《Shadow Queen》


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Can you be my daughter?¡±


    I shouldn¡¯t have held that hand. Even the emperor can¡¯t treat him rashly, the Empire¡¯s Prime Minister, Grand Duke Franches. That request that one can¡¯t reject, the cause of the problem.


    Princess Veronica who died because of a fever, the only one who could replace her was me who resembled her. I ended up having a hard time.


    Had I refused at that time, I could¡¯ve avoided such miserable death. It ended up looking ridiculous. What¡¯s the point of being at the top of the society, being envied by ladies, and being courted by men? What¡¯s the use of embellished dresses and jewelry made by artisans? What¡¯s the point of being crowned the first Queen?


    Princess Veronica, who I thought was dead, is perfectly alive and well. Now that she¡¯s back, my existence in this world is unasked for.


    ¡°From the start¡­¡­ this was the plan.¡±


    Every time I spoke, metal stuck in my stomach snarled. My insides twisted, the blood stained my dress and covered the floor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t resent me. I only reached out my hand, it is you who took that hand.¡±


    Grand Duke Franches countered mockingly. Slyly, I blame myself eloquently and let out a sneer. Standing beside him, Veronica, bluntly continued speaking.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been working on this plan for a long time. And because of that, I pretended to be dead and needed a replacement. You did quite well.¡±


    I lifted my head and looked at Veronica.


    Ah! It¡¯s as if I was looking at a mirror, I saw the resemblance to the princess. Sorrow rained down on me. When I stop breathing, she will naturally take over my place. The position of the Queen, the relationship between me and the King, even the newborn might call Veronica ¡®mother¡¯.


    No, I¡¯m certain it will happen. It was so unfair. My tears burst out in rage.


    ¡°Are you crying? Don¡¯t be too sad. I¡¯m more merciful than I look. As a consolation for your hard work, I¡¯m thinking of doing something for you.¡±


    Veronica beckoned, the knight behind her handed the baby wrapped in silk. Veronica showed the face of a sleeping baby as if she was being generous.


    ¡°Baby, say your last goodbye to your mom. Mom¡¯s going to die soon.¡±


    ¡°¡­..!¡±


    Veronica raised the crying baby¡¯s hand and waved it. It really looked more cruel than the devil.


    ¡°I- Ian!¡±


    I crawled towards Veronica in a desperate struggle. The metal trampled my insides, I couldn¡¯t stop struggling with pain. The apple of my eye, my son. It drove me mad to see Ian cuddled in her arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try too hard. I don¡¯t know what to do with this child for now. I¡¯m going to hear him call me ¡®Mother¡¯ and see a great deal of his cuteness. By then, I¡¯ll possibly have a baby with the King, right? I¡¯ll send him by your side then.¡±


    ¡°You- You devil!¡±


    My hands and lips trembled with anger.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking too long, Veronica.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I lost track of time because of the entertainment in front of me. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Grand Duke Franches glanced at me and turned coldly. Veronica followed behind.


    ¡°I can¡¯t even say goodbye because I don¡¯t even know your real name. But I¡¯ll tell you, at least you did a good job, fake Veronica.¡±


    Looking at Veronica¡¯s distant back, I stretched out my hand as hard as I could. My desperation kept me from giving up even though I knew I couldn¡¯t keep up.


    However, so much blood spilled out from my body. This was it.


    Thud.


    My hands fell weakly. Veronica¡¯s distant back was the last thing I remember.


    Section 1. The Rise of Vengeance


    ¡°Elena!¡±


    Elena, who was dipping her feet in a low hillside stream, stopped at the sound of calling for her. The waves that were spreading over the surface of the water died down and Elena¡¯s image was projected onto the calm water.


    Where shall we start explaining? She was young in the reflection of the water. Her young face and sheer cheeks were especially prominent. It contained the freshness of a bud waiting to bloom somewhere between a girl and a woman.


    Believe it or not, Elena returned. After rising to the throne as Veronica, she returned at the age of 16 before the coming-of-age ceremony.


    She couldn¡¯t accept all this at first. The betrayal that took all that she achieved by posing as Veronica. The acrid feel of iron through the abdomen. Veronica¡¯s back as she was walking away with Ian. The vivid recollection kept her from those days.


    Especially when she thought of Ian, she was heartbroken. It was suffocating to think of the time when the child would survive alone without the care of Elena, the mother.


    Why did she have to come back five years ago? If she had gone back a year or three months ago, she wouldn¡¯t have been helpless by them. Ian could¡¯ve been protected.


    For the first ten days she lived like a spirit. It wasn¡¯t easy to narrow and admit the gap between reality and past life. But as time went by, the flames of emotion, which had been burning deep in the heart, gradually cooled.


    Sure, a world where there¡¯s no Ian. They can¡¯t meet even if she searches the whole continent, because he wasn¡¯t born, so he doesn¡¯t exist, right? Only after accepting that fact was Elena able to bury Ian deep in her heart.


    Not only that. She could no longer stay in the past, but face up the present life. Elena was aware that she could choose the future that lies ahead of her.


    ¡°Elena!¡±


    The call of a middle-aged man was heard loud once again. Elena turned her head as he came close.


    ¡°There you are.¡±


    ¡°Father.¡±


    Elena slightly raised her chin to make eye contact with him. Baron Frederic was a gentleman with a neatly arranged hair and a pair of eyeglasses. He was once a recognized administrator in the capital city, but his grandfather¡¯s failure in business has cost him all his fortune and forced him to the periphery. Currently, he works as an administrator on Viscount Claude¡¯s manor and receiving pay, but also a half-nobleman who¡¯s trying hard to survive.


    ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re not coming to the coming-of-age ceremony? What on earth are you talking about?¡±


    Baron Fredrick¡¯s speech was straightforward than ever. The urgency in his behavior can be felt as he came all the way here to find his daughter at the time when he had to see his official duties at his official residence. In contrast, Elena was absolutely calm.


    ¡°Just like I told you this morning. I don¡¯t want such a grand ceremony.¡±


    ¡°But Elena, this is a good opportunity. Although it¡¯s sponsored by the Lord, it¡¯s a formal social debut.¡±


    Baron Fredrick was desperately trying to persuade her. Elena¡¯s social debut was practically impossible with a tight green light.


    But an unexpected opportunity came. Viscount Claude offered to sponsor the expenses needed to make her debut in society for Elena¡¯s coming-of-age ceremony. Already, he did not want to miss this opportunity because he felt guilty because his incompetence seemed to block his daughter¡¯s marriage.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know you¡¯re concerned, but I don¡¯t want to overdo it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all for you. You might not know since you¡¯re still young, but debuting formally in the society affects your husband¡¯s feelings. Did you know that?¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes became intense. As always, the honest and single-minded father put forward a political theory. If you can prove your aristocratic reputation and show off your beauty in society, you can be courted by men.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Baron Fredrick raised his eyebrows.


    ¡°The sponsorship he said. Is it really just a sponsorship? I don¡¯t think so, Father.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Elena squinted her eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say I made my debut in society. But what if I get sent as a concubine of an old nobleman or a merchant in the guise of a sponsorship? As I¡¯m the one who received the sponsorship, can I refuse?¡±


    Baron Frederick was shocked at Elena¡¯s words.


    ¡°A concubine! He¡¯s not that kind of person.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s someone who hides a knife behind a smiling face.¡¯


    Elena experienced it painfully. Despite Elena¡¯s concerns, Baron Frederick did not give up persuading.


    ¡°I see what you¡¯re worried about. Just calm yourself. I will interfere and stop it.¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression hardly unfolded despite his trustworthy words. Not because he¡¯s unreliable, but because she knows it¡¯s something he can¡¯t do.


    ¡°¡­¡­ you won¡¯t be able to stop it. They¡¯ll tie up not only me, but also the whole family.¡±


    It¡¯s a trap. A thoroughly planned trap. In the previous life, the sponsorship became a debt. The debt became chains, and forbade the family from being able to do anything.

 Chapter 2

    ¡°Elena, he¡¯s not as evil as you think. He might be truly trying to help you. I think you¡¯re getting ahead of yourself.¡°


    ¡°Perhaps so, but¡­..¡±


    Elena clouded the following phrase and swallowed the words that couldn¡¯t be said at the moment.


    ¡®What if it¡¯s not the Viscount who struck this trap?¡¯


    Viscount Claude is just a puppet. He¡¯s not competent enough to create such traps. He¡¯s so simple that he¡¯s easy to read. It won¡¯t be wrong because it¡¯s Elena¡¯s eyes, who stood at the peak of the Empire¡¯s social circle of conspiracy and plotting. The real mastermind is someone else.


    ¡®Liabrick.¡¯


    Graduated with the highest marks in the history of the Imperial Academy, a moving schemer with the Grand Duke¡¯s financial support. She was skilled at taking advantage of people¡¯s intellect and experienced at tricking people to alienate each other. She played a big part in hearing the public opinion that the Grand Duke¡¯s position might go beyond the Emperor¡¯s.


    ¡®You told me this. You need to be able to see the thorns hidden in the bright flowers.¡¯


    Especially because the empire¡¯s society was similar to a jungle, the weak became prey to the strong. The background of the Grand Duke was not an absolute advantage in the place where conspiracies and scheming were rampant. He was driven into a corner and went through countless dangers that almost led to his downfall.


    It was Liabrick who taught Elena how to dominate the society as a queen. Liabrick arrived here. To take Elena, who resembles Veronica, to the Grand Duke.


    ¡®It¡¯s not going to be the way you want anymore. I¡¯ll be the one who¡¯ll turn the situation now.¡¯


    What Liabrick wants is Elena. Even though Veronica¡¯s alive, that said the Grand Duke will still take Elena, so that situation is inevitable. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been forced to come all the way here.


    As long as it¡¯s known, she won¡¯t be miserable and killed tragically like in her previous life.


    But Baronet Frederick, who wasn¡¯t aware of the truth, couldn¡¯t shake off his disappointment.


    ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t regret it?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    Elena¡¯s answer was firm. If she was going to regret it, she wouldn¡¯t have made this decision in the first place. She¡¯s not going to be swayed anymore. She intended to live her life without the interference and intervention of the Grand Duke. In order to do that, Elena wants to make the worst choice, not the best.


    ¡®I¡¯m going to turn this situation over.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes shone coldly.


    The face of Baronet Frederick¡¯s face was filled with regret over the past few days. He persuaded Elena once again.


    ¡°Dear, if you¡¯re worried about something disgraceful from the Lord, you could also write an agreement. How do I change your mind?¡±


    ¡°I apologize, Father. My decision remains unchanged.¡±


    Elena shook her head, putting down the spoon.


    ¡®What effect would a mere document have?¡¯


    If the Lord broke the contract, will he be held responsible for it? It¡¯s hard. Even if the influence of a lord is claimed to be unjust in the course of his periphery, it is difficult for the condition to take effect.


    ¡°Tsk, who do you take after your stubbornness¡­¡­.?¡±


    With his daughter¡¯s determined attitude, who didn¡¯t even give him a chance, Baronet Frederick let out a groan.


    ¡°Honey, don¡¯t force it and respect Elena¡¯s wish.¡±


    His wife, Chesana brought the salad over the plate and sided with Elena. She looked truly lovely as a young woman, but as she suffered from the hardships of life, her wrinkles increased. She had a hard time taking care of all the household chores without a maid.


    ¡°But it¡¯s a pity¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too impatient. Our daughter, she¡¯s good anywhere. You can meet a good partner even if you don¡¯t make a social debut.¡±


    Chesana comforted Baronet Frederick with good words, and slightly winked at her. It was rather a signal to Elena.


    ¡®I know well, we¡¯ll talk later. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡¯


    She could hear Chesana¡¯s heart whispering in her ear. Elena smiled lightly and said thank you in return.


    ¡°More than that Elena, I was doing the laundry and all of it was covered with dust and it was messy. It looked like a vine of thorns was caught.¡±


    ¡°I went to Mt. Rose earlier.¡±


    ¡°Again? Dear, why don¡¯t you be careful about climbing the mountain from now on? Recently, there have been frequent sightings of mountain animals, and I am worried that you might experience bad things while climbing the mountain alone.¡±


    Even Baronet Frederick, who was silent, went out and assisted.


    ¡°Chesana¡¯s right. It won¡¯t happen, but there¡¯s no harm in being careful.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be doing that. There¡¯s no reason to go anymore.¡±


    Elena, who left a meaningful answer, pulled out her chair and stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go in first and rest. Good night.¡±


    ¡°All right then, good night.¡±


    Back in the room, Elena locked the door and sat at her desk.


    Creak. She took out a note from the book, which was stuck neatly between textbooks. What seemed like a diary, the notebook which she had opened, she suddenly saw a sloppy map that didn¡¯t seem like it was typed but written.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad I finished it in time.¡±


    Though the sketch of the map is clumsy and crooked, the detailed map was more accurate than any map of Mt. Rose sold in the market. Because the geography of the mountain has changed subtly from the maps that were sold a decade ago from the market.


    Elena took the red ink pen out of the inkwell and picked it up.


    Without hesitation, she drew a curve along the mountains and the geography of the map of Mount Rose. The red line, which did not cross the mountain but led to the canyon along the hillside, did not stop until it reached the Igis River, which flows beyond Mount Rose.


    ¡°Liabrick would never expect this route either.¡±


    Elena dared to affirm. It¡¯s a perfect escape.


    ¡°Mother, Father. In this life, I will protect the both of you. That¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes fall into a deep regret. In the past life, she didn¡¯t care about her parents when she left for the Grand Duke. She was deceived by Liabrick¡¯s words that she could avoid a life as a concubine, she only pondered about her own self. That she was taken advantage of, she realized after she was abandoned. The night she left the fief, in fact, her parents were killed by Liabrick¡¯s own hands.


    Elena¡¯s eyes filled with spite. Now that their intentions are known, she will no longer expose her parents unguarded to danger.


    At dawn, Elena¡¯s eyes opened. Even if no one woke her up, her body reacted first this time. Habits are truly scary. The habit of living in the Imperial Palace as the First Empress continued even after her return. Even if she tried hard to fix it, she couldn¡¯t.


    Elena slowly raised her upper body up. She looked so neat that it was hard to imagine her lying in the bed a little while ago. It was the demeanor that she couldn¡¯t get rid of during her years as a Queen.


    Elena tied her hair and left the room, Chesana¡¯s eyes widened as she was preparing breakfast.


    ¡°Why are you up already? Why don¡¯t you sleep more?¡±


    ¡°My eyes opened early. I¡¯ll help.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    Elena helped set the table with her nimble hands. Baked bread was taken out of the furnace and cut into bite-size pieces, and the broccoli soup, which has a savory aroma, was moved to a plate.


    ¡°Father, breakfast is ready.¡±


    When Elena knocked, Baronet Frederick, dressed in uniform, left the room and sat at the dining table. Perhaps he was nagging Chesana all night, but Baronet Frederick no longer forced the sponsorship. Thanks to her, they could have a peaceful breakfast everyday.


    ¡°Honey, isn¡¯t it a little noisy outside?¡±


    ¡°Maybe a carriage is passing by.¡±


    Despite Chesana¡¯s questions, Baronet Frederick didn¡¯t make a big deal out of it, and ate the soup. The house is located next to the road, so it is regarded as something that is always going on. But as time went by, the noise grew louder and louder. It was certainly bustling to just ignore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out and look.¡±


    Baronet Fredrick put the spoon down and stood up from the table. Knock knock. Just as he was about to open the door, a quick knock was heard.


    ¡°Baronet, this is Grace.¡±


    ¡°Grace?¡±


    Grace is a steward in charge of all the management and household affairs related to the private residence of her lord, Viscount Claude. It was rare to encounter Frederick Jun, a co-worker.


    ¡°What brought you here?¡±


    When the door opened, Grace bowed with courtesy.


    ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡±


    Grace, who sought one-sided understanding, looked back and gestured. Then the porters waiting outside the door came in with boxes packed with high-quality silk and began to pile them up.


    ¡°What¡¯s all of this?¡±


    ¡°The Lord sent presents.¡±


    ¡°Presents?¡±


    As he couldn¡¯t grasp the situation, Baronet Frederick was perplexed. There were many gift packages piled up in abundance to receive as a simple gift. When all of the boxes were moved, Grave drove out the porters.


    ¡°These gifts from the Viscount were from the bottom of his heart.¡±


    ¡°From the bottom of his heart? I need to know the reason for me to accept it.¡±


    Grace took out the envelope she had kept in her arms. The silk cloth with gold thread was luxurious at a glance.


    ¡°He told me to deliver this.¡±


    Baronet Fredrick was handed the envelope and opened it. His complexion slowly hardened as he read the words written on the finest parchment that seemed expensive.


    ¡°Take this back with you right now.¡±


    The tone was polite, but the anger in it was great. The trembling hand, like an aspen tree, made it guess how much he was holding back his emotions.

 Chapter 3

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry¡­.¡±


    ¡°I told you to go back.¡±


    ¡°I deeply apologize, however, I can¡¯t retrieve as much as you say.¡±


    Grace¡¯s disobedience raised Baronet Frederick¡¯s voice which he had been barely suppressing.


    ¡°Did I sound like a horse right now? I suppose saying it twice won¡¯t do it. Take it back right now. Quick!¡±


    ¡°Honey, what is that?¡±


    Chesana was nervous when her husband, who had always remained noble, was angry.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. You don¡¯t have to look either.¡±


    Baronet Frederick¡¯s hand, that gripped the parchment, was tight.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Why aren¡¯t you going back?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t obey that. I will leave it, but I must go back.¡±


    ¡°Grace!¡±


    Steward Grace didn¡¯t budge, even though he was smacked. Although he doesn¡¯t own a territory, Baronet Frederick is also a nobleman. Perhaps insulted by a butler¡¯s disobedience, his face turned red.


    ¡°May I take a look?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look at it!¡±


    Despite the sharp reply, Elena¡¯s reaction was calm.


    ¡°Is it my business?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I asked if it was about me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    On point, Baronet Fredrick hesitated, unable to answer anything. Elena was certain by his response.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m right.¡±


    ¡°Dear.¡±


    ¡°I hope I know. I have to.¡±


    Elena carefully took the crumpled parchment out of Baronet Frederick¡¯s hands. Baronet Frederick seemed to hesitate, but when Elena looked at him without a word, he loosened his grip.


    Elena scanned the wrinkled parchment. Flips page. Elena, who read it until the last sentence at once, burst into laughter. This parchment is a marriage proposal. The bunch of packages was sent as a gift to secure the proposal. In other words, becoming the Lord¡¯s concubine.


    ¡®How amusing.¡¯


    If it was Elena in the past, the news, like a bolt from out of the blue, she would¡¯ve wept and panicked. A concubine? She would¡¯ve felt as if she lost the world in despair. But it wouldn¡¯t be that way anymore.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t believe it, but it¡¯s not out of my expectations.¡¯


    Liabrick. It¡¯s her. Liabrick wanted Elena to lose hope. That way, she¡¯ll approach comfort and reach out the helping hand, quickly grabbing it. And if the use value is drained, it will be killed if it is useless.


    ¡®If it was in the past, I¡¯d hold your hand. But not anymore. The way you did to me, I¡¯ll give you back.¡¯


    Looking at Elena, who was silent, Baronet Frederick said.


    ¡°Elena, don¡¯t come forward. This is one-sided and an unjust treatment. I¡¯ll see the Lord and speak with him.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, he went into the room and put on his overcoat and came out.


    ¡°I will meet the Lord and refuse the proposal.¡±


    ¡°Honey, please tell me a little. This is not really it.¡±


    Even Chesana came forward to help Baronet Fredrick who was trying to make a negotiation. The alarm went off in Elena¡¯s mind.


    ¡®I can¡¯t let Father go there!¡¯


    Liabrick¡¯s trap begins with touching the family. In her past life, he was imprisoned for protesting against a lord who forced her to marry as a concubine under the pretext of sponsorship.


    ¡®I have to settle it on my line.¡¯


    Elena had to bear a strong heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be fine, Father.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°E, Elena. What do you mean it¡¯s fine?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. Please wait here.¡±


    Elena, who sought one-sided understanding, quickly turned away.


    ¡°Can you pass on my message?¡±


    When Elena suddenly approached and talked to him, Grace, the butler who was standing there, seemed surprised.


    ¡°What should I tell him¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes bent like crescents. It was the eye-smile that bewitched the Empire¡¯s society.


    ¡°Thank you for the gifts that you sent, I received them well.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.!¡±


    ¡°Elena!¡±


    It was almost the same time that the shock of Baronet Frederick and Chesana burst. It was a custom principality that receiving a proposal gift is regarded as an acceptance of the proposal. Elena¡¯s hasty speech and actions dampened Baronet Frederick¡¯s spirit.


    ¡°What on earth are you talking about? Elena, you¡¯re going to be a concubine all your life!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­we can¡¯t help it.¡±


    Elena was still smiling. But the smile made it sad without knowing where it was for.


    ¡°If I refuse, I know something scary will happen. I don¡¯t want that to happen.¡±


    ¡°You ¡­.¡±


    Elena¡¯s honest thoughts shocked the couple. Though they may be proud half-fallen aristocrats, and their pride is something she couldn¡¯t lose while living, Elena¡¯s frankness violently pierced her own heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty good. You wanted me to get a good husband in society, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯ll accept this proposal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mother, Father.¡±


    The firmness of Elena¡¯s words left no room to compromise. It was close to a notification.


    ¡°Ho, Honey.¡±


    Baronet Fredrick bit his lips hard.


    ¡°But is there any reason to be a concubine?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    ¡°Are you really¡­¡±


    Elena bowed to her head and asked for understanding.


    ¡°I deeply apologize.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­. ¡°


    The couple¡¯s lips were firmly closed, so they couldn¡¯t say anything. It was painful that it was Elena¡¯s choice to recognize her situation due to their helplessness so calmly and accept it like fate.


    In the same manner, harsh words poured out from Elena¡¯s and her heart wasn¡¯t at ease.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry for behaving willfully. I¡¯ll only do it today. So that our family could live.¡¯


    Maintaining its composure, Steward Grace secretly stepped aside.


    ¡°I will hurry to share this good news with the Lord.¡±


    After he left, there was a heavy silence in the house. The happy and serene breakfast was like a lie and was engulfed with a mournful atmosphere.


    ¡°Elena, no matter how you think about it, I don¡¯t think this is right. What do I lack¡­¡­.¡±


    Chesana couldn¡¯t speak. Elena¡¯s life living as a concubine of the old lord was pitiful and pathetic that her eyes moistened.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, your mother is sorry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll live happily. So, please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Elena, on the contrary, held Chesana¡¯s hands tight. She knows that warm communion can be a greater comfort than ten words.


    ¡°Still this is not it, it¡¯s just not it.¡±


    Helplessness and misery surged at Baronet Frederick¡¯s muttering. He seemed utterly unable to accept reality.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet the Lord right now. A concubine. How did we raise you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not Father¡¯s fault. It¡¯s my choice.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too late. We, parents, will interfere and correct our child¡¯s wrong choice.¡±


    Elena shook her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. If you really love me, then please trust me and watch me.¡±


    ¡°You¡­..¡±


    Elena¡¯s request became a nail and lodged deep in Baronet Frederick¡¯s heart. If her parents were unreliable, her mind would crumble away and she would want to shoulder all her behavior.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll go get some fresh air for a while.¡±


    ¡°Honey.¡±


    Baronet Frederick, who was no longer confident of seeing Elena¡¯s face, left the house. Elena¡¯s heart was heavy as she watched her father go far from the window.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a rest.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    Chesana nodded sadly. Knowing that no words could be comforting, Elena couldn¡¯t help being hurt while going back to the room.


    Thud!


    Elena, who locked the door, leaned against it.


    ¡°I hurt you both too much.¡±


    I regret that I had to go this far.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not look back. Let¡¯s just look ahead.¡±


    Elena, who had a strong grip on her weakened mind, walked towards the wall with a determined look on her face. She walked through the curtains, which had been set up to prevent the winter wind. A palm-sized notepad was attached to the exposed wall.


    The future of the next five years! These notes were a chronology of significant events that would occur in the future. I dare say that the history of the future flows as it is written here. And at the center of it will be Elena, who has changed. Elena removed a note attached to the top. She dare say that future history goes as written here.


    [The Frederick Family is invited to Duke Rosert¡¯s banquet.]


    This was the biggest reason why Liabrick hurriedly wanted to take Elena. Only two months are left before this important event.


    ¡°It was this day. The first day I stood in the world pretending to be Veronica.¡±


    For years, bad rumors spread widely in the capital. Veronica hasn¡¯t been seen in social circles for she ran away with a servant and because of that the Duke released knights to capture Veronica.


    The ambitious Grand Duke Franches hence had no choice but to be sensitive to reputations for becoming Veronica an empress. It was necessary to put the rumor to rest as soon as possible, and the surest way was to show Princess Veronica¡¯s integrity to the aristocratic society.


    ¡°Look forward to it. I followed your orders without knowing anything then¡­.¡­ there¡¯s no reason to do that now.¡±


    Elena has the upper hand on the board. Even the Joker, who could turn the board over at any time, was in her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now.¡±

 Chapter 4

    Elena recalled the objects of hatred.


    Grand Duke Franches. Liabrick. Princess Veronica.


    Those three people cooperated and plotted against Elena to deceive her thoroughly. As if it wasn¡¯t enough, they killed the innocent Baronet Frederick and Chesana and even her son, Prince Ian, were told to kill him. I have no intention of following the same life as I did at that time.


    Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. I will give you back as much as I have suffered. Elena plans to snatch all of them away. The more you have, the more you lose. The degree of downfall is not enough. It will be thoroughly ruined that even the will to live is lost.


    Elena lit a match in an empty glass. She dropped the note that she just removed onto the small blooming embers. The flames flared up and devoured it. Elena turned her gaze back to the wall.


    [Entrance to Frontier Academy.]


    [The death of Emperor Richard.]


    [Grand Duke Franches assasination attempt.]


    [Election ceremony for a Crown Princess.]


    ¡­.


    One by one, she took off a note with the future written on it and repeated burning it. The value of the note was fulfilled as long as it is deeply engraved on the head and heart. There was no reason to leave a trace.


    The last chapter burned with the last flame. With it turning into ashes, the future became entirely exclusive to Elena.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to destroy¡­¡­¡­ every single one of you.¡±


    ¡°Elena.¡±


    Chesana looked sadly at her daughter who came out of the room only after the early evening. She had no choice but to pretend to be indifferent because she knew no words would comfort or encourage them.


    ¡°What do you want to eat? What about your favorite steak? I¡¯ll go¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Mother, you don¡¯t have to overdo it. I¡¯m really fine.¡±


    Elena smiled and walked towards the front door. In the morning, the porters had piled up the proposal gifts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s open this together. I wonder what they sent.¡±


    ¡°But if you open it¡­¡­..¡±


    Chesana was worried that if she opened the gift, there would be no way to reinstate the marriage.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t let it get to you. It¡¯s too late to return.¡±


    Calmly dissuaded, Elena opened each gift wrapped in silk. The first box she took out was a dress with lace. It was a bell line design, but the material wasn¡¯t good, and the finish was terrible. However, the jewelry was useful.


    Because it was produced in a traditional way, it was classified as a special product in other countries and was highly valued.


    ¡°Mother, come here for a moment.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Elena reached out her hand and hung the pearl necklace she had just found on Chesana¡¯s neck. The silver pearl¡¯s brilliance suited her long, slender neck.


    ¡°It looks good. Mother should use this.¡±


    ¡°What? Forget it. I don¡¯t need it, you use it.¡±


    Chesana looked serious. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t stop you living as a concubine. I¡¯m going to die. What shame would I get?


    ¡°You haven¡¯t changed into a decent necklace the whole time you raised me. I really want to give it to you.¡±


    ¡°How can I accept¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Please. If you keep on refusing, I¡¯ll be sad.¡±


    Elena insisted even though she knew Chesana didn¡¯t want it. There was a good reason for that.


    ¡®You¡¯ll need money when I leave. Please keep it for that time.¡¯


    Elena only thought of the future, not now. Now it¡¯s like the riches they¡¯ve sold, but in time, this necklace will be a cost of living.


    ¡°Father is later today.¡±


    ¡°I know. He¡¯s a dark-eyed person at night¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s worry deepened as she looked out the window where the darkness fell deeply.


    ¡®I hope everything¡¯s okay.¡¯


    Creak. Just in time, they heard the door knob turning. The mother and daughter¡¯s head automatically turned.


    ¡°I¡¯m home.¡±


    ¡°Honey!¡±


    Only after confirming Baronet Frederick over the half-open door did Elena feel relieved.


    ¡°Why are you this late? Are you hungry? Sit down. I¡¯ll reheat the soup.¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment, wife. I¡¯ve brought a guest.¡±


    ¡°A guest?¡±


    Chesana, who was just heading to the kitchen, stopped walking and turned. He has never invited anyone to his house since he settled down here. She can¡¯t believe there¡¯s a guest after the day so suddenly. Baronet Frederick¡¯s unexpected behavior was quite embarrassing.


    ¡°It¡¯s shabby, but please, come in.¡±


    As if dealing with his superiors, Baronet Frederick politely offered the person a seat. The guest was covering his whole body with a generous hood that came down to its ankle. Nevertheless, it was possible to infer that she might be an adult woman with a short, slender shoulder line that could not be hidden and white skin that shone under the hood.


    ¡°¡­..!¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡®Could it be?¡¯


    She tried to pretend to be casual, but the familiarity with the sense of incongruity stirred her emotions. And the unclear business cards gradually turned into certainty.


    ¡°Dear, there was no law that man must die.¡±


    When Elena looked at him in silence, Baronet Frederick laughed meaningfully.


    ¡°You¡¯ll soon find out what I mean. Let me introduce you. This is¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interrupt, but could you give me a chance to introduce myself? I think that¡¯s a courtesy.¡±


    The woman¡¯s voice was clear as she suddenly cut off his words and asked for understanding. A clearer feeling than dew having the power to break the boundaries. Baronet Frederick responded h¡±Oh, if that¡¯s convenient for you, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡±


    The woman¡¯s gaze reached Elena. She couldn¡¯t see her eyes well because she was covered by the hood, but she looked at her opponent one by one.


    Her delicate wrists rolled over the hood behind her head. Then, her beautiful and bright beauty was revealed. She fixed her alluring gaze on Elena.


    ¡°I¡¯m seeing you for the first time, I¡¯m Liabrick De Flandre. A nobleman from the Vecilia Empire.¡±


    It¡¯s a bad reunion.


    Elena¡¯s heart chilled when she recognized her at first glance. What a surprise. Contrary to the expectation that blood would heat up with hatred and vengeance, the mind became clearer and clearer.


    There was no room for Elena¡¯s emotion to intervene. Her icy rationality whispered constantly, perfectly supporting her. Hold your breath and wait for the time, and when the time comes, bite the nape at once.


    ¡°It¡¯s Elena.¡±


    Elena hid her eerie claws behind an awkward smile. She was at the pinnacle of the imperial society, so she was good at wearing masks and hiding her true feelings.


    ¡°I know. Miss Elena may not know, but I know her very well.¡±


    Liabrick smiled softly. It was a warm smile that made the viewer feel as if it was an angel.


    An abominable woman. Elena¡¯s stomach twisted and nausea welled inside. She was deceived by that smile. She believed that favor was the truth. As a result, a sword stuck in her abdomen, causing her death. But it¡¯s not like that now. She won¡¯t get deceived anymore because she knows the truth. She just pretends to be deceived.


    ¡°It¡¯s the truth, Elena.¡±


    ¡°Father?¡±


    ¡°She came all the way to see you.¡±


    Baronet Fredrick had a favorable attitude towards her. She talked to Liabrick first, and there was some progress in the conversation.


    ¡°Honey, what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°This person promised to save our Elena. You don¡¯t have to be a concubine.¡±


    ¡°What, What did you say?¡±


    Chesana was deeply embarrassed by her husband¡¯s endless answers. She seemed to be at a loss from where and how to take it. Elena pretends to know nothing.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Save? Me?¡±


    ¡°Dear, you don¡¯t need to be a concubine.¡±


    Baronet Frederick¡®s eyes were full of life.


    ¡°She wants to take you to the empire.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­!¡±


    Elena looked moderately surprised. She also didn¡¯t forget to look at Liabrick with anticipation and anxiety. Liabrick, who was waiting for a response, smiled lightly and answered.


    ¡°Before explaining the situation, if Miss Elena doesn¡¯t feel like someone else, would you believe it?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ I think it¡¯s hard to believe.¡±


    Liabrick took out a pendant with a smile. It was the family¡¯s crest on the lid that caught the eye. The X-shaped swords and spears carved over a pair of golden eagles were surprisingly colorful.


    Grand Duke of Friedrich. It was a sentence that Elena would never forget. The lid opened when Liabrick pressed the button on the side of the pendant.


    ¡°Oh¡­ my God, Dear.¡±


    Chesana looked at the portrait and Elena alternately, blinking her eyes again and again.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ ¡±


    The woman in the pendant looked so much like her that they might have painted it with Elena as a model.


    Even as twins, it was remarkably similar. The difference is that unlike Elena with red hair, the woman in the portrait has beautiful blond hair.


    ¡°This is the lady I used to serve. She was the most elegant, virtuous, and noble person in her lifetime.¡±


    ¡°If she¡¯s alive and well¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Three months ago, she fell asleep in the arms of the goddess Gaia.¡±


    The Gaia Order is the state religion of the Vecilia Empire. A religion that worships the goddess of the earth, Gaia, believes that after death, they fall asleep in heaven created by the goddess Gaia.


    ¡°May God bless her.¡±


    Elena put her hand on her chest and politely mourned her death. The look and gaze of anxiety seemed genuinely sorry for her death. It was a horrifying act, but she was a worn-out actress in imperial society, so even this act was a natural part of her daily life.

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Thank you for your condolences. I have no doubt that you also found peace by the side of the goddess Gaia. It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s just hard for the rest of us to live with it.¡±


    ¡°You must¡¯ve been close.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we were close like sisters. Still, I¡¯m trying to bury it in my heart little by little. I¡¯m really concerned about the person that I¡¯m serving. He hasn¡¯t accepted his only daughter¡¯s death for over three months.¡±


    Chesana nodded with sadness.


    ¡°That¡¯s parents. If Elena were to go wrong, so would we.¡±


    Baronet Frederick¡¯s expression hardened at his wife¡¯s words as if he didn¡¯t even want to think about it. For parents, the pain of losing their children is incomparable to the pain of losing their organs.


    ¡°He cried out to those who had nothing in the world, and who had nothing to have. He said he would have no wish if he could meet her only once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a wish that can never come true. It¡¯s impossible to save the dead. I thought so too. I didn¡¯t believe it when I heard from a merchant that he saw you on the other side of the continent.¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s eyes were fixed on Elena. It was the moment when the spinning story finally reached its essence.


    ¡°Miss Elena, will you be his daughter?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­.!¡±


    Surprised by the shocking suggestion, Elena was speechless with her eyes wide open. It was the same with Chesana. There was no agitation, as it was only Baronet Frederick who heard in advance. Elena places her hand on her chest and asks back with a deep breath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to accept this¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s sudden.¡±


    Liabrick admitted frankly. Nevertheless, he also did not forget to let Elena¡¯s skillful quality to drive her choices.


    ¡°I know that I¡¯m proposing you this offer because I don¡¯t want you to be a concubine and be unhappy.¡±


    ¡°Concubine¡­¡­.¡±


    Elena recited lowly. The expression naturally darkened with the heavy words.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen countless times how miserable the end of a mistress or concubine is. I don¡¯t want Miss Elena to follow the same footsteps as them.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Elena lowered her gaze with her lips shut. She also didn¡¯t forget to show signs of conflict with complex expressions.


    ¡°Follow him.¡±


    ¡°Ho, Honey?¡±


    Elena raised her head and stared at Baronet Frederick. The father¡¯s expression already had a firm resolution for his daughter.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen that crest. A fallen noblemen like us is a noble family that cannot even be mentioned. It¡¯s better than it is now, and nothing would be lacking.¡±


    ¡°Father.¡±


    ¡°Go. Go and live a new life, Elena.¡±


    Chesana, who was embarrassed by the sudden development, also changed her mind about Baronet Frederick¡¯s stance.


    ¡°Yes, dear. Do as your father pleases.¡±


    ¡°Mother.¡±


    Chesana pretended to be calm, and clenched her teeth, worried that Elena wouldn¡¯t go if she could see tears.


    ¡®Mother, Father.¡¯


    Elena also bit her lips hard. She was heartbroken by the sincerity of the two who were telling her to leave because they couldn¡¯t protect their child.


    ¡°¡­..I thought being a concubine wasn¡¯t bad either. If we can¡¯t change it anyway, let¡¯s give it up, so we could barely make it.¡±


    ¡°Elena.¡±


    The couple¡¯s heart was broken once more by Elena¡¯s careful indication. It was so pitiful and sad that they felt that the reason for her recent maturity was that she accepted the unchangeable reality.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­I¡¯ll go.¡±


    There was hope in Elena¡¯s eyes that she could escape this sick reality.


    ¡°How will I live if I become his daughter?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a life that can¡¯t be defined in a word. But I can tell you this for sure. The world will revolve around Miss Elena. You can achieve anything, you can have anything.¡±


    ¡°Anything?¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡±


    Elena had a puzzled look on her face.


    ¡°You can wear a few high-end dresses a day, or you can wear precious jewelry every day from the North. And ball, tea time, banquets¡­.. It¡¯s a very different life than now, so it¡¯s hard to live one by one. Let me assure you one thing. It¡¯s more than you can imagine.¡±


    Liabrick intentionally brought up the fantasies of young women at the time. It was based on the judgment that Elena, who had a poor childhood, would have always admired the life of aristocratic women.


    ¡°Beyond imagination¡­¡­.¡±


    The corners of Liabrick¡¯s mouth went up in a line. The presence of a noble knight among the society¡¯s young women was an ornament and an object of love that made them stand out more. The case with acclaimed knights who often came to the meeting, and emotional fights between the young ladies led to the knights¡¯ duel, which led to a dispute over their superiority.


    ¡°I think I know what Miss Elena wants. You want to have a noble knight from the literature, The Song of Roland. Is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    Facing Elena¡¯s expectant eyes, Liabrick smiled graciously.


    ¡°The appointing of a noble knight to defend the Lady is the right of Miss Elena.¡±


    ¡°Re, Really?¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes widened. She looked surprised and delighted as if she didn¡¯t know she would do such a favor. At the same time, she gripped the hem of her skirt under the table.


    ¡®You¡¯ll see, how your promise of appointing me a knight will hold you back.¡¯


    She doesn¡¯t think Liabrick will keep this promise. Nevertheless, the reason for receiving such a definite answer is for the sake of the future. Just to have a justification.


    ¡°Really. The best knight in the family will be honored to serve Miss Elena.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy that I¡¯m speechless.¡±


    Elena looked overwhelmed with joy. There was a snobbish smile in Liabrick¡¯s eyes, but Elena had no intention of hiding the joy of this moment. It was Elena¡¯s wish to bring them down.


    ¡°But what happens to my parents after I leave? I¡¯m worried that the Lord will hurt them¡­¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s concern was justified by common sense. There was a high possibility that the Lord, who suffered a break-up proposal and lost his self-esteem, would get even.


    ¡°If you¡¯re hurt because of me¡­¡­ I can¡¯t leave.¡±


    The expression of Baronet Fredrick, who was listening quietly, suddenly hardened.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good worry. My father will take care of the rest.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re fine. Just mind your own business.¡±


    Elena ignored both of their words. With only eyes on Liabrick, she hoped she would come up with a solution in one way or another. Liabrick smiled as if not to worry.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already set up a separate place for you to live in.¡±


    ¡°Really? Ha, I¡¯m finally relieved.¡±


    Elena was relieved, stroking her chest. Although she was acting, she must have been seen as a daughter of filial piety. Perhaps happy to see that, Liabrick took out a high-end silk pouch that looked heavy in her arms and handed it over to her. Chesana was surprised when she opened the pocket she had been handed.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t, Isn¡¯t these gold coins?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll serve you without shortage, but I¡¯m giving you this for the sake of Miss Elena, who¡¯s worried about you two. Think of it as a little bit of sincerity and put it away.¡±


    Liabrick smiled. It was a smile that appealed to the family as if she cared for them.


    Elena, who was puzzled, bowed lightly and thanked her for her consideration. She also didn¡¯t forget to express her gratitude with a smile. However, the mouth smiled but the eyes didn¡¯t. Liabrick is a woman who pretends to care for her family and puts a knife in her back the moment she turns her back.


