TVWD 37

Chapter 37.

Among the many invitations that had arrived for me, it wasn’t difficult to find one that could serve as a suitable excuse to go out.

“I’ll be going out for a bit.”

When I said I would attend a party, Mother did suggest that it would be better to rest more, but in the end, she gave me permission.
She must think that her daughter, who once disliked socializing, has suddenly come to enjoy it quite a bit.

“However, you must take at least four knights with you.”

“Mother, there’s no danger within the capital. It’s not like the hunting grounds.”

“You never know, dear. It’s always better to be cautious than to regret it later.”

“But still, Mother, no one brings four knights within the capital. Even Father only takes two.”

After a bit of back-and-forth, we settled on taking two escorts.

One was Lady Mary, who often guarded me, and the other was Sir Bart, who had accompanied me on my trip to the territory.

“Please take care of me today, my lady.”

“You as well.”

With Sir Bart’s assistance, I boarded the carriage.

The carriage left the mansion, crossed the main avenue, and headed toward the Swan Lake on the eastern side of the capital.

Swan Lake was said to be the site of a legend — a princess cursed by a demon to live as a swan by day — but now it was simply a lake where a flock of swans lived.

The lake belonged to Count Pink, a wealthy noble whose lands included the area.
It was, in other words, under the domain of the Pony family — the hosts of today’s boat party.

By now, the Imperial Knights must have started to catch on to the existence of the illegal gambling den on the outskirts, particularly in the east.

Today, the Blue Bird organization would be in chaos after being raided — the perfect opportunity for me to sneak in unnoticed.

Every time I sent someone else, they failed.
So, as always, I had to do it myself.

It’s as if there’s a law of the world that dictates: important things must be done by me.
Like how only when I personally attempt to assassinate major characters — the male lead, the crown prince, or Lady Mary — do I succeed.

“Maybe that’s why they keep me alive until the end.”

“Pardon, my lady?”

“I was just wondering which café we should go to when we visit the outskirts later.”

Lady Mary, seated across from me in the carriage, looked quite hopeful.
She still seemed delighted by our last outing to a café for desserts.

It was a shame I hadn’t died at the hands of that lunatic mage from Blue Bird, but on the other hand — there’s no guarantee that dying by him would have truly ended my cycle of regression.
So perhaps it’s just as well.

Get a grip.

If there’s even a one-percent uncertainty, eliminate it.

My earlier excitement — stirred by unexpected new faces and events — settled into calm once more.

Today’s party would certainly have Maryna in attendance.
And without a doubt, there would be a commotion centered around her.
A perfect day to make her the villainess.

If I could frame Maryna as selfish and shameless — a woman stringing along every man around her — my life would be extended, at least for another six months, perhaps even a year.

“Hah…”

How ironic, that I must prolong my life just so that I can die.

“Welcome, Roa!”

“It’s been a while, Pony.”

After examining me up and down, my friend sighed in relief.

“You’re still a bit pale, but I’m so glad you look healthier.”

She seemed on the verge of hugging me, but perhaps because of the onlookers, she settled for holding my hands tightly instead.

“Stella’s already here, so stick close to her, alright?”

Following Pony’s gaze, I saw a young woman with bright blonde hair and brown eyes — Maryna.
She was surrounded by several gentlemen, including a certain young heir.

“Whatever you do, don’t get on the same boat with her. I swear, the boat would flip.”

Oh, Pony — perceptive as ever.

Because yes, during today’s outing, Maryna is scheduled to fall into the water.

Originally, Calvin was supposed to attend and save her, but he’s gone to the knights’ barracks instead — even though he’s off duty.
So she’ll end up tangled with another man instead.

Pony kept warning me over and over to stay away from Maryna.
She said the girl seemed hysterical — like she’d pick a fight with me at the slightest thing.

Most events in this world seemed to exist only to tangle Maryna with the male leads.
If she failed to get involved with one, then I became her target instead — the one she cried in front of for no reason or slandered to make herself look like the victim.

