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“Nyaa.”
“Rose…!”
The little one stuck her tongue out slightly and licked my cheek again. Oh my god, did I just get a kiss? Overwhelmed with emotion, I stood there frozen, but then I felt a pressing force from the child’s tiny arms supporting her body against mine.
My heart swelled as her tiny feet kneaded my arms. She’s even doing the little “bread-kneading” thing. I seriously hit the jackpot today. All the fangirling I’ve done is finally paying off.
As I continued playing with her, Rayel, who had been watching me and Rose without the slightest hint of boredom, spoke up.
“I called you separately because I needed to check something, so don’t be nervous. Are you feeling better now? I heard you’ve recovered quite a bit.”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
I nodded, feeling his gaze examine me. So he called me separately to check on my condition? If that was the case, then it wouldn’t have mattered if Lucius was with me too, right?
Though I found it strange, I focused again as he continued.
“I heard you’re staying in the capital instead of going back to your estate. According to Marquis Calvino, you’ll resume social activities immediately after the wedding.”
“Yes, I thought it would be best to settle the rumors properly that way. If I show myself active in public, things might calm down faster.”
“Nothing works better than showing people with your own actions. A lot of people only believe what they see with their own eyes.”
He slowly walked up to us and reached out to pat Rose on the head. Rose, seemingly used to the gesture, allowed it for a moment before glancing at him, then turned her head sharply and buried her face in my chest.
“Nyaa!”
“Alright, alright.”
As if to say “don’t interrupt,” she pushed away Rayel’s hand from above her head. Rejected, he let out a small laugh, shook his head, and said,
“Have you eaten?”
“Pardon? Oh… Yes, I had breakfast before I came.”
“Then how about a cup of tea?”
He walked past me toward the table set up in a corner of the garden. I followed behind at a short distance when he suddenly stopped and looked back.
“How many lumps of sugar do you take with your tea?”
“Uh… one lump…?”
“How many cups do you drink a day?”
“At least three.”
“What kind of snacks do you usually like with it?”
“I like macarons and chocolates. I often eat cookies too.”
“I see. That’s enough.”
…Enough for what? He nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answers, and continued walking. This kind of situation… feels familiar.
Didn’t Princess Alexandra ask me similar questions before? As if they’re real siblings, they’re acting the same way.
I guess he was checking if I’ve truly returned to being the original Tiana… Can you really figure that out with just those questions?
What kind of standard is that? They keep asking about food—what on earth did the original soul eat?
“Don’t just stand there. Have a seat.”
“Oh, right.”
He was already seated and gestured to me. I snapped out of it and carefully sat across from him. Stroking Rose’s back, who was comfortably sitting on my lap, I glanced over the table.
At some point, the table had been set with warm tea and a variety of tempting desserts. Seeing him take a sip from his teacup first, I followed his lead and took a cautious sip myself.
“…!”
The tea was incredibly delicious. A refreshing and slightly tangy flavor spread across my tongue, making me instinctively take another sip. Before I knew it, half the cup was already gone. What in the world—it’s too good.
How do these people all know my taste so well? From Warren, the Grand Duke’s butler, to Princess Alexandra, and now even the Emperor…
…Could it be the original Tiana was a tea evangelist or something? Was she as obsessed with tea as I am? How does everyone know exactly what I like?
I was glad to enjoy such great tea, but it made me feel oddly conflicted. I mean, how does the Emperor know a mere noble lady’s tea preferences?
It looked like the original Tiana had met him before… Were they actually close? I still haven’t regained those memories, so I’m not sure.
“You must have been thirsty.”
“…The tea is very delicious. It smells lovely too.”
“I prepared it with what you used to drink often. Help yourself to the snacks too. They’re from your favorite bakery.”
Nodding, I picked up a macaron and carefully took a bite.
It had a balanced sweetness with a rich flavor, perfectly matching my taste again. Without a word, I popped the rest into my mouth and reached for another. He gave a soft smile.
It was the first time I’d seen such a relaxed smile from him.
After a rather strange teatime, we left the garden and returned to the Imperial Palace. As I followed Rayel through the corridor, I noticed attendants I hadn’t seen earlier.
Responding to their greetings and walking behind him, we arrived at the audience room again. Once the doors opened, Lucius, who had been waiting inside, jumped to his feet when he saw us.
“Your Majesty… Tiana.”
His face was stiff with worry, and he rushed toward me. His fingers were cold when they grasped mine, showing how concerned he was. I gently smiled and held his hand.