    ¡°No, we don¡¯t deserve this. Please take it back.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t take this. No, I¡¯m not going to take it.¡±


    The couple waved their hands with a serious look.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take it for Miss Elena?¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    When Elena begged with earnest eyes, Baronet Frederick reluctantly accepted it.


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Only then did Elena feel relieved. It will be a great seed money for her parents who will leave the country.


    Once the conversation ended to some extent, Liabrick took out a pocket watch from her sleeve and checked it.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving? Now?¡±


    Liabrick calmly answered Elena¡¯s embarrassed reply.


    ¡°The Lord will move when dawn comes. Now that you¡¯ve accepted the marriage, there¡¯s no reason to drag on. We have to leave tonight. That¡¯s the only way we can cross the border and avoid them tracking us.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too sudden.¡±


    The moment I faced Leabrick, I had a vague hunch that I might have to leave today. Yes, knowing with your head and accepting with your heart were two different problems. Would it be heartbreaking for parents to let their children go without having time to prepare?


    ¡°Can¡¯t we spend a day with our daughter? At least until dawn¡­¡­.¡±


    Chesana also pleaded with desperation that she wasn¡¯t ready to say goodbye.


    ¡°Wife.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know¡­¡­but I¡¯m not sure I can send her off.¡±


    ¡®Mother.¡¯


    The moment she heard it, Elena became emotional. After returning, she expected this day to come one day. So she wanted to spend a lot of time with her family so that she wouldn¡¯t have any regrets. She had a nice and happy time, helping prepare a meal, going for a walk, and drinking tea. She thought everything would be okay, but she thought wrong. She couldn¡¯t get away because there were lingering feelings.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, madame. We have to leave tonight.¡±


    Liabrick refused in a single stroke, giving no room for a word. She made excuses that it would be difficult if the Lord moved, but in reality, the Great Duke¡¯s situation was worse than expected. In the meantime, Veronica¡¯s reputation was plummeting due to groundless rumors. The rush of time gave Liabrick no room to look at Elena¡¯s situation.

 Chapter 6

    ¡°How can I send you off? How can I?¡±


    Chesana¡¯s heart darkened at the thought of parting with Elena, who was still young.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    It was the same for Elena. Feeling sorry for Chesana, she was eager to spend one more day with her.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not be shaken. Haven¡¯t you been preparing for this?¡¯


    But Elena strictly controlled herself. It¡¯s difficult to restrain your emotions when Liabrick¡¯s eyes are on you. There was a possibility that it could cause suspicion. It¡¯s better to pretend you can¡¯t win right now.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll go, as a substitute.¡±


    She had no intention of just leaving. Elena quickly went on to say something.


    ¡°Let me spend just three hours with my family. No, two hours is fine. Please.¡±


    Liabrick, who was tapping her fingers on the table to gauge the time, reluctantly accepted.


    ¡°I can give you two hours. I can¡¯t do more than that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s enough.¡±


    As soon as they found an agreement, the frightful Liabrick left the house to prepare for their departure. There was a strange silence when only the three of them remained. Knowing that there was no time to be doing this, no one knew where to begin to say anything ahead of the uncommitted farewell.


    ¡°When did my baby grow up like this¡­ You¡¯d always been a crybaby.¡±


    Chesana, barely speaking, stroked Elena¡¯s cheek. Her reddened eyes warned that she could shed tears at any moment. Baronet Frederick¡¯s voice, who tried to keep his composure, trembled slightly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, just mind your own business. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Mother, Father.¡±


    Elena clenched her teeth in a momentary surge of emotion. Don¡¯t be weak. It¡¯ll be difficult if you falter. The time given now is golden. Spend this time in vain and you¡¯ll lose your chance forever.


    ¡°Listen to what I¡¯m going to say now.¡±


    Grimness grazed Elena¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Leave this place before Liabrick returns.¡±


    When asked to leave in a hurry, the couple blinked as if to say, ¡®what are you talking about?¡¯


    ¡°Leave? Where to?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we decide to entrust her with the situation? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re being fickle about now.¡±


    When Elena changed her words, the couple looked perplexed. Elena abandoned her impatience and calmly convinced them as she had prepared¡ªshe had expected that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to persuade them.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange? The Lord who offered to sponsor a mere fallen nobleman was strange, but I don¡¯t understand why I¡¯d be a concubine as soon as I rejected the sponsorship. What¡¯s even more amazing is that Liabrick appeared in front of us when we were driven into a corner. As if they were waiting.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s all fabricated.¡±


    The couple flagged. It was unknown when it could be passed by as insignificant, but when doubt started to grow, there were more than one or two things that were suspicious. However, it was impossible to accept Elena¡¯s speculation as a fait accompli. It was only an assumption, and it was beyond comprehension as to why she approached Elena that way.


    Elena said it wasn¡¯t a simple question to confirm.


    ¡°The obvious thing is, for whatever reason, the Grand Duke of Friedrich needs me.¡±


    ¡°You, you¡­ How do you know it¡¯s the Grand Duke?¡±


    Baronet Frederick stammered in astonishment. This was why Elena had never mentioned that the Great House of the Empire she had to depart for was the Grand Duke.


    ¡°I knew it from the moment I saw the crest.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Please wait a minute. I have something for both of you.¡±


    Elena briefly asked for their understanding and turned around. She then went into the room. When she came back into the living room, there was a sealed envelope in her hand.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re curious. No doubt you want to ask numerous questions. I wrote everything down in here. Why you have to leave, where to go, and how to find a way to live.¡±


    ¡°When did you ever¡­¡±


    The couple were confused and at a loss. They didn¡¯t know how to take this. Elena looked as if she had predicted this before. Otherwise, everything prepared in advance could not be explained.


    ¡°If you leave the back door, go straight to the path along Mount Rose. Fifty steps to the right of the Zelkova Tree in the middle will lead to a stream. If you follow the stream and cross the hillside, you can see the Ronyalf River.¡±


    ¡°You, you¡­¡±


    ¡°There should be a boat at the ferry dock downstream. Take it and cross the border along the current.¡±


    The couple were astounded to hear that there was even a ferry boat prepared. She was certain this time. Elena knew this was going to happen, so she had prepared it ahead of time.


    How the hell did you know? No, apart from that, is that possible? Come to think of it, Elena might have cried lovingly, but she was not a smart or wise child.


    But Elena had suddenly changed two months ago. Not only did her speech and behavior mature, but she also became thoughtful. Also, the knowledge and insight that unconsciously popped out were hard for the couple to understand. They should have noticed by then. That Elena had changed.


    ¡®As a father, I¡¯m disqualified. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m so ignorant of my daughter.¡¯


    He regretted trying to assess and judge Elena by his own standards. Elena must have been frustrated because a person who only saw trees on the ground tried to understand a person who saw a forest. [1]


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Baronet Frederick spoke with difficulty.


    ¡°Honey!¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re coming with us.¡±


    Elena raised her chin to make eye contact. Though aware of Baronet Frederick¡¯s concerns, who was worried about his daughter, he was taken aback by the fact that he could not be with her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go. No, I won¡¯t be able to.¡±


    ¡°You said he was untrustworthy! How do you know he¡¯s not going to harm you? Let¡¯s go together.¡±


    Even Chesana persuaded her to come along, but Elena was adamant.


    ¡°They need me for some reason. I wasn¡¯t going to mindlessly argue with you. But Mother and Father are different. Both of you clearly won¡¯t be kept alive. If kept alive, you¡¯ll be hostages. As a means of controlling and suppressing me.¡±


    Elena¡¯s terrifying expression made the couples¡¯ mouths open wide. Control, hostage, oppression. None of those words were unacceptable or without sufficient explanation. Elena continued speaking incessantly.


    ¡°I have to stay. There¡¯s something I have to do by following them.¡±


    Revenge. The hatred that had barely subsided below the surface, would rise again and revenge would begin. By then, she would use herself and drive those who had led to her miserable death to destruction.


    ¡°What are you going to do? What is it that you¡¯re going to do?¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    ¡°Elena¡­¡±


    The couple were on the verge of collapsing. They felt miserable, leaving their child in a fatal situation and running away on their own. Elena said she had something to do in the Empire, but she was very sorry that it seemed they were to blame for not being able to leave together.


    ¡°I¡¯m running out of time. They¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    ¡°Elena, let me ask you one thing.¡±


    There was a deep sense of remorse in Baronet Frederick¡¯s eyes, who stared at his daughter.


    ¡°Have we put you in danger?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena replied as if she didn¡¯t have to think. I know what you¡¯re feeling beyond that anxious glance.


    ¡°This is unavoidable. Like a midsummer shower.¡±


    How could we avoid the rainstorms of dark clouds that had covered the dry sky without warning? It was only fortunate to find a place to avoid the rain before your whole body and skin got wet. Baronet Frederick dropped his head helplessly.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Eventually, the couple prepared to leave, feeling like they were cutting out their own flesh. It was all light clothes, gold coins, and envelopes. With the farewell at hand, the couple stood at the back door. Once that door opens and you get yourself into that dark environment, it will really be time to part.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    Chesana half-sobbed, hugging Elena tightly. Baronet Frederick wrapped the mother and daughter in his open arms. Their body temperatures, which were close enough to reach each other¡¯s breath, was comforting at this moment.


    ¡°Our Elena, my only daughter in the world.¡±


    Elena held her breath. She hid her gentle sobbing through her teeth to prevent it from escaping. Elena, Elena, Elena. I will keep that name in my heart, not in my ears. I will not forget the name that will soon be erased from the world, and perhaps my identity that won¡¯t be heard of again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The brief and calm farewell was imbued with unimaginable injustice.


    ¡°Be careful, and we¡¯ll surely meet again, okay?¡±


    When she opened the back door, Elena looked at Chesana and smiled silently, colored with grief.


    ¡°Wife, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Chesana was forced away along the hillside by Baronet Frederick. Even as she gradually moved away, her eyes were still glued to Elena¡¯s.


    ¡°Please stay safe.¡±


    Elena straightened out her posture by capturing the increasingly distant couple in her eyes. She placed her hands on her stomach then bowed, bidding her final farewell politely and reverently. I hope to see you again. She prayed for the wind to reach the skies.


    By the time the rustling through the bushes died down, Elena looked up. When she couldn¡¯t find the two people buried in the darkness, the word ¡®parting¡¯ touched her heart.


    ¡°Crying¡­is just the beginning.¡±


    Elena muttered as if promising to herself, wiping her eyes. When she managed to get her emotions together and rolled down her sleeves, her eyes were as cold as ice. Elena, the daughter of the fallen aristocrat, was no longer in the world. Only an iron-blooded woman who looked down at everyone with a noble gaze and dominated the Empire¡¯s society remained.


    Elena closed the back door and locked it with a key. She tidied up her disheveled hair. She also did not forget to tidy up her wrinkled skirt and sleeves. The act of straightening up one¡¯s posture was to constrain one¡¯s emotional side.


    [1] Proverb: someone who only sees the part of it tries to understand someone who sees the whole thing.

 Chapter 7

    Elena imprinted the empty house into her eyes.


    She turned away and swept the table with her fingertips. Her touch passed through her bedroom stained with memories, leading to a living room full of laughter and happiness from the harmonious family. Elena¡¯s expression as she reminisced the past seemed more comfortable. There was no driving force supporting her life as much as the time she had spent with her family, who would walk a lonely path alone.


    By the promised time, Liabrick knocked on the door without a single error.


    ¡°Lady Elena, it¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right out.¡±


    Elena, who rose from her chair, took a couple of deep breaths with her hands on her chest. She then brought out the deep-seated feelings of parting. She was filled with emotion when she recalled the situation where she¡¯d had to part ways with her parents in the past life. Elena didn¡¯t head to the front door until she saw that her eyes were red.


    Elena came out through the crack of the opened door. She covered her mouth with her hands to hide her slightly bloodshot eyes and the feeling of sobbing, which made them feel sorry for her.


    ¡°¡­Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°What about your parents?¡±


    ¡°I forcibly separated myself and went out. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be confident about leaving if I stay any longer¡­so I want to go before my mind changes.¡±


    Elena¡¯s last words were close to pleading. Liabrick nodded slightly at her request, which was on the verge of collapsing at any moment.


    ¡°Sir.¡±


    The man standing behind her took a step forward at her call. His strong physique and waist-length sword, which he couldn¡¯t hide even though he was wearing a robe, inferred that his identity was a knight.


    ¡°When we depart, please attend to the two people inside. Be polite and courteous so that Lady Elena won¡¯t be disturbed.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡­.!


    Elena held her breath as she heard the familiar voice. When she glanced at his face with a grain of doubt, she was infested with unbearable hatred and indignation.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t know you were the chauffeur who had come to pick me up, Sir Lorence.¡¯


    A knight of the oath who once faithfully guarded her. A knight of honor who once stood by her side even after becoming a queen. However, when Veronica returned alive, the knight of betrayal ruthlessly put a sword in Elena¡¯s abdomen.


    The loyalty he swore before Elena was false, the pledge was hypocrisy, and the honor he cried out was nothing but pretense. I still haven¡¯t forgotten. When he¡¯d held Elena¡¯s last breaths with his own hands, the words he left behind were:


    ¡°I¡¯ve never considered you as my lady for a single moment. Now that My Lady returned, I will kill you with my own hands and ask the real queen for forgiveness.¡±


    ¡®Ah!¡¯


    His true intentions dug more cruelly than the pain of the iron in her flesh. The feeling of betrayal and loss at that time was as great as the depth of trust. Unspeakably, he was even likely to kill her parents now. Naturally, Elena¡¯s hatred also doubled.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. He¡¯s nothing but a chess¡¯ horse.¡¯


    Elena was wary that her old feelings toward him would make things wrong. One day, I will make him pay the price for his disdain, but it is not the time yet. She could do something wrong if she was swayed by petty feelings as she was aiming to overthrow the Grand Duke.


    ¡°I have a carriage waiting outside the compound. You¡¯ll have to move in secret up to there.¡±


    Elena quietly followed Liabrick, who walked ahead. As Elena looked back, as if she couldn¡¯t shake off her lingering feelings, Lorence was silent. It might have been an act of showing the virtues of the knight, but in Elena¡¯s eyes, it was nothing but hypocrisy¡ªshe knew he was about to go after her parents.


    ¡°Hurry up. We¡¯re going to be late.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena set aside her gaze and hastened her steps to narrow the distance away from Liabrick.  Crossing the dark zelkova forest, they reached the road leading to the southern part of the territory. Closer to the corner of the bushes, a luxurious carriage stood.


    ¡°Depart right away.¡±


    As soon as they got on the wagon, the horseman hit the whip.


    Hiiing, hiiing.


    The horse¡¯s cry tore the stillness and the stopped wheels rolled away. Feeling the vibrations under her, Elena sent her gaze to the ever-changing view outside the window.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s gaze deepened on the moonlit landscape. It was no different from today¡¯s night. All that had changed was Elena¡¯s mindset, but the world looked different.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much.¡±


    Liabrick held her hand as if reassuring her.


    ¡°As long as Lady Elena decides to be his daughter, she can¡¯t be neglected. I¡¯ll take care of you.¡±


    ¡°Your generosity overwhelms me. Thanks to you, I think I can relax a bit.¡±


    Elena clasped Liabrick¡¯s hand tighter with a wry smile. An expression of trust that she believed in her. More sincere than a hundred words, Liabrick was convinced that she had come under her control.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say ¡®thank you, thank you¡¯. Aren¡¯t we like sisters now?¡±


    Elena held back the reflexive burst of laughter. Sisters. I¡¯m looking forward to how long this fake relationship will last.


    Lorence carefully rose from the fence he was sitting on. Considering the distance to the carriage, the women¡¯s strides, and the sound of their steps, it was time to leave by now. Lorence, who had no reason to delay any longer, recalled his mission.


    ¡°Kill Elena¡¯s biological parents.¡±


    The buds that might cause trouble in the future should be cut in advance. When Liabrick said it was for the Grand Duke¡¯s path, he said that he would do so without hesitation. To the glory of the Grand Duke. The value was the only pride that kept him breathing and living as a knight.


    Lorence pulled the sword from his waist. The moonlit blade shone so sharply that it could cause shivers. Soon this white sword will be dyed red.


    Creak. Lorence¡¯s face hardened over the threshold.


    There was no sign of any living presence inside the house. Sensing something was wrong, he instinctively, intuitively, and impatiently searched the room. Baronet Frederick and Chesana¡¯s presence couldn¡¯t be found.


    ¡°Huh, they ran away?¡±


    Lorence was stunned. They had definitely been inside before, but they¡¯d seemingly escaped. As if they evaporated. It was incomprehensible on how they had known about the danger they were about to face and pulled themselves out.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time to care. Tracks.¡±


    Lorence¡¯s eyes glinted and followed the footprints in the dark.


    Chapter 2: Safe house


    The carriage which had left the territory ran without rest.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard, isn¡¯t it? Please hang in there until we arrive at Sylronce.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not tired at all thanks to your consideration.¡±


    Elena smiled gently. It was such a natural smile that you could never imagine her having other thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯m really curious, but where are we going?


    ¡°Curious?¡±


    ¡°Ah, nevermind. You don¡¯t have to tell me.¡±


    Elene shook her head and brushed the sofa with her fingertips. She was amazed by the touch of the finest leather, but she kept her hands on it to see if it felt good.


    ¡°This carriage is softer and more comfortable than my bed. I¡¯ve never seen such a luxurious carriage in my life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a carriage that I took extra care of to pick up Lady Elena.¡±


    ¡°I know. I wonder which family he¡¯s from and whether or not he¡¯s an important person matters when I¡¯m being treated so generously.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes were dreamy. Blinded by expensive items, she seemed to have no time to think about her situation or future. Liabrick sneered inwardly, seeing Elena who was vain and blinded by desire.


    Isn¡¯t she pathetic? She doesn¡¯t even know that she¡¯s a doll who will be thrown away after being used to the fullest, and she¡¯s so fond and dazzled by personal objects. Just as I thought, she is an easy-to-handle woman.


    That was what Elena was aiming for.


    They had to see her as the most ignorant and pathetic woman in the world. The more pathetic Elena was in Liabrick¡¯s eyes, the better. The lower the standard, the lower the alertness and the more she would ignore her. She intended to induce Liabrick¡¯s carelessness by pretending to be ignorant and materialistic. Elena would endure and persevere until that day comes.


    ¡°You said you weren¡¯t curious, so let¡¯s put that aside for a moment and talk about something else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    ¡°Do you remember that he still can¡¯t accept his daughter¡¯s death?¡±


    Elena nodded.


    ¡°In fact, he hasn¡¯t had his daughter¡¯s funeral for over two months.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so attached that he can¡¯t let go. Only few people know about the Lady¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°Th-that¡¯s¡­¡±


    Elena distorted her face to suit a situation where she could neither laugh nor cry. Her death was not officially announced. An obsession beyond attachment. And his position. It was visible on her face that various unclear and complicated conditions were conflicting inside her mind.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about. I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t be a bad thing for Lady Elena.¡±


    Elena looked at Liabrick with anxious eyes. There was a meaningful smile at Liabrick¡¯s lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting a chance to become his own biological daughter, not his foster daughter, so why should you refuse?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena opened her eyes wide.


    ¡°Bi-biological daughter?¡±


    ¡°Yes, his real daughter, Princess Veronica herself.¡±

 Chapter 8

    ¡°Pri-princess? Did you just say princess?¡±


    Liabrick nodded. No matter how ignorant Elena was, if she was called a princess, it could be assumed that this family was not lower than at least a duke.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­going to be a real princess¡­¡±


    Elena brought up the foolish memories of her past life, in which she had been delighted with the idea of living as a high-ranking aristocrat.


    There was no comparison between living as a biological daughter and being a foster daughter simply because of the resemblance in appearance. When she had first heard this, she had been so excited and overwhelmed that she¡¯d been able to be of noble descent.


    ¡®But it was all fake.¡¯


    Elena swallowed the surging anger at how abominable they were. Instead, she recalled her birthday with her family last year. As she recalled the happiness of that day, the joy spread to Elena¡¯s face like a snow flower [1]. To deceive Liabrick. Elena continuously controlled her emotions and acted.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all. Princess Veronica is the Crown Prince¡¯s partner every year, it¡¯s society gossip.¡±


    ¡°Cr-Crown Prince?¡±


    Liabrick fanned Elena¡¯s insatiable, burning desire.


    ¡°They often say dreams are dreams. However, if Lady Elena decides to do so, her dream will soon become a reality. That is Princess Veronica¡¯s position and status in the Empire.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Ah.¡±


    Elena grinned as if she could not hide her joy. She hoped Liabrick would look down on her and feel that her materialistic and frivolous appearance was pathetic.


    ¡°Fufu.¡±


    Liabrick laughed lowly. She could get a glimpse of Elena¡¯s thirst through the smile bright enough to see her gums. I only gave her a taste, but she¡¯s already blinded. Liabrick knew better than anyone how to deal with such a human being. She didn¡¯t know how deadly her misjudgement was.


    ¡°Oh, I apologise. I¡¯ll stop being disrespectful.¡±


    Elena belatedly covered her mouth with her hands and smiled, pretending to be ashamed. She also did not forget to try to hide her embarrassment.


    ¡°On the other hand, I¡¯m worried. What if my ignorance makes the young ladies doubt that I¡¯m the real daughter?¡±


    Liabrick waved her hand as if for her not to worry.


    ¡°You make them unsuspicious of you.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°I will teach you. I will make you a queen who stands in society with grace, elegance, and undaunted authority.¡±


    Elena put her hand on her chest and answered as if she was determined to.


    ¡°I will try. I¡¯ll be sure to.¡±


    Elena looked excited, as if she had already become the crown princess. Liabrick let her flounder in the swamp of delusion.


    Once the conversation was over, Elena could quit her silly acting and look outside the car window. Soon, her eyes were calm.


    ¡®Did Mother and Father get away safely?¡¯


    She suddenly thought of her parents. If they had taken the ferry and followed the rapids as planned, they would have passed the northern part of the country and reached the border of the Royer Kingdom by now. Due to the rugged topography of the northern mountainous regions, there was a high possibility that they were moving eastward, taking advantage of the rare pass inspections.


    ¡®You must go to the Empire safely¡­¡¯


    The light under the lamp was dark. Her parents would go through the kingdom to the Vecilia Empire. It wasn¡¯t an easy journey, but it was the surest way out of Liabrick¡¯s pursuit. They would start over there again. With a new identity, a new name, a new family, and an unlikely meeting five years from now.


    ¡®You must live. If you break your promise to meet again¡­I won¡¯t forgive you two.¡¯


    Elena was wishing and hoping. She hoped no resentment towards her parents would form. Please.


    The independent city of Sylronce was a port city located in the southwestern tip of the continent and was an independent, autonomous city that did not belong to any other country. The governor-general¨Ccontrolled area was the continent¡¯s most deliberate port of travel, which had not suffered war for hundreds of years.


    As soon as she arrived at the lodge, Elena, who was unpacking, couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the sea outside the window.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it wonderful? Looking at the ocean makes me feel reverent.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t answer. As Liabrick turned around in wonder, Elena was sobbing lowly.


    ¡°I apologise. Suddenly¡­I thought of my mother and father whom I¡¯ve left.¡±


    ¡°Lady Elena.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t do anything for them. I¡¯ve only been receiving so far, and I¡¯ve taken it for granted¡­ I¡¯m regretting it so much. I should have at least said goodbye to them¡­¡±


    Liabrick embraced Elena¡¯s shoulder with a friendly touch and comforted her.


    ¡°Please take good care of them. Sister [2] is the only one I can trust now.¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s eyes narrowed at the title of ¡®sister¡¯. She had no recollection of allowing her to call her ¡®sister¡¯. Elena, who had become weak, just sang it freely because she wanted to rely on her.


    ¡°Please, call me Liv. It¡¯s my nickname.¡±


    Elena stared at her. Liabrick could see how much Elena was relying on her now through her shaking pupils.


    ¡°I trust you well. It¡¯s impossible right now, but after some time, we will take measures so that you can send and receive greetings.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to convey my gratitude, Liv.¡±


    Liabrick quietly hugged her. Elena did not refuse and was comforted in her arms.


    She was kind enough to misunderstand that she was her own sister. However, in the eyes that could not meet over the cheeks of the two women in contact, there were conflicting feelings towards each other.


    Liabrick laughed at the pathetic Elena. She even had a vicious idea on how to use Elena¡¯s filial piety. On the contrary, Elena¡¯s eyes were so rational that there was no gap for her emotions to spill over.


    ¡®You¡¯ll start doubting me as early as today¡ªtomorrow at the latest.¡¯


    Sooner or later, she would find out about her parents¡¯ escape, and naturally, she would be suspicious Elena. Today¡¯s tears and the title ¡®sister¡¯ was to confuse her in preparation for that time. To what extent was it true or false? Whether she really relied on her or she was pretending to. Elena calculated that far. In the midst of what appeared to be naive words and actions, there was a thorough arrangement, and none of it was wasted.


    ¡®From now on. You and I are fighting.¡¯


    To this moment, Elena was playing with Liabrick¡¯s head.


    Twilight fell in Sylronce. The setting sun that lay over the horizon dyed the sky red and then disappeared. Soon, it was the pitch-black darkness that filled the void.


    ¡°They disappeared?¡±


    Liabrick doubted her ears. She wondered if she had heard it wrong.


    ¡°When I came in, the house was already empty. I felt suspicious and followed the trail, but when I reached halfway up the mountain, the footprints cut off, so further optimal tracking was impossible.¡±


    Lorence, who was leaning against the wall, replied in a somber tone. It was difficult to notice that there were people, unless you hid yourself in the shade where even the moonlight could not reach and looked up close.


    ¡°Speak in detail. The footprints cut off?¡±


    ¡°It appears that they went back to the stream when they reached halfway up the mountain.¡±


    Liabrick raised her eyebrow.


    ¡°Back to the stream?¡±


    ¡°It seems that they didn¡¯t want to leave any traces.¡±


    ¡°Huh.¡±


    Liabrick was taken aback. It was hard to believe that the couple had actually run away and erased their traces, as if they had anticipated that they would be tracked down.


    ¡°I¡¯d belatedly found the wet sand and tracked it, but the traces were completely cut off at the ferry dock at the canyon.¡±


    ¡°They escaped on a ferry?¡±


    ¡°That was all I could see. I tried to track it, but the current was too fast. I apologize.¡±


    Throughout the report, Lorence couldn¡¯t raise his head. This was because he had failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a knight.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. This was my carelessness.¡±


    Liabrick looked back on this ridiculous situation.


    ¡®Ran away? Without a trace, even?¡¯


    They could¡¯ve given up a hundred times and then run away. They would¡¯ve jumped into a fire pit if they had thought they could be a burden to their child. But the method of escape had been too precise. A skilled knight found it impossible to track even though he had moved in the most optimal route. Could this be dismissed as a coincidence? She couldn¡¯t erase the impression that they had run away in anticipation of danger.


    ¡®It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t that there was nothing suspicious about it. However, it wasn¡¯t easy to draw a conclusion, because nothing was clear.


    ¡®It was odd. Her parents said goodbye to their daughter without any promises to meet again and didn¡¯t even come out.¡¯


    They, who cherished their daughter so much, had made no promises as to when they would meet again and hadn¡¯t sent her off as she¡¯d left.


    ¡®There are two possibilities.¡¯


    The couple had sent Elena out alone in order to gain time to run away. This could be the key agent as to how the couple had come to escape.


    ¡®The other possibility is that she pretended not to know in front of me, even though she knew that the couple had run away.¡¯


    Liabrick recalled Elena crying when they had arrived at Sylronce. She begged her, saying that she only had older sister and to take good care of her parents. If she had been an accomplice, there would have been no reason to do so.


    ¡®What if, really, what if¡­those tears were acted to deceive me?¡¯


    Liabrick firmly shook her head and disposed of the roots of her thoughts. It was a delusion. Elena did not possess exceptional intelligence, nor was she cunning enough to fool Liabrick. Moreover, she was a see-through woman with a deep sense of inferiority because of her life as a half-noble.


    ¡°Abandon the pursuit.¡±


    ¡°Please give me your command. I will definitely search the continent and find them. And somehow settle¡­¡±


    Lorence recovered his tarnished honour and protested, but Liabrick refused to allow it.


    ¡°I¡¯m reluctant to leave any possible concerns, but it doesn¡¯t matter. Stand down.¡±


    ¡°¡­ I understand.¡±


    ¡°Hide for a few days and then get on a ship. It would be difficult if you were to needlessly run into Lady Elena.¡±


    Lorence nodded his head reluctantly and assigned himself amid the darkness. She couldn¡¯t hear the sound of his footsteps as he left¡ªhe wasn¡¯t there already. Liabrick raised her chin and looked up at the night sky.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel good about this.¡±


    There¡¯s clearly something¡ªI don¡¯t know what it is, but I feel uneasy about it. I haven¡¯t felt this irritated in years.


    ¡°I need to check. Did you really deceive me, or did I overreact?¡±


    [1] snow flower: (figurative) Snow piled up on branches, making it appear as if flowers are in bloom.


    [2] sister: Elena called Liabrick ??

 Chapter 9

    Before dawn, a carriage carrying Elena and Liabrick drove through the streets of Sylronce.


    ¡°Lady Elena, I received news about your parents this morning.¡±


    ¡°Really? What did they say? Did they arrive safely?¡±


    At the mention of her parents¡¯ news, Elena became a daughter of great filial piety. She looked so desperate that no one would believe it was all an act.


    ¡°They got out of the territory unharmed.¡±


    ¡°Thank God. Thank you, Liv, for caring.¡±


    Liabrick narrowed her eyes and pushed her luck.


    ¡°But they said your mother¡¯s not in good health, perhaps because she had overworked herself on the way.¡±


    ¡°What? Ah, what¡¯s wrong with her? Is she hurt? Where is she hurt? It¡¯s because of me. My heart aches so much, my body¡­¡±


    Elena made a fuss as if she were half out of her mind, then dropped her head.


    Drop, drop.


    Waterdrops fell under the lowered head and soaked the rod.


    ¡°Mother, mother¡­ Oh, mother.¡±


    Elena wept sadly in longing and concern. It was as pitiful as a child who lost her mother.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Liabrick narrowed her eyes. She had intentionally given her false information, expecting Elena to respond in some way if she had been involved in their escape. But what¡¯s this¡­ It seemed that she couldn¡¯t even guess that the couple had run away, crying so bitterly.


    ¡®She doesn¡¯t seem to know it at all.¡¯


    Liabrick slightly bit her lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. The therapist said it was a temporary fever, so she would get better soon if she


    rested. She said so.¡±


    ¡°She must get well. Or I won¡¯t have the confidence to live in the Empire.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Elena finally pulled herself together and wiped her tears with the handkerchief handed to her.


    ¡°By now, both of them must have reached the Mariana Islands.¡±


    ¡°Ma-Mariana Islands, the paradise on Earth?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s called the best island in the world.¡±


    Liabrick had the nerve to lie. The Mariana Islands were referred to as paradise on earth through oral fairy tales or novels, but the reality was very different. It was actually a remote area where even fishing was not easy due to the flood of pirates and strong waves. Knowing that fact clearly, Elena clapped her hands, pretending not to know.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that, too. I¡¯m relieved if that is so. I hope they don¡¯t have a hard time and live comfortably.¡±


    ¡°¡­That will happen.¡±


    Seeing Elena naively relieved, Liabrick had no choice but to doubt the suspicions she had.


    ¡®She¡¯s such a child, am I the only one who¡¯s being too sensitive?¡¯


    Elena consistently showed a subpar and dampened appearance. Nevertheless, it was strange for her to keep doubting Elena. Elena was inwardly relieved to see Liabrick confused and unable to let go of her doubts.


    ¡®Liabrick¡¯s suspicious of me. That means Mom and Dad ran away safely.¡¯


    Elena was inwardly pleased with Liabrick¡¯s doubts. It was certain that her parents had escaped safely. If not, Liabrick would have no reason to doubt Elena.


    When they reached the warehouse wharf behind the dock, they got off the carriage. She was then guided by a middle-aged man who was riding a horse, and boarded a ferry that was tied to the edge of the pier.


    It was a long way off the land through the mist. The ferryboat reached the rear of a huge and colorful sailboat.


    ¡°Shall we go up?¡±


    Led by Liabrick, Elena and a middle-aged knight got on a ladder and boarded the ship. No one was seen standing on the deck before the departure. Perhaps because of that, she felt uneasy.


    Liabrick walked past the deck and onto the ship. She only stopped walking when they reached the cabin at the end of the corridor where the candles fluttered.


    Creak.


    As the creaking wooden door was opened, she saw a spacious cabin with fairly high quality furniture. At a glance, it was a luxury cabin which could be used by aristocrats or royalty.


    As soon as she came in, Liabrick locked the door of the room firmly.


    ¡°For the next ten days, you¡¯ll be staying here with me.¡±


    Elena forced a smile. Barely tolerating the twisting of her stomach.


    * * *


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to leave the cabin at this time.¡±


    It was a one-sided notice.


    ¡°A meal will be served from the outside three times a day.¡±


    She gave no room for rebuttal.


    ¡°You can use the restroom inside the cabin.¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s attitude towards Elena had changed. Her friendly attitude from before had disappeared without a trace, and she now authoritatively treated Elena like a subordinate. Liabrick used her spare time to teach the basic culture and history of the Empire.


    ¡®A story I already know.¡¯


    Elena paced herself to be moderately sharp. If she was too smart, Liabrick would be suspicious. On the contrary, if she acted too dumb, she would clearly be caught and slandered.


    It had been nine days since she sailed on such a tightrope. The sailboat had also entered the waters of the Empire.


    ¡°What did the nobleman say?¡±


    ¡°Noblesse oblige.¡±


    ¡°By following these words, Lady Elena will become a noblewoman who is favored by other nobles in the future. It is naturally your silent duty as the princess of the Grand Duke of Friedrich who has a lot of enemies.¡±


    ¡°Ho-hold on. The Grand Duke?¡±


    Elena stuttered and raised her head. She looked taken aback as if she couldn¡¯t tell if those words were true.


    ¡°Princess Veronica is a blood relative of Grand Duke Franches, the head of one of the Four Great Houses of the Empire. It¡¯s also Lady Elena¡¯s new identity.¡±


    ¡°M-my God.¡±


    In a moment of surprise, Elena¡¯s mouth twitched.


    ¡°Grand, Grand Duke¡­ That¡¯s beyond my imagination.¡±


    Liabrick was convinced when she saw Elena¡¯s lips curl up as if she was trying to pretend not to look too pleased about it. A snob blinded by desire.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today.¡±


    ¡°Ri-right now?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re getting off the ship.¡±


    Elena was able to leave the cabin after nearly ten days. After spending so much time with Liabrick, she felt a little better sending away the pent-up anger from the cabin towards the sea breeze.


    Just like when they had boarded the sailboat, they crossed the railing and got on a ladder to the ferry. After over three hours of rowing, they reached the shore. They stepped out of the sandy beach, then got in a four-wheeled carriage that had been hidden in the bushes.


    ¡°Liv, where are we going?¡±


    ¡°A safe house.¡±


    ¡°Safe house?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a very private place. Only a handful of the Grand Duke¡¯s people know about it.¡±


    Liabrick turned her head to the window. It was an indirect way of telling her that she no longer wanted to continue the conversation. Elena also shut her mouth. It had been a compulsory question anyway, there was no reason for her, who already knew of the destination, to ask about it.


    The carriage travelled nonstop. Despite the difficulties in distinguishing their surroundings due to the lack of moonlight and the mountain road that was not even maintained, the carriage did not stop.


    At last, they reached a mansion, presumably the safe house. It was so secretive that you would never find it unless you knew the path, since it was located inside a dense forest. Elena¡¯s face cooled as she looked at the exterior of the mansion.


    ¡®There¡¯s the place that drove me to my ruin.¡¯


    Even though she tried hard to calm down, Elena¡¯s heart jumped violently, as if it had lost its reason. What kind of expression should I make when I face him? Will I be able to endure the boiling anger when he¡¯s in front of me? A myriad of thoughts and uncontrolled emotions constantly clashed within Elena.


    Just in time, the carriage stopped. When Elena got off the carriage along with Liabrick, a neatly-clad maid greeted her politely.


    ¡°She¡¯s Jane¡ªshe will be serving you from now on. She can¡¯t speak because she¡¯s deaf, so if you need anything, you can just write it down in your notebook and show it to her.¡±


    As soon as she and Jane made eye contact, she followed Liabrick and set foot into the mansion. Across the corridor to the right side of the main hall, where the ornate chandeliers attracted attention, was a marble-decorated parlor.


    ¡°He is beyond this room.¡±


    ¡°He?¡±


    ¡°As soon as he heard about Lady Elena¡¯s arrival, he came running from the capital.¡±


    Liabrick carefully placed her hand on the door handle and pushed the marble door open with all her might.


    Elena¡¯s heart beat furiously. A storm of unruly emotions swirled from within her, just like when she had first faced Liabrick.


    A man stood in the distance. Even in his middle age, he looked like a man of dignity; an example of a true nobleman.


    Elena recognised who he was at a glance. How could she forget? His ridicule of the dying Elena was still vivid in her eyes.


    ¡°You, you¡­really¡­¡±


    He couldn¡¯t speak when he looked at Elena. His shaking eyes, trembling lips, and his expression crossing over joy and despair¡ªlike a saint who had seen a miracle before his eyes¡ªwas a spectacle to the extent that it was a shame to see it alone.


    She even got goosebumps, knowing that it was all a fabrication of hypocrisy and lies.


    ¡°My daughter¡­ Did you really come back alive?¡±


    The man who had driven Elena to her downfall. A man who would not be belittled. Right away, Grand Duke Franches was gradually approaching Elena.


    Elena gritted her teeth. Her clenched fists trembled¡ªlike an aspen tree¡ªin uncontrollable rage. The face that had derided her and led her to her demise was still vivid in her memories. Her hateful thoughts were raging to the point that she wanted to kill him.


    ¡®I have to be patient. I shouldn¡¯t be swept away by my emotions.¡¯


    Elena constantly suppressed herself. It was no use to vent her anger by killing that man. All Elena wanted was not only the complete destruction of the Grand Duke Frances, but also of Liabrick and Veronica. Until that day came, she would endure and wag her tail like their faithful dog.


    ¡°Is it really you, Veronica?¡±


    Grand Duke Franches asked, and couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Elena.


    ¡°I, I¡­¡±


    Standing in front of him, Elena lowered her gaze, unable to even make eye contact. Grand Duke Franches reached for Elena, who looked helpless.


    She flinched.


    Elena cringed when the back of his hand touched her cheek. She got goosebumps as he did so. It was an unpleasant feeling, like a bug crawling on her face.

 Chapter 10

    Elena had been surprised by the sudden contact. But after a while, Grand Duke Franches swept down the back of his hand.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear to miss your warmth.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, for letting me feel like I¡¯ve met my dead daughter again.¡±


    I want to applaud Grand Duke Franches¡¯ disgusting performance. It was amazing to see how shameless he could be about the living Veronica.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t take care of her because I was only concerned about the outside world. I lost my wife and daughter. I¡¯ve lost my precious people, and now I have no power or wealth.¡±


    Elena stood silently listening to his confession, that didn¡¯t have a speck of truth in it.


    ¡°My dear.¡±


    At the low call, Elena slowly raised her head.


    There was invisible contempt in Grand Duke Franches¡¯ eyes. It must¡¯ve been disgusting to him, who valued ??the nobility of his birth, that an insignificant girl was excited to pretend to be a noble princess of a Grand Duke.


    ¡°In fact, when I first saw you, I didn¡¯t feel like a stranger. I will definitely become a daughter to be proud of. Father.¡±


    When Elena had the strength to add the word ¡®father,¡¯ Grand Duke Franches¡¯ face was distorted for a moment.


    Grand Duke Franches was a man who clung to the pride and power of the nobility. He was insulted and ashamed of bringing in a shallow woman who openly coveted his daughter¡¯s vacancy in his noble family.


    ¡°You¡¯re late. You must have had a hard time coming a long way, so go up and rest.¡±


    As Elena nodded, Liabrick gestured to follow her. When Jane, the head maid, opened the door at the corner of the floor, there was a bedroom decorated with high-quality wooden furniture.


    ¡°Get some rest. If you need anything, have her do it.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Good night, Liv.¡±


    When Liabrick disappeared from sight, Elena waved her hand and told Jane to move away as well. She didn¡¯t have anything to ask her to do, so she wanted to be alone now.


    Thud.


    Elena, who was left alone in the room when the door was closed, burst into the grin she had been holding back. When she recalled Grand Duke Frances¡¯ distorted face, she felt as if her body¡¯s congestion had gone down.


    In her last life, Elena had been desperate to be noticed by Grand Duke Franches. When he looked at Elena, who was inadequate because she had not received proper education, with a disapproving look, she couldn¡¯t make eye contact with him and bowed her head as if she were a sinner.


