Chapter 293: Premonition
Rezamiliana’s Side
After finishing the meal, Rezamiliana immediately left Elizalina and Felisiana and headed straight to the training grounds inside the royal castle, where she began swinging her sword.
After completing a certain amount of training, she paused and recalled the conversation from the dining hall earlier, murmuring to herself.
“…So Elizalina has already confessed her love to the man she has feelings for.”
At the same time, she remembered Elizalina’s words.
“…The more charming the boy you’re after is, the sooner you have to propose, or a love rival will snatch him away~!”
Remembering those words, the next thing that came to Rezamiliana’s mind was Floria Florence’s face as she spoke of bringing up engagement to Lux.
“During the commerce practicum, their relationship didn’t seem to have progressed as much as it had during the swordsmanship tournament… but.”
It was certain that their relationship had been steadily progressing in ways not visible on the surface.
“I vowed from the bottom of my heart that I would be united with Rodwell, and that I would be the one to make him happy.”
Therefore, under normal circumstances, she would want to actively involve herself with Lux right away, just like Elizalina had.
But…
“Before that, there is something I must do.”
There was something Rezamiliana had to accomplish before advancing her relationship with Lux. Unless she did it, she would never be able to move forward with him.
And the place where she had to do that was… the Inter-Royal Exchange Gathering.
“…Rodwell.”
If it were possible, I would want to speak with you right now.
If it were possible, I would want to talk right now with the one I love about the sword I cherish.
If it were possible, I would want to eat bread together with you again right now.
If it were possible, I would want to see your smile right now.
If it were possible, I would want to love you right now… and be loved by you.
“But I…”
Because she loved Lux, she could not approach him yet. For now, all she could do was hold that love within her.
Yet… as she felt the love she held for Lux surely residing in her heart.
And then…
“One day, I will definitely return to you, to your side… so will you wait for that time?”
“Yes!”
As she recalled the promise from that day…
Rezamiliana began swinging her sword once more.
Florence’s Side
Around the same time.
Floria Florence had come to visit the Ashwell Ducal House, and when the gate guard brought Nora Ashwell to her…
“You’re here, Florence!”
Upon seeing her, Nora Ashwell called out loudly.
“Yes, Ashwell-sama… as promised, I have come to visit.”
“Come in!”
At Nora Ashwell’s invitation, Floria Florence entered the Ashwell Ducal residence together with her.
Then Nora Ashwell spoke with a smug expression.
“Still, I feel sorry for you! Since you weren’t invited to Elizalina-sama’s event, you had to come all the way here after it ended just to ask me what happened today!”
Though she said she felt sorry, Nora Ashwell sounded extremely pleased.
Floria Florence, however, replied in her usual manner.
“It is difficult not to take interest in an event personally hosted by the Second Princess, so it cannot be helped.”
Rather, she continued.
“I consider myself fortunate to be allowed to hear about it despite not having been invited.”
“That’s right! And it’s all thanks to me! Me! Since Elizalina-sama abandoned you and didn’t invite you, I’m specially extending my hand to you! Honestly, you should be grateful!”
“Yes, I am of course grateful.”
“…!”
After that, Floria Florence headed to Nora Ashwell’s private room together with the thoroughly delighted Nora Ashwell.
There were two things Floria Florence wanted to learn from Nora Ashwell about today’s event.
First, what kind of event Elizalina had held today.
And second… why, among the many members of ducal families who had been invited, she herself, the daughter of the Florence Ducal House, which held great power in this country as an undeniable fact, had not been invited.
Beyond that question, something important for the future lay hidden.
Within Floria Florence, a strong premonition of that was swelling…