As I nodded to reassure him that everything was fine, his serious expression softened into a small smile.
“Nyaang.”
Following behind me, Rose rubbed against Lucius’s leg happily. Rayel, watching us, beckoned to Rose and said,
“Let’s meet together next time.”
He bent down to scoop Rose up and met her gaze. His calm, red eyes briefly swept over both Lucius and me.
“I look forward to the wedding.”
Left alone after we departed, Rayel sat down and gently petted Rose, who was now on his lap, murmuring to himself.
“Nyaa.”
“Yes. My guess was right. Looks like that woman has returned properly.”
“Nyaaa.”
“She looks happy? Of course she is.”
The time he had spent waiting hadn’t been in vain. His plans were starting to come together piece by piece.
“All that’s left is to return everything to the way it was.”
He didn’t need to relive the despair and sorrow he’d once endured. This moment, this second chance, was his only opportunity.
Seeing Rose peacefully close her eyes under his touch, he smiled deeply.
Leaving the audience room, Lucius and I exited the Imperial Palace. As we got into the waiting carriage, it began to move.
Lucius, watching me quietly, spoke up carefully.
“Are you really okay?”
“Yes. Nothing happened. I just had some delicious tea without much serious talk.”
“Tea… you had tea?”
“Yes. His Majesty personally prepared it for me. And there were lots of tasty desserts too.”
“…I see. I’m glad, then, if you enjoyed it.”
He nodded but fell into deep thought, lips pressed together tightly. Why? I told him everything went fine, and the atmosphere at the end wasn’t bad either, so he shouldn’t be this worried.
As I watched him silently thinking, sunlight streamed in through the window. I looked at the changing scenery and cautiously asked,
“Are we heading to the Crown Princess’s palace now?”
“Ah… no. We’re going to Alexandra’s palace.”
“What? Why? Aren’t we going to greet the Crown Princess first?”
Is something wrong? Surprised, I looked at Lucius, and he replied calmly.
“I received a message earlier. She’s not feeling well today and asked to meet another time.”
“Oh no… Is she very sick?”
“She’s always been frail. Seems like she caught a cold. It’s nothing serious, so don’t worry.”
“Well, that’s a relief. I hope she recovers quickly.”
I guess the meeting will have to wait. I was curious to meet her, but it can’t be helped.
Lucius’s expression dimmed again, and he looked a bit worried. I gently held his hand, and he smiled softly as he squeezed mine back.
“Welcome, Tiana! Brother, thank you for coming too.”
Alexandra greeted us with a bright smile. She nodded in satisfaction, seeing Lucius holding my hand.
“You really brought her holding hands. Well done!”
“Um… Can we let go now? People were really staring at us all the way here…”
“Oh, really? But you two look so good together. You’ll be married soon anyway, what’s the harm in holding hands?”
“There’s a time and place for everything…”
Honestly, I didn’t mind holding hands anymore, but being the center of attention the moment we arrived at the princess’s palace had me flustered.
I wanted to let go earlier, but Lucius held on tightly, so I had no choice but to come all the way here like this. How long does he intend to keep holding on?
Seeing my troubled expression, Alexandra burst out laughing and said,
“Alright, you can let go for now. You both need to change clothes anyway. Go and get changed first.”
At her signal, attendants came up to guide Lucius and me to separate rooms. As I followed the maid into a room, I couldn’t shake Alexandra’s mischievous smile from my mind.
When I came out dressed, Lucius, who had changed first, was already with Alexandra. He had his arms awkwardly outstretched, but when our eyes met, his widened in shock.
He flinched, and Alexandra, frowning, raised her voice.
“Brother. I told you not to move. Where are you looking—ah.”
“…”
“…Ah…”
Following Lucius’s gaze, Alexandra turned to look at me and smiled widely. Lucius and I froze, staring at each other.
…Am I seeing an angel right now?
Though the outfit wasn’t fully complete yet, it was nothing like what I’d seen on the mannequin.
Golden floral embroidery blended with elegant geometric patterns in a design I’d never seen before. The petals followed the curves of the fabric, blooming over his shoulders like a painting.
It fit his figure as if it were made just for him—I couldn’t help but stare, completely captivated. I didn’t even want to blink. With a groom this gorgeous, let the world see. I could cry, honestly.
I wanted to go closer and see it in more detail, but my chest felt so tight and full that I couldn’t move at all.
As the silence between us dragged on, Alexandra sighed heavily and pushed Lucius toward me.