    Oh, why did she do that? If you thought about it, the things that were held in Elena¡¯s hands were as good as theirs were. She had just been stupid and hadn¡¯t been able to handle them properly.


    ¡°Look forward to it. How I¡¯ll hold your breath with this name and status you have given me.¡±


    * * *


    Despite the fact that Princess Veronica¡¯s reputation was in the mud, the reason why she brought Elena to this house instead of going straight to the Grand Duke was because of education. To build basic skills to pretend to be Princess Veronica.


    In the morning, she learned mainly about the attitude of aristocrats, manners of meals, speech, walking, and greeting.


    In the afternoon, the focus was on understanding and learning the identity of the nation, starting with the Imperial language, as well as its history, literature and culture. The official class was over before dinner.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about relaxing. Review and familiarize yourself with what you learned today. Too much? Then memorize it all even if you cut back on sleep.¡±


    Elena was forced to stay in the study until late at night. No, it would be right to say that she was stuck in the study by the will of that person.


    ¡°I know the future, but I don¡¯t have the ability or the capacity to make full use of it.¡±


    Elena took advantage of this time to fill in her lack of knowledge.


    <The History of Famous Paintings>


    <Art and Philosophy>


    <A Merchant-Dominated Continent>


    <The Value of Money in Motion>


    <Alchemy in Disguise>


    The books Elena selected were mainly concentrated in the field of arts and commerce.


    ¡°Soon, there will be a change in the art world of the Empire.¡±


    Elena took note of the renaissance that would blow across the Empire. This was because if you made good use of the revival period¡ªwhen cultural innovations such as ideology, literature, art, architecture, natural science, and music took place¡ªyou could accumulate great wealth.


    Times change, and was bound to be accompanied by such labor pains. Elena wanted to be a leading figure in this era.


    One might say that it had nothing to do with revenge, but the Grand Duke was not a Korean-American family that could easily collapse. If so, it wouldn¡¯t have been the Empire¡¯s greatest family for hundreds of years.


    ¡°You have to use the flow of the times to shake the Grand Duke from both the inside and the outside.¡±


    First of all, she intended to divide the Grand Duke¡¯s interior by playing Princess Veronica¡¯s role.


    She would cut off the funding line and find a weakness that could be turned into a public achievement. At the same time, she planned to apply pressure from the outside. She planned to lead the era as a woman with the third name L, and become a person whom the intellectuals and nobles of the Empire looked up to.


    Based on public respect, reputation, and justification, she would reveal the evil deeds committed by the Grand Duke and isolate them through condemnation and pressure. Only Elena, who was pretending to be Princess Veronica and was deeply involved in the affairs of the Grand Duke, could do it.


    Of course, it was not as easy as it sounded. But Elena was confident. The plan had been completed after hundreds of verifications, and the detailed plan was already sealed in Elena¡¯s mind. She was already looking forward to it.


    She only had three weeks to stay in this safe house. Already, she was filled with the desire to go to the Grand Duke as soon as possible and complete this revenge scheme. And three weeks passed like a lie.


    * * *


    The dining room with a high ceiling chandelier was quiet. Sitting at the end of the long table, Liabrick and Elena sliced ??the steak into their mouths with graceful hand movements. There was no sound of chewing food, and the jaw did not open for more than a certain period of time. Four forks, each with a different purpose, were used alternately to pick up the dishes. It was flawless dining etiquette.


    ¡°Now you look quite aristocratic.¡±


    Liabrick commented on Elena¡¯s table manners, wiping her mouth with a napkin.


    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to Liv who taught me with all her heart.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re also good at speaking with praise and affirmation to other people¡¯s compliments.¡±


    At first, Liabrick¡¯s comments had been consistent, but Elena looked noble enough that she could no longer find fault in her actions, which didn¡¯t look like it was being forced.


    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m glad to hear you say that, Liv.¡±


    Liabrick stared at Elena, who gracefully took a sip of wine. Etiquette only came out when you had learned it so naturally that you were not aware of it. That was why the aristocrats put their best efforts into etiquette with their tutors, straightening their posture since they were young.


    ¡®In just three weeks¡­ She made it her own, not imitating it. Just like a lie.¡¯


    Although she was a noble by nature, she was a fallen noblewoman who had led the life of a commoner. Considering that even her basic manners should¡¯ve been clumsy, Elena was now a completely different person. She wasn¡¯t just good at etiquette; she did it in a way that her physical charm would stand out. It wasn¡¯t too much and just came out naturally.


    Such elegance was hard to find even in high society. It should be said that she was well versed in the etiquette of the Empire.


    ¡®The only flaw is that you¡¯re not very smart compared to your etiquette.¡¯


    Unfortunately, Elena was not brilliant. It was all about meeting the level of learning required by Liabrick.


    ¡®Well, even just following this much, it¡¯s honestly more than I expected.¡¯


    It had only been a month. It was far from enough time to transform Elena¡ªwho had, as the daughter of a fallen noble, lived as much as a commoner¡ªinto a real aristocrat. Considering that, it was okay to assume that Elena had become quite aristocratic.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up when you¡¯re done.¡±


    Following Liabrick, she passed through the main hall and went up to the second floor. They walked on a high-quality carpet all the way to the library, but for some reason, walked past it.


    ¡°You passed the library?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to the drawing room today.¡±


    Elena, who was following her, easily guessed the meaning of that word.


    ¡®Oh, today is the day to memorize the portraits of the nobles and the details of their personal information.¡¯


    Looking at portraits of aristocrats who are influential in social and Imperial politics, memorising their faces, and grasping their identity meant that there was not much time left before she would face them.


    As far as I remember, I memorized the personal information for two days, and then left for the Grand Duke.


    When she arrived in the drawing room and sat down on the sofa, Liabrick laid her hands on the piled-up portraits and personal details. The thickness was over the span of her hand.


    ¡°This is a list of Imperial and capital aristocrats who are active in the Empire¡¯s high society.¡±


    ¡°This, isn¡¯t this too many?¡±


    ¡°I skipped this list and filtered it out, of course.¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s words were true. The number of aristocrats officially crowned by the Imperial family accounted for nearly half of the country¡¯s total population.


    ¡°Memorize everything. From the names and faces written here, to the family line, family relations, and history. Whenever you meet someone, you should feel like a friend or family member who had been away for a long time. You can do it, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    Liabrick brought a portrait of a middle-aged man with a mustache and his personal specifications from the top of the pile of documents, and added an explanation.


    ¡°This man is Duke Whit. He is the Duke of Buckingham, one of the four great families of the Empire. He is very close to the Grand Duke and has cherished Princess Veronica as if she were his own daughter since she was a child. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m putting it in my head.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t understand at all right now.¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s eyes sharpened.


    ¡°Listen carefully. The longer Princess Veronica and her family live apart, the more wary people will be. If you ever run into this person, he may find out that you are a substitute, so stay alert.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see what you mean. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    As if she liked Elena¡¯s attentive appearance, Liabrick did not repeat the same words anymore.

 Chapter 11

    It was very boring and confusing to memorize the faces and details of each person. Incidentally, Liabrick kept adding to it, so there was more for Elena to memorize. Even so, Elena didn¡¯t care much.


    ¡®It¡¯s harder to find a face I don¡¯t know.¡¯


    Elena had reigned as the flower of high society and risen to the top as queen. It had been routine for her to greet the royal family and the nobles on the list every day. There was no way she wouldn¡¯t know them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move on.¡±


    Liabrick reached out and placed the next portrait along with its details on the table.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Evidently, another aristocrat was shown¡ªElena¡¯s eyes shook violently as she warily took him in.


    ¡°Klaudios de Sian, the Crown Prince and future emperor of the Empire.¡±


    There was no sound in Elena¡¯s ears. Her eyes were filled with indescribable sorrow, as she was unable to lift her gaze from his portrait. A man she had once loved more than herself.


    But the man never shared any warmth. He resented the gods when they had a child. Despite having given birth to a descendant of the Imperial family, Elena couldn¡¯t forget the despair.


    ¡®My passing mistakes damned the extraordinary Empire to the depths of Hell.¡¯


    Immediately after childbirth, Elena heard his deplorations and cried in sorrow. No matter how bloody she was!!


    Elena knew the Emperor had no affection for her, but how could he say such cruel things to the woman who had given birth to his child?


    After that day, Elena kept Klaudios away. She no longer desired his affection. She could barely stand without filling with hatred and resentment towards him.


    ¡®Why was I so stupid. From the beginning, we could never have been a couple. Ignorantly, I was blinded by loneliness. I craved him, obsessed over him, and resented him.¡¯


    It was only after she had returned that she realised why he¡¯d had to push her away and hate her.


    An emperor who seeked to strengthen his power. A queen who came from the highly influential grand duke. These two people with opposing political views could never coexist peacefully. Blinded by ambition, Grand Duke Franches and Liabrick did something that even they should not have done.


    ¡®¡­ In order to make me, a Queen Consort, Queen, they poisoned the previous queen.¡¯ [1]


    An atrocity committed out of concern that the previous queen would give birth to another prince in line for the throne.


    At the time, Elena didn¡¯t know if it was the Grand Duke¡¯s scheme. She couldn¡¯t read the Emperor¡¯s feelings¡ªhis rage at his late queen¡¯s death, and how he glared at her as if he wanted to kill her.


    She was only able to understand his emotions after looking at the events more calmly. Why did he hate and resent Elena so much? Only when she came close to revealing the truth was she able to end all the beautiful emotions of those days filled with love and hatred.


    ¡®I will not stand next to you again, Your Majesty.¡¯


    The string of their ill-fated relationship had left them with scars and hatred towards each other. She believed that it was better to sever this string rather than follow the same mistake.


    ¡°Are you listening to me?¡±


    Liabrick¡¯s voice brought Elena back to her senses in a nervous rush.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. When I saw the Prince¡¯s face, I couldn¡¯t breathe. His portrait is so handsome, what would the real person look like?¡±


    ¡°We will meet him in the near future, so you can see him for yourself.¡±


    ¡°R-really? Oh, I¡¯m so excited! I¡¯m already looking forward to that day.¡±


    Liabrick glanced at the shy and girlish Elena and gave her more details.


    ¡°You want to be familiar with the Prince, right? Then you should know every single letter written here.¡±


    Elena nodded absentmindedly. She had been married to that man for a few years, though it had been unfortunate.


    Elena was sure that Sian wasn¡¯t interested in her, the daughter of his enemy, but she hadn¡¯t known anything in her one-sided desire for his affection. Nevertheless, he repeatedly caught her attention¡ªperhaps due to the lingering attachments they once shared.


    As the sun went down, only a few portraits and personal information were left in the thick pile.


    ¡°This is the last person.¡±


    Elena, who had been reluctantly listening with enthusiasm, looked at the face of the last portrait.


    ¡®You¡¯re¡­¡¯


    A deceptive man with a lovely face that could make every woman¡¯s heart shake¡ªregardless of that, pent-up rage surged within the depths of Elena.


    ¡®That son of a bitch?¡¯


    Ren Bastasche. That man, better suited to bastard than his own name, was the successor to the renowned Bastasche dukedom and was Veronica¡¯s second cousin. Genetically speaking, he was the grandson of Princess Veronica¡¯s granduncle, who was the younger brother of her grandfather.


    They might be her relatives, but strictly speaking, the Bastasche family were servants. Her grandfather, the then Grand Duke of Friedrich, had formed a hundred-year-long treaty with the family of servants, in which they could be independent on the condition that they would take care of handling the Grand Duke¡¯s dirty work. Of course, the treaty was still in effect, and they unwaveringly obeyed the Grand Duke. For that reason, they were brimming with sources of trouble.


    Ren was the most dangerous servant in the world. He would bite and kill his master if he saw an opportunity to do so.


    ¡®Hold on, from the first time we¡¯d met, Ren was always suspicious of me being a fake. How did he know?¡¯


    Suddenly, a question arose. How could Ren be sure that Elena was a fake Veronica in less than 10 minutes after facing her?


    ¡®No matter how many times Ren had seen Veronica as a child, he wouldn¡¯t have had that many interactions with her.¡¯


    Elena recalled her first meeting with Ren. She looked back to see if she had missed anything.


    ¡®You certainly didn¡¯t suspect me to be a fake at first.¡¯


    There must have been something Elena had overlooked when Ren had only been slightly suspicious. If only she knew what it was¡­


    ¡®Could it be that time?¡¯


    Elena unconsciously touched the back of her ear. Her fingertips could feel the soft, smooth skin. She, of course, did not have the scar that the real Veronica had.


    ¡®I heard that Veronica never had her hair tied up. She was afraid that the scar behind her ear would be revealed. I¡¯m sure of it.¡¯


    For an esteemed noble lady, to have a scar was nothing more than shameful. It was understandable that she would be sensitive about concealing it, even though it wouldn¡¯t be easily seen since it was behind her ear.


    Is that how it is? The corners of Elena¡¯s lips went up slightly. If it hadn¡¯t been for Liabrick, she would have laughed with ease, but it was a pity she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡®I won¡¯t be swayed by that son of a bitch anymore. It¡¯s a scar, that¡¯s all I need to make.¡¯


    Ren was someone she should not associate with. It would then be difficult for him to provide a reason to be suspicious of Elena being a substitute.


    ¡°Ren Bastasche. He is the heir to a family that is independent of the Grand Duke and is the Princess¡¯ second cousin.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯s a relative, were they close?¡±


    ¡°No, they didn¡¯t really get along. So, never get too close.¡±


    Liabrick was also wary of Ren. He was a very ambitious and dangerous man to be bound by the Hundred Years Treaty. With the warning on Ren¡¯s dangers and advice on how to deal with him, the people¡¯s identification was finished.


    ¡°Memorise everything by tomorrow. You can¡¯t mix up even the trivial things. Small mistakes in human relationships are irreversible.¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    Glancing at Elena¡¯s face that was full of passion but had no confidence, Liabrick added, ¡°I don¡¯t tolerate mistakes. Everything will be real from now on, so there¡¯s no turning back.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s real, could it be that¡­¡±


    Liabrick calmly continued while looking at Elena, who tensed up as she made her guess.


    ¡°In two days, we¡¯re leaving and going to the Grand Duke.¡±


    Chapter 3: Hurelbard


    Elena stood by the window and stared down at the four-wheeled carriage at the entrance of the mansion. On the side of the carriage led by four white horses was a bird¡¯s-eye pattern symbolizing the Grand Duke. The arrogance of the eagle, which gave off enough authority to suppress the Imperial family, was exuded.


    ¡°If you want to twist the eagle¡¯s neck, you have to go for the nest.¡±


    Elena stood in front of the mirror and smoothed out her clothes. Blonde hair cascaded like a waterfall, harmonising perfectly with a majestic, silver-embroidered dress.


    But it was her atmosphere that made her look like a woman full of grace. The integrity in her benevolent eyes, her head held up proudly, and her subtle gestures gave off an irresistible aura of authority.


    Knock knock


    Before the sound of the knock faded away, Liabrick had opened the door and come in.


    ¡°The carriage has arrived. Shall we go?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Elena responded and left the room.


    As she passed the hall and exited the mansion, the knights who were waiting for her were polite. Instead of awkwardly reciprocating by giving a nod of her head, Elena climbed into the four-wheeled carriage. Soon she heard the harsh cries of the horses, and the four wheels began to roll against the ground.


    ¡°You handled it well without getting nervous. They may be knights, but they are lower than a princess. There is no need to respond to them individually.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I was worried that I might¡¯ve been awkward¡­¡±


    Elena looked anxious as if the clothes she was dressed in to act as Princess Veronica was still unbecoming,


    ¡°Don¡¯t look, Elena. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Liv.¡±


    When Elena responded reflexively, Liabrick¡¯s eyes became fierce. Elena was a chicken caught in a trap, just in case she let loose.


    ¡°Again and again, I must warn you. The woman named Elena is dead. Have you forgotten who you are?¡±


    ¡°I, I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t make the same mistake again.¡±


    ¡°Constantly remind yourself that you are a princess. Always be alert.¡±


    Liabrick tensed Elena¡¯s nerves in case she would make a mistake. Still, she added that all the maids who had served Veronica had been expelled, so it was okay to relax. She was determined to control Elena with the proper carrots and sticks.


    [1] A queen consort is just the emperor¡¯s wife¡ªthey have no real power. The queen is the one with authority.

 Chapter 12

    Even without knowing that she was completely deceived by Elena¡¯s performance.


    ¡°As I said before, we have a banquet for the birthday of Duke Rosette, who is the founding contributor to the Empire and the first owner of Duke in ten days. Until then, be a perfect princess.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    While suffering from Leabrick¡¯s nagging under the guise of advice, the carriage crossed the empire¡¯s millennium capital to reach the mansion. As it crossed the garden, she could see a gothic-style mansion. It was not long before the door of the carriage opened.


    ¡°Welcome, princess.¡±


    The butler, servants, and maidens standing on this row each greeted her in one voice.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena raised her chin haughtily and looked at them one by one. No one dared to raise their heads at the authoritative gaze that made their hairs stand. Rather than simply grabbing the weight, the presence of a metaphorical presence overwhelmed the air.


    ¡°Veronica!¡±


    She could hear the excited voice of Grand Duke Friedrich in the mansion. Leaving the mansion with a quick walk, he welcomed Elena with open arms. She managed to hold back her laughter from the pretentious performance.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy to treat, and I¡¯m so glad you came back so healthy.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to your concern.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich laughed loudly as Elena responded appropriately.


    ¡°How can that be to my concern? It¡¯s thanks to Goddess Gaia. Come on, don¡¯t stand like this. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    ¡°Yes, father.¡±


    Elena and Grand Duke Friedrich, who directed a friendly father-daughter relationship that they had been reunited for the first time in years, moved the venue to the drawing room. Leabrick followed quietly and sat down. Savoring the deep-boiled tea of the East, the three began their own conversation.


    ¡°¡­ You have changed a lot. I can see it in your appearance.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich was surprised by the atmosphere of Elena that changed from the first meeting. It wasn¡¯t simply because of the resemblance of a face, but because of the dignity of a noble born from the beginning.


    ¡°I still have a long way to go to meet father¡¯s expectations.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you. Again, you¡¯re like my own daughter. The grand house is your home, so enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°I will, Father.¡±


    Elena responded in a gentle tone and showed submissiveness. In just a month, Grand Duke Friedrich was satisfied when she threw off her vulgarity and gave birth to a noble.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to say hello, but you must have been tired from coming a long way, take a rest.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your consideration.¡±


    When Elena stood up from the sofa, Leabrick did not forget her advice.


    ¡°You remember the inside structure of the house, right? Go to your room.¡±


    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t worry, Liv.¡±


    Elena, who smiled reassuringly, was polite and left the drawing room. Grand Duke Friedrich, who was watching the scene, opened his mouth after a while.


    ¡°As expected, you don¡¯t disappoint me. Don¡¯t you think she¡¯s a decent little aristocrat?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an appearance. There¡¯s no foundation, so even a little conversation will reveal everything.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich was impressed by Leabrick¡¯s concern.


    ¡°Then isn¡¯t it a big deal? It¡¯ll be his birthday soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to use the sickness as an excuse to block contact with the aristocrats as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°I see. You¡¯ll do well on your own.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich sat languidly and answered back. He trusted Leabrick so much that he wouldn¡¯t say anything once he trusted her to something and left it.


    ¡°More than that, Your Excellency, the movement toward the palace is unusual.¡±


    ¡°They must be poking around like rutting puppies again. Tell me the details.¡±


    In-depth conversations have been exchanged over the handling of accumulated agendas. Since most of them are directly related to the actions of the Grand Duke, none of them were not important.


    At that time, Elena left the drawing room, and the maids stood in a line and bowed their heads. She lowered her eyes and checked, and all four of them were familiar faces.


    ¡®Jane, Misa, Lunarin, and¡­¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes, which had been moving from each name in her memory, were drawn to the freckled girl standing at the end.


    ¡®Anne.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes over Anne became cold. Anne, who has yet to take off from her girlhood, was the maid Elena gave her heart to in her previous life. Although she may be young, she was quick to sense and acted like a tongue in her mouth, always satisfying Elena.


    ¡®Out of everyone, I didn¡¯t expect you to betray me.¡¯


    As she found out later, Anne was a spy planted by Leabrick. As soon as she was kidnapped by gunmen who had been ordered by the Grand Duke, Elena saw it clearly. Anne, who cold-heartedly turned a blind eye to her, asking for help. Only then did she realize that Anne was not her own person. Presumably, it was Anne who stayed around her and monitored every move and reported it to Leabrick.


    Standing in front of Anne reminded her of that feeling again.


    ¡®Look forward to it. I¡¯ll make you feel the same despair I felt.¡¯


    Elena, who issued a warning that she couldn¡¯t speak, stared at her silently. Anne, who was burdened with her gaze and silence, opened her mouth carefully.


    ¡°I¡¯m Anne¡­¡±


    Anne, who was introducing herself, closed her lips vaguely. This is because Elena¡¯s gaze, staring at her, was too cold. Anne held her breath. As they were maids who lived by their eyes, they felt something was wrong.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember allowing you to speak?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Again? I don¡¯t know if you can attend to me because you don¡¯t have that much learning ability.¡±


    Anne, who was embarrassed, quickly shut her mouth up.


    She didn¡¯t know how to deal with her, and she felt affirmed beforehand. Elena didn¡¯t think she would feel better even if she slapped her cheek considering the betrayal she felt at that time.


    ¡®Let¡¯s stop.¡¯


    Elena lowered her hand that kept going up. There is no need to buy Leabrick¡¯s suspicion by doing more than necessary. The good is to be kept. You should not cross the line and walk a tightrope. At this point, the princess who returned will be considered to have caught the discipline of the things below. As Elena turned around, she felt Anne¡¯s nervousness slightly eased.


    As she walked along the corridor, the maids followed Elena. She arrived across the hall in front of Veronica¡¯s room on the floor.


    ¡°What are you staring at? Open the door.¡±


    Anne, whose shoulders were shaken by her cold tone, ran out quickly and opened the door. Elena, who walked through the wide open marble door, scattered was familiar furniture, curtains, carpets, decorations, and paintings. An unbearable discomfort struck her at the moment.


    ¡®You want me to use what Veronica used?¡¯


    It was disgusting and horrifying just to think about it. In her past life, she used these things without knowing what¡¯s going on, but not anymore. Elena turned and walked in front of the closet. When she stood up and chinned, Anne, who was nervous, quickly opened the closet door. There were lots of dresses hanging inside.


    ¡°Take it all out.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do I have to say it twice? Take them all out.¡±


    The nervous maids rushed out the dresses and piled them on a carpet in the middle of the room. Since there were nearly 20 dresses, it was so thick that it reached their waists.


    ¡°Take off those double-cheeked curtains, too. Get rid of that ugly painting.¡±


    The maids obeyed at random. They were wondering why, but they couldn¡¯t dare ask in case they would offend the owner and swallowed it.


    ¡°Burn them up right now.¡±


    ¡°B-but¡­ Yes, I will follow.¡±


    The oldest maid, Lunarin, tried to say something but swallowed it quickly. Working for another noble family, she entered the palace about four months ago. Experience shows that the more volatile the owner is, the more he or she talks, the more he or she gets angry.


    ¡°Anne, tell the butler to find the dressmaker who made my dress and the best carpenter in the capital. Right now.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Yes!¡±


    Anne was about to turn around in a hurry.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done talking to you yet?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I-I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Anne was troubled by Elena¡¯s cold behavior.


    ¡°Give this word to the butler, too. Bring in all the dresses, embroidered curtains, and carpets in the shops before sunset.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll tell him.¡±


    As Anne hurried out of the room, Elena moved to the reception room on the second floor as if she had nothing to do. Since it was such a large house, there were more than a hundred rooms, and among them, Elena liked the reception room on the second floor, which was connected to the terrace and had a view of patronage.


    Elena sat on the terrace and savored the black tea and cookies that Lunarin had served.


    ¡°In the future, the tea will be earl grey, and the first tea water will be discarded. Don¡¯t make the cookies too sweet. Make them moist or the taste will drop.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes were directed at the well-kept sponsorship.


    ¡°The lilies in the sponsorship, they¡¯re very unobtrusive. There¡¯s a lot of lively flowers like tulips and daisies.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I heard you like lilies. Did I get it wrong?¡±


    ¡°Once. But tastes change. Do I have to tell you everything?¡±


    ¡°N-no. I¡¯ll correct it. I¡¯ll pass on what you¡¯re saying to the gardener.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena picked up a teacup and enjoyed the mellow scent. This is why age and experience cannot be ignored. It was the same before, but even if she didn¡¯t say it twice, Lunarin moved because she knew what she meant.


    ¡®Anne will get hit sooner or later.¡¯


    Anne was young and quick-witted, so she was quick to learn. And unlike the high-minded Lunarin, she was sharp and good at flattery, so she liked Elena. At the time of the entrance to the palace, it was reasonable to know how much she would have been trusted just by the appointment of Anne, not the elder, as Lunarin, who was a direct maid as chief of staff.


    ¡®I¡¯m going to have to have a reliable maid of honor soon.¡¯


    In Elena¡¯s mind, there was a maid with revenge in mind from the very beginning.


    ¡°The enemy is my friend.¡±


    Just three years later, the empire was overturned. A maid dared to attempt the assassination of Grand Duke Friedrich, and even Leabrick could not cope with how detailed the plan was. Although the assassination was unsuccessful, it would be worthwhile to have the guts to plan and attempt an assassination.

 Chapter 13

    Knock, knock.


    Lunarin quickly responded to the knock outside the drawing room and confirmed it.


    ¡°Lady, the ambassador Lusen has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to come in.¡±


    When the permission was dropped, the assistant and servants brought by the ambassador Lusen diligently moved their dresses, embroidery curtains and carpets into the drawing room. Elena left the terrace and entered the room only after the owner Lusen left the shop intact in the drawing room.


    ¡°I say hello to your Highness, Princess.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for coming. I heard from the butler that you were in charge of the dress for the birthday party?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was actually a call to measure.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s look at the design.¡±


    The dressmaker Lusen nodded and instructed the assistant to bring the design notes. Elena, who was handed a design note, glanced at it with a heavy glance. In the dry reaction, the dressmaker Lusen was nervous.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like it?¡±


    ¡°The line is fine, but the lace is unconventional. Also, the patterns and patterns are very classic.¡±


    ¡°I-is it? If you have a style you want, we will actively reflect it.¡±


    Now, if she changed the design, it would be hard to produce it for the birthday party. Nevertheless, since it was the order of Princess Veronica, she did not express it.


    ¡°All I want is a dress that suits my position as a social star. You know, like the Milky Way in the night sky, a starlight feeling.¡±


    ¡°S-starlight?¡±


    Lusen, the dressmaker who asked, wrinkled her eyebrows. It was a request too abstract to accommodate.


    ¡°When it¡¯s illuminated, it becomes more colorful. A dress that makes me stand out like the five-color Milky Way in the night sky.¡±


    ¡°Galaxy, Milky Way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fascinating just to imagine a dress with a breathtaking starlight.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I have a rough idea what it feels like. I¡¯ll prepare with all my energy.¡±


    Elena smiled silently as she watched Lusen, who seemed to be determined.


    ¡®Don¡¯t try too hard. All you have to do is bring an ultra-high-priced dress with expensive jewelry such as rubies, sapphires, and pearls.¡¯


    It was clear that it would fall far short. The time will be short, and the harmony will be ruined for the dress that only pursues glamour.


    ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t want to be noticed in the dress, nor did she intend to get attention. Elena came up with a deliberate plan. Devour the Grand Duke¡¯s wealth! Imagining it alone thrilled her whole body. Elena spent a limited amount of money under the control of Leabrick. Like an allowance. She took it foolishly thinking it was natural.


    Why? She¡¯s a fake Veronica. She¡¯s a substitute.


    But now that she looked at it, there was no reason at all. Starting with the birthday party, all the nobles of the Empire would accept her as Princess Veronica. Elena was as good as real as she was recognized by society. As soon as she realized it, she had no intention of spending money in accordance with Leabrick¡¯s control.


    Elena was planning to become the best luxury woman on the continent. The riches of the Grand Duke who do not dry out will remain dry. And the dress, jewelry, shoes, and accessories that she bought will be disposed of separately. In particular, dresses with low-value jewelry had a low rate of reduction.


    In other words, it meant that Elena would become a secret fund that can be operated secretly as soon as luxury goods bought with the wealth of the Grand Duke was disposed of.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot, but don¡¯t tell anyone but me that you changed the design of the dress. I want to surprise not only my father but also the aristocrats who came to celebrate the birthday.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep my mouth shut.¡±


    Elena changed the subject only after selecting several more dresses.


    ¡°That¡¯s it for the dresses, and let¡¯s look at the embroidery curtains.¡±


    ¡°Yes, these are curtains that have embroidered snowflakes on silk from the north.¡±


    After being fully explained, Elena picked out curtains and carpets that she liked and installed them in her room. Shortly after the completion of her duties, the carpenter¡¯s routine visited her.


    The carpenter, who made furniture using two seemingly unlikely things of marble and old wood, was one of the best craftsmen in the empire. After requesting the production of beds, side tables, clothes cabinets, and cabinets that reflect Elena¡¯s taste, the carpenter routine went back to work.


    ¡®Leabrick¡¯s behind schedule? I think it¡¯s time she came.¡¯


    It was when Elena sat on the terrace enjoying tea and enjoying the sunset.


    ¡°My lady. Viscountess Leabrick is here.¡±


    ¡°Tell her to come in.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s official title was her own. An empire with higher women¡¯s rights than other countries, where you could have a title venue if you were a woman. Leabrick, who entered the drawing room, found Elena sitting on the terrace and opened her eyes fiercely.


    ¡°I need to have a long talk with your Highness, so you stay out.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As soon as Lunarin stepped down, Leabrick walked out onto the terrace, which was blowing cold air.


    ¡°Liv, are you here? Sit here. The taste of black tea drinking while watching the sunset is excellent.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s expression became colder at the invitation of Elena, who was sitting comfortably.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Yes? What?¡±


    Elena, slightly embarrassed by the sharp question, put down the cup she was holding.


    ¡°I must have warned you not to act arbitrarily. Not only did you burn your dresses and curtains, but you brought in a dressmaker and a carpenter? I warned you. I want you to consult me and ask permission for anything.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Was this something I needed permission to do?¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes were filled with tears. With an innocent expression, Leabrick suppressed her irritation with superhuman patience


    ¡°So you thought you didn¡¯t need permission?¡±


    ¡°I thought this little thing could be decided at my discretion even without Liv¡¯s permission.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Elena cried.


    ¡°I know. I thought Liv was always busy, and at best I couldn¡¯t ask her about every little change of dress or furniture. Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°You should have asked. Didn¡¯t you think you could be suspected?¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression became serious at the word of doubt.


    ¡°Why am I being questioned about this? I have no idea. Liv, what did I do wrong? Please tell me. I¡¯ll fix it, so it doesn¡¯t happen again, okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Leabrick was momentarily speechless when asked again. There were doubts, but no one in the Grand Duke would suspect that Elena was a fake. This is because she threw out all those who remembered had a little relationship or remembered Veronica out. Elena¡¯s behavior would have just been seen as capricious.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing as scary as social gossip. Contact with outsiders can be the cause of the fire.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll ask for permission, even if it¡¯s trivial. So forgive me for my mistake today, Liv.¡±


    Leabrick nodded reluctantly at the earnest request. She was definitely the one who took the initiative, but she felt uncomfortable because she thought she stopped her without knowing where.


    Elena, on the contrary, was very satisfied. It was because she cleverly avoided Leabrick¡¯s interrogation and at the same time, there was something to catch.


    You want permission? I¡¯ll do it if you want.¡¯


    If she was going to follow suit, she would follow Leabrick sincerely.


    ¡®But that won¡¯t necessarily be a good thing.¡¯


    She had every intention of listening to what Leabrick wants.


    ***


    Leabrick was always pressed for time. Her workload was beyond imagination, as there was no place in the Empire where the power of Grand Duke Friedrich was unrivaled. It was difficult to find anything out of her reach, from the top trade issue to the private meetings of the aristocrats on the periphery.


    Leabrick took off her glasses and stroked her dim eyes.


    ¡®It¡¯s too much time to go to the Duchy.¡¯


    But it was an unavoidable choice. The absence of Princess Veronica was a major blow to the successor structure of the Grand Duke. In particular, Sir Ren of the Bastache family, who was independent of them, was young but is by no means an easy human.


    Now that Grand Duke Friedrich was in good health, she was holding her breath, but if Princess Veronica¡¯s absence was prolonged, he would likely emerge as the heir to the great house by talking about her veins. To prevent it in advance, she went all the way to the other side of the continent and took the trouble of bringing Elena.


    It was the best option for Leabrick, but the piled up approval documents and the agenda to be processed were enough to make even a smart woman tired and sensitive.


    Knock, knock.


    The knock startled Leabrick. She was sure she arranged not to let anyone in.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Liv.¡±


    It was Elena who opened the door without permission and bowed her head.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I heard you told me not to let anyone in.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t stand there. Come in.¡±


    As she spoke with a sense of displeasure, Elena, who had noticed, quietly entered the room.


    ¡°You told me yesterday to ask for trivial things and decisions.¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have shoes to wear, so I think I have to meet the two craftsmen and order them separately. Would it be okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression brightened when Leabrick accepted lightly.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°You said you needed it. Tell the butler to bring back one of the best craftsmen in the capital.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much for your concern, Liv.¡±


    Elena fluttered her skirt as if she couldn¡¯t hide her joy, leaving the office.


    Leabrick turned her gaze back to the pile of documents he had to deal with. Although the flow was broken by the sudden visit, she felt relieved that she had to pay special attention to manage and control Elena, who was still insufficient in service.


    And maybe an hour or so later?


    ¡®According to the report, Viscount Bianca had informal contact with the imperial family¡­¡¯


    It was when she was worrying about the troublesome treatment.


    Knock knock.


    Elena was sticking out her head as she lifted her head reflexively to the knock.


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, Liv. I have a question.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Asked Leabrick, holding back her irritation.


    ¡°After dressing up, I didn¡¯t have any necklaces or earrings to wear.¡±


    ¡°Tell the butler to bring in a jeweler in the capital.¡±


    ¡°Can I really do that?¡±


    Elena twinkled her eyes.


    ¡°Is there anything else you want to talk about?¡±


    ¡°What? No.¡±


    ¡°Then go out.¡±


    Elena left the office nodding.

 Chapter 14

    Leabrick, who became sensitive after being disturbed twice, turned to the documents again. The accident that she had been immersed in quite deeply ended, so she wasted a considerable amount of time to continue thinking again.


    Knock, knock


    But Elena¡¯s interference, which she thought would be over, was just beginning.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to keep bothering you, but Liv, not anything else, but the jewelry is expensive. How many can I buy?¡±


    ¡°Buy as much as you need.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s voice has also become neurotic. This is because the concentration keeps breaking, and the efficiency of work processing has been ruined. Elena said she knew and promised not to interfere again, but returned.


    But soon there was another knock.


    ¡°How much exactly did you say I should buy as much as I needed? I¡¯ve never bought as much as I needed in my life¡­¡±


    ¡°Buy it for yourself. As much as you want. Do you have to tell me everything?¡±


    ¡°I will!¡±


    ¡®I won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡¯


    It didn¡¯t take long to realize that it was an illusion. Elena visited Leabrick without a break, like a child who needed her mother¡¯s permission.


    ¡°The girls say natural cosmetics are in trend these days. I¡¯d like to buy some of them, can¡¯t I?¡±


    Really, starting with a sloppy request.


    ¡°Vanilla tea smells so good, but it¡¯s not in the mansion. I really want to try it¡­¡±


    Even personal and trivial permission.


    ¡®Is she playing with me?¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s patience had also reached its limit. She felt like she wanted to warn her to stand still by raising a cheek. But she couldn¡¯t. Ten days later, it was the birthday of the Grand Duke. The first thing to do was to put out the urgent fire, but it was difficult to leave a scratch on Elena¡¯s face or create a minor disturbance.


    Leabrick clenched her molars.


    ¡®¡­. I¡¯m gonna have to give it to you after the anniversary.¡¯


    The next day, around dawn. In order to finish the slow work, Leabrick was confined in the office early. She liked this time zone. A quiet morning was the best time to maximize concentration. The brain also becomes faster and the processing of work has accelerated.


    Knock, knock.


    Until she heard that knock that¡¯s causing her neurosis.


    ¡°Hey, I woke up early and thought I¡¯d take a walk, but the lights were on. I came by to say hello, but I didn¡¯t bother you again, did I?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s face, which broke her composure, became as cold as ice. Looking back, no one has ever touched her patience this much. Even Grand Duke Friedrich, who claimed to control the empire, gave her will and respected her.


    ¡®How dare you, little girl.¡¯


    Leabrick bit her lips hard. She had a slight taste of blood in her mouth. It was to maintain the patience of reaching the limit.


    Elena, who felt that the atmosphere was unusual, was intimidated and was flustered because she didn¡¯t know where to put her eyes.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll come back later.¡±


    Leabrick, who barely caught up with the patience that was almost cut off by the word again later, struck her lips.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s cold yet. I¡¯ll just deal with this document and talk.¡±


    Elena sat on the sofa across the desk. Leabrick wrote something on parchment paper while savoring the tea from a teacup with warmth left on the table.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a guide to be familiar with inside the house.¡±


    Elena¡¯s gaze turned to the parchment. It stated the rights that could be exercised within the residence , the scope of which, and the appropriate line that should not be exceeded.


    This is roughly what the main clause looks like.


    1. You do not need permission to meet merchants, dressers, carpenters, etc. Only those who are arranged through the butler can be met.


    2. The amount that can be used for 10 days is limited to 20,000 francs.


    3. Report the schedule every morning, and move according to the schedule with permission. However, never break the routine of the schedule.


    4. Find yourself only on conditions that do not fall under the provisions. Otherwise, act in accordance with the guidelines of the article.


    Clause 1 aside, Elena snorted, noting clause 2.


    ¡°I¡¯m a princess, and you want me to spend only 20,000 francs?¡¯


    For 20,000 francs, ten horses of good breed can be bought, which is equivalent to the living expenses of common people for several years. The combined value of the embroidered curtains, carpets and shoes that Elena purchased would be approximately 20,000 francs. It was big money that most nobles couldn¡¯t pay if you looked at it as luxury money for 10 days. However, that was the standard of the general nobility, and this was the Grand Duke. The idol of all nobles and the chief duke!


    The wealth of the Grand Duke is well known and does not dry up no matter how much they spend. The place where Elena accumulates more wealth than the rate at which she consumes wealth is in the great air.


    ¡®How much was it? I think I spent nearly 100,000 francs for ten days to maintain dignity right before I became a queen.¡¯


    At a time when her name was mentioned as a candidate for the queen, she used to pay for the maintenance of dignity. The amount was ridiculously small compared to then.


    ¡®Well, I can ignore it anyway.¡¯


    It¡¯s a pointless restriction. Despite the fact that the limit has been struck, if you put it in front of the Grand Duke as a Princess Veronica, you will have to pay. Is it possible for the socialite to turn Princess Veronica into an unscrupulous debtor who doesn¡¯t pay for it? If so, the reputation of Princess Veronica would plummet, and at the same time, the prestige of the Grand Duke would fall to the bottom. This is because the honor of Princess Veronica is directly linked to the body of the Grand Duke. So there is no reason to care about the limit.


    Elena noted the third clause. Schedule report. In her previous life, Elena moved with permission after reporting to Leabrick every step of the way. This was to control and monitor Elena, who was clumsy to Veronica.


    ¡®I have to make good use of this clause.¡¯


    Do not break the rule suggested by Leabrick. It would only foster unnecessary hostility and vigilance. She had to play inside thoroughly. Just interpret and use the rule in a way that was advantageous to Elena.


    ¡°Did you memorize it all?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Leabrick took the parchment to the candle and burned it. Black ash flew about.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, please refrain from asking about personal actions.¡±


    ¡°I feel more comfortable with the guidelines. I know what to do and what not to do.¡±


    For the first time in a long time, it was a perfect word for Leabrick. She hoped for Elena, who is good at only what she is told to do.


    ¡°Today¡¯s schedule. Since I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll go with your permission. I don¡¯t want to interrupt Liv again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, do that.¡±


    ¡®This is how it should be.¡¯


    Leabrick regretted not having controlled her with restrictions from the beginning.


    Elena held a pen on the table and pondered. After much consideration, the parchment was divided into morning and afternoon schedules.