“Don’t worry, Pony. If she calls me, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear. And if she asks to talk privately, I’ll say no.”

Lately, it almost seemed as if my friends were developing some sort of sixth sense — as if they, too, were beginning to notice the strangeness of things.

“Roa, over here!”

Stella waved lightly when she saw me.
I stepped aside to let a new guest pass behind me and joined her by the lakeside.

“Hello, Lady Gianna. Oh, Lady Morin, it’s been too long.”

Smiling warmly, I exchanged greetings with the other ladies, easily winning their favor.
Maryna, on the other hand, stood alone, watching us — though soon enough, like bees to honey, men gathered around her again.

Truly, just like in a novel, where all the men swarm around the heroine.

“Oh my! Lady Levian, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

Violet approached with a lively stride — one of my most enthusiastic admirers.

“When the Marchioness said you weren’t receiving guests to focus on resting, I was so disappointed. Are you completely better now?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’ve recovered quite well. I received the flowers you sent — they were lovely.”

When I acknowledged her gift, Lady Violet blushed deeply, as though blessed by divinity.

“Oh, it was just flowers. I didn’t think you’d even remember.”

“How kind of you, Lady Violet,” one of the other noblewomen said admiringly.

“Yes, our Lady Roa may be a bit shy, but she’s incredibly kind,” said Stella, who, unlike the old me, had become quite social and well-connected. She gently nudged me forward, as if proudly showing me off.

“That’s right,” added Violet passionately. “Lady Levian is so thoughtful and warm-hearted — she even takes the blame for others’ mistakes!”

Her words made even those who didn’t know me well soften their expressions.

All those hours of attending parties and playing the perfect lady — they were finally paying off.

“Um, Lady Levian, what’s your relationship with the Tower Master?”

“Oh my, can we ask that? I’ve been curious too!”

As the atmosphere turned more relaxed, the question I’d anticipated finally came up.
I smiled gently and opened my mouth.

“The Tower Master and I—”

“Everyone! It’s time to board the boats!”

Pony’s timely clap drew everyone’s attention.

“You’ll tell us about the Tower Master later, won’t you?”

“Of course.”

True to the wealth of the Pink family — one of the top three richest in the capital — they had prepared large boats, each big enough for six people, including the oarsmen and attendants.

With white lace canopies, plush cushions, and chilled champagne, the boats looked delightfully comfortable for a lakeside excursion.

The young ladies, curious about the Tower Master, hesitated — wanting to ride with me, yet unwilling to give up the chance for a cozy moment with the men they fancied.

“Stella!”

The late-arriving Lord Stein approached, and thus, Stella, he, and I formed a trio — leaving no room for anyone else to join us.

“So, Roa,” Stella said the moment we boarded, “what’s going on between you and the Tower Master? Nothing happened after the ball?”

“He did come to visit while I was ill.”

“What? Why didn’t you tell me that? Oh, right — you were sick.”

Looking regretful, Stella pushed a plate of grapes toward me. I smiled, took one, and then offered the plate back to her.

While his fiancée was preoccupied with the grapes, Lord Stein spoke up.

“Lady Levian, recently some jewelers from the Eastern Kingdom have immigrated to the duchy. Their skills are already proven — have you considered contracting with them?”

“Eastern-style jewelry? That would fetch a fortune the moment it hits the market.”

“Exactly.”

He smiled broadly.

“I like that idea. Since the quality of the jewelry benefits you, Lord Stein—”

“Ahem. Let’s not forget the middleman’s commission.”

He interrupted, wagging a finger playfully.

“Then how about this — I grant you the exclusive foreign sales rights for the red diamond pieces recently discovered in the Levian March?”

“Deal.”

He agreed immediately.

“Oh, stop talking business even here,” Stella chided, waving for a maid to pour champagne.

“Well then,” I said, taking the glass, “since our important talk is done — let’s enjoy the boat ride.”

After all, something very interesting was about to happen.