Choices
Floria’s Side
Although it had been Floria who pointed out that Siana’s true identity was Third Princess Felisiana, Siana tilted her head and said,
“Third Princess, Felisiana-sama…? I’m sorry, but I do not understand what Florence-sama is saying.”
Siana’s expression was genuinely perplexed. She could not comprehend at all what Floria was talking about… If most people saw such a look, they would begin to doubt their own statement to some degree, yet Floria was not that sort of person.
“Impressive, even after being exposed, you do not change your expression at all… With that boldness, you must have fooled that innocent, kind-hearted Lux-sama all this time. But unlike Lux-sama, who knows nothing of suspicion, you cannot deceive me.”
“…You mean to say that I have been deceiving my master?”
“You no longer need to pretend to be Siana, the maid of Count Rodwell’s household… Although there have been various inconsistencies until now, I became certain you were the Third Princess simply from the murderous intent you emitted earlier.”
“Me, the Third Princess…? That cannot be—”
“In order to confirm your identity, I deliberately made a remark here in front of you inviting Lux-sama to my room… Even if your mind knew you must not emit murderous intent, you clearly could not suppress your feelings toward Lux-sama.”
“…”
Perhaps resigned after being confronted so directly, or perhaps judging that further evasion would be a waste of time, Siana let out a sigh, then shifted her gaze from that of Siana of the Count Rodwell’s household to that of Third Princess Felisiana, and not only did her eyes change but her entire aura shifted as she spoke with a cold expression.
“As expected, Floria Florence… I will at least acknowledge that you are outstanding in terms of ability.”
“If it were Lux-sama praising me, I would be genuinely delighted, but I find no pleasure in being praised by you… Nevertheless, it is indeed gratifying that you will no longer be able to remain at Lux-sama’s side.”
“You said that earlier as well, but there is no way I would ever be kept from Lux-kun’s side.”
“No, you will no longer be able to stay by Lux-sama’s side… Because I will tell Lux-sama your true identity.”
Hearing this, Felisiana did not show any surprised expression, she merely maintained a cold look.
To that, Floria said to Felisiana,
“However, following Lux-sama’s kindness, I wish to offer someone like you a choice… If you leave Lux-sama’s side after putting in writing that you will never involve yourself with Lux-sama again, I will refrain from telling him that your true identity is Third Princess Felisiana-sama… Of course, ‘never involving yourself again’ applies not only as Siana but also as Third Princess Felisiana-sama.”
“…What will happen if I refuse?”
“In that case, I will tell Lux-sama your true identity, Lux-sama will learn that you lied to him about yourself, and after he becomes disappointed, you, as Third Princess, will be made to leave his presence… But rest assured, I will protect Lux-sama from now on.”
Hearing that, Felisiana let out a slight laugh and said,
“You say you will protect him. You? Protect Lux-kun?”
“Yes.”
“…Impossible. You cannot protect Lux-kun.”
“…Those are words I cannot let pass unheard.”
“That is the truth… You are far too lenient. Regarding those three male students the other day, I heard they were expelled and stripped of their titles.”
It was not unexpected that Siana was aware of what had transpired around Lux, so Floria, unfazed, said,
“Yes, that is correct.”
“But that alone is far too lenient… What if those three male students harbor resentment toward Lux-kun and attempt to harm him? What will you do then?”
“I struck into their minds with words so that they would never harbor such thoughts.”
“That is what I call leniency. Unless their lives are taken, Lux-kun’s safety cannot be completely guaranteed.”
“Taking lives, you say… Indeed, I still feel nothing but disgust toward you.”
Having said that, Floria continued,
“You intend to love Lux-sama with those blood-stained hands of yours?”