    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to meet with a jewelry dealer in the morning, and go for a sponsorship walk in the afternoon, right?¡±


    ¡°The sponsorship was so big that I thought it would take all day to look around.¡±


    Leabrick nodded. There seemed to be no need to worry about anything particularly disturbing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you permission.¡±


    ¡°You know what, Liv.¡±


    Elena hesitated and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Do you have anything else to say?¡±


    ¡°The appointment of the knight I mentioned before. When¡­.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking about it anyway.¡±


    ¡°Really? Oh, my heart is pounding already. Then when can I see my knight?¡±


    Elena looked excited like an immature girl.


    ¡°Soon. I¡¯ve been looking for a knight to match the princess.¡±


    ¡°Is he someone I¡¯d look good with?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a promising knight even within the great duchy. He has excellent swordsmanship, worships chivalry, and most of all, he wants to have a beautiful princess beside him.¡±


    ¡°Oh, beautiful princess? Did he say that himself?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena formed a dream of ecstatic affection. When the reaction seemed to have been halfway over, Leabrick drove in the wedge.


    ¡°There are many great knights in the world, but I dare say he is the only one who fits the princess.¡±


    ¡°May I ask his name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Sir Lorentz.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a great name. I can¡¯t wait to meet him.¡±


    Leabrick nodded satisfactorily.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with that. Let¡¯s have a cup of tea this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°R-really? Then, I¡¯ll see you later Liv.¡±


    Elena turned excitedly after finishing her business.


    ¡°Lorentz is a good knight for me? To keep an eye on me.¡¯


    The expression of shyness was nowhere to be seen. I felt uncomfortable because it was so obvious that she was trying to wrap Lorentz as a mass product and stick him next to Elena.


    ¡®Look forward to it. I¡¯ll appoint the best knight you can¡¯t even imagine.¡¯


    Elena left the room quietly.


    ***


    In the afternoon, Elena left the mansion dressed lightly.


    ¡°I want to walk for a long time in the sunshine.¡±


    Elena, accompanied by her immediate maidens, strolled along the sponsorship. The sponsorship was completely different from the previous garden. If the garden was artificially well-cultivated, the sponsorship preserved the natural scenery around the lake.


    ¡®I was very disappointed to see the patronage of the palace.¡¯


    It is not that the patronage of the imperial palace was poor. The patronage of the Grand Duke was only too good.


    Elena walked endlessly, taking advantage of the tranquil view of the lake and the high, clear sky without a cloud. Elena¡¯s steps toward deeper sponsorship had a clear destination. A training ground beyond the zelkova forest. Located on the outskirts of the patronage area, it was a kind of physical training ground built to enhance the basic physical strength and strength of knights, apart from the main training ground where swordsmanship is mainly practiced.


    ¡°Hah! Eup!¡±


    As she walked around the corner of the zelkova forest, she heard the chanting of the knights. As she crossed the thick forest, she could see an open training ground at a glance.


    ¡°Ar-aren¡¯t you the princess?¡±


    A local knight bowed his head in embarrassment. Other knights were also embarrassed by the sudden visit of the princess.

 Chapter 15

    ¡°James, head of the 2nd Knights division, greets you. How did the princess come to this humble place?¡±


    A middle-aged knight with a nice mustache asked about Elena¡¯s intention to visit.


    ¡°I¡¯m here because I¡¯m just taking a walk at my feet as I can. Did I interrupt you?¡±


    ¡°Is that possible? It¡¯s just an unscheduled visit¡­¡±


    Elena smiled at him.


    ¡°Go ahead and finish your work. I¡¯ll have a cup of tea quietly and go back.¡±


    ¡°Do you mean you have t-tea time here?¡±


    Instead of answering with a small nod, Elena gestured, pointing under the luxuriously dense zelkova tree. Then the maids straightened out the cloth and set up the tea and cookies they brought. Elena sitting gracefully savored the tea and glanced at the expression of the four women.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Uh, oh¡­¡±


    All four women¡¯s mouths were half open. The physical stamina of the knights, who took off their tops and exercised their smooth muscles, excited the women who opened their eyes to the opposite sex.


    ¡°Anne, isn¡¯t it nice to see?¡±


    ¡°What? Wh-what are you talking about?¡±


    Elena answered back, savoring the tea.


    ¡°You¡¯re being so cheeky. How do you explain the redness on your face?¡±


    ¡°Tha-that¡­¡±


    Anne stammered and was at a loss what to do. She didn¡¯t know Elena would ask so blatantly.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of playing tricks on ourselves?¡±


    Elena, who put down the teacup, looked at the knights.


    ¡°Your eyes are looking good. Hey, do you see the knight holding the tree? His body also looks very desirable. What about the abs? They all look so nice.¡±


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re right. They¡¯re all handsome.¡±


    ¡°Right? Well, Anne, you talk this time. Which of them looks the best?¡±


    Anne hesitated and pointed to a knight.


    ¡°T-the one in the corner. He looks like a sculpture.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not bad. You have a pretty good taste in men.¡±


    The maids of honor were also women. Just as aristocrats and the four great dukes had a romance, the maidens could imagine that it would not happen while looking at the knights.


    ¡®That¡¯s enough blindfolding.¡¯


    Whether men¡¯s bodies were good or not, Elena was not interested. It was just a remark made to appear to be a snobbish woman who tried to steal the bodies of knights.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure you belong to the 2nd Knights Division¡­¡¯


    Elena was looking for someone anxiously.


    ¡°Ice Knight Hurelbard.¡±


    Three years from now, Hurelbard became the second knight of the Knights of the Second Division at the youngest age and became the most recognized knight in the Empire. Not to mention his outstanding swordsmanship, he had a cold appearance that made you unable to read his emotions, so people gave him the title of the ice knight. Only two years after that, Hurelbard had been called one of the three swords defending the empire.


    The first sword, Pharisa, the founding sword handed down in the Imperial Family.


    Second Sword, Knight of the Ice, Hurelbard.


    The third sword, the wild wolf, Ren.


    Considering that the first sword is a real sword, it is irrelevant. It¡¯s safe to say that Hurelbard, along with Ren, are the highest swordsman of the empire. Elena was working hard to get him.


    ¡®He should be here. Why can¡¯t I see him?¡¯


    Elena drank tea to moisten her thirst with nervousness.


    ¡°L-look at that. What kind of face is that?¡±


    The women, who reached the spot where Anne pointed out, opened their eyes wide and saw the knight.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena took a short breath. White skin that didn¡¯t get tanned in the sun, dark green hair, looked a little young, he exactly matched her memory of Hurelbard.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but he¡¯s gorgeous. To the point where I¡¯m jealous as a woman.¡±


    ¡°Really. I think he matches great with the expression ¡®beautiful.¡¯¡±


    She could not take her eyes off Anne¡¯s frank appreciation. Elena couldn¡¯t deny the word. In fact, Hurelbard had a more appropriate appearance to just say that he is fine.


    Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and stood up. She walked gracefully out of the shade of the tree and across the middle of the parade ground. The knights couldn¡¯t take their eyes off Elena, who suddenly stormed in.


    Elena approached an unnamed knight who was training with a lot of sweat nearby.


    ¡°Y-Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    The bewildered knight quickly became polite.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t sit still watching you from afar.¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean?¡±


    It was when the knight, which did not understand what Elena meant, slowly looked up.


    ¡°Hyuk.¡±


    The knight took a breath without even realizing it. Elena took out a handkerchief embroidered with the symbol of the great house and wiped the sweat off the knight¡¯s forehead. Elena said, looking at the article standing out with a tingling look.


    ¡°Because of your enthusiasm, the Great House still exists as of today. I will always have a grateful heart.¡±


    The knight was so moved that he couldn¡¯t speak. Elena¡¯s touch, the sincerity of the words, was conveyed, making his heart flutter.


    Elena wiped the sweat off the foreheads and chins of some knights. Then she walked before Hurelbard.


    ¡®You have no idea how much I missed you, ice knight.¡¯


    She wanted to shake hands with him because she was glad to see him, but she held it in. Instead, she replaced the untranslatable welcome with a fascinating smile that shook the social world.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Hurelbard¡¯s face that he met her eyes turned into embarrassment. He looked beyond Elena¡¯s profound gaze, the corners of her lips, and her eyes that seemed to be sucking him in. Hurelbard was at a loss with the seductive smile. He was completely out of his mind.


    ¡®You¡¯re still young.¡¯


    Is it because he was three years younger than his past life? Hurelbard was somehow immature. She couldn¡¯t erase the feeling of him being immature. On the other hand, Elena¡¯s smile was fatal.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Hurelbard did not know the true nature of the flames that were pouring deep into his heart like an active volcano. He was overwhelmed by the beating of the heart and the confusion of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, it was very impressive to see him bite his molars tightly so that he wouldn¡¯t collapse. There may be a momentary disruption, but he showed a willingness not to lose his composure.


    Elena enjoyed the reaction of Hurelbard, who was briefly troubled. It felt like she was peeking at the side of the ice knight that others didn¡¯t know about.


    ¡®I¡¯ll leave for now.¡¯


    Unfortunately, Elena turned around with a smile with her eyes. Excessive attention was bound to poison. It was better to refrain from doing anything that would cause Leabrick¡¯s suspicion until she made herself completely her own person.


    ¡°It was an accidental visit, but I was very impressed with you all today. There are many strong, honorable, loyal knights. So, I made up my mind.¡±


    Elena put her delicate hands on her chest. She took a deep breath as if calming down her overwhelming expression and looked back at the knights.


    ¡°It¡¯s late, but I think I¡¯ll finish the appointment within a few days. It will be a proper appointment.¡±


    ¡°F-finally!¡±


    Expectations were high on the full face of the articles. Who is Princess Veronica? She is the heir to the Grand Duchy, which may take over the great power in the future. Being such a direct knight of Veronica is a very glorious and honorable affair, so any knight had no choice but to covet.


    ¡°I was so sorry¡­ that I didn¡¯t have a chance to know how great of individuals you all are because I wasn¡¯t feeling well.¡±


    The atmosphere of the knights became solemn. The princess, who returned after battling the disease for several years, was pitiful, but her heart was very kind.


    ¡°I want to find out now. So please come to the appointment ceremony. That way, I can see and judge with my own eyes, and then I can appoint a knight.¡±


    ¡°Y-you mean yourself?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±


    Elena¡¯s firm answer embarrassed James a little. Elena¡¯s declaration was unconventional. Major issues such as appointment of a direct knight are dealt with in accordance with the procedure. Even if it was a senior ceremony, it was just a formal event, and direct knights were often decided in advance.


    ¡°I¡¯m already excited about who will be my knight.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes, smiling open, were on Hurelbard. As if I were aiming at him. And Hurelbard¡¯s poker face, which didn¡¯t know the meaning of the gaze, was slightly distorted.


    ***


    Unimpeded by Elena, Leabrick handled the work at an alarming rate.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m taking two days to finish in half a day. If it was on schedule, I would have already checked the date of the birthday.¡±


    The Grand Duchy was busy preparing for the birthday banquet of the first Duke Rosette, a week away. As it was a celebration in memory of the founder of the 1,000-year-old empire and the founder of the most noble family in the current empire, there were many things to pay attention to.


    Knock, knock.


    Leabrick¡¯s forehead, which had been breathing for a while, was frowned.


    ¡°This is Lorentz.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Leabrick pressed her temple. She seemed to have become unknowingly sensitive due to Elena¡¯s insufferable behavior.


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    When he sat on the sofa, Leabrick immediately got to the point.


    ¡°Lord Lorentz, please be a knight of the princess.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted.¡±


    Lorentz said he would do it without hesitation. It was not an easy decision for him, who is a proud knight, to serve Elena as a master even though he knew she was a substitute. Nevertheless, he actively accepted the situation because he wanted to make up for Elena¡¯s missing parents.


    ¡°On the surface, you¡¯ll have to show loyalty to the princess. And you may have to keep an eye on every move and sometimes control her.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Could I ask you a favor before I carry out the mission?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. Lord Lorentz has done everything I asked. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Let my lord the Princess Veronica¡­ wash away my tarnished honor the day she returns to her place.¡±


    He served a fake princess. If he didn¡¯t know, he would have been able to do so. The work for the great house was done, but the order was quite disgraceful for the knight. For that reason, Lorentz hoped to kill the fake princess with his own hands someday.

 Chapter 16

    Leabrick smiled.


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll take the name of Knight Lorentz.¡±


    While talking about Elena¡¯s death, neither of them felt guilty or sorry. Elena is just a doll to them. At the end of the puppet show, there was no feeling to waste on the firewood dolls, which would be enough to burn them into ash.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner with the princess tonight to get rid of the horns in the short term. The ceremony will be held in a quiet and informal manner within two days.¡±


    The great house¡¯s whole nerves were on the birthday banquet. There was no room for a grand selection ceremony, and there was no need to put Elena, who was not familiar with Veronica, on the official table.


    ¡°Then, I will leave now.¡±


    It was just time for Lorentz to get up from the sofa.


    Knock, knock.


    Even before the knock disappeared, the office door opened.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know it¡¯s rude, but it¡¯s urgent¡­¡±


    ¡°Lord Bellow? Come on in.¡±


    Knight Bellow came into the office breathing heavily with the permission of his predecessor, Lorentz.


    ¡°Y-your Highness the Princess was at the training grounds.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s voice became sharp. What do you mean, training grounds? She had an ominous feeling that Elena might have committed an unexpected act.


    ¡°She made an unscheduled visit, and declared that she would have a major knight appointment in a few days.¡±


    ¡°What in the¡­¡±


    ¡°She has even ordered my knights to be called in to see and elect themselves at the ceremony. It¡¯s unprecedented, is it okay?¡±


    Leabrick clenched her molars. It can¡¯t be okay. All together, Elena did the opposite of Leabrick¡¯s plan. As if to screw her up.


    The bigger problem was that it was not easy to make up for Elena¡¯s mistake. It is not just anyone else, but it is a talk in front of the knights who value honor. Under these circumstances, it is not good to change your words again.


    Aside from the lack of credibility among the knights, there was a high possibility of serious damage to the reputation of Princess Veronica. She was already suffering from various rumors because of her long absence.


    From Leabrick¡¯s point of view, this and that has become impossible.


    ¡®I warned you to watch your mouth. Do you want a death sentence?¡¯


    Leabrick felt pure anger toward a human being for the first time in nearly years.


    ¡®I was so laid back. I really needed to have control measures.¡¯


    It¡¯s a mistake. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if she had at least held the reins.


    ¡°Lord Bellow, bring the princess here. Right now!¡±


    ¡°U-understood.¡±


    Under Leabrick¡¯s frosty orders, Bellow rushed out of the office in a hurry.


    ***


    A breathtaking silence filled between Elena and Leabrick. Leabrick, who called Elena into the Oval Office, had been holding her mouth shut for at least a half-hour.


    If it were Elena in the past, she would have had pins and needles and been busy trying to keep her head down. However, this kind of pressure had no effect on Elena. It was widely expected what Leabrick would say, and she had prepared a reasonable countermeasure against it.


    Elena was even bored with this time. Eventually, Elena, who hated wasting meaningless time, ended her silence with a very sorry face.


    ¡°What else did I do wrong?¡±


    ¡°Are you really asking because you don¡¯t know?¡±


    There was a chill in Leabrick¡¯s low voice. Elena lifted her head and carefully opened her mouth, looking at Leabrick¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I honestly don¡¯t know. I took a walk in Sponsorship, and when I got to the training ground, I met the knights and said a few words.¡±


    ¡°How many words did you say?¡±


    Shudder.


    Elena shivered in response to Leabrick¡¯s edgy response.


    ¡°¡­¡­ I remembered your promise to me. A saying that I can appoint a noble knight. My heart was pounding like crazy. The fact that there would be a knight for me. That¡¯s why I talked about it. I¡¯m going to appoint the noblest man in the Grand Duchy as my knight. Is this such a bad thing?¡±


    Elena¡¯s speech was clever. She blamed Leabrick for the appointment. She didn¡¯t even mention any questionable issues. What was more spectacular was Elena¡¯s expression. She  even expressed her frustration that she really didn¡¯t know what she did wrong, and even gave a tearful face.


    ¡°You! You¡­¡±


    Leabrick held back her anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know? I¡¯m upset that the princess said she was calling the knights to the ceremony without even having a word of discussion with me.¡±


    ¡°Was that wrong? Then I¡¯m so sorry, Liv. I didn¡¯t know. When I learned the literature,  ¡®The Song of Roland,¡¯ or ¡®The Ceremony of the Empire,¡¯ I only knew that fellow knights gathered at the ceremony to prove your oath¡­¡±


    Elena made excuses for the feed in her favor. Nevertheless, she did not forget to give off a nuance of remorse after realizing her mistake.


    ¡®Hah, that¡¯s the only reason.¡¯


    Feeling unbearable anger, Leabrick could no longer be questioned. Elena was originally a vain person. In particular, the oath of knights was one of Elena¡¯s dreams even before she left the kingdom. It was also her fault that she had overlooked it even though she knew it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liv. I have nothing to say even if I have ten mouths. I didn¡¯t know that. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    When Elena apologized in a low-key manner, Leabrick bit her molar and calmed down her anger. It was already spilled. The princess¡¯ mouth heralded a major appointment ceremony. Dozens of knights have heard of it, and by now, it will be so prolific that no one wouldn¡¯t know about it. Finding words to make an excuse for Veronica, who hasn¡¯t appeared in society for the first time in two years, would create another scandal.


    Leabrick prioritized the appointment of Lorentz as Elena¡¯s immediate knight  for the intended purpose. If the goal was achieved, it was not important whether it is a private appointment or an open appointment ceremony.


    ¡°If it keeps going like this, we have no reason to wait.¡±


    ¡°L-Liv.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget your resolution.¡±


    Elena¡¯s wish to say that she will never do it again ended this time. Even though the cold atmosphere eased a bit, Elena was looking at her face and lowering her head. Leabrick, who drenched her throat with a sip of tea, asked Elena.


    ¡°Princess, do you remember I said I was going to introduce you to a knight?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been waiting for that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been waiting in the drawing room for a while.¡±


    Elena was surprised.


    ¡°N-now? I look terrible after taking a walk.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother. He even admires the look of a princess.¡±


    Leabrick on the sofa pulled a book from the bookshelf on the wall.


    Kuuung.


    The wall on which the paintings were displayed next to the bookcase opened, and the secret door leading to the living room and passage was opened. Elena opened her eyes like a rabbit who was surprised.


    ¡®A clever woman.¡¯


    She was once again surprised by Leabrick¡¯s leadership. Elena said earlier that she would choose her own knight at the appointment ceremony, with a nuance that there was no article nominated. Meanwhile, having a private meeting with Lorentz, who is a knight, is conscious that there is a possibility that may raise unfairness about the appointment process internally.


    ¡°You miss one, but you don¡¯t miss the other.¡¯


    Unfortunately, this card is useless. Instead, Elena was able to pull the reins of her mind, which almost loosened.


    Twaddle.


    Over the secret door, Lorentz, dressed in silver armor, came over and was respectfully courteous.


    ¡°Greetings to Your Highness, I am Knight Lorentz.¡±


    ¡°Raise your head.¡±


    Lorentz¡¯s eyes with his chin were on Elena. The eyes of the two clashed and stared at each other.


    ¡®First, act like a shy girl.¡¯


    Elena blushed and avoided eye contact. However, she stole a glance at Lorentz¡¯s  face and was embarrassed. Then the corners of Lorentz¡¯s mouth crept up. It was a short moment, but he found out that Elena liked him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot from Liv. You¡¯re much more handsome than I¡¯ve ever heard, and you¡¯re a great knight.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Your Highness. If you do, forgive my rudeness.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Lorentz boldly approached Elena and kneeled on one knee. Then he reached out his hand and kissed the back of Elena¡¯s hand.


    ¡®Despicable¡­¡¯


    Reflexively swinging his hand, he almost struck Lorentz¡¯s face. This is the last life, but he is a knight that betrayed Elena and put a sword through her body. It¡¯s disgusting to see the hateful side up close, and a kiss on the back of her hand.


    ¡°He¡­. Just¡­¡±


    Elena stammered as if she were embarrassed. She also flushed red as if she were blushing. Technically, it was because of the anger that boiled up at the moment, but it somehow matched well with the current situation.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°What? If you ask me what should I say¡­¡±


    Leabrick smiled and said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s no knight better than Lord Lorentz in the Great House.¡±


    ¡°I-it looks like that. I¡¯ve never seen a knight as wonderful as Lord Lorentz in my life.¡±


    Elena gave a glimpse of the eye in acknowledgment. Then the smile on Lorentz¡¯s lips thickened. It was actually a shiny-looking face, and just looking at it made her upset.


    ¡°I told you, didn¡¯t I? I¡¯m sure he¡¯s a perfect knight for the princess.¡±


    In fact, Lorentz had a handsome face. In fact, there were quite a few ladies courting him in the social world, and his graceful appearance played a large part in leaving Leabrick¡¯s recommendation to appoint him as a direct knight in her last life.

 Chapter 18

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t miss anything. You can¡¯t find anyone like this even if you wash your eyes in the Grand House. And most of all, he admires the princess.¡±


    Elena managed to resist the near-bursting sneer.


    ¡°Someone might think that a lady, who participated in the ball, is being introduced to a knight.¡±


    The role of Leabrick now is a facilitator.


    Elena was somehow attracted to Lorentz and was working hard to appoint him as a direct knight.


    ¡®If you want it so badly, I¡¯ll pretend to be in love with him.¡¯


    Here, it¡¯s all right to act like a doll Leabrick wants.


    ¡°I would like to present my sword, my honor, and my life by your side.¡±


    ¡°Lord Lorentz.¡±


    Elena acted with a touch of emotion.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you got across to me. Liv, thank you so much. If it wasn¡¯t for Liv, I wouldn¡¯t have found a man like Lord Lorentz. I feel like my dream has come true.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that.¡±


    For the first time in a while, Leabrick was satisfied. She was convinced that Elena fell in love with him, who couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him.


    ***


    The maids and servants of the Grand Duke family suffered from intense labor that was tight enough to have even two bodies. The most grand annual event of the Friedrich family was the birthday of the first family, which was held on the day of the birth of its first owner, because an unscheduled appointment ceremony was added.


    Elena smiled in her mouth at the Grand Duke, at the return of her intention.


    ¡®It¡¯s not moving as you intended anymore.¡¯


    Elena in her past life was passive. When Leabrick told her to eat, she ate, when she told her to wear something, she wore it, and memorized the words without a single mistake, and talked to the nobles like parrots. She had no choice but to do so then. If she turned out to be fake, Leabrick would threaten Elena¡¯s life.


    Crucially, she threatened to kill her parents whenever she tried to escape her control. But at that time, her parents were not in the world. Elena had no choice but to follow the words of the enemy who killed her parents without knowing that.


    Elena believed that her parents had escaped the country safely, although she was not aware of the news. The words that intentionally looked at Elena before coming to the Grand House were the same, and the fact that Leabrick, who is very cautious, has not made any significant moves so far has supported such circumstances. It means that Leabrick could not control or arrest Elena by taking care of her parents¡¯ safety.


    ¡°Anne, your bangs are messy.¡±


    At Elena¡¯s words sitting with her legs crossed, Anne was scared and cleared up her spread baby hair.


    ¡°Lunarin, shoes.¡±


    Elena put her feet on the shoes decorated with glass drops and raised her waist. Elena¡¯s whole body was caught in the mirror as her wavy red blonde hair fell behind her back. She was like a rose with the off-shoulder dress that revealed her neckline and shoulder line, and makeup that made her eyes look like roses.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯re so beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Elena asked back insincerely at Anne¡¯s pure admiration.


    ¡°Oh, Liv¡¯s waiting outside?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s been here a while.¡±


    ¡°I forgot because I was dressing up. Tell them to go out and have her come in.¡±


    Elena had Leabrick, who had been looking for her under the pretext of dressing up, stand in the hallway for a long time.


    ¡°Liv, you¡¯ve been waiting a long time, haven¡¯t you? I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s a good day, so I¡¯ve been waiting too long to look pretty.¡±


    Elena looked sorry when she saw Leabrick, who looked like she had escaped like a low tide. This is how it feels to give a bottle and a medicine.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Liv, how am I? Do I look pretty? I hope it looks pretty in his eyes¡­¡±


    Elena, reflected in Leabrick¡¯s eyes, was like a young maiden enamored with her knight. Elena could not take off her pathetic girlhood, even if she said, ¡°Don¡¯t lose the dignity that fits the position of Princess Veronica.¡±


    That may make it easier to handle. With such desire and vanity, she would just have a hard time with Sir Lorentz.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. I guarantee it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m so excited that my heart is about to explode. I feel like I¡¯m dreaming.¡±


    ¡°How was it yesterday?¡±


    Elena had tea time with Lorentz for the past four days. It was an investment to pretend to be in love with Lorentz and show perfect performance.


    ¡°It was an enchanting time. All I had to do was drink a cup of tea¡­. I love that time when he¡¯s standing by my side without a word. He¡¯s so reliable and down-to-earth.¡±


    ¡°Lord Lorentz is a lucky knight. He¡¯s been chosen by the princess.¡±


    ¡°Is that how it works?¡±


    A big smile fell on Elena¡¯s lips when she let it float.


    ¡°Make sure you pledge your oath to Lord Lorentz today. You shouldn¡¯t be a bad girl who ignores the admiration of an honorable knight.¡±


    ¡°W-what do you mean a bad girl? I can never betray his sincerity.¡±


    Elena said she hated the term ¡°bad girl¡± and that it would never happen. As if it was trustworthy, Leabrick did not bring it up anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. Let¡¯s go, princess.¡±


    When Leabrick stepped back and offered her to move forward, Elena stepped her foot. Every time she moved on with her chic and elegant steps, Leabrick and the ladies followed her politely.


    The procession leading up to Elena reached the Central Training Center. At the Central Military Training Center, where the official appointment ceremony of the Grand Duke was held, about a hundred knights lined up in line with columns. The knights, wearing silver armor and bearing the symbol of the Great House on their chests, looked more dignified than ever.


    ¡°Princess, go up.¡±


    When Leabrick recommended the podium, Elena picked up her skirt slightly and climbed the stairs.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, but I don¡¯t allow any unexpected action. Act as you memorize it.¡±


    Reflecting on her near-anti-threatening advice, Elena climbed onto the podium at the height of an adult male¡¯ shoulders.


    ¡°Say greetings to Princess Veronica!¡±


    James, the head of the 2nd Knights, led the knights just below the podium on behalf of the 1st Knights, who were unable to attend due to external dispatch.


    Click, click!!


    The knights pulled out their swords in a disciplined gesture and raised them above their heads. And as the pouring sunlight penetrated the body, the handle was pulled to the palate. A series of actions completed without a single error is an example of an article that promises eternal loyalty and obedience to the Lord. Elena returned the greeting by putting her hands together and being polite.


    Nine lines, three from the left.


    Elena, who was looking at the faces of the knights, had a smile of relief around her mouth. I was worried that it might not come out, but it was just a concern. He¡¯s here.


    Right here at the Central Training Center.


    Elena, who came down from the podium, walked to the members of the knights lined up. It was immediately followed by Leabrick and James, the second knight. James introduced Elena when she stopped in front of the knight standing on her feet.


    ¡°This is Lord Hamel. He is a strong man in the 1st Knights, and a master of stenography. He¡¯s a knight with the courage to always be at the forefront of the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°You look as brave as ever.¡±


    Elena walked slowly and repeatedly stood in front of the interested knights and was introduced. This is because they are asking for the image of a princess who is interested in the knights since they decided to hold a massive appointment ceremony. Round and round Elena¡¯s shoes stood in front of Lorentz.


    ¡°What about this guy?¡±


    ¡°This is Sir Lorentz. He¡¯s a strong man in three fingers throughout the entire order, and he¡¯s called a white lion because of his beautiful appearance.¡±


    Leabrick, who had been silent until now, also said a word.


    ¡°He¡¯s a knight that your Highness is also watching.¡±


    ¡°Father?¡±


    Elena paced in front of Lorentz. It was an expression of interest. Judging from Lorentz¡¯s skill in the Knights, there was nothing strange about being appointed.


    Elena, who was hesitating, turned around and passed by.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    The most embarrassing thing was Lorentz, who believed he would be chosen. His uncharacteristically shaky eyes suggested his embarrassment.


    Such reactions were not much different from that of Leabrick.


    ¡°You, you¡­ what are you doing?¡±


    It was a completely unexpected development. As agreed in advance, Elena was supposed to point to Lorentz, who had been struggling, and take the oath on the spot. The plan was on the verge of falling apart. Elena was paying attention to other members of the Knights who had never even looked at her.


    ¡®No way.¡¯


    Leabrick¡¯s palms were flushed with sweat from the surging nervousness. It¡¯s extensive. It¡¯s a personnel appointment. Once appointed, they could not be held back in any circumstances. There were even many eyes to see. All the members of the Knights who participated in the appointment ceremony were witnesses. Elena, whether she was or not, moved between the knights.


    Tuk.


    Elena¡¯s walk, which seemed unlikely to stop, finally stopped.


    ¡°Can you introduce him to me?¡±


    Elena¡¯s attention thinned Leabrick¡¯s eyes. She didn¡¯t have a chance to figure it out because he was a new knight that didn¡¯t show much since it hasn¡¯t been long since he came in.


    ¡°This is Sir Hurelbard from the 2nd Knights. He¡¯s a new knight who was appointed just 10 days ago.¡±


    Elena raised her chin and stared at Hurelbard. Is it because the first meeting left a strong impression? Elena¡¯s blatant gaze felt the body of Hurelbard shaking slightly.


    ¡°Can you tell me more?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s from the Eastern Front, so he¡¯s very good at horseback riding¡­ Other than that, he¡¯s just¡­.¡±


    James didn¡¯t seem to know much about Hurelbard, even though he was a member of the 2nd Knights. Hurelbard was also a newcomer, but he didn¡¯t feel any affection for him compared to when he introduced other knights.


    ¡°I beg your pardon, but your princess, Your Highness, and Sir Hurelbard, he is a commoner and has not yet been trained, so he still lacks the virtues, skills, sophistication, and sword skills to be a knight. So, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s enough to be a direct knight.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Elena looked up at Hurelbard with a sad face. He was devalued by James in his presence, but his expression didn¡¯t change a bit.


    ¡®That¡¯s why they call him the knight of ice.¡¯


    Hurelbard became the sword of the Grand Duke and began to gain fame in the Empire from the defeat of the Northern Rebels later this year. Assuming that his sword skills didn¡¯t improve within the last month or two, Hurelbard is already a strong knight.


    ¡®Maybe he¡¯s hiding his talent. If he stands out, he¡¯ll only be checked by knights from the aristocracy.¡¯


    That means the Grand Duke didn¡¯t recognize Hurelbard¡¯s talent.

 Chapter 19

    Sect. 4 Masks


    ¡°What do you think, Liv? Does it look good on me?¡±


    Elena bragged about her dress, which will be worn at the birthday party tomorrow. Leabrick answered reluctantly.


    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s too fancy.¡±


    ¡°I asked the dressmaker to pay special attention, but it¡¯s so much prettier than I thought.¡±


    As Elena asked, the dresser Lusen brought with her a dress reminiscent of the Milky Way. The dress was packed with high-end jewelry, from the shoulders of the Milky Way to the tip of the tooth. As a result, you couldn¡¯t erase the colorful yet crude feeling.


    ¡°Princess, I think you¡¯d better wear this dress for the next banquet.¡±


    ¡°W-what¡¯s wrong with it, Liv?¡±


    ¡°The birthday party is a reverent celebration in honor of the first family of Friedrich¡¯s family. I¡¯m afraid this dress is too fancy to wear for this banquet.¡±


    Elena was about to cry when Leabrick poured cold water on her.


    ¡°What can we do, Liv? I really want to wear this dress¡­¡±


    ¡°Do as I say.¡±


    Leabrick cut her off with determination, as if to stop bringing it up. Then she took out a simple but elegant dress from the wardrobe.


    ¡°It¡¯s an early dress made by Lusen, the dressmaker. It fits, so wear this.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Princess, won¡¯t you answer?¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s eyes changed.


    ¡°What? Yes. I like that dress, too. I¡¯ll wear it.¡±


    Elena nodded reluctantly, saying she would do so. As if it was regrettable, she did not forget the test of alternating dresses.


    ¡®It¡¯s not even a dress that I wanted to wear in the first place.¡¯


    The purpose was to remove and dispose of the jewels decorated in the dress, which did not have to be worn at the banquet. If she had enough money to run away from Leabrick¡¯s eyes, that would be enough.


    Anne and Lunarin, the maids of honor, were brought into the room and changed their dresses. They also changed shoes and decorations to suit their elegant style.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve finally found a suit for the princess. I bet the main character of tomorrow¡¯s banquet will be a princess.¡±


    In a compliment that didn¡¯t sound sincere, Leabrick pointed out the things to keep in mind at tomorrow¡¯s banquet.


    First, save your words as much as you can.


    Second, do not act independently.


    Third, never bump into Ren. Avoid encounters inevitably.


    The first two things flowed. It wasn¡¯t the story for Elena of now.


    Elena noted the last mention of Ren Bastasche.  Even if Leabrick did not give advice, she was well aware of his dangers. Ren was an unpredictable man. A man like him who never got tamed. As soon as she is found to be fake, he would rush to take away even a piece of rotten meat.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know what else to do, but I have to be careful of that son of a bitch.¡¯


    He could be a stumbling block to Elena¡¯s revenge. That much should be avoided.


    ¡°Always keep it in your chest. A little mistake could make you lose everything you¡¯re enjoying now. Then rest early for tomorrow, princess.¡±


    Leabrick put the tension into the room until just before she left. Elena, who changed to everyday clothes, told the maids to serve refreshments. Sitting on the terrace, enjoying tea time, she saw carriages that were coming without break enter the house through the garden.


    ¡°It¡¯s already tomorrow.¡±


    It was the day Elena made her first debut in the role of Princess Veronica. She remembered the rest of her nervous mistakes.


    ¡°What does Lord Hurelbard think of when he sees those carriages?¡±


    Although embarrassed by the sudden question, Hurelbard was good at facial expressions to match the prestige of being the knight of the ice.


    ¡°I thought there were a lot of aristocrats in the Empire.¡±


    ¡°Yes, there are a lot of them.¡±


    Hurelbard stared at Elena without a word. Elena, who felt the gaze, looked back.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Hurelbard quickly apologized, taking it as a reprimand.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sorry, keep looking at me like that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You earn money.¡±


    This uncontrollable whim of the lady left Hurelbard perplexed. Elena enjoyed the reaction while drinking black tea. Hurelbard, who watched her without saying a word, took out his sincere heart.


    ¡°¡­¡­ It is not possible to tell the true story of the Princess.¡±


    Sometimes he felt like he was seeing the aristocratic spirit of that age, which is snobbish, vain, and immature. However, sometimes she shows authority that cannot be resisted and nobility that could be respected.


    ¡°Is that a compliment? Or is it a curse for insinuation?¡±


    ¡°Curse, that¡¯s absurd. I¡¯m telling you because I think you¡¯re out of my depth.¡±


    Elena smiled as she watched Hurelbard, who was worried that she might misunderstand. It was a pure smile that she had never made before.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll keep trying. A lady you can read the mind of is not attractive.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Also, Hurelbard tried to accept her rather than understand her. Elena suddenly threw someone¡¯s name at him.


    ¡°Ren Bastache, have you ever heard of this name?¡±


    ¡°I remember him as heir to the Bastache family, who became independent of the Grand Duchy.¡±


    Elena nodded.


    ¡°He¡¯s such a bully.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying now¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a man who can¡¯t look for manners even after washing his eyes. Very rude and disgusting.¡±


    Arrogant. Is there another expression that¡¯s more appropriate than that?


    Hurelbard was speechless by the vulgar words that came from Elena¡¯s mouth, which showed her aristocratic nobility.


    ¡°He¡¯s coming to see me tomorrow. Without an appointment.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­ Your Highness the Princess?¡±


    ¡°Sir, keep in mind what I¡¯m saying from now on. Don¡¯t stand up to him no matter what he does. Do you understand?¡±


    Hurelbard, who did not understand the true meaning of the words, asked back.


    ¡°Is that an order?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    In response to Elena¡¯s short and decisive answer, Hurelbard wanted to ask why, but he was just a knight, so he shut up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow.¡±


    Elena¡¯s lips crept up when he answered that he would do so obediently.


    ¡®Please understand that I want to hide you more.¡¯


    She hated to admit it, but Ren was strong. He was not recognized as one of the three swords that supported the empire. It was not necessary to create a quarrel with Ren and reveal the existence of Hurelbard.


    ¡°Sir, can I tell you a secret?¡±


    Hurelbard lowered his chin and made eye contact. Elena¡¯s eyes bent like a crescent moon. It was an eye smile that was so fascinating that his heart sank.


    ¡°Sir is my only pride.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Hurelbard¡¯s expression was strangely distorted by the compliment without a subject. He guessed it was because of his appearance, but he felt bitter because he seemed to be recognized only for his appearance, regardless of his duty as a knight. He didn¡¯t even know it was his misunderstanding.


    ***


    The Friedrich family, which boasts a long history, had countless events throughout the year. Among them, the anniversary of the birth of Duke Rosette, the founder of the Vesilia Empire, was considered the most grand event in the family. The goal was to praise the achievements of being a member of the hero who opened the door of the empire and the achievements of leading the family, and to have a heart of gratitude for generations to generations.


    It was the largest event in the family, and this year, the scale was even bigger.


    Princess Veronica. This is because rumors have spread throughout the capital that she has returned to the Grand Duchy, where rumors of bad news have been rampant for nearly two years.


    Princess Veronica is the only daughter under Grand Duke Friedrich, who was at the core of the Empire¡¯s power and the leader of the four great families. As women can inherit the title, Princess Veronica was the heir to the great house in name and reality. It was natural for aristocrats to pay attention to her return to society to celebrate the birthday of the first Duke.


    Despite the official banquets scheduled for dinner, the mansion was packed with aristocrats who had gathered since yesterday. Even now, a carriage procession of aristocrats waiting to be identified and entered the mansion continued along the capital¡¯s streets.


    In the drawing room, many rare gifts were piled up in celebration of the nobles. It was impossible to count the kinds and numbers of rare artworks, jewelry, cars of the best quality from the East across the sea, and silk from the north. If you dispose of these gifts alone, you will be able to buy at least one of the estates with a lump sum.


    At that time, an aristocrat man was walking around the mansion like it was his own. His shirt, which did not feel formal, was not buttoned to the end, revealing his chest. Even a whistle that blew as if he doesn¡¯t care about others¡¯ gaze to his unorganized, free-spirited, semi-curly head. He seemed to be a noble, but his appearance that did not look like a noble was more rebellious and attracted attention.


    ¡°Who is he? He¡¯s  not supposed to be in here¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a noble, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think so? Between you and me, he seems a little bad for a nobleman.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s  a little crooked.¡±


    It was at that time when the maids chatted as they watched the man freely roaming the main building, not the annex to welcome the nobles.


    The man walking past the maids suddenly turned around. The woman shuddered as he approached her with power in his eyes and threatened her.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m curious, I have to ask. What are you talking about so openly? I feel bad.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The maids were embarrassed and tried to leave as if they had fled.


    Slowly.


    The man stretched out his feet quietly. The girl who was running away hurriedly tripped and the women fell like dominoes.


    ¡°Who told you to go? I heard a bad word and got an indelible wound in my chest.¡±


    ¡°I-I have committed a crime worthy of death. Please forgive me once.¡±


    The women repeatedly begged without knowing that they had skinned their knees. Since they had seen countless women who were kicked out or harmed for being hated by the eyes of the aristocrats, they had no choice but to cringe and beg.

 Chapter 20

    ¡°Do you want me to forgive you?¡±


    ¡°Please, mercy¡­¡±


    ¡°Say it after me. My uncle is a son of a bitch.¡±


    ¡°What? Y-your uncle is a son of a bitch.¡±


    The ladies were not in a state of limbo. When they heard that he was going to forgive them, they just followed what he told them to do without knowing what was going on. The man laughed and clapped to his heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Servants have been learning very fast these days. Go.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    It was time for the women to leave in a hurry, relieved that they had survived a narrow escape.


    ¡°Oh! You don¡¯t know who my uncle is, do you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The maids stopped and looked back. The man smiled wickedly and spoke in a small voice, but he spoke clearly enough for the maids to understand.


    ¡°My uncle is the owner of this mansion. In other words, you¡¯re cursing your master. That¡¯s it. That¡¯s the son of a bitch. Can you handle it?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    The maids¡¯ faces turned white like a blank paper. This is because the only owner of the maids is Grand Duke Frances.


