my wrist.
“Why leave now?”
“…I didn’t come to watch the play, actually.”
The prince looked a bit flustered.

Unable to pull away, I just stared at his hand until he let go.
“Watching alone is lonely…”

What do you want me to do?
I barely held back my words.
“Could you stay by my side, Princess?”

…What?
I wanted to refuse firmly, but I couldn’t.

His gaze seemed so earnest.