Chapter 4
At the god’s urging, I once again fell into thought.
It was good that I had obtained the only solution through the two questions, but that was as far as it went.
From now on, I needed to gain whatever I could to keep Leandros alive.
‘So all I have to do is save Leandros, right? Maybe I should just keep him somewhere safe?’
That thought crossed my mind, but I soon shook my head.
In my past life, Leandros had once been kidnapped by barbarians and returned alive.
Even if I kidnapped him and tried to keep him safe, he would find a way to escape.
‘Anyway, in a few years, Leandros will receive the god’s mission, and he’ll have to travel the empire. If I can’t stop that, it might be safer to support him closely by his side.’
At that moment, something flickered through my mind.
At the same time, I thought it might be reckless, but if this was the last chance, why not take a little gamble?
[Isn’t there?]
“I’ve thought of something.”
I erased the smile from my face and asked,
“Could you grant me a special power so that I don’t die until Leandros does?”
[Interesting.]
It was just a delusion, but for a moment, I thought I heard a laugh.
I waited nervously for the answer. My intuition told me what it would be.
After this long silence, the answer that would return was—
[Yes.]
A confirmation that my gamble had succeeded.
Having obtained what I wanted, there was no longer any reason to remain in the temple.
Above all, Wendy had rushed over, insisting I return immediately to prepare for my appearance, and hurried me into the carriage.
As soon as we arrived at the estate, the maids approached swiftly, as if they had been waiting for me.
“Welcome back, Miss!”
“We’ll begin your preparations immediately. Please follow me to the bath.”
Guided by their hands, I hurriedly finished my bath, after which makeup began, and one of the maids dragged a rack of several dresses beside me.
“These are Madame Charlotte’s dresses.”
Although dresses were usually chosen in advance for a perfect day, today was my birthday, and I wanted to select from several options according to what drew me at the moment.
‘Were there really this many?’
As I quietly looked at the multitude of dresses, Wendy recommended a luxurious gown that matched my usual taste.
“Miss, how about this red dress? It’ll suit you so well that no one would recognize who the real birthday girl is!”
The beautiful, classical gown made of intense red fabric overlaid with gold—symbolizing nobility—would suit me better than anyone.
Normally, I might have chosen this dress.
“This one’s fine.”
But today, my choice had to be different from usual.
The maid looked surprised and asked,
“Do you mean this sky-blue dress?”
“Yes.”
Choosing a calm, low-saturation color rather than my usual preference shocked them.
“How long do we have to wait?”
“Oh, we’ll assist you immediately!”
Once I selected the dress, the makeup and accessories were quickly picked as well.
“This dress… perhaps like this…”
“The makeup should be a bit lighter…”
As the maids discussed among themselves and worked busily, my appearance was transformed in a way different from usual.
“Oh, Miss! You look so beautiful!”
“Truly, Miss can carry off any style!”
“Indeed, it’s as expected of the noble lady!”
Hearing familiar praise, I stood before the mirror.
The sky-blue dress, a mix of chiffon and lace suitable for summer, fluttered softly with every movement.
My dark blue hair, half tied up and twisted, was adorned with strands full of white pearls, while the rest of my hair fell down elegantly. The light makeup made my features appear softer than usual.
Though it wasn’t my favorite style and felt awkward,
“Anyone can see how delicate it looks.”
“Huh?”
“I like it.”
Those who had no idea what I meant breathed a sigh of relief at the continued praise and smiled broadly.
“Wendy, did you deliver the letter to Father properly?”
“Yes, the Duke and Viscount will attend the banquet immediately after leaving the palace.”
Satisfied with the answer, I nodded and stepped out of the room. Wendy, trailing behind, asked,
“Since Madam is away for health reasons and won’t be in the capital, you’ll have to enter alone. Are you sure that’s okay?”
Seeing her worried face, I almost let out a laugh.
‘An assassin, watching me to kill me, is worried about me. What a ridiculous misunderstanding.’
“After all, it’s not a party that requires a partner, is it?”
I answered briefly and stepped out of the estate. Through the carriage window, I saw the setting sun for the afternoon party.
Gazing at the sky turning crimson, I held my fan over my lips. Thoughts of what I had to do made me feel like a child about to commit her first mischief, filled with excitement.
The carriage slowed only when it reached near the royal palace. Looking out, I saw that despite the banquet being hurriedly arranged, many guests had arrived.
Crowded carriages, the royal castle beautifully decorated to celebrate the occasion, and the guests, all dressed as if the peacock had fanned its feathers.
In the past, seeing this would have angered me, thinking these people should have attended my party instead. Now, though…
‘I’m not particularly impressed.’
A suitable expression showing that power cannot be ignored.
‘I used to envy that power, but now I don’t need it.’
Perhaps because my goal was simply to survive, I barely noticed it.
Escorted by my knight, I alighted from the carriage and entered the banquet hall.
As I neared the hall, I heard cheerful laughter.
I smiled brightly, as if I had never had a blank expression.
“Presenting the noble lady of the Aperdita Duchy!”
At the announcement, the doors opened, and brilliant light filled my eyes.
Although the main banquet had not yet begun, soft music played.
Though faint, meant to signal someone’s arrival, the attention of the guests naturally turned to me, thanks to my confident steps and radiant smile.
I took my place in the center of the hall as if it were only natural.
As eyes quickly scanned me from head to toe, bright voices welcomed me.
“Oh my, Miss! It’s been so long. How have you been?”
“My goodness, Miss! Why are you only here now? I was so eager to see you!”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Aria of the Sonnet family.”
Even without initiating conversation, a swarm of young ladies of similar age greeted me, and I smiled and responded in kind.
“Today’s style is different from usual, very refreshing.”
“Is it strange?”
“Not at all. The blue dress contrasts with your radiant appearance like a blossoming bouquet. It suits you perfectly.”
“Yes, truly beautiful.”
Exchanging these flattering but shallow compliments, we laughed together.
Even though I was called a willful villainess, it seemed difficult for anyone to ignore the authority of Aperdita, and more people gradually gathered.
“You look stunning today, my lady. If it’s all right, may I have the honor of dancing the first song with you…?”
“No, with me…”
“My name is…”
I was about to politely refuse the eager suitors once confirming I had no partner when a startled voice came from the far end of the door.
“W-wait! You can’t enter this way…”
The doorman’s objection was drowned out by the noise of the wide-open doors.
Through the doors, a figure with long legs strode into the banquet hall.
Ignoring protocol as if to express displeasure, he was none other than the guest of honor, Leandros.
Perhaps to show he was attending as a holy knight rather than a prince, he entered wearing a pristine white holy knight uniform instead of formal banquet attire.
Beneath his silver hair, swept by his brisk movements, pale blue eyes reflected a hint of restrained anger.
Upon reaching the dais, he spoke to those looking up at him.
“Thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday. Your congratulations have been fully received, so please enjoy yourselves and leave when you are ready.”
And with that, he spun and left.
It was clear to anyone that the guest of honor was displeased with the banquet, yet could not leave outright due to royal protocol.
I watched his departing figure through my fan.
‘Just as I heard.’