    ¡°See you again.¡±


    The man, who enjoyed the reactions of the grieving women, walked through the hall waving his hands. The man, who had the structure of the mansion as if it were his own house, loitered toward the door decorated with top-notch marble.


    It was when the man was about to hold the door by ignoring the knight who guarded the entrance like an ironclad.


    ¡°Excuse me, you cannot enter. Please identify yourself first.¡±


    The knight, Hurelbard, blocked the man¡¯s way and politely demanded. Of course, it was a common practice, but the man seemed unwilling to follow the procedure.


    ¡°Me? You shouldn¡¯t talk to me so carelessly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll repeat for you again. First, you¡­¡±


    Hurelbard¡¯s words did not continue any longer. His head snapped back when he was slapped in the face by the man¡¯s sudden rush. The man laughed at Hurelbard, whose cheek was swollen red.


    ¡°Why are you buying a fight?¡±


    It was when the man grabbed the door handle and was just opening the door.


    ¡°I will restate myself. Please identify yourself.¡±


    Hurelbard kept the man from ever opening the door.


    ¡°Hey, why risk your life for nothing? It¡¯s annoying.¡±


    The man put his hair down to his eyebrows over his forehead.


    ¡°I will repeat. Please identify yourself¡­¡±


    The man¡¯s fist flew faster than Hurelbard thought. The swinging motion toward the opposite cheek that he had previously struck was agile.


    Pok! The dull throbbing sound spread violently.


    ¡°Hoo.¡±


    Surprisingly, however, the man¡¯s fist did not touch the face of Hurelbard. This is because Hurelbard¡¯s right hand grasped the man¡¯s fist tightly.


    The man¡¯s fist and the hand of Hurelbard, who caught it, gave him the upper hand without an inch of retreat. However, neither side had the upper hand and faced off sharply. There was a wild beast in the man¡¯s eyes that did not tame.


    ¡°You asked me who I am, didn¡¯t you? Knock me down. Then I¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Why, you don¡¯t like it? Oh! Is it because you got hit before? Then let¡¯s start with a fair blow to me too. What do you think?¡±


    The man did not stop arguing as if he enjoyed the moment. As if he had forgotten that today was the big day of the Great Frances family, he seemed to think about how to destroy Hurelbard.


    ¡°Sir, step back.¡±


    It was a voice with soft but irresistible authority that relieved the tension like a well-defined sword at one moment. Elena walked out of the marble door, which had been tightly closed. Her neat but elegant hair and simple but elegant-looking dress created a sense of beauty.


    ¡°You¡¯re still rude, brother Ren.¡±


    Elena¡¯s words held spines. He felt a spiteful look from the fierce gaze. When he heard the man¡¯s name, Hurelbard¡¯s eyebrows wiggled. He had been informed by Elena, so he vaguely assumed that this was Ren Bastasche. Apart from that, however, the knight could not bring in those who were not even identified. So this was the result.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m crying because I¡¯m so happy to see you. How long has it been? Have you thought a lot about your brother?¡±


    ¡°What should I do? Every time we meet, you make this good impression.¡±


    Elena gave a wink, responding coldly. Hurelbard understood what she meant and pulled back. Then, he apologized for causing this situation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s enough to just identify himself¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. Ren must have been rude.¡±


    She hoped he wouldn¡¯t get involved with Ren, but it¡¯s already spilled. Elena said she didn¡¯t want Ren to notice anything.


    ¡°Should we keep standing here or go inside?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. Let¡¯s sit down.¡±


    Ren followed Elena and entered the room. He patted Hurelbard¡¯s shoulder guarding the door and scratched his stomach.


    ¡°Yes, the lady is very angry. Yeah, you should¡¯ve done better earlier.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Despite the provocation, Hurelbard did not change his face and ignored him. With that kind of composure, Ren came into the room with a small exclamation saying ¡®Hoh-oh¡¯.


    Elena and Ren sat face to face on the sofa with the table between them.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you look at me sweetly? Since we¡¯re cousins.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you misunderstand if I look at you more affectionately? Since we¡¯re cousins.¡±


    Elena¡¯s way of speaking had changed. The honor vanished from nowhere and met with informal language.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re talking down?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason I can¡¯t let go, right?¡±


    The sharp conversation went back and forth. They were tied through the bond of cousins, and they were in one space, but they seemed anxious because they couldn¡¯t eat each other.


    ¡®I don¡¯t need to be frustrated. I¡¯m officially Princess Veronica. And I know the habits of the motherfucker, right?¡¯


    When a bully recognizes that his opponent is weaker than him, he torments him until he kills him by drying his blood. That¡¯s the habit of a bully that never changes. Elena knew Ren better than anyone else.


    ¡®Because I suffered so much that my teeth trembled.¡¯


    Ren persistently bullied Elena from the moment he noticed that she was a substitute. He did not hesitate to threaten to reveal the identity unless she told him about the main information or plans of the Grand Duke.


    ¡®I¡¯m not swayed by you anymore. I¡¯ll use you from now on.¡¯


    Ren was obviously hostile to the great house. It was of course an old feeling for the heir of the Bastache family, who had no choice but to live like a servant of the Grand Duke due to the Hundred Years¡¯ Treaty. Elena was about to use the hostility cleverly. It¡¯s still early, but over time, Ren will be a useful card.


    ¡°Wow, applause!¡±


    Ren clapped his hands.


    ¡°Hey, how can I not celebrate when my cousin has grown up so well?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just going to say what you want, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Has it been three minutes since we sat face to face?¡±


    ¡°That three, and  you can¡¯t stand it either?¡±


    Elena responded without losing a single word. Ren scattered Elena from head to toe with a mocking smile. It was a creepy look.


    ¡°I heard you were very sick. Are you pretty well?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m all better.¡±


    Elena answered briefly and firmly. Then Ren smiled a strange smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re completely cured in time for the birthday? Just like putting together puzzles.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re picking on everything. Since when have you been so interested in me?¡±


    Although she felt a significant nuance in Ren¡¯s way of speaking, Elena passed it without much importance. If she paid attention to everything, she might lose her pace and be swayed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯m interested? You, your friend out there.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression hardened in an instant as he pointed his chin to Hurelbard outside the door.


    ¡°You just said he was handsome. I just found out about my cousin¡¯s taste.¡±


    ¡°If you know, can you help me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll help you. I took it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Len showed his swollen hands as if he were bleeding.


    ¡°Still tingling.¡±


    ¡°So? You want to complain?¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey. You¡¯re acting silly.¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes sank strangely. At first glance, he looked drowsy and bored, but inside he felt the tenacity of a beast who smelled the game.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stop playing with words? I know, but this brother isn¡¯t very patient.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Ren, who slowly got up from the sofa, blew his life outright. Elena even felt choked because her hair was in the way. A cold sweat ran on her back.


    ¡®It¡¯s like butter.¡¯


    Ren, who stood right in front of Elena, reached out and lightly held Elena¡¯s chin.


    ¡°Is it because I haven¡¯t seen my beloved sister in a long time? Aren¡¯t you very unfamiliar?¡±


    ¡°When were we supposed to talk and laugh?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that.¡±


    ¡°Then remove your hand, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Unlike the warning, Elena¡¯s voice was shaking slightly.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t want to?¡±


    Ren bent down, grinning. Right in front of Elena¡¯s eyes. They were so close that they could even hear each other¡¯s breathing. Elena suppressed her desire to scream. No matter how much Ren was a jerk and a bully, Elena couldn¡¯t be helped. At best, this kind of threat is all that she came up with.


    Slowly.


    Ren¡¯s touch passed past her chin and brushed her cheek. The hands on the sofa¡¯s back turned and wrapped Elena¡¯s neck like a snake.


    ¡°¡­¡­ Get your hands off me.¡±


    Either way or not, Ren was closer to Elena. He took her face as if he were touching Elena¡¯s cheek and hugged her tightly with his hands wrapped around her neck. Elena reluctantly put her face on Ren¡¯s shoulder. On the other hand, Ren¡¯s head passed Elena¡¯s cheek and was facing behind her earpiece.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked behind her ears. Elena was convinced by the momentary hesitation.


    ¡®As expected, it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯ve made a scar in advance.¡¯


    Elena already expected a day like today to come. This was the reason why she intentionally made a scar on the back of her ear during her education at the safe house.


    ¡®This avoids the suspicion of being fake.¡¯


    It is safe to say that this is the result Elena had hoped for. The exclusion of Ren¡¯s suspicions was a step closer to the completion of revenge. This is because Ren¡¯s abnormal behavior will inevitably be restricted as long as he has no choice but to believe that she is the real Princess Veronica, not a substitute.


    ¡°Did you not hear me?¡±


    When Elena pushed hard, Ren also gently backed away. There was a confused look because it was contrary to expectations, but Ren was not a man of disarray enough to show his inner feelings.

 Chapter 21

    Elena glared fiercely.


    ¡°You¡¯ll keep the line, right? There¡¯s a limit I can put up with it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how scary.¡±


    Ren swept up his hair, and suddenly pushed his face close enough to reach the tip of his nose. Elena, who didn¡¯t know this would happen for a moment, was surprised and swallowed in vain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t provoke me too much. Before I go overboard.¡±


    ¡°What can you do?¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t lose and glared. There was no reason to be pushed unless the band was caught. Ren pulled out first in a staring contest that seemed unlikely to end.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, what can I? I¡¯ve never thought about it. I should think about it from now on.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to think of it, would you go outside?¡±


    When Elena pointed at the door with her slender index finger, Ren laughed as if she was absurd.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m going to go where you want me to, lady.¡±


    Ren said goodbye exaggeratedly and then turned around. The footsteps moved away, and soon the door opened and closed with a thud. Elena could relax only after turning her head to confirm that Ren had left.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    A groan broke out between Elena¡¯s small lips. She was so nervous that her whole body was completely drained and her body was sore.


    ¡°You son of a bitch.¡±


    Elena spat out what she wanted to say a hundred more times. Although she couldn¡¯t do it in front of his face, she felt relieved after shouting like this. It felt like she was clearing a big rock that was blocking her way.


    ¡°I¡¯m over the hump. Let¡¯s just think about the future.¡±


    At that time, Ren was walking down the stairs to the annex where the banquet hall was located.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird. The more I think about it, the stranger it is.¡±


    Ren¡¯s footsteps did not stop even in the midst of an accident, as if he knew the internal structure of the main building.


    ¡°You were obviously poisoned¡­¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes, muttering to himself, were deeper than ever.


    ¡°How the hell did she wake up?¡±


    The poison was known to be impossible to detoxify once you were poisoned. You could only prevent the toxicity from spreading, but that was the limit. To stop the toxicity, you had to sleep all day. You would be alive, but you could not be said to be alive.


    ¡°Did they find the antidote?¡±


    He had no choice but to come to such a conclusion.


    Veronica¡¯s alive and well. Ren looked into his swollen hand and repeatedly clenched his fist.


    ¡°You¡¯re not just handsome, are you?¡±


    Despite Ren¡¯s unexpected blow, Hurelbard caught it. He even looked like he was repressing Ren¡¯s fist. It wasn¡¯t the skill of a single knight. He may not know the exact skills until he faced the sword, but he must have been a strong man.


    ¡°This is going to be fun.¡±


    Ren grinned. Like he was enjoying the current situation.


    ***


    It is difficult to treat the annex of the Grand Duke as a simple annex. It was bigger and more majestic than the Sarubian Palace, where events organized by the imperial family are held. There were so many aristocrats that there was no room to step in such an annex.


    There was not enough space in the inner hall alone, so this was the case even though the outer fountain was used as a banquet hall by opening a glass wall. It was realized that the Grand Duke being above the imperial family was not a myth.


    Elena looked down from the window of the waiting room on the second floor to the nobles who visited to celebrate. She stayed in the palace at the expense of the crown prince and held a few national events, but she has not seen a feast as grand and splendid as it is now being held in the Grand Park. It was obvious that the Grand Duke¡¯s power was higher than the imperial family.


    ¡°Grand Duke Friedrich.¡±


    Elena looked down on him, the owner of the hall and the organizer of the banquet. Countless around him, Elena looked down indifferently at him, the owner of the hall and the organizer of the banquet. Countless aristocrats gathered around him, trying to build a bond with him and flattering him.


    ¡°Wait for me. I¡¯ll pull you down one day.¡±


    Kiiik.


    The waiting room door opened and Leabrick came in.


    ¡°It¡¯s time. You need to go down to the celebration.¡±


    ¡°Liv, I¡¯m nervous.¡±


    Elena shrank and shivered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be standing in the back. I¡¯ll come out in case of trouble, so relax.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll just trust Liv.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go down now.¡±


    Elena rose from her chair and Leabrick signaled out of the room. Ann and Lunarin came in quickly and smoothed out the dress.


    Elena, who finished her final preparation in the mirror, came out of the waiting room and stood in front of the stairs going down alone. As it was a blind spot on the corner, Elena on the upstairs was not seen in the hall.


    When the maid approached the conductor who was playing a symphony in the hall and said something, he nodded and stopped. Then he changed the song and swung the baton again. The song is


    . The melody of the violin and cello stood out as a song praising the queen¡¯s beauty and piety.


    ¡°Princess Veronica is entering.¡±


    The people of the banquet hall turned to the stairs leading to this floor, holding their breath at the powerful cry of the butler who was in charge of hosting the hall.


    Tak, tak, tak.


    Elena, who was waiting, turned the corner and stepped on the stairs. A proud, slightly raised chin, distinctive authoritative eyes, and symbolic blond hair of the great house. The graceful walk that makes even the dress that may seem monotonous stand out, at first glance, captured the attention of the nobles.


    No one noticed that she was a substitute. They looked alike from head to toe. The atmosphere of Elena, who even rose to the top as the empress, was beyond comparison with Veronica herself.


    Clap, clap, clap.


    In the hall filled with silence except for the performance, the applause of the aristocrats continued. Most of them were aristocrats lining the Great Dynasties, so they welcomed the return of Princess Veronica.


    There have been constant rumors about Princess Veronica¡¯s escape from the grand duchy. He was not a great man to be swayed by a rumor, but as Veronica¡¯s absence lengthened, he had no choice but to talk more about the succession of Grand Duke Friedrich. In particular, the Bastasche family, which gained independence from the Grand Family Friedrich, was likely to bring about a change in the power structure as it was possible to inherit the title. Elena¡¯s health today will dispel such concerns at once.


    ¡°Have you come?¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich came to the front of the last step and escorted her.


    ¡°Yes, father.¡±


    Elena smiled openly as she held his hand. Grand Duke Friedrich was also pleased with Elena¡¯s quite plausible performance. The woman stood side by side on the platform, looking at the aristocrats of the banquet hall. The Duke had a cocktail glass handed over to a maid.


    Grand Duke Friedrich said to the crowd, looking at Elena with a warm gaze.


    ¡°Today is a very happy day. On the anniversary of the birth of the Friedrich family, I was able to express my gratitude not only to myself but also to my precious journey.¡±


    The nobles applauded. Grand Duke Friedrich lifted a glass of cocktail.


    ¡°Thanks to the nobles who gathered here, I think we were able to make the House of Friedrich  more prosperous today, which was founded by our forefather, the Duke of Rosette. Let¡¯s raise our glasses together and pay our respects. For the Duke of Rosette!¡±


    ¡°For you!¡±


    The aristocrats all raised their cocktail glasses high and shouted. Then, the congratulatory speech ended by emptying the glass. It also marked the beginning of a full-fledged banquet.


    ¡°You¡¯re not in good shape yet, so go in moderation.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich showed the aristocrats the image of his father taking care of his daughter, and left an excuse for Elena, who is poor at posing as Veronica under the pretext of health, to leave the banquet hall early.


    ¡°Yes, father.¡±


    Elena lifted the hem of her skirt and played a submissive daughter. So far, there was nothing special because it was already talked about in advance.


    ¡®It¡¯s my time now.¡¯


    Elena had never spent a minute in vain before leaving the duchy. In particular, she moved under a thorough plan right after she came to the duchy. It was the same today. Elena will not miss this opportunity. It is a banquet organized by the Grand Duke. The birthday banquet was a day when all the aristocrats in the Empire gathered together. It was a great opportunity for aristocrats, who could not be free from political relationships, to build friendships or find a marriage partner for their children. Elena was going to make full use of this.


    ¡®There¡¯s something I have to do before that.¡¯


    Elena glanced back. Sure enough, Leabrick was stuck behind her back like a leech. She¡¯d come forward and try to control her.


    ¡®It¡¯ll be easier if I take Leabrick off first.¡¯


    Elena was not impatient. It was because she could make a mistake if she were hasty.


    ¡°Greetings to Your Highness the Princess. My name is Serena Williams.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Daisy. Does your Highness remember me?¡±


    ¡°How can you be so beautiful, even after such a long time?¡±


    In a blink of an eye, aristocrats surrounded Elena. They were all eager to talk to Elena and build a favorable impression. Elena responded with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of the beautiful young lady under Count Williams. You¡¯re even more beautiful in person.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know me.¡±


    Elena¡¯s head turned.


    ¡°How can I forget Daisy?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Elena, who once had a reputation as the queen of society, faced the majority with equanimity.


    ¡°To the point that Leabrick doesn¡¯t doubt me.¡±


    At the same time, Elena didn¡¯t forget to make her appearance often awkward so that she didn¡¯t look too experienced.


    ¡°Did I do that?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Can¡¯t you remember what you said?¡±


    ¡°Th¡­ That¡­¡±


    When Elena showed her embarrassment, Leabrick, who had been silently behind her, stepped out.


    ¡°Your Highness seems to have forgotten that. It¡¯s rude to keep talking about the same thing.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I just¡­¡±


    The lady who was trying to talk about the past, stepped down without a word under the influence of Leabrick.


    Meanwhile, a group of people surrounding Elena split up as if the sea opened. Beyond that, a group of women with bobbed hair approached Elena.


    ¡®Avella.¡¯


    Like the Grand Duke, she is the eldest daughter of the Reinhardt family, one of the four great families of the Empire. She had a great influence in the social world despite her young age, resembling Duke Chrome, her father whose political sense and knowledge were unrivaled.


    Throughout Veronica¡¯s absence for the past two years, all the young children who followed her were under her influence. In the future, she and Elena fought a faction over the leadership of the social world, and competed for the final decision for the appointment of Crown Princess in many ways. She smiled bitterly.

 Chapter 22

    ¡°Sister, how long has it been?¡±


    Avella pretended to know her in a friendly tone. She felt the skill of hiding herself even though it was a young age from a happy expression that she could not feel any pretense.


    ¡®You¡¯re still like a kid, though.¡¯


    Elena thought Avella¡¯s behavior was cute. It was Avella, who had established an unrivaled faction in society, but was brutally trampled by Elena. However, now Avella was no match for Elena.


    ¡°Avella, how long has it been?¡±


    Elena welcomed her as if she had met a long-lost child.


    ¡°I know. You don¡¯t know how much I was worried about you.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I know? If Avella was sick, I would be, too.¡±


    Elena responded skillfully. Since she couldn¡¯t really do that, she returned to say that in the same situation, the same would be true for her.


    ¡°Can we see each other often now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good! I have a lot of young people I want to introduce to my sister.¡±


    Avella turned her body around and seemed to boast a crowd following her. Some dogs included young ladies who said they were good at following Veronica.


    ¡®Childish.¡¯


    Elena snorted at Avella¡¯s child-like boast.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m already looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. So, are you going back to the academy?¡±


    Elena paused for a moment.


    Frontier Academy. It was the largest academy on the continent. It is well-known for its long history and high educational standards as a place where any child of the Imperial nobility, royalty of the minor kingdom, or aristocrats, would like to graduate.


    It was also the place where the connections leading the empire were completed, and royal families and nobles in other countries regarded graduation from academic institutes as a symbol of the elite course. Its reputation was so strong and high that the Lun Academy of the Kingdom of Royer could hardly be comparable.


    ¡®Leabrick, you¡¯re about to step up, aren¡¯t you?¡¯


    Elena hesitated and waited for Leabrick to answer.


    ¡°Your Highness is scheduled to return to the Academy.¡±


    When Leabrick answered instead, Avella lightly slapped her back and laughed.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m happy. Then, sister, we can see you often at the academy.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    It was time for Elena to answer the meaningless conversation in a perfunctory manner.


    ¡°Oh! What is it!¡±


    The rear of the group led by Avella became noisy. Naturally, the eyes were turned to that side. A man with curly hair was seen walking on top of the heads of the lonely young men.


    ¡°S-sir B-Bastache?¡±


    ¡°Can you get rid of that ugly face?¡±


    Ren teased the girl with a quarrel and came near her, almost pushing the girl. The lady, who couldn¡¯t stand his rudeness, stared at him horribly, but she cut it without thinking about Ren¡¯s fierce smile.


    ¡°What are you talking about, you¡¯re having so much fun with me. Disappointed.¡±


    When Ren intervened, Avella¡¯s face hardened. That¡¯s because she¡¯s never seen anything good in association with a fool who doesn¡¯t have common sense.


    ¡°Sister, I¡¯m going to get going.¡±


    Avella stepped back in a hurry. She¡¯s not avoiding him because she¡¯s scared of shit, but because it¡¯s dirty. Leabrick was also seen nervous, stiffening her face. The most difficult class for her as a schemer was the type like Ren. No human being can be more difficult than a human being who doesn¡¯t know where to go. If Elena showed a cluttered appearance, she could have been suspected in her place. Leabrick tried to stop the worst.


    ¡°What, do you hate me?¡±


    Ren looked at Avella, who was easily gone, and turned his eyes away.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to be hard on your brother, are you?¡±


    ¡®Whatever.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s answer, which could not be uttered, contained a positive answer, not a negative one.


    ¡®I waited for you to come.¡¯


    Surprisingly, Elena was glad to see Ren who burst in. Just as if it was a lie when they exchanged sharp conversations earlier.


    ¡®Come to think of it, there are times when you¡¯re useful, too.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes glanced at Leabrick. Elena was planning to use Ren to take off the Leabrick that was stuck like a leech.


    ¡°¡­. I don¡¯t think I should turn a blind eye to you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we should be a bit more friendly since we¡¯re cousins.¡±


    Despite the chilly atmosphere, Ren looked excited.


    ¡°So, I¡¯ve been thinking about it a lot. How I can get over the line.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious. Try it.¡±


    Elena skillfully asked back with her eyes wide open. Ren¡¯s grumbling got stronger as if the reaction was no more interesting. Did he feel uneasy with that smile? Before Ren took any unexpected action, Leabrick moved first.


    ¡°Excuse me, but for a while¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your place. It¡¯s a family affair.¡±


    Ren snatched Elena¡¯s hand issuing a violent warning. The lack of respect for a lady was a very ignorant and vile act.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dance to a song.¡±


    ¡°What, what?¡±


    Elena pretended to be embarrassed and looked to Leabrick for help. But it was too late to stop Ren¡¯s sudden behavior. Elena came to the center of the hall as if she were dragged away by Ren. It was a half-forceful and half-self-interested act.


    The nobles were quite angry at Ren¡¯s rude behavior.


    ¡°W-what the hell is this!¡±


    ¡°The Bastache family¡¯s young lord is awful.¡±


    ¡°Do they want the princess to live like that?¡±


    All together, they criticized Ren. However, no one came to the front and scolded or stopped Ren. Even though they were independent, the Bastache family¡¯s roots were the Grand Duke Friedrich¡¯s. It was not easy to come out because the relationship between the two families was connected by blood.


    Ren, who reached the center of the hall, let go. When Elena glared, smiling Ren asked for a dance with an exaggerated gesture.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, and I¡¯ll be disappointed if I keep standing. Let¡¯s dance to one song.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course, you can¡¯t refuse.¡±


    Elena gazed slowly at Len, who never lost his playfulness. It was the same situation, but she thought it was very different from my past life. At that time, she couldn¡¯t refuse because she was caught as a substitute, so she was forced to do as she was told.


    One, things have changed. Elena seemed to have been dragged out, but she walked out of her own free will. She led the game without being swayed by Ren or Leabrick.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t want to?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to force you to dance.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Ren quickly snatched Elena¡¯s hand, which had been freed for a while. The power was so strong that she tried to shake it off several times, but it was useless.


    ¡®It hurts.¡¯


    Elena frowned at the surging pain. Either way, Ren held Elena¡¯s hand tightly in one hand, while the other wrapped her waist tightly and stepped with a waltz. It became a picture of dancing naturally, regardless of Elena¡¯s will, like a doll caught in a thread.


    ¡°Why are you doing this nonsense?¡±


    Elena quizzed at the sound of Ren¡¯s breath, which felt close to her.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re Veronica.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the reason?¡±


    ¡°I need a better reason?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena was convinced by Ren¡¯s unique smile.


    ¡®Pure hatred toward Veronica.¡¯


    The Hundred Years¡¯ Treaty forced the Bastache family to live as maids for the Great Dynasties. Veronica, who would be seen as a beautiful successor to the great house, is tantamount to shackles for Len, who is gifted enough to be called the sword of the empire.


    ¡°Like a cockroach.¡±


    ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    Ren doubted his ears. It was a vulgar word to come out of the mouth of a noble Veronica, not a commoner.


    ¡°You¡¯re pathetic and can¡¯t take any more complaints.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re scratching my temper again.¡±


    ¡°Bite it if you complain.¡±


    Elena intentionally provoked Ren by touching the Achilles tendon, which he was most sensitive to. The reaction was immediate. Ren¡¯s stiff face told her that. Perhaps due to the psychological influence, Ren¡¯s movements were getting piled up and the beat was being pushed back little by little.


    ¡°If I bite, you and your father die.¡±


    ¡°So bite. If you¡¯re really that confident?¡±


    Elena continued to shake Ren¡¯s mind with provocation and took steps to keep up with the beat of falling behind the music. Even though Elena was responding to the beat because of the sensitivity of the person, Ren was absorbed in anger and did not recognize it at all.


    Elena was so adept at social dancing that no one could follow. She couldn¡¯t do her best because Leabrick was watching, but it was a piece of cake to take away the opponent¡¯s flow. If your partner has lost his mind.


    So Ren was giving Elena a pace, even though he wasn¡¯t aware of it.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re across the money. Do you want me to tell you why you can¡¯t bite?¡±


    Elena paused and focused on the steps. The balance of the dance, which was taken away little by little, was already in the position of an equal partner.


    ¡°You¡¯re a man who¡¯s got a horse in his mouth.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena did not hesitate to say insulting things to Ren beyond provocation.


    ¡®To be swayed by emotions.¡¯


    The reaction was immediate. Ren¡¯s eyes, with a devilish, fierce look, were filled with life.


    ¡°What you shouldn¡¯t have said¡­. HYUK!¡±


    Ren, who felt the step twisted momentarily, swallowed his breath. He could barely maintain balance by using animal senses, but the already tangled legs of the X were so precarious that there was nothing strange about falling down at any time. Elena wasn¡¯t able to pass this opportunity. She pushed Len in an equivocal position as hard as she could.


    ¡°Huh? Uh!¡±


    Ren, who lost his balance, stumbled. He tried to bring her down too, but when Elena quickly moved on to the next move and broke the balance of his lower body, there was no way to throw it away anymore. Eventually, Ren fell down in the middle of the hall, frowning his butt in the middle of the hall.


    ¡°Look over there. Bastache¡¯s son fell down.¡±


    ¡°Fufu, he¡¯s not good at dancing, is he?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I feel good.¡±


    The aristocrats, who usually disapproved of Ren¡¯s words and actions, laughed and criticized him. It was an excuse to laugh at the mistakes made during the banquet to the aristocrats who value dance and etiquette.


    Elena did the same. She felt relieved as if she had lost a 10-year-old weight because she had a lot of things. Elena gave a sweet smile as she looked down at the fallen Ren.


    ¡°It looks just right for you, without any respect for ladies.¡±


    ¡°Kk¡­ kgh.¡±


    Ren, who was looking up to Elena because he was dumbfounded, suddenly began to laugh.


    ¡°I strangely don¡¯t feel bad.¡±


    Despite being properly humiliated after a blow, Ren got up without wiping his smiling face off.


    ¡°See you again.¡±


    Ren shook his hand and gradually moved away from Elena. However, he didn¡¯t forget to show his true self by saying ¡®Keep away¡¯ to a lady, who was blocking his way.


    ¡®It¡¯s not the time to be like this.¡¯


    Elena quickly rolled her eyes and found Leabrick. From the center of the hall, it was mixed in the gap between Avella¡¯s crowd on the left. Elena, relieved at some distance, hurried to find someone.


    ¡®I saw you standing over there a little while ago¡­ oh! There she is.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s corners of her mouth went up. She was standing at the end of the hall on the right side of the hall, probably based on Elena¡¯s presence.


    ¡®Madame De Flanrose.¡¯


    When she repeated her name, she remembered some words that followed her like a modifier.


    The height of elegance.


    Lady of the ladies.


    An aristocratic specimen.


    Surprisingly, all of these modifiers were given to Madame De Flanrose. She despises flattery, and values honesty and decency, and is a symbol of integrity and respect in society. Despite not creating factions, she was a social adult in name and substance, who was respected and followed by many young and noble ladies.


    ¡®I got something for you.¡¯


    Elena had planned to use Ren to pull Leabrick apart from her and devote the freedom and time she had managed to get to Madame De Flanrose.


    Elena turned around and walked out to the opposite side of Leabrick.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Leabrick, who naturally thought she would come to her side, was embarrassed.


    ¡®I can¡¯t leave her alone.¡¯


    Leabrick was in a hurry. Ren¡¯s situation a little while ago was ambiguous as she was out of control. Ren told her not to do it, so she didn¡¯t want to do it. When she called in the knights, she thought it would backfire because it seemed like the situation was growing too much. However, she was relieved that he seemed to have passed it without any accident, contrary to her concerns. Of course, she should ask Elena about the details and deal with them.


    But she missed Elena. Leabrick urgently tried to chase Elena, but it wasn¡¯t easy. First, the size of the hall was so large that it was too far to the other side. She didn¡¯t know if she should cross the central hall where people were dancing, but it was too much. In the end, it was best to turn around in a circle. That alone wasn¡¯t easy, but one more hurdle remained.


    ¡°Leabrick, how have you been?¡±


    ¡°Lady, if you don¡¯t mind, can I talk to you for a minute?¡±


    They were the nobles who were struggling to somehow line up with the real life Leabrick of the Grand Duke.


    At that time, the young ladies who were waiting for Elena to come down from the center hall, approached.


    Unlike most of the capital¡¯s aristocrats and children on the other side, ladies and men from the provinces did this.


    To a local aristocrat who wanted to somehow tie the strings to the central politics, Princess Veronica was a club to be held by selling her soul.


    ¡°Your Highness, I feel so refreshed.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell if you dance as well as your beauty.¡±


    ¡°You must be the princess who will lead the society in the future.¡±


    Each of them went on an evil journey to fall into Elena¡¯s eyes, using flattery. It was servile enough to grow on the floor for Elena.


    ¡®I used to enjoy flattery like this.¡¯


    For them, Princess Veronica is a far-off, nobleman on the summit. There was jealousy, envy, and more envy beyond them, which looked at beings that could not be tied to the same aristocracy.


    Elena of her past life enjoyed their eyes looking up to her. Even their jealousy and timing were regarded as a mere entertainment. Princess Veronica was a woman in that position. It¡¯s no exaggeration to say that society revolves around her.


    ¡®It was all pointless.¡¯


    Elena regretted her immature days. If she had not been drunk with such illusions and vanity, she would not have been used and killed so miserably.


    ¡®If I had really realized¡­ I would have seen Ian grow up.¡¯


    Ian¡¯s shadow, which had been buried deep in her heart, popped out and made her cry. Even knowing that it¡¯s already irreversible. A child who rises without warning or sign, heavier than a lump of lead, rejuvenated her consciousness. A passage from the novel that there are no parents who forget their children touched her heart.


    ¡®Stop.¡¯


    Elena managed to overcome her overwhelming emotions. If she were a little late, tears would have poured out from her moist eyes.


    ¡®Just look forward. Just look forward.¡¯


    Nothing is more meaningless than keeping looking back. She didn¡¯t want to waste this time and repeat the same mistake.

 Chapter 23

    The same was true of these nobles, who were now blocking their way. Elena smiled passionately at the young people.


    ¡°That¡¯s a¡­ oh!¡±


    The ladies, who were enthusiastically flattering, couldn¡¯t speak afterwards. Somehow, when they faced Elena¡¯s subtle smile, they were not confident of talking recklessly. An irresistible smile. It was not just their feelings, but also the feelings of other young people in common.


    Clear.


    As Elena advanced with flawless graceful steps, the young men who surrounded her in layers stepped aside. Elena¡¯s footsteps stopped only when she reached the front of a lady.


    ¡°I wanted to say hello to you someday¡­ but I think it¡¯s today. Nice to meet you, Madame De Flanrose.¡±


    Elena lifted her skirt very gracefully and slightly lowered her head and waist. It was such a perfect greeting that it would not be insufficient even if it was a sample of etiquette.


    ¡°I also waited for the day to say hello, Your Highness.¡±


    Without expressing embarrassment at Elena¡¯s sudden greeting, Madame De Flanrose greeted her with dignified words and deeds.


    ¡°Oh my.¡±


    They only exchanged greetings, but they were amazed at the courage they could not dare to follow. The movements that were not just learned and followed, but all the virtues that the aristocrats should possess, were so noble that they wanted to be a model of etiquette.


    ¡°Maybe the reputation of Madame¡­ Who is so graceful in her hand gestures, is not a myth.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too much. Your Highness, despite your young age, is full of grace.¡±


    ¡°I still have a long way to go. I want to ask you to teach me.¡±


    Elena showed that her words were sincere by giving a polite example of respect. Madame de Flanrose, who observed the movement with the eyes of a hawk, was amazed. A series of movements, from the treatment of the gaze to the arm movements from the neckline, the bending of the fingers, the bending of the waist, and the wrinkles caught on the dress, were perfect enough to want to be sampled.


    ¡°How can I turn a blind eye to your request? I¡¯m just saying this because I don¡¯t think I have anything to teach.¡±


    ¡°How can etiquette be the only virtue of the nobility? I want to learn and discuss the integrity and chastity of the nobility from you.¡±


    Elena spoke softly by putting strength into the words integrity and chastity. It was a very fine emphasis, but Madame de Flanrose, who knows that etiquette values the tone, strength, and pronunciation of the voice, couldn¡¯t have missed it.


    ¡°Integrity and chastity. The princess has a neat mind as well as conduct.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not even up to Madame¡¯s toes. You¡¯re the one who regards integrity and chastity as the yardstick of the aristocracy, don¡¯t you? Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry Your Highness is painting my face with this gold.¡±


    As Elena kept falling over with her integrity and chastity, Madame de Flanrose¡¯s eyes shook slightly. She was so good at hiding her feelings that she was called Madame, but she couldn¡¯t hide all of her inner impulses.


    ¡®Why are you so nervous? The person who is called the symbol of integrity and chastity.¡¯


    Elena tried hard to hold back her laughter. The story of Madame de Flanrose and her husband Count Rondo was so romantic that no one in the country didn¡¯t know.


    On the news of the death of Count Rondo, who fought in the war against the Western Plains tribe, Madame de Flanrose visited the Gaia Church and vowed to remember her husband¡¯s death for the rest of her life. It was a concept of chastity that was not commonly seen in the Empire of tolerance for remarriage.


    A few years later, however, Count Rondo, who was thought to be dead, was crippled and miraculously returned to life. He lost both legs and became a cripple, according to his doctor. Nevertheless, Madame de Flanrose was still living as a couple, saying, ¡°I¡¯m grateful for you coming back safely.¡±


    She was praised as a lady of the ladies because of her sacrifice. Even in the royal court, the title ¡°Madam¡± could have been given to her, praising her chastity and integrity.


    But who knew? They didn¡¯t know there was a man she met secretly, the symbol of chastity and integrity. The scandal involving Madame de Flanrose turned the empire upside down three years from now. It had been known that Madame de Flanrose, a specimen of the nobility and the ultimate in elegance, had been indulging in adultery with a horseman for decades. By one of the maids.


    As it is now, it is common for aristocrats to exchange women and servants. Among them, the lower ones taught by Madame de Flanrose were popular among the aristocrats because they were well-behaved and could understand their owners. It was very meaningful among the nobles to receive her maid as a gift.


    Two years from now, Madame de Flanrose sent her to celebrate the birthday of Grand Duke Friedrich.


    The girl¡¯s name is May.


    Elena recalled her face in her memory. May, whose short bobbed hair was very good, was especially memorable for her heterogeneous cuteness and atmosphere as a maid. She was a child who was bright and unfriendly to the physiology of the aristocrat, so she quickly became a direct maid of the Grand Duke Friedrich and served close to her.


    Yes, so far it¡¯s not a big deal. The problem occurred when she tried to assassinate Grand Duke Friedrich. It had been revealed that she approached Madame de Flanrose on a deliberate basis, built trust, and carefully prepared to enter the Grand Residence under the pretext of it and kill Grand Duke Friedrich.


    ¡®Revenge is a wonderful thing. The lady, the world¡¯s most ignorant aristocrat, wants to live as a maid to avenge her family.¡¯


    After the assassination failed, and she was tortured, May was said to have been the only daughter of Viscount Carl who followed the imperial family. Viscount Carl was a nobleman who was known to have been killed for confrontation with Grand Duke Friedrich while crying for the reinforcement of the imperial power.


    May, who miraculously escaped while her family was being destroyed, is said to have hid at a merchant guild. She changed her name and status there and lived a life at the bottom, and eventually succeeded in entering the grand duchy after passing through the maid of Madame de Flanrose  for her parents¡¯ revenge. She reached the bedroom with the favor of Grand Duke Friedrich, but eventually the assassination failed.


    ¡®It¡¯s praiseworthy for her to have gotten there. But she failed.¡¯


    The process doesn¡¯t matter. The world speaks only in consequence.


    ¡®If May helps me, won¡¯t the consequences change?¡¯


    Elena wanted to keep May, the maid of honor, by her side. Because of Leabrick¡¯s surveillance and her public status as Princess Veronica, she was not free to move, so she needed a hand and foot to be on behalf of Elena.


    In that context, May is the right person. As long as she had a history in the guild, it was highly likely that she knew well about the world that Elena had not experienced.


    In order to drive the great house to destruction, it was necessary to connect inside and outside. Even though it is difficult to break the rock at once, if you make small cracks and persistently aim inside and outside, the crack will become the starting point and the rock will crack at itself.


    ¡®The enemy is a comrade.¡¯


    That was why Elena wanted to keep May under her thumb. Elena felt a strong sense of homogeneity with May, who only ran for revenge. It felt like she was facing a mirror.


    She felt sorry again. It was so sad that the opportunity to live happily and the life to live only for revenge and even she failed. For that reason, she was going to bring May back as soon as possible and keep her by her side.


    ¡°I¡¯m so frustrated that I haven¡¯t had this opportunity to talk to you like this, Madame. I still have a lot of things to say¡­.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, Your Highness.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose wanted to avoid this position. Throughout the conversation with Elena, she felt uncomfortable as if she had a sore throat. It was the same with Elena. She was not interested in such a woman. Punishing or persecuting with the same sense of justice, whether she committed adultery or not, she did not suit her taste. She just wanted to have May by her side ahead of the original history.


    ¡°Uh! Uh? Madame, please stay still for a moment.¡±


    Elena opened her eyes wide and performed a surprise show.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°Just a minute.¡±


    Elena sought unilateral understanding and took out a handkerchief from her sleeve with a large-sized seal.


    Slowly.


    Pulling herself, Elena reached out her hand, who narrowed the distance with her. Madame De Flanrose¡¯s shoulders were wiped with a handkerchief, and she lowered her upper body while performing a visual performance. Elena, who faced her with about a snake of her hands, spoke in a small voice that only she could understand.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t people so innocent? Complimenting and praising a woman who plays around with a horseman. Right?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Madame De Flanrose¡¯s face was whiter than a blank sheet. Fear of having been exposed to the disgrace, which she should have never been, shook her iron-walled reason in jeopardy. When she committed adultery, a sense of fear that she did not know hit her. She was devastated by the frustration and despair that she might lose everything she had accumulated because of the pleasure of the moment.


    Elena watched the reaction and whispered like a devil.


    ¡°Oh, my. Why are you so surprised? Did you think it was an eternal secret?¡±


    ¡°P-Princess.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose had long been a nobleman, a nobleman who was noble and never broken, and she had chosen to live in servitude, losing her self-esteem, pride, and faith that had supported her.


    ¡®All the nobles are rotten.¡¯


    When she saw Madame De Flanrose, who was wrapped in hypocrisy and pretentiousness and was praised for her life, she was overwhelmed by contempt. She wanted to make this disgusting woman feel guilty more, but there were too many eyes and ears to see and hear.


