TLVGAJ 62

~Chapter 62~

…Or so I had been happy.

‘Why.’

I stared blankly at the scene before me.

This was House Hartmann.

And standing in front of me was a man with beautiful silver hair, wearing a blue uniform and accompanied by knights in armor marked with the Hasht Imperial crest.

His clear silver eyes reflected me like a mirror.

In other words… Albert von Hasht, who had just become Crown Prince a few days ago.

“…Why?”

The words slipped out of my mouth.

The title ceremony had barely ended.
Albert was supposed to be sneaking out on his first outing and meeting Emily.
So why was he here, in front of me?

“That day, there were too many people, so I couldn’t say what I needed to. That’s why I came.”

Albert spoke, answering my unspoken question. Then he declared:

“Now that I am Crown Prince… I’ll use everything to find a way to save you, Irene Hartmann.”

“…What?”

I faltered, not believing my ears.

Not meeting the heroine? Not preparing for marriage? No Crown Princess?

…Where did the original romance go?

As if to answer my thoughts, Albert continued.

“I’m sorry, but I have no intention of marrying another woman.”

“…”

“I’m not asking you to accept me. Just live first. After that, we’ll think again, Irene.”

His silver eyes shone with sadness.
The same look I had seen back on the train long ago.

“No matter what I do… I can’t let you go like this.”

I stared dumbly at him, his eyes burning with strong will.

How much time passed?

“Haha.”

I let out a hollow laugh of resignation.

‘I’m going crazy.’

The male lead had no intention of meeting the heroine at all…

This was a serious problem.

“Ughhh.”

Back in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, my heart racing from the shock.

“Why did the male lead have to come here? How did things get this twisted?”

Half-crying, I recalled our conversation.

[Have you perhaps gone out of the palace recently? Maybe… in disguise, in disguise, in disguise?]

[Why would I sneak out? I barely have time as it is, thinking of ways to save you.]

No, you must sneak out!

In the novel, you were supposed to sneak out and meet Emily!

I was burning inside. Somehow, I forced a smile and said:

[Try going out once. You never know, maybe the perfect fated partner for Your Highness might appear.]

[You still speak that way. If you hate me, just say you hate me. How long will you keep dodging?]

[…]

[Anyway, your feelings are yours. Mine are mine. I’ll do as I wish. Remember that.]

Albert had thought I was rejecting him again. Looking disappointed, he still stated his resolve and left the mansion.

So I was left standing there, dazed, staring at the empty spot he left behind.

“Why won’t he meet the heroine? He’s supposed to meet her by now…”

It seemed that something had gone terribly wrong since the train ride.

Like the “flag” meant for Emily had somehow been planted in me instead.

I bit my lip, clenched my fist, and shot up from the bed.

No. This can’t go on!

I had to find a way to turn Albert’s heart back.

‘That way I can watch the male and female leads date in peace!’

After all, the theme of my reincarnated life was leisure—
living off the duke’s fortune and happily watching the romance unfold.

But if the male lead wouldn’t meet the heroine… then?

‘Then I’ll find Emily myself.’

I clenched my fist tighter.

‘Yes, I’ll find Emily and personally connect her to the male leads.’

Eric and Harry also had to meet Emily because of the twisted plot anyway.

Might as well find her myself and fix everything!

‘Besides, the divine beast also has to be returned to Emily.’

The only problem was—I couldn’t remember exactly where Emily was at this point in the story.

‘Which household was she working for?’

I frowned, trying to recall, but nothing came.

Hmm. Should I send the knights to search for her?

But I didn’t have to worry long.

A few days later, by coincidence, I found Emily at a tea party.

It was at Countess Elina’s estate.

Ever since reconciling with her, I sometimes shared tea with Lady Elina.

Usually, she came to our mansion, but this time I visited hers.

“Welcome, Lady Hartmann. Thank you for visiting my humble home.”

“Humble? I’m the one grateful for the invitation.”

Lady Elina greeted me with her usual golden hair shining brightly.

Tea time passed peacefully, our conversation light as always.

But then—my eyes widened.

‘What the—’

Among the maids sweeping the garden stood one girl.

‘Emily.’

I recognized her instantly.
Her appearance stood out so much—it could only be the heroine.

Her beautiful brown hair gleamed gold in the light, pinned up as she swept.
Her calm yet lively face framed by the maid’s headband,
her brown eyes sparkling like jewels.

Most of all—she felt different, out of place compared to those around her.

‘That’s definitely Emily!’

My heart thumped loudly.

So this was why I suddenly felt restless—because I was meant to find her.

I smiled quietly, a sense of victory rising.

Albert or not, I had planned to search for Emily anyway.
And here she appeared before me, as if waiting.

This would make things much easier.

The whole time, I kept sneaking glances at her.

‘I need to talk to Emily somehow, make a connection.’

But how…

“Lady Hartmann?”

“Ah.”

I turned at the voice. Lady Elina tilted her head at me.

“Is something wrong? You seem distracted today… almost as if it’s hard to talk to me.”

Her lips drooped, her eyes shimmering.

“Did I perhaps make you uncomfortable again?”

“No, not at all! I’m sorry if it seemed that way.”

I waved my hands quickly, startled.

Uncomfortable? Not at all—I was actually grateful she was my acquaintance.

I must have been too obvious, though, thinking only about Emily.

‘But she’s the heroine! I have to make contact with Emily.’

Honestly, that was all in my head.

Should I excuse myself to the restroom and bump into her by chance?
Or just chase after her and say something?
But what should I even say?

“Trust me and follow me, I’ll introduce you to the male leads”…?

‘No, that’s ridiculous.’

I shook my head.

I needed some excuse, something natural to start a conversation with Emily.

At that moment, Lady Elina spoke again, watching me carefully.

“Lady Hartmann… if it’s not too much, could I ask you a favor?”