A Narrow Escape
Siana’s Side
While dancing with Lux, Siana looked utterly graceful, undoubtedly befitting royalty, yet inside her mind, a very different story unfolded.
I’m dancing with Lux-kun right now, holding his hand… he’s so handsome, that earnest look on his face as he dances… to be here like this with Lux-kun, how incredibly blessed I am… ah, Lux-kun, I truly love you…
Lux’s Side
Having finished the dance with Felisiana-sama, we made our way to the carriage waiting before the royal castle gates.
“Felisiana-sama, Violet-san, thank you both so much for today!”
“On the contrary, Lux-kun, I had the most delightful time.”
“I, too, am very grateful to you, Rodwell-sama.”
Today I had the chance to dance with Felisiana-sama and truly get to know Violet-san more deeply. I felt our bond strengthen in a remarkable way, and it was nothing short of wonderful.
“I look forward to seeing you both again!”
As I spoke, Felisiana-sama offered me a gentle smile and replied,
“Yes, let us meet again.”
Violet-san, her expression soft, added,
“I will look forward to that day.”
Delighted by their kind words, I climbed into the carriage and set off for Count Rodwell’s estate.
I have so many stories for Siana. I can’t wait to share them when I return.
Siana’s Side
After changing in town, Siana and Violet-san boarded the carriage bound for Count Rodwell’s estate.
“Today was truly wonderful… I had such an enjoyable conversation with Lux-kun, and we even danced… everything went as planned, except for one thing: you.”
“Does that mean I’ve been enchanted by Rodwell-sama?”
“Indeed… sigh, Lux-kun’s charm really is quite troublesome.”
Though Siana had expected Violet-san might fall under Lux’s spell, she could not hide her surprise once it actually happened.
“He is such a bright soul, but not in a way that darkness could swallow like mine. His light shines so brilliantly it illuminates even me… for his sake, I would do absolutely anything.”
Siana felt those words resonate deeply; for Lux’s sake, she would do literally anything.
She would protect his happiness at any cost.
“Just to confirm once more, you will continue to act according to my instructions, won’t you?”
“Yes, Ojou-sama. Please don’t misunderstand, I hold not only Rodwell-sama but you in the highest regard. Aside from seizing any chance to share a happy moment with Rodwell-sama, I have no intention of betraying you.”
Violet-san spoke with a hint of amusement in her tone.
“You won’t yield on that point…”
Siana sighed, but seeing Violet-san so thoroughly enjoying herself, wearing an expression she had never shown before, filled her with unexpected joy.
Elizalina’s Side
After completing her official duties and returning to the castle, Elizalina approached a guard standing at the far side of the gate.
“Hey, didn’t Felisiana bring someone here today?”
“No, Ojou-sama, she did not.”
The armored guard replied, but Elizalina pressed on.
“If she brought someone, I’d expect it today, when everyone but Felisiana is away on duty… are you telling me I’m mistaken?”
“Th-That is not the case…”
Finding further talk fruitless, Elizalina lowered her voice.
“If Felisiana told you to keep silent, you’d be wise to tell me now. She is the third princess and I the second, though her rank might matter in policy councils, here in the castle my authority is higher. So stop hiding things, tell me quickly, and I may let you off the hook.”
The guard, terrified that she had seen through his every thought, answered with a pale face.
“Eek… um… Third Princess Felisiana-sama did invite a man into the castle.”
“Who was it?”
“I-I don’t know! It’s true! Please forgive me…!”
Elizalina prided herself on her insight, honed by quelling domestic unrest with her beauty and rhetoric.
This guard is telling the truth.
“Is that so? Well then, you’ve had a lucky break. If you’d tried to mislead me again, who knows what might have happened! But of course, nothing dangerous ever happens in front of the royal castle, right?”
As Elizalina strode inside, the guard could do nothing but stand frozen in terror.
“A scoundrel capable of making Felisiana so enamored… perhaps it’s time I make my move.”
Elizalina muttered to herself, a sinister smile curling on her lips.