    ¡°Why are you so nervous? You think I threatened you? I¡¯m not that kind of girl.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Make some time to stop by the Grand Residence. There¡¯s so much I want to say.¡±


    ¡°W-whatever you want.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose shook her head with eagerness not to say anything because she would do what she was told, small enough for Elena to see. Elena smiled and took a step back.


    ¡°You had something on your shoulder, so I¡¯m sorry¡­ It¡¯s not polite.¡±


    ¡°N-no. It¡¯s all because you¡¯re considerate of others.¡±


    It was funny to see her trying to maintain her aristocracy on the subject of a face that would not be strange even if she fell down right away.


    ¡°It was really meaningful to meet Madame today. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have another opportunity, right?


    Elena looked at Madame de Flanrose with an elegant smile. Madame de Flanrose smiled with a contemplated face.


    ¡°O-of course.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already looking forward to that time. Oh! Take this.¡±


    Elena politely crossed the handkerchief she was holding. Madame de Flanrose received it in a state of panic.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sign that promises the next meeting. I¡¯ve hand-made it, so please take a look and tell me what it looks like.¡±


    ¡°I-I will.¡±


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave you alone. May you have a glorious night.¡±


    Elena bowed out with graceful greetings. Since there was another person¡¯s attention, further conversation was too much, and Madame de Flanrose¡¯s condition was not good enough to collapse immediately.


    ¡®You¡¯d understand if I told you this much.¡¯


    Man is strong in crisis. The sort of Madame de Flanrose was a great woman who would do anything to protect and survive in the mud. Perhaps she would look at the handkerchief Elena gave her in the carriage back to the mansion. Then she¡¯d do what she¡¯s told to do to find her way.


    ¡®Leabrick¡¯s coming.¡¯


    She just happened to see Leabrick coming like crazy her way. She was only away for a while, but she seemed tired.


    ¡°Liv, are you here?¡±


    Elena treated her face with a smile.


    ¡°Princess, are you all right?¡±


    ¡°As you can see, I was a little surprised, but I calmed down when I saw Liv.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear that.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s lips twitched. Perhaps there was a lot to ask about Ren¡¯s work. But she couldn¡¯t ask because she had a lot of eyes to see, so she just swallowed inside.


    ¡°Can you stay longer?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Elena smiled and answered, and Leabrick stopped talking and took a step back. Then, the nobles who had been watching for an opportunity approached Elena and continued to flatter her, saying, ¡°I will say a word.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re getting prettier day by day even though you¡¯re already so beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Princess Veronica has appeared in society for the first time in two years. Her return was a success.


    ***


    ¡°It was a night so fascinating that I can¡¯t speak, Liv.¡±


    Elena, who left the annex and was returning to the main building, couldn¡¯t hide her excitement and chatted.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a great job that¡¯s not easy.¡±


    Leabrick, who followed suit, unexpectedly agreed with Elena. Elena did well as Princess Veronica¡¯s role more than she feared. It wasn¡¯t perfect yet, but it was clear that it was a remarkable achievement.


    ¡®Except for being with Sir Ren.¡¯


    Leabrick couldn¡¯t stop them even though she was in the same place, and she didn¡¯t know what they talked about even though she was looking with her eyes open. The curiosity was driving Leabrick mad for perfection. All she wanted to do was question Elena and listen to her stories.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re tired, but let¡¯s talk for a while.¡±


    ¡°Should we?¡±


    They moved to the drawing room located in the main building. Even before the tea and cookies that had been asked to be served to the maid of honor, Leabrick asked about what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Sir Ren is a dangerous man. He was hostile again. What the hell happened?¡±


    ¡°Where should I start¡­.? Ah! He came to my room just before the banquet.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s eyes grew fierce. Emotions were exposed to the surface. That¡¯s because Ren¡¯s unexpected behavior exceeded her expectations.


    ¡°He came into the room without permission, and suddenly said hello.¡±


    ¡°And? Tell me everything he did.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about. It wasn¡¯t a conversation in the first place. He unilaterally asked me how I was doing, then he stared at me and left.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s eyes deepened. It is to find meaning in the series of actions that Ren has shown.


    ¡°Tell me what he said in the hall.¡±


    ¡°At that time, it was too scary, and I was confused¡­ Ah! He said he hated me.¡±


    ¡°Hate?¡±


    Elena nodded.


    ¡°Yes, when I asked him why he was doing this, he didn¡¯t like me, but I asked if there was a reason. Liv, the look on his face was so scary that I was suffocating.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard. But you did a good job, princess.¡±


    Leabrick patted Elena on the shoulder to console her. It was a consolation without sincerity. Her mind was focused on figuring out why Ren had done this.


    ¡®Did he notice she was a substitute?¡¯


    Leabrick threw a flash point. Although they were in a blood relationship, the two never met in two years. Two years of growth is the period of many physical and mental growth. Even though they were cousins they were unfamiliar to each other. Even if Elena was a little dazed and made mistakes, there was no doubt, he could not doubt it as a reverse.


    Leabrick looked up and stared at Elena.


    The perfect role. Appearance alone was no different from Princess Veronica. The decorations with dresses and accessories made her look more natural.

 Chapter 24

    ¡®Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves.¡¯


    Even if she refrained from speculating, she should definitely point out what she had to say. Ren was too dangerous a man to let go of the tension.


    ¡°I saw Sir Ren fall while dancing. What happened to him?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I pushed him.¡±


    Leabrick frowned at Elena¡¯s words.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He grabbed my wrist so hard that I was sick and scared that I couldn¡¯t just shake it off. Then I pushed him as hard as I could. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Leabrick opened her eyes wide at Elena¡¯s words. Ren was well-built enough to hold Elena, who can¡¯t dance. He was also an expectant athlete who was born with a skill for swordsmanship and was expected by the Empire. He wasn¡¯t a man easy enough to fall down just because a woman pushed him.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°No wonder Liv doesn¡¯t believe it. But it¡¯s true.¡±


    Leabrick was frustrated. Common sense doesn¡¯t make sense, but she had no choice but to believe Elena when she said that.


    ¡®It¡¯s weird. I feel like I¡¯m missing something.¡¯


    The problem was that there was no way to explain what was missing.


    ¡°Again, Sir Ren is dangerous. Avoid him if you can. If you have no choice but to run into each other, avoid him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    Elena nodded her head in a solemn expression. Perhaps because she didn¡¯t want to let go of what she lost, Leabrick no longer said the same thing.


    ¡°It looks like you had a conversation with Madame de Flanrose.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I had a chance to say hello to her by chance.¡±


    Elena confided without a lie. There was no particular reason to hide it. Elena and Madame de Flanrose talked about etiquette in an official place.


    ¡°It looked like you were exchanging something?¡±


    ¡®Did you watch me in the meantime?¡¯


    It must have been hard to leave Elena alone. She could see that she had talked to a lot of aristocrats, but she kept her eye on her for a while. Elena hid her mind and spoke calmly.


    ¡°Oh, I was so happy that I gave her a handkerchief to thank her for her good manners.¡±


    Then Elena intentionally shrank, pretending to look at Leabrick¡¯s cold expression.


    ¡°¡­ Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°What do you think you did wrong?¡±


    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s not good to give a handkerchief?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Leabrick continued in a cold tone.


    ¡°The princess¡¯ manners are still immature. She¡¯s much better, but she¡¯s as young as she looks. Have you ever thought that if you were involved with such a woman, you¡¯d get caught?¡±


    Elena opened her eyes wide in surprise.


    ¡°B-but she definitely praised my manners.¡±


    ¡°Compliment your opponent for their lack. It¡¯s also part of etiquette.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Leabrick pointed out only by applying her yardstick to Elena.


    ¡°Listening to Liv, I think I was careless. In that state of mind I¡¯ll be careful from now on.¡±


    Elena apologized in that position, saying she would correct the mistake. Leabrick, who had completed her business, stood up from the sofa and gave a final warning.


    ¡°Princess, always remember. How you are in your current situation and where you come from. Will you go back there again or stay here? It all depends on being a princess.¡±


    ¡°Liv¡­¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean, right?¡±


    Leabrick, who unilaterally finished what she had to say, left the drawing room.


    Thud.


    When Elena, who was left alone, heard the door closing, she got up from her seat and turned on the flag. When she tried to move away from Leabrick¡¯s eyes, her body unconsciously tensed up.


    ¡°But it was a very satisfying day.¡±


    A deep smile spread around Elena¡¯s mouth with a feeling of accomplishment that filled her heart. She took a step forward to avenge herself today.


    ***


    Duke Rosette¡¯s birthday banquet was held for five days. Considering that the banquet of the royal court-organized event was less than four days, it was a glimpse of how high the power of Duke Friedrich was.


    Elena appeared at the banquet for only three days, an odd number out of the five days. It was unusual considering that most of the high-ranking nobles did not participate except on the first day of the banquet.


    Leabrick wanted to show off her robustness to the public. That way, they could completely calm the noise that comes out over the successor to the Grand Duke.


    There is another reason. It was to give Elena a social experience. It was a great opportunity because it was less important as their children and local nobles usually participated in the banquet than high-ranking nobles. As such opportunities are rare, Leabrick also took the time to stay with Elena.


    After the banquet, she was asked to review what happened that day and correct anything wrong. Emphasizing that the small change is the process of becoming a more perfect Princess Veronica.


    Elena refrained from acting independently and acted obediently according to Leabrick¡¯s will. As long as she got what she wanted, she had no reason to stand out and be out of Leabrick¡¯s eyes.


    That year, the biggest event of the Grand Duke¡¯s residence ended. The mansion went back to the old days and became busy again, and the servants heated up in the cleanup. Leabrick also went out of the house to deal with matters big and small in the Grand Duchy that had not been dealt with. Then she told Elena to take a rest for a few days because she had a hard time.


    ¡®Do you want me to take a break?¡¯


    Elena summoned famous jewelers from the empire to her mansion. Each of them had a variety of elaborately crafted ornaments, each of which was an expensive item made of precious jewels that were so rare that they could throw out their tongues.


    Elena selected and bought some of them that were easy to make as an imitation. Among them, the most preferred one was the diamond. Unlike sapphire, ruby, and emerald, there was no color, so it was easy to fabricate glass by processing it. Unlike other gems, whose prices vary widely due to impurities and sophistication, the larger the size, the higher the price went up. In addition, the market fluctuations were small as long as the imperial aristocrats liked the transparency of it.


    ¡®I need a route to get rid of it from Leabrick¡¯s eyes. I need craftsmen to make imitations.¡¯


    Elena didn¡¯t think in a hurry. While in the Grand Residence, the range of movements was bound to be narrow. It was difficult to avoid Leabrick¡¯s eyes, and it was impossible to act independently.


    ¡®I can move freely when I enter the academy.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s return to the academy was a scheduled step, as Leabrick also admitted. The Frontier Institute, located near the Empire¡¯s capital, made it a rule to live in a dormitory without exception for any students. Even the capital aristocrats were strict enough to take disciplinary measures against them.


    Her academic career was a great opportunity for Elena to build her foundation. Because academic institutes have no choice but to live a restricted life in the shadow, the monitoring of Leabrick would be loosened.


    ¡®Lorentz¡¯s been taken off. Now she¡¯s the only one left, and¡­¡¯


    From the beginning, Anne was a maid that Leabrick had assigned as a watchman. If she didn¡¯t know who it was, she wouldn¡¯t know, there was no problem with knowing that she was Leabrick¡¯s limb.


    ¡®She¡¯s not the only one who can use the reverse, right?¡¯


    It¡¯s bad luck to just kick Anne out. Elena predicted more than one, or two, than that.


    ¡®Leabrick must be relieved to have Anne on me.¡¯


    There was no need to be suspicious of defeating Anne. Having Anne alone had many advantages for Elena. It was very meaningful to be able to relax Leabrick¡¯s vigilance and lead to carelessness. Elena, who returned from the jewelry store, had a relaxed tea time.


    ¡°Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    Hurelbard, who had never opened his mouth before during his escort, spoke first. Elena looked back at him as she put the teacup on the pedestal.


    ¡°That¡¯s a big deal. Sir spoke to me first.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    Hurelbard bowed his head as permission fell.


    ¡°I was delayed due to the lack of circumstances, but I would like to dispose of my mistakes now.¡±


    ¡°Punishment.¡±


    Elena broached the words and picked up the teacup she had put down. She savored the scent of black tea with her nose, tasted it with her tongue, and organized her thoughts.


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°How could I dare decide that for myself. I will take any punishment.¡±


    Hurelbard was sincere. At the time, Ren was not identified, so there was nothing he could do about it. Eventually, however, Elena¡¯s order not to clash with Len was not fulfilled. He was appointed as a knight and couldn¡¯t stand it because he couldn¡¯t keep it even though it was his first order.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t get over it because I want to dispose of it. Take it off.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Hurelbard¡¯s eyes shook like an earthquake. His expression, which was so embarrassed that he was frozen, was questionable of whether he was the knight of ice, who was called the epitome of coolness.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me tell you to take it off?¡±


    ¡°W-what the hell¡­¡±


    Frustrated, Hurelbard blurted his words out of control. Elena said, holding back her laughter from the response.


    ¡°What did you expect? Did you think I was asking you to take your top off?¡±


    ¡°How dare I.¡±


    ¡°Sir, you¡¯re afraid I might have mentioned your bottoms?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena, who was looking at Hurelbard¡¯s relentlessly shaky expression, smiled. Hurelbard looked blank as he stared at Elena without knowing what was going on. Elena pointed to Hurelbard¡¯s hand with a wink.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking for the gloves you¡¯re wearing.¡±


    ¡°You mean these gloves?¡±


    ¡°Yes, those. Are you ignoring me because you don¡¯t want to give it to me?¡±


    Elena¡¯s mischievous remarks prompted Hurelbard to hurriedly take off his gloves. Elena¡¯s black cotton gloves looked more like a protocol than combat gloves. She heard that many people wear sword handles to support them from slipping.


    Elena rose from her chair and took out her embroidery from the drawer. She opened the lid and took out the needle and thread, then turned the gloves over and started putting embroidery inside. Every time the thin, slender fingers moved, five-colored threads fell on the surface. Her hand movements were so exquisite that Hurelbard stood blank, his eyes blinded.


    Within such a long time, the inner side of the cotton glove was embroidered with letters that harmonized with gold and silver.

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Take it.¡±


    Hurelbard, who received the gloves that Elena handed him back, looked down at them.


    ¡®L.¡¯


    It was written mainly in the Imperial Household of the Empire. The meaning was difficult to understand, so it was mainly used in state events and ceremonies, but few nobles even used it. Hurelbard could also read the letters, but he had no idea what they meant.


    ¡°Always keep it on your hand.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Does this word mean that I¡¯m not good enough?¡±


    Hurelbard tried to understand the meaning of the letter with a serious face. Elena said earlier that she would give a punishment, so he guessed that this letter also has a meaning of reprimanding.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena gave a meaningful smile.


    ¡°This is my punishment.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea what this is. What does this mean?¡±


    ¡°Think about it. That¡¯s my punishment.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Hurelbard¡¯s brows furrowed. Like in the sea where the depth of the water is unknown, he could hardly measure the inside of his master. Elena said one more word while looking at the frustrated Hurelbard.


    ¡°Just remember this. Since our first meeting, I have always been sincere to you.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know anything about the princess.¡±


    Hurelbard, who did not know Elena¡¯s intentions until the end, stepped back and was polite.


    ¡°I, Knight Hurelbard, swear that I will always carry this letter in my heart as the punishment of Her Majesty the Princess.¡±


    Elena smiled silently.


    L.


    It is an ancient Imperial language that only the royal family can write and read, and the meaning was light. When it was read in single-spoken words, it meant Elena¡¯s initials.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever forget your oath.¡±


    ***


    Four days have passed. There was an official request for a visit from Madame de Flanrose. The formal reason was the return of a handkerchief from the birthday banquet.


    Leabrick was troubled by Madame¡¯s request for a visit. She wanted Elena, who has a lot of inadequacies in many ways, to avoid contact with Madame de Flanrose, who is good at manners, education, and culture.


    But if she refused, there was so much that could get outside. The current Veronica princess has re-emerged in society for the first time in two years. Despite her robustness, bad rumors were still circulating, and the nobles constantly questioned her past activities.


    In this situation, the meaning of Madame de Flanrose¡¯s visit was great. Any nobleman wanted to invite her to interact, but Madame de Flanrose never met anyone. In the first place, she drew a line with aristocratic self-interests and profitable groups. It was no different even if it was the Grand Duke. If she felt that they were not meeting the aristocratic standards, Madame de Flanrose would never interact with them, even if they were the Grand Duke.


    It was said that Madame de Flanrose was going to visit the Grand House to meet Princess Veronica. It was a great opportunity for Veronica, who had not yet fully recovered her status as a princess. It was because the reputation, prestige, and trust that had been lost would follow just by interacting with the prestigious Madame de Flanrose.


    ¡®I heard that even the slugs have a talent for rolling.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t even think that Elena would take on a big shot like this. Even though Elena¡¯s words and actions that were not aristocratic were still insufficient, she seemed to be cute. Otherwise, even if Madame de Flanrose was in return of courtesy, there was no way she would show this kind of favor.


    Leabrick folded the letter requesting a visit and pushed it into the desk drawer. Then she took out a high-quality parchment and penned it down with a single pen. She said she would welcome Madame de Flanrose¡¯s visit and specified a date for the visit. Finally, the writing of the reply was finished by stamping the seal of the Grand Duke.


    Four days after that. Madame de Flanrose formally visited the great house.


    ¡°Madame de Flanrose greets the princess.¡±


    In front of the mansion, Madame de Flanrose, who was obliquely covering the sunlight with a parasol, greeted with an elegant figure.


    ¡°Welcome, Madame.¡±


    Elena returned the courtesy with polite but not excessive manners.


    ¡°Viscountess Leabrick came out too.¡±


    Leabrick was well-mannered.


    ¡°Madame is coming, so I have to come out myself.¡±


    ¡°I do not know what to do because you are so welcoming.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stand here, come inside. We have tea from the East.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, I can¡¯t be rude.¡±


    The three women moved to the reception room inside the mansion. Madame de Flanrose kept her mouth tight, looking around, as the ladies followed the etiquette of not talking frivolously while walking. Then, when Elena¡¯s eyes met, her eyes shook.


    ¡®You can do it as you are now. Then there will be nothing for Madame to worry about.¡¯


    Madame de Flanrose, who knew what Elena meant by her eyes without having to say, nodded quietly. She seemed willing to do anything to hide her disgrace.


    The three people who moved to the drawing room had a cup of tea and had a little chat. Mainly, Leabrick led the conversation, and Elena and Madame de Flanrose were in confrontation.


    ¡°I was really surprised. To give me a handkerchief willingly. I should be able to keep my heart from moving with the pure and pure mindset of Her Majesty the Princess.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do with your kindness.¡±


    At this moment, Elena was praised and acted like a girl who didn¡¯t know what to do. Leabrick laughed at the level of Madame de Flanrose, who opened her heart to Elena¡¯s clumsiness. Contrary to public criticism, she seemed to lack discernment.


    When the atmosphere was somewhat ripe, Elena took a teacup to her mouth and stared at Leabrick.


    ¡®Shall I get the intruder out of here?¡¯


    As soon as the decision was made, Elena went into action. The teacup, which was still warm, was laid down on the pedestal and relaxed. The cup, which had lost its support, tilted and the tea water poured down.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t know what to do. The flowing tea spilled over to Leabrick, and the bottom of her skirt was soaked.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, Liv.¡±


    Frustrated, Elena took a handkerchief out of her arms and wiped the water. But it didn¡¯t seem to mean much because the water had already soaked through. Nevertheless, her constant touch was seen as helpless at the mistake she made.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Your Highness. I can change, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Leabrick smiled casually, adroitly controlling the rising anger and irritation.


    ¡°Madame, I think I¡¯ll have to leave for a while. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be having a chat with your Highness, the Princess.¡±


    Leabrick, who asked for her understanding, hurried out of the reception room.


    Elena¡¯s expression and attitude changed when she kicked out Leabrick as planned and was left alone in the reception room. Her foolish appearance was invisible, and she treated Madame with a completely ladylike figure.


    ¡°How have you been, Madame?¡±


    Madame de Flanrose was nervous. It was already well asked throughout the conversation. Nevertheless, bringing this up again was seen as a way to share the main point.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ve been well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. I thought you wouldn¡¯t be able to.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason why I can¡¯t. With all due respect, I¡¯m not a woman easy enough to be swayed by scandals.¡±


    At the same time, Madame de Flanrose took a look at Elena¡¯s reaction.


    ¡®Rather than lady among ladies, wouldn¡¯t ¡®old fox suit¡¯ you better?¡¯


    Elena looked at Madame de Flanrose¡¯s intentions. It may be her intention to find out how far she knew the fact that she had committed adultery with the coachman, and whether she had the evidence, and then deal with it. If she had followed her, Elena wasn¡¯t a generous woman enough to just look over the Madame de Flanrose who turned her head up and raised her chin.


    ¡°Of course, who dares to regard Madame as a light woman? I¡¯m just talking about what I heard.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Madame, who is known for her precognition, has been engaging in adultery with the horseman, and it¡¯s usually the stable where you share love.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose¡¯s face turned pale. She tried to pretend as if nothing was wrong, but she couldn¡¯t hide her trembling lips.


    ¡°Is that all? She¡¯s very bold. She put her crippled husband to sleep with medicine and called the horseman into the room. Her husband was sleeping right next to her.¡±


    ¡°S-stop.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose¡¯s trembling voice entreated her. She didn¡¯t know it when she was committing adultery, but when she heard what she did through the mouth of others, she felt shame and couldn¡¯t bear it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Madame? We still have a lot more to talk about.¡±


    ¡°Please, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose was hopeless. Elena knew what had happened in detail as if she had seen it with her own eyes. It meant that people were planted in the family and that they were more likely to have evidence.


    ¡°¡­ I-I¡¯ll do whatever you tell me to do. So please bury this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s wrong with you? I have no intention of reprimanding you, Madame.¡±


    ¡°Please, please, Your Grace.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose begged with her head down. Elena did not want to talk about her adultery anymore. It only made her mouth dirty when she spoke more.


    ¡°I heard that you have a clever maid, Madame.¡±


    ¡°W-who are you referring to if they¡¯re a maid?¡±


    ¡°I believe her name is May?¡±


    ¡°Ah! There is a child named May among my direct maids. She came about two years ago, she¡¯s very quick-witted and well-behaved, so she¡¯s affectionate. But what about May?¡±


    Elena grinned.


    ¡°Give me the child.¡±


    ¡°May?¡±


    Madame de Flanrose couldn¡¯t figure out how to take those words.It was not an exaggeration to say that Elena, having learned about adultery, held her leash. But she wanted her to send a maid. Contrary to what Madame de Flanrose was concerned, the requirements were too weak. But she had no choice.


    ¡°Would you mean that if I send that child, you will pretend to be unaware of my immorality?¡±


    Madame de Flanrose, like an old fox, tried to confirm it again.

 Chapter 26

    Elena smiled.


    ¡°I promise you, Madame, in the honor of the grand duke.¡±


    ¡°Can you really promise me that?¡±


    ¡°As much as you want. Would you like me to leave it in writing? I don¡¯t want to recommend it because I¡¯m leaving a clear proof. I¡¯ll write it if you want.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose agonized over all her brains. In the social world, she was a woman who pretended to be a lady among ladies and did not hesitate to engage in obscene adultery.


    ¡°No, I believe in your promise.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a wise judgment.¡±


    Elena, who closed the deal, leisurely lifted the teacup and took it to her mouth.


    ¡°You can tell Leabrick that you sent me that child in return for the handkerchief.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s stay close in the future, Madame.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    When Elena left room for continued relationship, Madame de Flanrose made a face that could not laugh or cry, and the lady only drank the tea. Soon after, Leabrick returned to the drawing room wearing a neat empire dress.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯ve been away for so long.¡±


    Leabrick sat down again, asking for her understanding.


    ¡°Did you talk while I was away?¡±


    ¡°We about the manners of ladies. I¡¯ll never forget this conversation today because every word Madame said here was such a gem.¡±


    Elena was returned to pure aristocracy, as if secret talks had not even existed from the beginning. Madame de Flanrose was dumbfounded by such double figures, but she couldn¡¯t show her face because she couldn¡¯t resist Elena.


    ¡°Your Highness, the reason I¡¯m here is to return the handkerchief.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hoping for a return.¡±


    Elena even tried to dissuade her, but Madame de Flanrose remained faithful to her role.


    ¡°I know a child about two years old who¡¯s had my hair. She has good behavior and can talk well. She¡¯s a very talented child. It is thought that she would dare to match the dignity and dignity of her Highness.¡±


    ¡°M-Madame, you¡¯re giving me Madame¡¯s maid of honor? Really?¡±


    Elena covered her mouth with her hands with emotion.


    ¡°Yes, it is a return of heart from your Highness, if not enough. Will you take her?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­¡±


    Elena, who was willing to answer, blurted out the end of her words and looked at Leabrick¡¯s face. If it was a private meeting, she had to move according to her judgment as long as Leabrick was present. Elena, however, was sure that Leabrick would never turn down the offer.


    ¡®You can¡¯t miss this opportunity.¡¯


    It¡¯s not anyone else, it¡¯s a gift from Madame de Flanrose. In aristocratic society, giving and receiving maids was a symbol and proof of friendship that cannot be translated into money.


    However, Leabrick did not readily answer. It was feared that Elena was known as a substitute. Since the girl who received the gift was left as a woman under her direct control, she was concerned about whether the secret would leak out from that part. As the hesitation lengthened, Madame de Flanrose asked her intentions again.


    ¡°Excuse me, Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    She naturally helped her to make the decision, which she was thinking hard about.


    Whether the distressed Leabrick made a decision or not, she naturally listened to her.


    ¡°She¡¯s never seen such a return before, so I guess Your Highness can¡¯t make up her mind. Take it now, Your Highness. Madame is embarrassed.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Yes! Madame, I¡¯ll gladly accept it. I¡¯ll never forget today¡¯s impressions.¡±


    Elena was delighted with a bright smile. It was not a pretentious smile, but a sincere smile. It didn¡¯t matter if she showed her true feelings at this moment.


    ¡°I feel much better now that I see Your Highness¡¯s favor. I¡¯ll visit you from time to time. Let¡¯s get along.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be honored if you did. I¡¯ll be waiting, Madame.¡±


    Elena and Madame de Flanrose held hands affectionately.


    ***


    Count Rondo. On behalf of the crippled Count Rondo, Madame de Flanrose dealt with the count¡¯s big events. Her work was as fair as her social reputation, so no one from the lower ones to the nobles found fault with it.


    ¡°Did you find it, ma¡¯am?¡±


    Madame de Flanrose called May, the maid, into the office, scared to return after just going out.


    ¡°Come close.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Madame de Flemish looked at May, who was polite and undisturbed. Her skin was clean without a freckle, not always doing chores in the sun. Her bobbed hair covering her ears was perfectly neat, and her horizontal shoulder line was steady.


    ¡°How long have you been here?¡±


    ¡°This is my second year.¡±


    ¡°Time flies so fast. Come to think of it, you¡¯ve been a well-behaved kid since you first came here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m flattered, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Despite the praise of Madame de Flanrose, who was rumored to be stingy with praise, May showed no signs of excitement or joy. Although she was only a maid, the calmness she often showed was sometimes surprising to Madame de Flanrose.


    ¡°When I saw you, I felt sorry that you weren¡¯t born into a noble family.¡±


    ¡°Nobility. It doesn¡¯t matter, ma¡¯am.¡±


    May bowed her head as if she had heard too much praise for herself. Madame de Flanrose, who was staring at May, said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say nothing more than that. The nobles are the things that heaven decides. Raise your head and look at me.¡±


    May carefully raised her head. She stared at Madame de Flanrose¡¯s chin without making eye contact so as not to offend. It was a perfect gaze treatment that she really wanted to use as an example of a maid. It was regrettable that she was sending such a child to the Grand Duke, but she gave up because she thought that her life was first.


    ¡°You are a good fortune to be a maid of honor for any family. I would like to recommend a family that would suit you.¡±


    ¡°Madame?¡±


    Madame de Flanrose spoke calmly.


    ¡°I want you to go to the Grand House¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    May¡¯s eyes shook seriously. It was the first time that Madame de Flanrose had seen such a sympathetic May.


    ¡°Princess Veronica was very pleased to hear about you. Why don¡¯t you go to the Grand House, considering your living conditions and future?¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s too sudden¡­¡±


    ¡°An important choice in life is always sudden. Would you like to go to the great house?¡±


    May¡¯s eyes deepened. What is clear is that she was not considering whether this hesitation would go or not. Rather, her eyes contained a little joy that she had never seen before. As if she¡¯d been waiting for this moment.


    ¡°Yes, I will follow your wishes, Madame.¡±


    May answered clearly in a small but powerful voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. It will be a decision without regret.¡±


    Madame de Flanrose also nodded with a satisfactory smile. On the surface, it was a perfect deal to get what each other wanted. And it was none other than Elena who moved the perfect deal.


    ***


    The carriage sent by Madame de Flanrose entered the Grand House. In spite of sending a maid, Madame de Flanrose did not hesitate to send her in a carriage with all her heart and effort. It was to show off her strong relationship with Princess Veronica.


    May, who got out of the carriage, looked up at the mansion. The mansion of the great house, which was more splendid than the palace, was magnificent enough to exclaim itself.


    ¡°Are you May?¡±


    Anne, who was standing in front of the mansion and waiting, pretended to know in a crooked position. May looked at Anne silently. Even if she looked at it, she looked younger than three or four years younger. From the beginning, she felt that she wasn¡¯t happy, or that she was trying to dominate in order to gain an edge in the ranks among the maids.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    When May responded, Anne crossed her arms and scattered May up and down with an unpleasant expression. May, whose skin was finer and more beautiful than her freckles, seemed to dislike her.


    ¡°You brought all the papers, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    It was in Leabrick¡¯s office that Anne took the new girl, thinking about how to mess with her.


    ¡°Give me what you brought.¡±


    May was handing out her ID card, personal details, and recommendation letters written by Madame de Flanrose to Leabrick. Without missing a single word, Leabrick checked again and again for any suspicious points.


    ¡®¡­ ..I don¡¯t like it, but I can¡¯t help it considering the reputation of the princess who fell to the ground.¡¯


    Although she still disapproved of having a maid from outside for Elena, she decided to endure it to raise the social status of Princess Veronica. When there was nothing strange about her identity, Leabrick presented the contract, and May signed it without a hitch.


    ¡°From this moment on, you are the direct maid of honor for her Majesty. If you don¡¯t know understand something, ask Anne here and learn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will serve Your Highness with all my heart.¡±


    ¡°Go and say hello to your Highness.¡±


    May bowed out of the office. Anne walked ahead and explained the interior of the mansion, which was dry. May didn¡¯t pay much attention as she had expected some checks or back-ups. The first thing she needed to do is figure out what¡¯s going on in the mansion.


    Anne stopped walking when she reached the door of the biggest marble on this floor of the main building. There was still an old look, but she could guess that this was Princess Veronica¡¯s room because of the beautiful-looking knight guarding the door.


    ¡°Your Highness, I¡¯ve brought your new maid of honor.¡±


    ¡°Let her in.¡±


    A clear voice was heard beyond the door. Anne, who was impatient, urged.


    ¡°What are you standing there for? Your Highness is waiting for you.¡±


    May pushed the handle slowly into the room. Even if you looked around, it was a room that was large enough to be comparable to the room where Madame de Flanrose stayed. Elena was sitting by the window under the warm sun.


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    At Elena¡¯s call, May approached. A steady stride and an unbroken line of shoulders. She stood in front of Elena with surprisingly perfect steps to be considered a maid¡¯s gesture.

 Chapter 27

    ¡°Greetings to Princess Veronica. My name is May.¡±


    Her waist, head-down angle, and polite hand shape were just as good as most aristocrats.


    ¡°Madame praised you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still not enough.¡±


    Elena glanced down at May, who showed humility. She looked great when she tried to overcome all the hardships and adversities with this delicate body to assassinate Grand Duke Friedrich.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you wonder? How you ended up in the grand house.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s because Madame recommended me.¡±


    May¡¯s answer was perfunctory. That¡¯s why Madame de Flanrose was famous in society. This is because May had the correct posture as a maid, as she had been educated by Madame.


    May assumed that¡¯s why she came to the Grand House. Considering the status of the Grand Duke, she would have had to send a particularly outstanding maid of honor among Madame de Flanrose¡¯s maids.


    ¡°No. I asked Madame. To let you go.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    May¡¯s pupils were shaking. It was because she instinctively felt that what Elena said was unusual. But she couldn¡¯t understand her intentions. Elena smiled.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t ask. Why did I ask her to let you go? How I knew about you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Your Highness has such an idea¡­¡±


    Elena put her side hair behind her ears and said meaningfully.


    ¡°Everyone hides a knife in their hearts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m stupid, so I do not understand all of those words.¡±


    Just like the maids of Madame de Flanrose, she lowered herself and praised Elena with cultured words. Then, she hoped she learned with a lowly attitude. That is why many aristocrats covet Madame de Flanrose¡¯s maids.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­ Then shall I guess who the sword in your heart is pointing at?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­.¡±


    May pretended not to understand the words until the end. But even that pretense was blocked by Elena¡¯s words.


    ¡°The Grand Duke.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    May¡¯s heart beat wildly. The nerves of her whole body stood on edge like a knife. Those blunt words all felt like thorns aimed at May. As she never expected such a situation to come, May could not decide how to deal with it.


    Elena drank a cup of tea while smiling at her. On the other hand, May shed cold sweat on her back.


    ¡®What should I do?¡¯


    It did not matter how Elena knew about herself. The fact that she was suspected was important.


    As long as she knew the impure intention of coming to the Grand House, there was no chance that she would escape the place alive.


    ¡®It¡¯s funny that I wanted to come here and live, right?¡¯


    May laughed bitterly. She just came to the great house, but she couldn¡¯t stand the situation of giving up here because she was so ungrateful.


    ¡®In that case, even the great princess¡­!¡¯


    There was life in May¡¯s eyes, trying to let go of everything. Even though revenge failed, just as Grand Duke Friedrich killed her parents, she also thought of taking her blood to her companions on the other side.


    ¡°Is that your choice?¡±


    May¡¯s action did not follow Elena¡¯s words, which she paused and threw as if she had read her mind.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t struggle to catch a chicken instead of a pheasant, did you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you use me?¡±


    What was she talking about? She wanted her to use her to kill her parents? The answer to the sophistry was in Elena¡¯s following words.


    ¡°There are some children who hate their parents.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and smiled significantly. May didn¡¯t leave for a long time, as if she had been fascinated by the smile.


    Sect 5. Fate, Evil, and Coincidence


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving for the academy the day after tomorrow?¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich laid down his fork and knife gently. Instead, he grabbed a glass of wine, spun it around a few times, and took it near his mouth.


    ¡°Yes, father.¡±


    Elena answered modestly. She was sitting on the left side of the table in reference to Grand Duke Friedrich at the top of the long table. As it was an official dinner, the maids and the chef attended, there was a reason to be seen as a father-daughter relationship.


    ¡°It¡¯s been two years since you returned to school. Wouldn¡¯t it be hard to keep up?¡±


    ¡°I learned a lot from Liv during the break.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich¡¯s eyes were on Leabrick, who sat on the right.


    ¡°I just did what I was supposed to do.¡±


    Elena listened to the conversation and cut the steak into bite-size pieces.


    ¡®I won¡¯t see these disgusting faces for a while.¡¯


    In principle, academic institutes shall live in dormitories without distinction of status, such as royal families and aristocrats. Unless there is a particular reason, she would not run into Grand Duke Friedrich or Leabrick. But she didn¡¯t mean to relax and make herself comfortable there. She planned to lay the foundation for the collapse of the Grand House in the wake of the neglect of Leabrick¡¯s surveillance.


    ¡®Considering my early graduation, I was given a year at most.¡¯


    In principle, she had to attend school for another year, including two years off from school, but Elena was an exception. She was given the privilege of receiving a diploma even if she lacked credits because she was the only heir to the Grand House. In the end, the success or failure of revenge depended on how she used that time spent in the year or so.


    After the formal dinner, Elena and Leabrick had tea time separately. The move was aimed at checking issues that should not be missed before leaving tomorrow.


    ¡°As you know, you¡¯re not as good as others as you took this year off. I¡¯ll tell the dean, so take one more major and one more course.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I tell you every time, but don¡¯t be nervous. You have to get your head on straight. If there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t handle, don¡¯t try to handle it alone and tell me first. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Liv, don¡¯t worry too much. I can do it.¡±


    Elena nodded and showed her will. She was pretty reliable, but Leabrick, who sees Elena, didn¡¯t get rid of her troubles.


    ¡®Ha, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered you so much if you had Lord Lorentz on you.¡¯


    If she had been with the experienced man, she would have been able to control her to some extent in the worst situation. But she couldn¡¯t. In the end, the best measure was to be reported periodically by Anne, who was posted as a watchdog.


    ¡°Take Anne and Lunarin as your maids.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s tone was more of a command. It was because she believed that it was good in many ways to have Anne, who will serve as a watchdog, and Lunarin, who is experienced as the eldest of the maids.


    ¡°Liv, you know what¡­ Anne¡¯s fine, but can¡¯t I take May instead of Lunarin?¡±


    ¡°May?¡±


    ¡°She learned how to work under Madame, so she has very good skills. I like her very much, she¡¯s very attentive.¡±


    Leabrick wasn¡¯t very happy, but considering her friendship with Madame, she thought it wasn¡¯t bad either.


    ¡®If you just bring Anne, it doesn¡¯t matter who you take.¡¯


    It didn¡¯t matter much whether Lunarin or May went. With Anne, the watchman, she can be regularly briefed on Elena¡¯s activities, so that¡¯s enough. Leabrick said with good intentions.


    ¡°The princess wants it, so take May.¡±


    ¡°I thought Liv would understand. Thank you.¡±


    Elena gave her a child-like show of joy for doing her a favor.


    ¡®I¡¯d like to get her off as well, but if I force her off, it¡¯ll only stir up Leabrick¡¯s suspicions.¡¯


    As long as Anne was accompanied, there was no choice but to restrict some of her behavior. This part she had to have patience and endure. Instead, she was looking for the reflective benefits from it.


    ¡®Relaxation will soon bring about carelessness.¡¯


    Leabrick would think that Elena had her under control just by keeping Anne around. Elena was thinking of digging into the crack of the guard that the belief brought. Elena, who had heard enough precautions to be careful at the academy, returned to her room.


    ¡°Come on in, everybody.¡±


    Lunarin, Jesse, Anne, and May were in line. Elena said, scattering through their faces.


    ¡°Anne and May will go to the academy with me, so get ready.¡±


    Anne¡¯s lips twitched as if she had called for pleasure. May had a complex face, but it was hard to guess how she felt with just her expression. On the contrary, the expressions of Lunarin and Jesse, who were not chosen, showed regret. However, it was not a topic to complain about, so they had swallowed up the disappointment.


    ¡°Everyone get out. May¡¯s staying for a while.¡±


    When the three maids were released, only Elena and May were left in the room. Elena was the one who dug up the awkward but heavy silence.


    ¡°Have you made up your mind yet?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena smiled at May in front of her. That day, May made no choice. It was impossible to determine what was right or wrong with Elena¡¯s proposal that broke common sense and prejudice.


    Elena told her to leave, saying she would give her time to think, and after May left the room, she realized that the daughter had let go of the man who tried to kill her father. It was an unacceptable shock. What child would let go of those who killed their parents? Unless that child hated their parents.


    ¡®Hate.¡¯


    May chew and chew over the conversation she had with Elena. And today, Elena wanted to hear the answer to her worries.


    ¡°I guess you still haven¡¯t made up your mind. Okay, we¡¯re going to the academy together, so take your time answering. I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Be sure to engrave this. My hatred is no better than yours. Get out.¡±


    May didn¡¯t budge when asked to go outside. She stood there like a stone statue, with her two feet tightly attached. May¡¯s lips, which were standing discontented, opened.


    ¡°¡­¡­ I have no idea. I don¡¯t know what kind of person you are. Why do you say this? Why do you keep me around.¡±


    The words that came out of May¡¯s mouth with difficulty contained her confused feelings. Elena smiled so that May, who managed to speak out, would not feel burdened.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be in a hurry. You can also judge me by your own eyes.¡±


    Elena waited for May to come on her own rather than urging her. There was a lot of work to do when she went to the academy. Then, she needed someone to move Elena¡¯s hands and feet in earnest.

