Chapter 292: One Move
“…Now then, you may each act freely… however, it’s already night, so don’t overexert yourselves and let it affect tomorrow.”
After the three of them finished their meal, Rezamiliana said that as they left the dining hall.
“Yes.”
“Okaaay!”
After hearing Felisiana and Elizalina’s replies, Rezamiliana turned her back to them. Showing her dignified back, she walked away down the corridor of the royal castle.
“Seriously, what kind of man could trouble Rezamiliana-oneesama that much when she seems like she’d have absolutely no interest in any man~?”
“It does make me curious, but there’s definitely no man in this world more charming and wonderful than Lux-kun.”
“I totally agree! You and I really do get along, Felisiana~! Then let’s keep getting along from now on as kindred spirits~!”
Saying that, Elizalina turned her back and was about to leave…
“Wait.”
Felisiana stopped her.
When Elizalina halted, Felisiana stepped forward until she was facing her and spoke.
“The fact that you proposed to Lux-kun today certainly surprised me, Elizalina-anesama.”
And then she continued.
“It was also impressive how, right in front of Lux-kun, you created an atmosphere among the many nobles that they would support the birth of the next king, so that he’d be ready whenever he chose to accept your proposal, reducing even slightly any concerns he might have about becoming king.”
…However.
Felisiana moved to stand directly in front of Elizalina and faced her. Then she spoke firmly.
“But what exactly does that change?”
“…”
“Right now, Lux-kun is probably overwhelmed with engagement proposals from me and Florence, and now from you as well, Elizalina-anesama… but once he calms down, it’ll only turn into a three-way deadlock…”
Felisiana started to say, then corrected herself.
“Rather, it could even be said that you’re the one who’s late to the game, Elizalina-anesama… Florence and I had already brought up engagement to Lux-kun long before.”
If she thought she had outmaneuvered her over something like this, that was a grave misunderstanding. That was the implication behind Felisiana’s words.
Elizalina, however, slightly lifted the corners of her lips and said,
“You’re right. Even if I met Lux later than you two, I did fall behind.”
But then she continued.
Elizalina closed her eyes once, and when she opened them again, her gaze was unfocused as she spoke in a calm tone.
“The ones who are too late aren’t me, but rather you and Florence, Felisiana.”
“…What? Don’t give me such sour grapes…”
“It’s not sour grapes… in fact, even though you two proposed to Lux earlier than I did, with this one move I’ve caught up to you.”
“Do you know why?” Elizalina asked.
When Felisiana couldn’t answer, Elizalina continued.
“The answer is just what I said earlier, that you two are too slow… I haven’t talked much with Florence, so I don’t know her reason, but I do know yours, Felisiana… you’re too slow because you’re looking at everything except the one thing you should be looking at most.”
“I’m looking at everything except the one thing I should be looking at most…?”
“Yes. If you don’t realize that, I really will end up being the one who unites with Lux… I’m telling you this as the bare minimum kindness of an older sister toward her younger one.”
Then Elizalina closed her eyes once more, and when she opened them again, she had returned to her usual gaze and cheerful tone.
“See you, Felisiana! I think we’ll be meeting again very soon, so take care of me then~!”
Saying that, Elizalina left with light steps.
…The meaning behind Elizalina’s words about meeting again soon bothered her, but even more so did the meaning of what Elizalina had said before that.
And while thinking about how she would deal with Elizalina from now on, Felisiana decided to return to Count Rodwell’s residence.
…With Elizalina joining the fray, the conflict between Felisiana and Flora Florence over their engagements to Lux… would only intensify further.