 Chapter 28

    Even if it took a little more time, May recognized that the enemy was a comrade and Elena waited for May¡¯s hand.


    Finally, May, who couldn¡¯t make any choice, said her goodbyes instead of answering and left the room. Elena, who was left alone, sat on the window frame. She opened the window and raised her head, and the full moon fell.


    ¡°When the moon falls¡­.¡±


    Elena reached out her hand and clenched her fist like a clasp in the moonlight.


    ¡°My morning is coming.¡±


    ***


    In front of the main residence of the Grand Duke all the servants gathered to see Elena off to the Frontier Academy.


    ¡°How long it¡¯s been since you¡¯ve come back¡­ to be away from home again. I don¡¯t feel comfortable.¡±


    Grand Duke Friedrich gently hugged Elena and let her go. His face was full of anxiety about his daughter heading to the academy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me and take care of yourself, Father.¡±


    Elena also played a filial daughter who loved her father very much and played a kind father daughter relationship. Some maids, too, seemed to be pitiful and moved to tears.


    ¡°Liv, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to you becoming a more intelligent lady, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to live up to your expectations.¡±


    Elena, who said goodbye, loaded herself into the top-of-the-line carriage. It was not long before the horseman¡¯s whip began to move the wheels of the carriage.


    Clattering, clattering.


    The carriage, which slowly began to accelerate, escaped the great house at a rapid pace. The Frontier Academy, located on the outskirts of the Empire¡¯s capital, is about a couple of hours in a carriage. Elena sat with her chin on her hand and organized her thoughts by looking out the window at the panoramic view of the capital.


    ¡®Whether I want to or not, I¡¯ll see people with deep connections.¡¯


    The first person that comes to mind was Ren. He was currently attending the Faculty of Swordsmanship at the Academy, and there was a high possibility that he would get involved in some way. Because he¡¯s a human who sees bullying Veronica as the pleasure of life.


    Also, there¡¯s him.


    ¡®Sian.¡¯


    The emperor and husband whom she once loved more than life. They lived as a couple, but she didn¡¯t want to see him if she could because it was a relationship that was worse than others. Because seeing him in itself reveals the hurt.


    ¡®It won¡¯t work out my way.¡¯


    There was no choice but to bump into each other. In particular, if they stay in a detached dormitory where only descendants of the royal family, high-ranking aristocrats above the title of duke, and descendants of the founding meritorious retainer are available, they would encounter each other.


    ¡®I¡¯ll pretend I don¡¯t know him even if I bump into him by accident. Hurting each other ends with the previous life.¡¯


    By the time Elena was determined, the carriage arrived at the front gate of the Frontier Academy. After a brief identification, the carriage entered the academy.


    Elena looked at the view of the academic institute outside the window. After passing the familiar clock tower, sculptures, fountains, and training grounds for the Faculty of Swordsmanship, the wall continued on the basis of the open road. Beyond that, she could see the roofs of the two-story buildings in the western style, just like small villas.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the dormitory, Your Highness.¡±


    When Elena pointed out the outside with her chin, Anne quickly opened the door of the carriage. When she got off, she bowed down in silence.


    Elena looked around carefully. It was like a garden in a forest where the harmony between a single dormitory building, a small pool of water, and a laurel tree was well harmonized.


    ¡°Are you guys in the back? Move the luggage.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡±


    Anne, who had been distracted by the appearance, began to move her luggage hurriedly. May also rolled up her arms and helped. Hurelbard looked outside the dormitory to find out about the surrounding environment. Elena stood in the living room and reception room on the first floor and pointed out eye-catching things one by one.


    ¡°The curtains are old. Replace it. When was this done? Take it off.¡±


    Erasing the traces of Princess Veronica, Elena filled the space with frames, curtains and carpets from the Great House. She was willing to endure this much trouble because she had to spend a year.


    Elena went upstairs to the bedroom when she was somewhat organized. Elena, who looked around and checked the cleaning condition, sat on the bed with satisfaction.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have a lot of visitors in the next few days. Don¡¯t neglect the hospitality. Especially Anne, pay attention to refreshments. Wouldn¡¯t May be able to follow suit if you set an example?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Just trust me, miss.¡±


    Anne¡¯s expression quickly brightened up at the word appointment. She was actually in trouble because May was older than her. In the meantime, when Elena stepped up and arranged the order, Anne had no choice but to be flattered.


    This reaction was induced by Elena. Elena was planning to train Anne without using her own hands. Just using May. If Anne, who has a nasty personality, apparently would rhyme with her seniority and pamper May. Even so, she had a lot of age, and it was difficult to deal with, because it was visible that she was struggling.


    ¡®Can you handle May?¡¯


    She was holding her breath now, but May was a poisonous snake. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t even have attempted to assassinate the Grand Duke.


    ¡°Anne, go down and clean up.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    Anne, who responded forcefully, left the bedroom. Over the closed door, a creaking wooden staircase was heard. By the time the sound was quiet, Elena took out the emerald brooch from the drawer¡¯s jewelry box.


    ¡°May, you should go on an errand separately.¡±


    Elena put out the emerald brooch.


    ¡°Go to the academy and find out if there is a student named Lucia in the first year of the archaeological department. If there is, find her and give this to her.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    ¡°You should know one more thing. Anne should never know about this. Right now, from now onward. Do you understand me?¡±


    May nodded silently. Her face was slightly young, but she swallowed it without asking.


    After May was let out, she was so tired.


    ¡°Wait a minute. Can I get some sleep?¡±


    Elena lay on the bed as if she were falling. Sleep poured out because of the fatigue accumulated throughout the ride in the carriage. Elena woke up after a long sleep and opened her eyes. A dark night came as the sunset stretched beyond Seosan.


    ¡°¡­ How long has it been since I slept with such a peace of mind?¡±


    It seemed that the tension was relieved when she left the Grand House to avoid Leabrick¡¯s surveillance. She couldn¡¯t believe she slept so long in broad daylight.


    Knock, knock.


    She heard a knock as she was touching her messy hair and clothes.


    ¡°This is May.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    May, who opened the door, held out a brooch wrapped in a handkerchief.


    ¡°I heard she was in school, but I couldn¡¯t find her. I went to the dorm and met her roommate, and she said she hadn¡¯t seen her in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Really? I can¡¯t help it. Well done.¡±


    When May turned around and left the bedroom, Elena put the brooch back in the jewelry box.


    ¡°What kind of person are you, Lucia?¡±


    Elena had never seen Lucia. Despite taking the same liberal arts course, Lucia never attended, so she had no chance to see her. It was even said that Lucia was the first person to sign up for classes and skip lectures all year round.


    ¡°Did you have any symptoms before the start of course?¡±


    As she found out later, Lucia was unable to stay at the academy and attend lectures.


    The northern fever, known as the indigenous disease of the northern region, is accompanied by a high fever and cough similar to a cold, showing early skin exfoliation. It was a rare disease in the empire that encompassed the central and southern parts of the continent, but was often seen among the three-nation alliance and the indigenous people of the north.


    The reason why the northern fever was so scary was that there was no proper treatment. Unlike a common cold, any medicine was useless. It was enough for doctors to say that the best treatment was prevention.


    Lucia said she had early symptoms of the northern fever and had rushed off for medical treatment without having enough time to take a leave of absence. Without the circumstances, she would not have even taken a leave of absence. That¡¯s why she was never able to attend even though the name Lucia was written in the attendance book of the lecture.


    Elena came up with an indelible name with Lucia. Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation, who was named in the top ten continents. The first time she heard the name was when she was just in the wilderness. This is because rumors had spread that Emilio, the owner of the upper house, who was traveling between the North and the Empire, was pouring out huge amounts of money to treat his daughter Lucia.


    Emilio happened to visit the tribe of the grasslands when he heard that some eastern grassland tribes had been completely cured of fever. Impressed by the denial to save his daughter, the tribe of grassland allowed him to stay in the grassland despite being a stranger.


    Did that sincerity reach the sky? Emilio found the medicine that would eventually cure the northern fever. The medicinal herbs were laminergia petals. Looking for reasons why grassland tribes did not develop the northern fever, he noted that they regularly ate the leaves of laminergia flowers.


    In the north, where the winter was long, laminergia flowers were not in bloom, so we found out that laminergia flowers were not edible like the grassland tribes. In the process, he devoted his life to bankruptcy and wasted his entire estate, but if only his daughter could be saved, that was enough. How could he compare wealth with the life of his precious daughter?


    Confident of the medicine, he was buoyed by the hope of saving his daughter. He hurried to see Lucia because he wanted her to get better soon. But Lucia, who had been fighting the disease well for a long time, believing in her father that she would make her feel better, couldn¡¯t hold out for just one day.


    Emilio cried out. He sobbed and wailed in front of Lucia¡¯s grave for days and days. Emilio, who managed to get over his feelings, wrote down a cure for the Northern fever he had learned. At the end of the year, he wrote that he hoped no one would die of the Northern Fever like his daughter. And a few days later, Emilio, who lost his reason to live, died. It was a tragic tragedy indeed.


    Elena hated tragedy. This is because she had faced a tragic ending as well as them.


    ¡°Lucia, in that sense, you¡¯re such a lucky girl.¡±


    Elena sat at her desk and took out the finest parchment. After printing ink on a fountain pen, she wrote it down with a single stroke, folded it, and put it in an envelope.


    ¡°Your life, I¡¯ll save it. Think of it as a price for borrowing your name.¡±


    A year from now. Elena will be touring the academy with her name and status.


    The only daughter of the castol merchant and a book-loving archaeological schoolgirl. Her name was Lucia.

 Chapter 29

    The Frontier Academy is an educational institution that aims to produce outstanding talent by studying learning and developing various qualities. However, few of the aristocrats entered the school to learn professional knowledge or study. Children of high-ranking aristocrats did not pay much attention to the education of academic institutes because they received private education from their young teachers.


    Nevertheless, there is one reason why the aristocratic children cross the threshold of the academy.


    Personal connections.


    It is no exaggeration to say that the academy is a compressed version and future of imperial society. Many of them will be aristocrats who will succeed their parents¡¯ titles and move the empire. In other words, the academy is a social venue for building the necessary connections. It was impossible to measure the value of the institute just by providing a space for talented people to gather and build friendships in the future.


    Rumors circulated at such an academy that Princess Veronica returned to school after two years.


    The rumor turned out to be true as testimonies continued that they saw a carriage bearing the seal of the Grand Duke.


    The current students called themselves a blessed generation.


    Prince Sian to succeed the throne.


    Princess Veronica, the only heir to the Grand Duke.


    Avella, the eldest daughter of Duke Reinhardt.


    Young Ren of the Bastasche family of the new aristocracy.


    Just going to the academy at one time with talented people who will lead the empire in the future opened up an opportunity to approach the center of power. If you can make friends with those four, your family will change. Students from a small family couldn¡¯t stay still.


    ¡°I love the taste of black tea.¡±


    ¡°Your hand gesture is so graceful.¡±


    ¡°Is that all? You treated me to tea, and you¡¯re so kind. May I say hello sometimes?¡±


    Elena smiled and drank black tea without saying a word.


    ¡®I¡¯m tired.¡¯


    Students have already visited for two days, except on the day she came to the dormitory. Even now, outside the dormitory was crowded with students who wanted to greet her only.


    ¡®But I have to put up with it now.¡¯


    The reason why she continued to have this nourishing tea time was because of Leabrick¡¯s request. Since all the factions of Princess Veronica in the social world have been broken down, she said that it was necessary to build friendships with the current students. Although annoying, Elena¡¯s actions are reported to Leabrick through Anne. It wasn¡¯t even a day since she came to the academy, so she didn¡¯t have to fly out of her eyes to violate Leabrick¡¯s request.


    ¡®To the extent that it doesn¡¯t look easy. Let¡¯s take it in moderation.¡¯


    Elena put the teacup down on the pedestal and said softly.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s have this kind of time often in the future.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the blended black tea!¡±


    The young girl¡¯s expression brightened with the hope of continuing her friendship with Elena.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll take the time to invite you.¡±


    Elena never intended to face them again. In other words, the phrase meant, ¡°Don¡¯t come to see me before I make an appointment.¡± After that, she had tea time with guests who visited her several more times.


    Elena pulled up her body and turned on her flag.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for today. Send them all back. I drank too much black tea and I feel nauseous.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡±


    May and Anne answered politely and arranged the teacups and plates. Elena, who was going up to the bedroom on the second floor, stopped on the stairs as if she had an idea.


    ¡°May has a separate errand to run, so come up for a moment.¡±


    Anne¡¯s expression became fierce when Elena pointed at May.


    Anne blazed May violently. She didn¡¯t seem to like having May do something personal, not her.


    ¡°Anne, when you organize that, get a carpet. Cookie crumbs are a pain in the eye.¡±


    ¡°A-alone?¡±


    The carpet weighed a lot, so it was too much for a woman to shake it alone. Elena hardened her face and asked again.


    ¡°What if you¡¯re not alone? Are you asking me to help?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. That¡¯s not what I meant. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, miss.¡±


    Anne bowed her head with a pale face to apologize. It was because she remembered that she almost got punished for my small slip of the tongue. Elena, who left Anne alone, came up to the bedroom with May. Then she pulled out an envelope from among the books she had put in the drawer.


    ¡°Send this letter to Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation. For urgent use. The only thing to remember is that they can¡¯t know that I sent it.¡±


    May received the letter. Her gaze did not fall off the envelope. She seemed to be wondering why she told her not to let him know.


    ¡°Are you curious?¡±


    ¡°How can I.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind you reading it. There¡¯s no reason to hide it. You¡¯re good enough if you get the message to the Castol Corporation.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    May¡¯s eyes shook violently at the words she threw. It was obvious that she was agitated without understanding Elena¡¯s intentions. Elena gave her a small parchment with a significant smile.


    ¡°Get me the things listed here. You can¡¯t leave anything out.¡±


    May¡¯s eyebrows wiggled as she skimmed through the list on the parchment. There were many unknown items such as wigs, glasses without lenses, and color cosmetics. Among them, the most suspicious was the name tag of the academy.


    ¡®Lucia?¡¯


    Wasn¡¯t it the name of the girl Elena who asked her to bring her brooch yesterday? Why did she need a name tag with the name of someone other than Elena¡¯s? It was all beyond her imagination.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this? Why do they want me to buy this? That¡¯s the kind of questions you have.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I want you to take your time to figure it out. If you buy them, pack them well and leave them with Sir Hurelbard. But you should never tell Anne what you bought. Don¡¯t let yourself get caught, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    She said she knew it, but why did she tell her not to get caught by Anne? She¡¯s a maid. Questions increased but the answer was hardly found. From the beginning until now, May had no idea what the princess was thinking.


    ¡°You¡¯re a bright kid, so I don¡¯t have to say it twice. Go ahead. Oh, don¡¯t forget to get Anne some cookies, because you¡¯ll need an excuse.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Tell Anne to come up for a moment on the way.¡±


    May bowed down and hurried out of the bedroom. When she stood by the window, she saw May leaving the dormitory in a hurry.


    ¡°Now shall we give the donkey a carrot?¡±


    When Elena¡¯s talk to herself was over, a terrifying knock was heard. It was Anne.


    ¡°¡­ You asked for me.¡±


    ¡°Come here.¡±


    Looking at Anne, who was intimidated, Elena spoke kindly. Anne came close, perplexed by Elena¡¯s softened tone. Elena rolled over Anne¡¯s hair, which had been scattered while moving the carpet.


    ¡°Anne, do you know? How much I trust and depend on you.¡±


    ¡°M-me?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Who¡¯s here but you?¡±


    Anne was embarrassed by Elena¡¯s affectionate touch and tone, but she was a little relieved that her owner gave her this warmth.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know. I thought Her Majesty the Princess hated me¡­.¡±


    ¡°Me hate you? How is that possible? May may be good at work, but she isn¡¯t very emotional. So you¡¯re the one I always take with me. And I just sent May on an errand didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Anne¡¯s freckled cheekbones rose and a smile spread. Contrary to Anne¡¯s expectations, she was fooled by the idea of keeping her by her side because she trusted and relied on her.


    When the atmosphere was ripe, Elena quietly got up from the sofa and took out the jewelry box from the drawer. Among them, she picked up a ruby ring, what¡¯s more, although gorgeous, it¡¯s hard to get the price it deserves because of its rough workmanship.


    ¡°Give me your hand.¡±


    ¡°M-miss?¡±


    ¡°Come on.¡±


    Anne reached out her hand with a puzzled expression. Elena put a ring on Anne¡¯s finger which had become bumpy while doing chores.


    ¡°It suits you well as if it was yours. Take it, it¡¯s yours.¡±


    ¡°What? How can I do this¡­¡±


    Anne¡¯s greedy eyes did not fall off the ruby ring, though she refused to speak. Elena gave an angelic smile.


    ¡°You deserve it. Breaking your body every day, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you.¡±


    Ann was moved to tears and bowed her head to express her thanks. How can she not be thrilled to receive an expensive ring that she would never wear with a maid¡¯s salary.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to keep it a secret from May.¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll keep this forever. Every time I sleep, I¡¯ll thank my princess a hundred times, no, a thousand times and sleep.¡±


    Elena sent out Anne, who was intoxicated with ecstasy. Anne was dazed that she might be dreaming until the moment she left. She told Anne to keep it a secret, but it was obvious that the promise wouldn¡¯t last even a few days. Anne had a proud personality and would try to show off how much she¡¯s appreciated.


    Elena was not interested in it either way. May won¡¯t react to Anne¡¯s bragging.


    ¡°Liv, you said it, didn¡¯t you? The more blind a human being is, the easier it is to deal with them.¡±


    Greed blinded people. For a while, even if she had May run a personal errand, Anne would not pay much attention to that in the illusion that Elena trusts and relies on herself.


    Making Anne think that Elena trusts her. That means the ruby ring was worth it.


    ***


    The eve. It is a festival organized by the Academy on the eve of the opening of the semester. The purpose of the event is to turn around the morale of freshmen and students who have to concentrate on their studies throughout the year. On this day, there were many things to see and enjoy as outside stalls came in and performances were held inside the academy.


    Students from the aristocracy criticized the eve as a dirty event. However, as it was an opportunity to experience the lives of ordinary people indirectly without caring about their dignity or authority, many students from aristocrats also joined together.


    On the contrary, students from ordinary people who received sponsorship or entered the school through donations welcomed the eve of the festival. Art festivals, swordsmanship, and academic events are cited as the three major festivals of academic institutions. However, for students from ordinary people who are under pressure from their performance throughout their school years, the three major festivals had to show results. So for ordinary people, the real festival was only on the eve.

 Chapter 30

    ¡°I heard the eve was held, aren¡¯t you going?¡±


    Anne asked Elena, who was stuck in the bedroom all day long, when she looked at her. In the past, it was inconceivable that Anne would speak to Elena first. However, after receiving the ruby ring, she often asked her whether she felt trusted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to participate just because it¡¯s a festival, do I?¡±


    ¡°Still¡­¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t fit my class. I¡¯m not interested in playing at a vulgar level.¡±


    Elena said so and peeked at Anne. Her drooping shoulders and facial expressions showed signs of regret that she could not go to the eve event.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go alone?¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, no.¡±


    Elena gave an angelic smile.


    ¡°I heard there are a lot of things to see at the night market on the eve. If you don¡¯t see it today, you¡¯ll regret it forever.¡±


    ¡°C-can I really go?¡±


    ¡°Well, if I need anything, I¡¯ll have May do it. Take it easy.¡±


    When the unexpected permission fell, Anne hurried out of the bedroom, looking excited. For a while, she heard busy footsteps downstairs, and Anne was seen running out of the window.


    ¡°May!¡±


    Elena, who confirmed Anne was leaving the dormitory, called May and ordered her.


    ¡°Bring me what you left with Sir Hurelbard.¡±


    Elena got up from her chair when May brought a bag wrapped in a wrapper.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out for a while.¡±


    Elena left the dormitory with May without telling her the destination.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow.¡±


    When Hurelbard, who was in charge of the safety of the dormitory, tried to follow as if it was natural, Elena shook her head and dissuaded him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go with me Sir. It¡¯s rather troublesome.¡±


    ¡°There are a lot of outsiders coming in today because of the festival. Moving alone can be dangerous.¡±


    The eve is a festival. Non-student citizens can freely enter academic institutes today. However, few humans were large enough to cause accidents at academic conferences guaranteed by the imperial family.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in the eve. I¡¯m going to read some books at the central library.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯ll be uncomfortable if you follow me.¡±


    When Elena was adamant, Hurelbard could no longer step forward and stepped down. Although it was annoying, the institute boasted excellent security so that nothing unsavory had happened since its opening. Hurelbard decided to trust the guards and the deployed capital knights.


    After leaving the dormitory, Elena passed the street trees and headed to the central library. Enrolled students who she met while going to the eve, did not cross five fingers. In the central library, there were students from low-ranking aristocrats or commoners who devoted themselves to their studies regardless of the festival, but they were also a minority.


    Elena passed the reading room and went up the stairs to the second floor. When she went up to the fourth floor around the corner at the end of the hall, there was a quiet corridor.


    May wondered. She couldn¡¯t guess why Elena visited the library.


    If there was a library atmosphere up to this floor, the third floor had an old-fashioned feel, as if the Imperial Palace had been relocated.


    Elena opened the marble door in the middle of the hall and entered. There were neatly displayed bookshelves, sofas, and wooden desks made of paulownia. The wood on the desk faded as if it were a very old thing, and the sofa was worn out.


    ¡°This is a recording studio. It¡¯s the space that the Royal Family gave to our family when the academy opened. These desks are historical items used by my father, my great-grandfather, my great-great-grandfather, and perhaps even higher-ups.¡±


    Elena¡¯s tone was dull, even though she might have pride. If it had been her previous life, she would have been overwhelmed by herself living as a daughter of such a great family, but now there was only hatred in Elena¡¯s heart.


    Elena walked toward the opposite wall. There were portraits of the ancestors of the Friedrichs. Among the dogs were the portraits of Grand Duke Friedrich¡¯s youth.


    ¡°You guys have such ugly faces. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    May didn¡¯t know what to answer, so she shut her mouth.Although Elena revealed that she hated her father, Grand Duke Friedrich, she could not recklessly agree. Only hatred remained in Elena¡¯s heart.


    ¡°May, open up what you brought here.¡±


    May quickly opened the wrapping paper and arranged the items he had bought out on the table. There were various types of wigs, eyelashes, and color cosmetics, and there were thirty different types alone. Elena asked, touching them one by one.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what I¡¯m going to do?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in trouble if you don¡¯t know. From now on, you have to help.¡±


    May blinked as if she didn¡¯t know what she was talking about.


    ***


    <The Alchemy of Makeup>


    It is the book that Elena was most interested in during her stay in the safe house. There were secrets about the costumes, makeup, and makeup of actors, mostly in plays, operas, and musicals. Practical make-up techniques were also important, but Elena came up with a more important element.


    The atmosphere changes when the impression changes.


    When the atmosphere changes, people change.


    What does Princess Veronica look like in other people¡¯s eyes? I approached it with the thought that if I could erase that, I would be able to wear perfect makeup.


    What does Princess Veronica look like in other people¡¯s eyes? She approached it with the thought that if she could erase that, she would be able to wear perfect makeup.


    ¡°Please draw the ends of my eyes a little droopy.¡±


    A person¡¯s impression varies from his or her eyes.


    ¡°Shade the jawline. Let it lose its shadow.¡±


    If you kill the jawline, you¡¯ll get a soft impression.


    ¡°Remember this makeup. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    May answered, but couldn¡¯t stop wondering why she wore such makeup.


    The make-up hid Elena¡¯s noble features in her nature and made her into a common impression.


    ¡°That¡¯s not bad. Can you help me with my wig now? ¡°


    May, who rolled Elena¡¯s blond hair tightly so as not to be disturbed in advance, grabbed a bobbed-haired wig and put it on her head. When the inner pin was locked to the hair and fixed firmly, the original blonde disappeared without a trace.


    ¡°May, take off my necklace and earrings.¡±


    Elena¡¯s long white neckline was clearly revealed. In itself, it was long and beautiful like a deer, but she couldn¡¯t get rid of the feeling of boredom.


    ¡°Glasses.¡±


    May picked up the black rimmed glasses and handed them to her.


    A prop is the completion of makeup. Glasses were once popular among middle-aged aristocrats, and recently developed into a practical form for vision correction. These days, it was worn by many people regardless of age or gender. Elena wore the glasses.


    ¡°What do you think? It¡¯s pretty cool, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    May was at a loss how to react. Elena¡¯s satisfied smile spread around her mouth as she stared into the mirror.


    ¡°Who would look at me like this and think I¡¯m Princess Veronica?¡±


    Impression was not at the level of change. Elena in the mirror was like a completely different person.


    Drooping eyes that made her look gentle. A round jawline that killed the sharpness. Neat yet gentle straightened, bobbed hair. Black horn-rimmed glasses that made her look studious. She was confident that even if Baron Frederick or Chesana saw her, they wouldn¡¯t notice her.


    ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t find traces of her anywhere. You¡¯re like a different person.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good answer.¡±


    May, who was watching Elena who was satisfied without words, couldn¡¯t bear the question and asked.


    ¡°With all due respect, may I ask you why you¡¯re wearing this disguise?¡±


    ¡°Because I have to deceive.¡±


    ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re deceiving?¡±


    May asked back, feeling answerable to an unsolved mystery.


    ¡°Not one or two. There are a lot of times when you can¡¯t see it inside.¡±


    Elena, who left a meaningful remark, woke up from her chair. Maybe because of her changed appearance, May felt Elena was so heterogeneous.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to go to the eve.¡±


    ¡°In that outfit?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? I have a lot of enemies. The name Veronica, its identity, is all a burden to me.¡±


    Elena left a meaningless remark and grabbed the doorknob that went out.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to wait here.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t mind going alone?¡±


    Although the academic institution¡¯s security is good, the eve was a festival where even common people hang out. She was afraid that she might be involved in an unsavory affair.


    ¡°The institution¡¯s security is pretty good. Who else would see me as a Princess on such a day? Don¡¯t worry and rest.¡±


    Elena, who said goodbye, turned around and left the recording room. She ran into the librarian as he came downstairs, but she didn¡¯t seem to care much. This is because most students do not even know if there is a record room for influential families in the central library, but some students often come to see it for field trips.


    Elena went down the stairs and brushed shoulders with the librarian.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange. No one else went up except your Highness and her maid¡­¡±


    Looking at Elena¡¯s back, which was getting farther away, the librarian muttered to herself. It was a very small word, but Elena heard it clearly. And she was as happy as a child that the librarian didn¡¯t recognize her.


    ¡°The disguise is quite successful.¡±


    Security guards and librarians working in the central library must be familiar with their names and faces after receiving portraits of high-ranking aristocrats in advance. In other words, she knew Veronica¡¯s appearance but did not recognize Elena as the same person.


    ¡°How long has it been since I¡¯ve had this freedom?¡±


    Elena felt liberated for a while. It was so comfortable now that she could do whatever she wanted, free of Leabrick¡¯s surveillance, oppression, and regulations. However, such feelings did not last long. She realized that she was also pretending to be Lucia, not her true self.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not be mistaken. It¡¯s not freedom. Real freedom can only be enjoyed when revenge is over.¡±


    Elena stepped into the plaza where the eve festival was in full swing, taking care of her excitement for a while. It was bright from a distance, but when she arrived near the square, it was as bright as day.


    There is a saying that the highlight of the eve is the night market. It wasn¡¯t wrong when she looked around the night market. An innumerable number of tents lined up, creating a street filled with food and entertainment.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression, which was moving through the crowded crowd, hardened. Anne was standing in front of her, of all things.

 Chapter 31

    She wasn¡¯t alone, but she was laughing and talking with a pretty good-looking man, and judging by the feeling of awkwardness, it felt like they had just met on the eve.


    ¡°What should I do?¡±


    There were so many people that it was not easy to pull out, so it was hard to go back.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not avoid her. If I can¡¯t fool Anne, I¡¯ll always be caught.¡¯


    Elena, who chose to go head-to-head, walked confidently toward Anne.


    ¡°Ho-ho, you¡¯re having so much fun.¡±


    Anne¡¯s eyes, covering her mouth and laughing, collided head-on with Elena, who was walking ahead.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    In less than a second, Anne turned her head aside. She was busy talking in front of a stranger, but she seemed to not be interested in Elena.


    Quickly.


    Elena, who passed Anne like that, breathed a short sigh of relief. She was unknowingly nervous, but when Anne didn¡¯t recognize her, she gained confidence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry.¡±


    Elena hurried to the western square. Outside the main street of food and play, the western square came out. There were many exotic stalls.


    Among them, there was a place where students from the art department sell their talents to earn money.


    In the Faculty of Arts, most of them were the second son of a nobleman or the students who were admitted as scholarship students with sponsorship, so there were many who needed such extra income. The main clients were enrolled students from aristocrats or wealthy middle class who could afford them.


    Portraits of famous artists were so expensive that it was difficult for even a nobleman to own more than one.


    As a result, students in the arts department who were talented but had yet to build a reputation often asked for portraits at low prices.


    Elena looked from place to place to find the man who had suffered. She also endured the hassle of looking through the drawing papers on the easel to find the faces of the students in the Faculty of Arts. As a result, Elena was able to find the man she was looking for.


    ¡°I¡¯m finally seeing him.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes, standing in the distance and looking at the man, were soaked with regret. The unordered orange hair, the old-fashioned single eyeglasses, and the suspiciously stiff expression that he was not angry at all¡­ He was still young, but he was exactly what Elena remembered.


    Unlike other art students who are eager to paint their clients¡¯ portraits, his front seat was empty, perhaps because of his hard and difficult-looking impression.


    But Elena knows. How kind of a person he is.


    ¡°Laugh a little. That¡¯s why I¡¯m told loneliness suits you, Dr. Raphael.¡±


    During her time as a queen, he was appointed as a court painter and became Elena¡¯s painting teacher. The appointment of a young painter, who was only 21 years old at the time, as a court painter recognized and recognized by the imperial family was shocking enough to resonate. However, no one could refute Raphael¡¯s appointment as a court painter.


    Elena recalled his assessment from the public.


    A painter who had changed the vein of painting for centuries, a pioneer in the Renaissance. In addition, there were countless modifiers referring to Raphael.


    Raphael was a historical figure who was the starting point of the cultural movement in the Empire, where the imperial power weakened and the tyranny of the nobles intensified.


    ¡®I was so fascinated by the emperor¡­ I didn¡¯t know what a wonderful man this man was.¡¯


    Looking back, Elena craved Sian¡¯s affection to the point where she was almost obsessed. Starting to learn to paint was also part of efforts to get closer to Sian, who was artistic. When she put down her useless obsession and took a step back, she realized that this man, who was regarded as a painting teacher, was great again.


    ¡°Am I your first customer?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. Look at me and sit comfortably.¡±


    Elena smiled as if she knew it would happen and sat down with her hips attached to her chair. She did not forget to sit diagonally so that she could see Raphael.


    ¡°How long will it take?¡±


    ¡°Two hours at most is enough.¡±


    If another artist had heard of it, they would have cursed him as a swindler. The theory was that portraits can be completed to a level that is worth seeing after more than four hours of hard work.


    But Elena didn¡¯t say those words. She was familiar with Raphael¡¯s natural drawing skills, and that he drew quickly, so she never spoke.


    ¡°I draw faster than you do, but this painting contains my lifelong efforts.¡±


    Elena readily accepted.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad it¡¯s fast. What¡¯s the price?¡±


    ¡°There is no fixed amount. You can pay after looking at the picture.¡±


    Raphael held a pencil in his hand for the sketch. Every time his gaze went back and forth between easel and Elena, countless lines were drawn on the pure white canvas.


    Elena looked at Raphael without any movement.


    ¡®I need to get this guy.¡¯


    The real reason for visiting the eve. It was to make Raphael her person. They are only current students who have nothing to see. However, three years from now, his <The Fall of an Angel> is released, and the imperial art world is shaken.


    Naturally, Raphael¡¯s paintings were traded for astronomical sums of money, and the paintings that were recognized as famous paintings fell below half the value, saying they were outdated.


    Elena planned to prepare for the changing future in advance. To do so, she wanted to sign a contract with Raphael and have the right to publish and sell his work exclusively.


    ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±


    Two hours later, Raphael put down his paintbrush.


    ¡°Would you like to take a look?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I want to see it.¡±


    Elena rose from her chair and approached Raphael¡¯s back. Elena¡¯s eyes deepened when she saw the portrait painted on the canvas.


    ¡®It¡¯s not his style I know?¡¯


    The colorful colors were like that, but as if it were exaggerated, the feminine feeling was somewhat alien. This is because beautification, a characteristic of the old-fashioned style of painting, was mainly this.


    ¡®This is a picture of a client¡¯s favor.¡¯


    Elena didn¡¯t expect that the self-respecting Raphael would paint such a picture.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    If another young lady commissioned Raphael¡¯s portrait painting, they would have been satisfied. It¡¯s because people want to hide their inferior complex and make use of their strengths to the fullest.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena was not an ordinary person. Raphael¡¯s eyes, which were calm, as if this reaction was unexpected, shook.


    ¡°What specifically makes you not happy?¡±


    ¡°This is not what I wanted.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°This portrait is a lie.¡±


    Elena pointed to her portrait on the canvas.


    ¡°The woman in there, and your painting style.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    When Elena pointed out the style, Raphael, who was expressionless, frowned. The style of painting is inherent to the painter. It¡¯s impossible to be happy to trip that over.


    ¡°Am I the only one who feels that way?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°What I wanted to see was your real painting.¡±


    Stopping. Raphael couldn¡¯t refute that remark.


    ¡°Not the kind of painting that caters to other people to make money, but my painting. But I seemed to have wanted too much.¡±


    Elena took out the gold coins and put them on the table.


    She turned coldly away from the painting without even looking at it.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t expect this.¡¯


    Elena was upset as Elena said. In her memory, Raphael was a man who had a strong sense of pride in painting and was united by his faith in art. A picture that did not contain the artist¡¯s observational power and insight was not treated as a picture even if it was well drawn.


    When she was empress, he was so determined that he scolded Elena, who only tried to capture her appearance.


    Is it because of that? She was looking forward to seeing the portraits painted by Raphael all the way here. It may not be as good as it was in court, but she believed that Raphael¡¯s painting could be a soothing agent for the body and mind making her tired of revenge just by looking at it. However, his paintings were disappointing.


    ¡®You might not be good enough. Because you¡¯re still young.¡¯


    Elena was really angry because he was so contradictory to what Raphael told her at the imperial palace.


    ¡®It¡¯s just a painting to sell to others. This isn¡¯t right. He was even showing off the style that everyone else uses.¡¯


    Elena did not want him to paint a good street portrait, or a painting with soul. Instead, she wanted him to draw a picture that was a little sincere.


    But now he was painting a picture that Raphael despised the most. She was so disappointed.


    ¡®Let¡¯s go back today.¡¯


    Raphael was necessary for revenge. But she didn¡¯t want to see him today.


    Raphael couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Elena. Her face was half gone. Then Raphael came to his senses and ran and grabbed Elena¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    When Elena looked back in embarrassment, Raphael was looking fiercely.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Let go of me.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about, like you know everything about my paintings?¡±


    Elena glared at Raphael who didn¡¯t let go of her wrist.

 Chapter 32

    ¡°I told you. At least I can tell you whether it¡¯s your real style or not, whether it¡¯s a true drawing or not.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never seen my painting before, how do you know it? By what standards?¡±


    Raphael was quite agitated. It was true that he also drew elements that the client would like in an ordinary and popular style. That way he can make money. He has not yet painted with his immature technique or style of painting. No, he didn¡¯t. He has yet to fully establish his identity in his paintings.


    But this woman was saying that Raphael¡¯s paintings were fake. As if she had seen Raphael¡¯s real paintings.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s awkward. It¡¯s uncomfortable. It¡¯s too much.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the answer, right? Let go of me.¡±


    Elena gave her strength to shake off Raphael¡¯s hand roughly. Then she stroked her swollen red wrist and looked back. Raphael, who belatedly realized that he had made a mistake due to his agitation, quickly spoke.


    ¡°Just this once. Can I have your name? I apologize for what happened a while ago. So¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you curious about that? Then think about that.¡±


    Elena, who was offended, left coldly without looking back after leaving an answer.


    When Raphael saw Elena moving away, he never thought of catching her. No, he couldn¡¯t move a foot.


    Elena¡¯s words wandered in his mind. It was quite a while before Raphael¡¯s mouth, which had been standing firm for a long time, opened.


    ¡°What was I drawing?¡±


    Sect. 6 ¡ª L.


    The academy opened. Students took major and liberal arts courses belonging to the undergraduate department and visited lectures to obtain credits needed for graduation. There were some students who deliberately found and took courses that they needed, but most of the aristocrats did not take liberal arts courses as they did not interfere with graduation even if they took only major courses.


    On the other hand, a commoner also choked on liberal arts to gain experience for their career after graduation. In that context, it was enough for Elena to take classes at the Department of Education and Social Affairs, which is also her major. However, it was under the premise that she did not take a year off.


    Leabrick wanted Elena to acquire two years¡¯ worth of credits that could not be accumulated due to her absence from school. The connections and diplomas of academic institutions are important, but it is considered inefficient to waste two years or time. Had it been too long, she would have consulted with the dean and made Elena graduate early with a third-grade grade.


    But that¡¯s later. Currently, Elena had no choice but to take liberal arts courses to complete her grades, except for her major classes.


    ¡°Look, Princess Veronica.¡±


    ¡°Wow, she does feel different when I see her up close. Maybe it¡¯s because we have different bloodlines?¡±


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m so nervous I can¡¯t even make eye contact.¡±


    When Elena appeared in the lecture on ¡®Continental History,¡¯ the common people could not take their eyes off her. It was because it was so rare for the aristocrats and ordinary people to overlap because the lectures they take were different. Among them, it was the first time to take a lecture with Princess Veronica of the Friedrich family, the chief of the Empire¡¯s four dukes.


    ¡®The shell is the princess, and I¡¯m no different from them.¡¯


    It was very funny. The mere use of her name and status as Princess Veronica makes them look up to her. After all, she¡¯s a fallen aristocrat who¡¯s no better than a rich commoner.


    The back door of the lecture room opened. As the lecture began soon, the book was opened in advance and the attention was focused on the fact that the professor was waiting for him.


    ¡°Wow, the lower ones are also passionate. You¡¯re trying to climb up somehow, right?¡±


    Ren, with curly hair and a bad impression, clapped and laughed sarcastically at the students preparing for the lecture.


    ¡°It¡¯s R-Ren, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Why of all people.¡±


    ¡°What should I do? Should I give up my liberal arts degree?¡±


    The faces of the students watching Ren were filled with despair. No matter how commoner students are, they have no connection with the aristocracy. However, there were no students who did not know Ren, who is considered one of the schools¡¯ heads. On a day when they get into a quarrel or disliked by Ren, their academic life would turn into hell.


    Ren was as persistent as he was. Nearly ten students left the academy last year alone, unable to endure the pain.


    Elena¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t good either. She was not revealed, but she was embarrassed by the unexpected appearance of Ren.


    ¡®How come? Ren didn¡¯t take this class. I remember clearly.¡¯


    Elena, who was confused, couldn¡¯t help but admit. Her past life and reality have changed. Otherwise, it was not explained why Ren now took this Continental History course.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t want this.¡¯


    She had never dreamed that her first meeting with Ren, which had been twisted, would lead to this result and another thorny path.


    Ren grinned and approached Elena. He sat at the student¡¯s desk sitting next to Elena behind the classroom.


    ¡°I¡¯m not very close to the professor. Aren¡¯t there a lot of vacancies elsewhere?¡±


    ¡°What? P-Please sit here.¡±


    Frustrated by the blatant threat, the boy took his book and quickly moved. Ren, sitting in an empty seat, sat with his chin in a stiff position and saw Elena.


    ¡°I know that look.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the face you make when you¡¯re happy, right?¡±


    Ren grinned. It was as if he was enjoying Elena¡¯s reaction.


    Elena looked at him with a cold look.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a coincidence, is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a coincidence. Planned coincidence!¡±


    Ren didn¡¯t leave a smile on his lips that was pleasant. By nature, he was a vicious person who enjoyed the appearance of bullying and embarrassment. Elena struggled to keep her composure at this unwelcome reunion. It bothered her, but there was no reason for Elena to be swayed unless Ren knew she was a substitute. She felt at ease when she realized that.


    ¡°I hope you have a student¡¯s duty in that planned coincidence.¡±


    Elena turned her eyes to the front when she spoke bluntly. This is because the professor in charge of continental history entered the lecture room and the lecture began. As it became difficult to continue the conversation anymore, Ren relented and folded his arms. But his gaze didn¡¯t fall from Elena.


    ¡°To discuss the history of the continent, we must talk about the Gaia Church. We need to look back on the origin of mythology and history and civilization that we have achieved in that relationship. Then¡­¡±


    Throughout the lecture, Ren¡¯s eyes never fell off Elena. He turned the chair and stared at her outright. Elena was sick and tired of the persistent eyes.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not be conscious.¡¯


    Elena focused neatly on the lecture without paying attention. History was mysterious and deep, so it was interesting to hear it again, even though she already knew it. In particular, the aspects of history that were not seen at the time seemed to be different, perhaps after living a curved life.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for today¡¯s lecture.¡±


    The professor finished the lecture by covering up the textbook. As soon as the professor left, the students left the classroom like a low tide. They seemed to be in a hurry because they were worried that they would get into a quarrel with Ren.


    Elena, like them, rose from the chair. She ignored Ren, who was still looking at her chin, and tried to leave the classroom.


    Abruptly.


    Elena was walking by and Ren stretched out his legs.


    ¡°Huh? Uh!¡±


    Even in situations where she could lose her balance and fall, Elena quickly held up her skirt and extended her other foot forward to support herself.


    ¡®That¡¯s what you do.¡¯


    She had been in trouble because she had been through this so much in her last life. Being calm with that nasty personality meant that she had a different dream.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s quick?¡±


    Elena did not fall, but she lost her hold of continental history books. Elena pointed and snapped coldly at him.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pick it up, right?¡±


    ¡°Am I being threatened, now?¡±


    ¡°Pick it up.¡±


    Ren shrugged his shoulders and shivered.


    ¡°Is it okay to make me act like I¡¯m under your roof?¡±


    ¡°Ha, I don¡¯t want to deal with you because you¡¯re childish.¡±


    Elena bent down and picked up the book, thinking that talking itself was a waste of time. She shook the dusty cover of the floor with her hand and put the book in her waist.


    ¡°You, lower.¡±


    Ren stared at Elena with a suspicious look.


    ¡°I¡¯m sick of you.¡±


    Elena, who responded, left the classroom without looking back. He didn¡¯t seem to follow her, given that she couldn¡¯t feel anything behind her back.


    ¡°My memory is pretty good, right?¡±


    Elena looked to the side in surprise. Ren, who left the classroom, said, walking side by side.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t your scar on the other side?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena did not budge from most provocations, but she had no choice but to breathe in.


    ¡°I definitely remember that.¡±


    When Ren fell with persistent bites, Elena¡¯s palm, which was holding a book, was covered with cold sweat. Elena only heard that there was a scar and that she was injured, but she couldn¡¯t tell exactly whether it was left or right.


    When Elena came to the Grand Park, Veronica¡¯s maids had already changed. Elena had to be nervous as well. It was obvious that Elena¡¯s plan would be disrupted if Ren found out that she was a substitute for her.


    ¡°The most uncertain thing in the world is human memory, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of this.¡±


    ¡°Then you can live in blind faith in your memory.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t back down and had the guts. As soon as he showed signs of shaking or embarrassment, she knew it was over, so she had to go strong.


    ¡°Am I mistaken?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena, who cut off the conversation with a single answer, hurried to leave because she did not even want to continue. Ren stopped chasing Elena and started walking slowly. He murmured as he saw Elena moving away.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s the rainy season¡­ Am I confused too?¡±

 Chapter 33

    Leabrick¡¯s office. The room, filled with reports and documents from all over the Empire, was filled with the smell of ink and the soggy aroma of parchment.


    Two types of correspondence lay side by side in the eye of Leabrick. One came from Elena, and the other was sent by Anne, who had been placed as a watchdog.


    Elena mainly talked about everyday life, dormitory life, and how she was doing. On the contrary, Anne wrote down Elena¡¯s track record from the time she arrived at the dormitory. There were signs of trying to write down in detail as much as possible where she went, what she ate, and whom she met.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird.¡±


    Leabrick couldn¡¯t figure out why she was doing this. Elena could not act arbitrarily since she was locked in the fence called the academic institution. All eyes in the academy were directed at Elena, so whatever she did, she would shine in front of their eyes. Nevertheless, deep down, the buds of taint anxiety did not easily disappear.


    Knock, knock. She heard a knock.


    ¡°This is Lorentz.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Lorentz, a knight who entered the room, greeted her with a brief greeting with his forearm on his stomach. His appearance of breathing wildly seemed somewhat urgent.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Since he is Lorentz, who does not appear to be disorganized in most cases, Leabrick solidified her expression after assuming that something unusual had happened.


    ¡°I have been informed that Princess Veronica is in critical condition.¡±


    ¡°You said she was over the hump yesterday, right?¡±


    ¡°The poison penetrated into her organs in blood vessels all night and recurred¡­. Overnight.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s face darkened. Princess Veronica, addicted to mysterious poison, could not wake up and die like this. It would be a big deal. In order to put out the emergency fire, Elena was acting like her, but she was only a substitute.


    If Veronica dies, the Grand Duke Friedrich will be cut off, and if things go wrong, the centuries-old reign of the Grand Duke Friedrich family could have ended. Not only that, but the hundred-year-old Bastasche family, who stood up as the leader of the new aristocracy, would also show their teeth to bite the weakened great house.


    ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°He is being guarded by his side from the inside of the safe house.¡±


    Even though Grand Duke Friedrich was cold-blooded, if anything happened to his only child, Princess Veronica, he would be terrified.


    ¡°We need an antidote. Somehow.¡±


    Leabrick thought it was so absurd and ridiculous even now. Poison. It was funny that the only princess of the Friedrich family, who is said to be the Grand Duke above the imperial family, was addicted to poison, but it was even more absurd that they could not find the antidote even with the power of the Grand Duke that even dropped birds.


    ¡°It¡¯s been two years. If there¡¯s no antidote after searching the continent like this, it could be something that really doesn¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°Viscountess, how can you say that!¡±


    Lorentz unknowingly spoke up at Leabrick¡¯s profane remarks.


    This is because there was something that should never be said as a retainer loyal to the Grand Duke.


    Leabrick was lost in thought, tapping her finger on the desk.


    ¡°If detoxification is difficult, we may have to change our minds.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s expression became determined. It was due to her own conclusion.


    ¡°Fighting poison with poison.¡±


    Use another poison to get rid of it. It was the only antidote offered by a few doctors. It was dangerous enough to take Veronica¡¯s life, but there was no choice now. It was also a limitation to prevent the spread of poison by using all kinds of treatments. If left untouched further, it would be tantamount to neglecting Veronica¡¯s death.


    ¡°Lord Lorentz, let¡¯s go to the safe house. Right now.¡±


    In order to avoid the worst, it was a time when they had to choose the sub-evil.


    ***


    Elena did her duty as a student by attending lectures and going back and forth to the dormitory. Sometimes she stopped by the central library to borrow books or study on her own.


    All that¡¯s special is that girls who wanted to get close to Elena took the courage to say something. Even that was regrettable because Elena didn¡¯t want to hang out with the line.


    Some boys, who were audacious, approached with their sexual affinity, were intimidated by Elena¡¯s cold attitude. Unconsciously, Elena¡¯s body was overwhelmed by the appearance and authority of the empress. After that time, the students who were hovering around gave up getting close to Elena.


    ¡°Wow, how can a person change like that? She seems like a different person.¡±


    ¡°I know. How can a woman who was more evil than the devil be so gentle?¡±


    ¡°Devil! Watch your language. Or you¡¯ll get your tongue pulled out.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Are you going to tell on me?¡±


    Two years ago, the girls who remembered the image of Princess Veronica, who was attending the academy, mumbled. It was because she regularly gathered female students in his class, lectured them, and picked out the young girls she didn¡¯t like and bullied him like a witch hunt.


    Rumor has it that she almost died because of poor health. Therefore, there were even rumors within the academy that she might have changed. Anyway, now Veronica has become like a different person from two years ago. She did not harm or harass others, nor did she rally her faction. As the connections and factions of the academy soon lead to the social world, it was clearly different from Avella, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Reinhardt.


    When the name Veronica, which had been in the spotlight for a long time, calmed down, Elena, who was holding her breath, moved.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to deceive others, but let others deceive themselves.¡±


    Elena drank black tea with an old saying. The gathering of young men and women forced gossip to pour into the academy. It was only natural that interest in Veronica was not the same as before amid the provocative flood of gossip.


    ¡°May, come in for a second.¡±


    Elena quietly brought May into the bedroom.


    ¡°You have something to do.¡±


    Elena took a sheet of parchment out of the drawer and stuck it out. When May received it, the names she saw for the first time were written in full.


    Camille de Haneh.


    Randol Lake.


    Centonio.


    Lil Puccini.


    Christina Marinus.


    ¡­


    At a rough estimate, there were nearly thirty.


    ¡°You should go to the guild.¡±


    ¡°Guild?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how they live now, what they do. What else is lacking and what do they need? What is their family relationship? Don¡¯t leave anything out and get to know everything.¡±


    The Guild is a private organization that performs security, surveillance, flight, investigation, escort, kidnapping, etc. at the request of its client.


    Not only did they make legal requests, but they did not hesitate to make illegal requests if the amount was met.


    ¡°We should never reveal our track record. I want you to handle it in a private and quiet manner. Can you do that for me?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I understand.¡±


    Although not directly mentioned, May felt vague trust in Elena¡¯s words.


    There was a vague expectation that May would be able to handle all of it perfectly.


    ¡°Tell the guild that I want the results as soon as possible. I¡¯ll pay them whatever it takes to pay.¡±


    Although she was a substitute, her reputation was the status of Princess Veronica. It was limited, but she could afford to cover enough of the guild¡¯s request costs.


    May nodded as if to say she knew what she meant.


    ¡°Oh, while you¡¯re out, send this letter to the Castol Corporation.¡±


    ¡°This time not revealing the sender again?¡±


    ¡°Of course. No one in the world but you and me should know.¡±


    Elena, who sent May out, finished drinking black tea that had cooled down. Elena left the room to tidy up her messy school uniform.


    ¡°Anne, I can¡¯t concentrate because I¡¯m stuck in the dormitory. I¡¯ll be back at the library, so please keep it organized.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss. Have a safe trip.¡±


    Anne saw Elena off without any doubt. When Elena arrived at the central library, Elena went straight to the archives. Most of the students didn¡¯t pay attention even after seeing Elena, perhaps because she had been in and out of the reading room frequently.


    Elena, who came to the recording room without anyone interrupting, locked the door. Then she took out the disguise items she had hidden inside the bookshelf. Despite the unfamiliar makeup method, it was the second time, so she was surprisingly speeding up. Even when she supplemented the parts she didn¡¯t like, she was able to make it more natural.


    ¡°Should I change my name tag?¡±


    Elena took off the name tag Veronica from her school uniform and put on a name tag with the name Lucia on it. There was no problem with the eve festival because she was in dress, but school regulations required students to wear name tags while wearing school uniforms.


    Elena, who left the archives after dressing up, was a completely different person. Her short hair and horn-rimmed glasses go well with her name which was Lucia, a freshman in the archaeology department.


    After leaving the central library, Elena hurried to the other side of the dormitory. Elena headed to the western annex, not the undergraduate building.


    Regardless of their status, the Academy provided the best environment for talented students. It was evident from the fact that individual art studios were provided to each individual so that students of the Faculty of Arts could devote themselves to their work in the annex.


    At the end of the inquiry, she heard that Raphael¡¯s studio was at the end of the hallway under the annex, so she went there. Because it was so remote, human beings were rare, and it smelled damp.


    ¡°You have bad taste.¡±


    It was mysterious how a person with this closed tendency could paint a work that broke such stereotypes.


    ¡°Are you there?¡±


    Elena pretended to be popular, opening the slanted wooden door. Unlike the hallway, the studio that she took a peek into was not at all sunny, making the room damp and desolate. The sprawling crater seemed far from organized, and the bookshelf was mixed with inconsistent books such as literature, philosophy, and science. Also, the body anatomy on the wall added to the mystery.


    ¡°Is anybody there?¡±


    Elena asked again, and she heard a rustle somewhere.


    ¡°Get out. Get out of the way¡­ A-Are you the person from the eve?¡±


    Raphael¡¯s eyes were strained when he got up from lying on his desk as a bed. Elena grinned at him.


    ¡°Nice to see you again. I¡¯m Lucia, a freshman in the archaeology department, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed. How do you know this place? No, can I just say hello first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it.¡±


    Raphael, who suddenly ran away from sleep watching Elena smiling, was embarrassed. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Elena. This is because the work of the eve had not left his head so far, despite the fact that it has been quite a while.

 Chapter 34

    ¡°Speak casually. I¡¯m a junior.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m a commoner, so I¡¯m more comfortable speaking respectfully in the academy.¡±


    Elena knew what that meant. In the academic institute, status was more important than the rank of the senior and the younger students. She can¡¯t blame juniors from nobles for this reason that the common people that are seniors. For this reason, most of the commoners, regardless of grade, were often respectful.


    ¡°Have you thought about it? About what I said.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Raphael shut his mouth. There was a stubborn silence, but Elena waited for him to answer. But in the end he couldn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I guess I got here too early. Think about it more, sir.¡±


    Elena turned around without hesitation. There was definitely impatience that Raphael should be recruited as soon as possible, but now was not the time.


    ¡®I¡¯ll wait for you. Until you break the shell on your own.¡¯


    When Elena first met, Raphael was in the ranks of the great masters of the time. But now Raphael was incomplete. There was a lack of sincerity in dealing with the painting.


    ¡°I acknowledge¡­ my mistake.¡±


    Elena, who was about to open the door and leave, stopped.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it since the eve was over. What I was drawing, what I wanted to draw.¡±


    Elena turned and looked at him.


    ¡°So did you find the answer?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find it. So I¡¯m frustrated and crazy right now.


    Raphael¡¯s deeply locked eyes showed a glimpse of his struggles. Looking back, his worries started long before the eve. As he entered the Faculty of Arts, the depth of his troubles deepened. As the closed ears opened and there was a lot of contact, question marks continued to follow.


    ¡®Am I drawing it right? Why did I try to paint it to suit other people¡¯s tastes? What do I want in the picture?¡¯


    Raphael fell into disbelief and reached the present state. In the meantime, he met Elena again who questioned him.


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed, but can I ask you a favor?¡±


    Raphael made eye contact with Elena, who was slowly looking at him. The deep eyes beyond the lenses made him feel comfortable for some reason.


    ¡°Can you look at my paintings¡­ even though they are incomplete?¡±


    A request that is so courteous that he felt desperate. Elena¡¯s small lips opened as she was watching Raphael without a word.


    ¡°As much as I can be of help.¡±


    ***


    The Trilateral Union is a country located in the northern part of the continent. the Kingdom of Dian, the Kingdom of Croven, and the Kingdom of Belkan. The three countries opened up their supplies and unified their currency to counter the empires and kingdoms of the continent. The three countries, each with specialties of iron, wood, and wheat, worked closely together to improve national power, as well as establish institutional mechanisms and encourage merchants to actively engage in business activities to supply necessary items in the lean northern region.


    As a result, the three-way alliance, which has been around for more than a hundred years despite being a small country, has been recognized as one of the solid powerhouses of the continent. Thanks to the encouragement policy of the Three Nations, Castol Corporation was able to become one of the top ten in the continents based in the capital of the Kingdom of Belkan.


    ¡°How is it? It¡¯s not the disease, is it?¡±


    The doctor carefully examined Lucia, suffering from high fever, laying in the bed.  Her lively appearance of entering the academy was nowhere to be seen, and her pale face was pitiful.


    ¡°¡­¡­ I¡¯m afraid the Northern Fever is right.¡±


    Emilio sank into a chair by the doctor¡¯s diagnosis. He looked half gone and held Lucia¡¯s fever-stricken hand tightly.


    ¡°There is no incurable disease in the world. I¡¯ll fix it somehow.¡±


    Since that day, Emilio had been eager to bring in doctors with all his money, connections, and influence from the Castol Corporation to find a cure. By the end of the month, Emilio was disappointed. He realized that there is something that a country cannot do with the money he believed it could buy. But he didn¡¯t give up. He already let his wife go first, but he didn¡¯t have the confidence to live after he sent his daughter away.


    It was natural for him to be negligent in his top work because his mind was focused on Lucia. The office had piled up a lot of work documents that needed to be handled by the authority of the top. The top job was also paralyzed. Then a letter classified as urgent arrived in front of him.


    It was a stroke of luck to read the letter, which would normally have been ignored. After reading the letter, Emilio stood up and shouted.


    ¡°Get the laminergia flowers right now! I¡¯ll give you whatever you want, be quick!¡±


    ***


    Elena, disguised as Lucia, regularly visited Raphael¡¯s studio. There, they hung the unfinished pictures and had time to review them.


    ¡°It¡¯s my early work, ¡®The Broken Faith.¡¯¡±


    The ¡°broken faith¡± boasted a high degree of perfection to the point where the word incomplete was overshadowed. A cathedral painted and a farmer sitting in a marsupial field metaphorically expressed the farmer¡¯s despair.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Raphael carefully asked what Elena thought about his work.


    ¡°Here you are.¡±


    Elena pointed to the ragged cathedral in the painting.


    ¡°The perspective stands out.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    He was talking calmly, but Raphael couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. Elena pointed out exactly what Raphael wanted to express with the most elaborate effort.


    ¡®It¡¯s the air perspective, maybe?¡¯


    As Raphael¡¯s paintings were considered one of the most representative works of the time, many artists analyzed and defined his techniques. Air perspective was the name given.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you overlook the action of the air.¡±


    ¡°Action of the air?¡±


    ¡°As the object moves away, the hue adds blue and decreases saturation. It should be based on the fading of the outline of the object, but you missed it.¡±


    Elena¡¯s level of theory was high, although she lacked the ability to paint. This is because when the Renaissance era opened, women needed the insight and knowledge to see paintings, which became a must-have skill.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Whether Elena liked it or not, Raphael remained silent. Elena was also bothered by the longer time.


    ¡®Did I sound too abstract?¡¯


    Unfortunately, this was the best help for Elena. Although she was shrewd in theory, she was not good enough to explain by listing examples herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but could you give me time to be alone?¡±


    ¡°What? Yes.¡±


    Raphael sat in front of the easel and agonized over what he felt. Elena, standing still for a while, quietly walked out of the studio to avoid interference.


    ¡°I must be mistaken to feel kicked out, right?¡±


    Five days later. Elena, who thought she had given Raphael enough time to ponder, returned to the studio. Raphael jumped out from the inside to open the wooden door. The movement was so fast that Elena was surprised.


    ¡°Surprised. Did you wait for me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll lose my voice.¡±


    (T/N: bit random? but it actually does say this.)


    Raphael nodded and showed her a painting on the easel.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been working with Ms. Lucia¡¯s advice. Is it better?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena was surprised when she saw the painting. There was a cabin painted in the dark forest, and the perspective of the front forest and the back cabin was so well expressed.


    ¡®It is called ¡®Black House.¡¯ I tried to express the air perspective as much as I could. Is it feeling better?¡¯


    ¡°¡­¡­ It¡¯s not at a better level.¡±


    ¡°As expected. You pointed out that you missed the outline. I should have paid more attention to coloring.¡±


    Raphael reflected on himself, not to mention disappointment, when he recalled his inadequacy.


    ¡°No, I mean. It¡¯s not a decent level, it¡¯s a level that perfectly deals with perspective.¡±


    Elena almost protested. She couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge his genius.


    ¡®It¡¯s a technique originally designed by Raphael, but I didn¡¯t expect him to learn it in just a few days.¡¯


    The genius of the Renaissance master was beyond Elena¡¯s imagination. Raphael began to complete his stagnant techniques, starting with the air perspective.


    ¡°Here, if you use light and shadow to save the contrast, you can have a more three-dimensional effect.¡±


    Elena pointed out the lack of parts as much as she could. Based on the art theory that will be defined in the future, the supplementation law was introduced. Each time, Raphael was in deep agony, Elena quietly left the studio to avoid interference.


    And a few days later, she visited again.


    ¡°I tried to express the three-dimensional effect in various ways, as you advised me before, is it okay?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    There was just admiration for his genius. In just a few days, the expression of contrast was perfectly established. Raphael¡¯s genius did not end, as the evaluation that he opened a new horizon in the art world at the age of 21.


    However, despite the rapid development of technical perfection, there was something missing in Raphael¡¯s paintings that could not be described. It was definitely a well-drawn painting that was flawless. He also tried to express what he felt, such as the hard work of a farmer, the psychology of a woman in despair, and the loneliness of nature.


    ¡®I can¡¯t feel the soul.¡¯


    There is a shell but no kernel. There was a writer¡¯s intention, but the depth of expression was shallow. The remark, which critics had been talking about, really struck Elena. Is it because he¡¯s still in his late teens? She felt that he still lacked inner depth to reflect in consideration of religion, morality, emotions, nature¡¯s greatness, and cultural perspectives.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you still feel the authenticity of the painting?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    When Elena answered honestly, Raphael also nodded as if he was accepting.


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed of myself. You¡¯re splitting up the time and teaching me, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m meeting your expectations.¡±


    Raphael was calm despite not being able to contain the soul of an important picture. No, he was just pretending to look like that. Elena could see how frustrated he was.

 Chapter 35

    ¡°Don¡¯t blame yourself. Growing up is always accompanied by pain.¡±


    Elena consoled Raphael who stared at her.


    ¡°I feel embarrassed every time. You¡¯re definitely younger than me, but you feel like a mature adult.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean I look old, sir?¡±


    Elena responded playfully like a freshman entering an academic institution. For Elena, Raphael was the only person who had no ill feelings in her previous life. Raphael was also a friendly person. In her previous life, she felt comfortable talking to him, but she still felt the same way. While talking with him, she was able to relax for a while.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve been so awkward that I¡¯m a senior. So I guess I can¡¯t talk.¡±


    ¡°Your excuse is too grand. You¡¯re doing this on purpose to make me uncomfortable, aren¡¯t you?


    It was time for them to exchange jokes and put down his agony.


    Tak tak tak.


    There was a loud noise of shoes in the hallway beyond the door. The small sound, which was not heard well at first, grew louder and louder, and soon it stopped.


    ¡°Raphael, are you in there?¡±


    Surprised by the faint girl¡¯s voice outside the studio, Elena looked at Raphael as if she was asking who she was.


    ¡°She¡¯s my friend. She came without further notice. Uh. Come in.¡±


    When Raphael raised his voice, a girl with long straight hair squeezed into the crack of the door.


    ¡°I told you to do some cleaning up¡­ Oh? You have a guest?¡±


    Raphael¡¯s friend was his senior. It was time for Elena to get up from her chair because she felt like she had to say hello with good manners.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s face turned white the moment she faced the woman in front of her. It was a shocking reunion that went beyond surprise to almost astonishment.


    ¡°Uh. This is Miss Lucia. My mentor and advisor.¡±


    ¡°Mentor? I guess you¡¯re a great person for the professor to say that?¡±


    The girl reached out her hand looking at Elena with a curious look.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Cecilia.¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t take her eyes off her lively smile. She remembered that smile that made her feel better just by looking at it.


    ¡®Why are you here. Why¡­¡¯


    A noble woman who never lost her good faith in all kinds of persecutions and times. A rival who looked good in the position of the national mother.


    ¡®Why are you here, empress.¡¯


    Bad luck is bad luck. Elena didn¡¯t expect the knot and ring to continue this way in her dreams. She didn¡¯t know that it was a reunion disguised as a coincidence.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t hold this hand, I¡¯ll be a little embarrassed.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m Lucia.¡±


    Elena shook hands with her as Cecilia smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Are you a freshman?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Freshman. That¡¯s a word that makes my heart flutter. I used to be as fresh as Miss Lucia. I envy you.¡±


    Cecilia led the way flexibly in an atmosphere that could become awkward, based on her unique bright energy.


    ¡®You always did that. Even though you are an aristocrat, your impeccable attitude made people stay by your side. Even Your Majesty.¡¯


    When she recalled the past, Elena was heartbroken. She still hated Cecilia in front of her eyes for taking all of her madly craving affection. Even if she tried not to care about it, saying it was useless, the feelings of that time, which burst out, couldn¡¯t go away easily.


    ¡°You¡¯re too greedy, Cecilia.¡±


    ¡°Pf, why is our lovely freshman hanging out with that kind of truth? He¡¯s such a freak.¡±


    ¡°I can hear you.¡±


    Cecilia smiled.


    ¡°Anyways, tell me. What kind of relationship do you have?¡±


    ¡°I told you. She¡¯s my advisor and mentor.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s eyes were filled with surprise when she turned her head and looked at Elena.


    ¡°Oh. She¡¯s guiding me by the theory of vision, knowledge, and techniques.¡±


    ¡°Wow! You mean you¡¯re a better genius to teach a genius like him? That¡¯s great.¡±


    Cecilia was genuinely impressed. It was her nature to truly treat people without a lie.


    ¡®You¡¯re a good person who I can¡¯t even imitate.¡¯


    Perhaps due to her nature, Cecilia had fallen out of society. Her nature of dealing with people without fault and dignity was subdued as a fox trying to seduce men from society¡¯s young people. It was the opposite of Elena, who was called the ¡°flower of society¡± and dominated society.


    ¡°How do you two know each other?¡±


    ¡°Us?¡±


    Cecilia shrugged her shoulders and smiled openly at Raphael.


    ¡°I fell in love at first sight.¡±


    ¡°¡­ You fell in love with him?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Oh, you didn¡¯t misunderstand, did you? What I fell in love with was Raphael¡¯s painting. He drew it so well. So I unilaterally begged him to be my friend.¡±


    Cecilia is a nobleman. Raphael was known to have come from a fallen nobleman, but his current status was a commoner. Despite the apparent difference in status, Cecilia quickly knocked him as a friend, and Raphael responded.


    ¡®I¡¯ve forgotten. After graduation, Raphael was sponsored by Count Willem. I didn¡¯t know there was such a connection between the two.¡¯


    Count Willem was Cecilia¡¯s family. Although it is said that the castle was not the same as before, it was a prestigious empire with tradition and a framework. Perhaps the relationship at this time became a fuse and Raphael was sponsored by the Count.


    Elena bit her lips tightly. There was already a strong relationship and trust between Cecilia and Raphael. This was also bad news for Elena. She shouldn¡¯t be a sponsor like she was in the past.


    Raphael was essential for Elena¡¯s revenge. Not only his timeless works, but his presence alone has a huge influence. To do so, Raphael should be sponsored by Elena, not by Count Willem.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t eat breakfast, did you?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I thought so, so I bought a sandwich. I¡¯ve bought enough, so let¡¯s have some with Lucia.¡±


    Cecilia was even aware of Raphael¡¯s habit of skipping meals because he was stuck in the studio. In other words, the two were closer than Elena thought.


    ¡°Have a seat.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat together, but not with specifications. Cecilia doesn¡¯t do well with narrow food.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me again whether it¡¯s a compliment or a rebuke?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena felt uncomfortable as she saw the two quarreling. But she wasn¡¯t simple enough to express it. Rather, she picked up a sandwich with a cheerful and lively smile peculiar to a freshman.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll eat the sandwich well, senior.¡±


    That day, Elena felt bloated and indigestion all day.


    ***


    There is a saying that money is what makes the world run. When she put extra money on the guild, they gathered the information with enthusiasm. She also tried to find out more about the relationship between the people listed on the list. Elena smiled satisfactorily as she looked at the thick personal details on her desk in the archives.


    ¡°The quality of information is better than I thought.¡±


    ¡°I heard the Guild paid particular attention and said they¡¯d like to keep the deal going.¡±


    From the guild¡¯s point of view, the background investigation was a fairly profitable quest. As it was illegal, the cost of the request was high, and more than anything else, there was less human loss compared to security, escort, and subjugation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you hid my identity?¡±


    ¡°This request won¡¯t mention the princess.¡±


    Just like telling the left hand not to know what the right hand did, Elena instructed everything to proceed in secret. In that context, May, who infiltrated the Grand Duchy and deceived others for several years, was the right person to complete the mission.


    ¡°Well, shall we take a look? Lock the record room door.¡±


    As soon as the lock was on, Elena shifted her eyes to thickly stacked personal details. She read every single word in vain. Elena, who could not move directly, had no choice but to judge based on the type written here.


    ¡®Randol. The architect of the Renaissance.¡¯


    Only art known as jewelry work and sculpture will be transformed into architecture a few years later to build the Santa Maria Cathedral, which will remain in the history of the empire. He was also the first architect to include clear and orderly harmony in a building, emphasizing mathematical proportion and harmony, not complex and decorative architecture.


    ¡®He made his name as an architect, but that¡¯s only a few years away. Now he¡¯s just a poor breadwinner who lives by carving.¡¯


    According to his personal details, he became the father of two children after having an accident with his wife, who was a childhood friend. It was written that he couldn¡¯t give up his livelihood in the presence of his children, so he was carving and barely making ends meet.


    A rare architect who is out of the world¡¯s sight. Elena had the capacity to reach out to him.


    ¡®Let¡¯s give him the dream of being in a family and an architect, let¡¯s help him catch two rabbits.¡¯


    Based on his personal details, he wrote down what he needed most in his life and handed it over. Next up was Christina Marinus.


    ¡®Revolutionary designer.¡¯


    She was a designer who had made such a historical milestone that it is said that the costumes of the empire were worn before and after her appearance. Beyond the static fabric of silk, a new dyeing technology was introduced to import, produce, and introduce fabrics such as satin, tapra, and chiffon. In addition, the classic aristocratic costumes that were worn largely and in a bulky manner that did not fit the body were drastically discarded, and a close-fitting costume was made to stand out the natural beauty of the human body. Elena also enjoyed wearing her mermaid dress, so what more explanation was needed.


    ¡®Because of usury being brought to light ¡­ It seems like the aftermath of the business failure was quite large.¡¯


    If you go too far ahead, you will be ostracized. She set up a shop in debt with confidence of success, but was shunned and ruined by the aristocrats for deviating from popular material and style. After meeting her future husband, he canceled her debt and did not try again with full support. There would have been no revolutionary designer Christina if she hadn¡¯t met her husband.


    ¡®I just need to pay the debt.¡¯


    Elena didn¡¯t consider a single person on her personal statement to be wasted. All of these are masters representing the times in their respective fields.


    ¡®You¡¯re being treated as a pseudonym? You have to. Because science is an unfamiliar subject.¡¯


    Camille invented the telescope because he wanted to see the stars and the moon up close. The telescope, using light refraction, had a great effect both scientifically and militarily. He also develops microscopes.


    ¡®Huh, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re asking him to be a priest over a son like this. I need to persuade his parents.¡¯


    This is possible because their faith was closer than astronomy and science.


    ¡®Centonio needs to keep his ears from being eaten.¡¯

 Chapter 36

    The genius musician, who composed the symphony ¡°Aria in Heaven¡± at the age of only 16, loses his hearing at the early age of 20. He left the chronic disease unattended and stopped hearing. Elena was thinking of healing Centonio¡¯s ears.


    In addition to this, she did not miss out on the things needed by masters in countless fields such as doctors, painters, technicians, and philosophers. The reason Elena was strangled by the masters who had not yet seen the light was because of her desire to buy their hearts.


    ¡®People are treasures.¡¯


    It is the best practice to simply sponsor them and trade the finished art. She can earn more than an investment, but that¡¯s not all. Elena wanted more than that.


    Cultural ripple effect!


    Elena literally wanted to lead and further dominate the times.


    ¡°May, take it.¡±


    On the parchment that Elena handed over, it was written in detail about the immediate needs of each person in a clear and light manner.


    ¡°Go find them and help them out as it says.¡±


    ¡°All of these people?¡±


    ¡°As you can see, they¡¯re all in need of help. They don¡¯t eat well, they¡¯re in debt, they¡¯re not in good health¡­ Take care of what they need. If they¡¯re in need of money, give it to them. If they¡¯re sick, bring a doctor. Can you do that?¡±


    May couldn¡¯t erase her puzzled expression. It was enough to leave the guild¡¯s request, but Elena was hoping to judge and act independently in accordance with May¡¯s situation.


    ¡°Why? I believe you can do well enough.¡±


    Elena¡¯s smile contained absolute faith and trust. May herself was perplexed as to what she had seen and trusted her.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. If you know everything, tell me. It¡¯s not a matter to be dealt with in a day or two, so you¡¯ll have to set up an alibi to fool Anne.¡±


    ¡°Alibi?¡±


    Elena gave a meaningful smile as May looked at her as if she was wondering what she was talking about.


    ***


    ¡°Ack!¡±


    Elena¡¯s scream rang out in the bedroom on the second floor of the dormitory. Anne, who was cleaning up the laundry on the first floor, and Hurelbard, who was standing guard, ran up to the second floor.


    ¡°Are you all right, miss?¡±


    Anne and Hurelbard, who came up to this floor almost at the same time, faced Elena, who was frowning at her swollen wrist.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m guilty enough for death.¡±


    In front of her, May was bowing and apologizing. Teacups spilled on the carpet. Steam rising from the spilled tea. As Elena wrapped her wrist in a towel, May seemed to have spilled hot water by mistake.


    ¡°Sorry? Is that all?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. Forgive me once¡­¡±


    May¡¯s next words didn¡¯t go on.


    The back of Elena¡¯s hand was slanted from bottom to top and hit May¡¯s cheek. May, who was hit hard, couldn¡¯t hold her head and collapsed and cried.


    ¡°M-miss.¡±


    Anne and Hurelbard were stiff, not daring to step forward. Anne held her breath because she had personally experienced how scary her anger was, and Hurelbard was at a loss because it was a situation he had never experienced before.


    ¡°Get out. I don¡¯t want to see you, so get out now!¡±


    ¡°Miss, forgive me just once¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you hear me?! Get out of here!¡±


    When Elena fired violently as if she was going to eat her, May left the bedroom in tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t come before me.¡±


    Shudder.


    May shivered at the icy cold voice. She went down to the ground floor with a haggard face and soon left the dormitory.


    ¡°What are you looking at? Wet the towel in cold water!¡±


    ¡°Yes? Yes, miss!¡±


    Anne, who was staring blankly through the bedroom window on the second floor, suddenly came to her senses and moved.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go down.¡±


    Hurelbard bowed down, apparently thinking he was not in a situation where he would step down.


    ¡°Here you go!¡±


    Elena wrapped her wrist in a cold towel that Anne brought. The tea water was so hot that it was still hot. Anne tried to keep her eyes open by taking ointments and bandages to prevent her from being criticized by Elena, who would burst if she touched it.


    ¡°Even if you smear Madame¡¯s face, it¡¯s oil resin. How can you make a mistake of spilling tea?¡±


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°I should have made you do it. You wouldn¡¯t have made this mistake.¡±


    Anne¡¯s lip twitched at Elena¡¯s compliment. She managed her facial expression, but seeing May being kicked out made her feel better.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be late for my lecture.¡±


    ¡°Come on, miss. I¡¯ll clean up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re on my watch.¡±


    Elena, who had ointment on her wrist, left the dormitory. Compliments made even whales dance, and Anne hummed and took the carpet, which was soaked in tea, and she didn¡¯t mind the trouble of drying it.


    Elena headed straight to the library. She came out with an excuse for her lecture, but it was a short lecture today. The professor was absent due to the presentation of the conference, so the lecture was pushed back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for May. It¡¯s acting, but I hit you too hard.¡±


    The previous incident was a play that Elena and May planned to trick Anne. Elena slapped her face sincerely in order to act as realistic as possible. She was able to fool Ann because of that, but she was sorry inside.


    Elena disguised herself as Lucia in the record room. Now that she was used to makeup, the time taken to disguise herself has also reduced.


    ¡°Cecilia how¡­ should I treat you?¡±


    Looking in the mirror, Elena threw a question. She once hated her as a rival. However, past emotions that had been intense through regression have been diluted. Elena was the first uninvited guest to join the relationship between her and Prince Sian.


    Yes, Elena felt guilty about Cecilia. A year after Sian ascended emperor, Leabrick and Grand Duke Friedrich poisoned Cecilia in an attempt to put Elena in the position of the empress.


    Although Elena did not directly intervene, she felt sorry because she was hoping for the position of Empress at that time.


    ¡°You and I don¡¯t have to repeat that terrible future.¡±


    Elena left the recording studio determined that she did not want to repeat the wrong and wrong bad relationship. Though her head was still complicated, Raphael, apart from that, was essential. If she avoided Raphael because it was burdensome to bump into Cecilia, Elena¡¯s revenge would be severely disrupted.


    Elena walked to the West Side Annex of the Academy. She always felt it, but every time she came here, it felt lively. Unlike the aristocrats who were full of formality and pretense, this place, which was dominated by the common people, was seen to have sincere exchanges and communication amid a well-intentioned competition. She was more attached to it.


    ¡°Miss Lucia!¡±


    Elena¡¯s head turned to a more natural title than Princess Veronica.


    ¡°Hello, senior.¡±


    It was a terrible coincidence. Otherwise, there was no way that she would run into Cecilia today, at this time.


    ¡°I¡¯m seeing you again. Were you on your way to see Raphael?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a public lecture, so I¡¯m going as an adjunct. You too, senior?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ true that I¡¯m going to see Raphael, but for different reasons. I¡¯m running away from someone.¡±


    Elena glanced at Cecilia¡¯s playfully laughing.


    ¡°Are you avoiding them?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s someone like that. He¡¯s a very difficult person for me.¡±


    Cecilia, who left a vague remark, waved the paper envelope in her hand.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. I brought a bunch of cookies today.¡±


    ¡°How do you know this junior likes cookies?¡±


    It was a time when she walked to the annex in a friendly manner, giving a proper response.


    Cecilia, who was chattering like a sparrow, suddenly stopped.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Elena looked up and laughed as if she was wondering, and she looked good. And Elena could see a black-haired man standing ten steps ahead.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Eyes that seem to be sucked into a narrow nose. The dignity and innate nobility that could not be concealed with a school uniform flowed to a man with a black hair. The atmosphere that seemed like he can¡¯t be treated carelessly even though he was just standing silently was so fatal that once you look at him, you can¡¯t turn your eyes away.


    ¡°Your Royal Highness.¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s small lips revealed the identity of the man.


    Claudius de Sian. The crown prince of the empire of Vecilia, who lost control of the continent, was this man just before her eyes.


    ¡°You still avoid me.¡±


    As soon as she faced him, she could hear the voice of Sian in Elena¡¯s ears, which had hardened. His voice vibrated her heart and her eardrum. She felt like he and Elena were the only ones left all over the world.


    As soon as she saw Sian, the feelings she thought had been well buried raised in her head again. The complex emotions stained with resentment, guilt, and regret for him broke the standard of reason and emotion and cleared up her mind.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even deny avoiding.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness always puts me in trouble.¡±


    Clearly, it was Cecilia and Sian who exchanged conversations, but Elena could only hear Sian¡¯s voice. Just as the scars he left on Elena were apparent, words that hurt her feelings were recalled and made her dizzy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never loved you for a moment. You are my mistake, my dishonor, and my misfortune.¡±


    His painful words that swept through her heart became thorns and stabbed Elena again. The pain caused her to breathe in and a cold sweat on her back. For Elena, Sian was a pain, a wound, and a bitter scar that would never heal.


    ¡°I¡¯ll apologize to you, so I want you to make time.¡±


    ¡°¡­ You¡¯re forcing me again. Oh, Miss Lucia?


    Cecilia, who had a bitter smile, felt that Elena, who was standing next to her, looked worried and asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you sick?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena was out of her mind to answer. She managed to keep her head above water, but it was very difficult.


    ¡®I¡¯m dizzy. Let¡¯s get back for today.¡¯


    If she stayed like this, she would not be able to do well. Her mind tried to go back and rest, but her body didn¡¯t follow.

 Chapter 37

    Reeling.


    Her legs were weak. Her head thought she shouldn¡¯t do this, but her body didn¡¯t work out. She was no longer able to stand on her two feet, so she collapsed as if she had fallen into place.


    ¡°Miss Lucia!¡±


    There was a cry of surprise from Cecilia. Her head and vision were spinning. The mental panic caused her body to collapse without being able to stand it up.


    And the focus of vision that turned white gradually returned. The light that had been pouring out whenever she blinked helplessly gradually became in shape. He had a fairer skin than most young people. He also had a high nose. Also, his eyes full of melancholy were deep enough to want to see them all the way, and they were jet black.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes were strained by the fact that it was black. Her whole body¡¯s senses returned, and she realized that it was someone¡¯s arm that was firmly supporting her back and waist.


    ¡®Y-Your Majesty.¡¯


    It was Prince Sian who reflexively supported Elena, who lost her balance and collapsed.


    ¡°¡­ Let me go.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes, which were barely waking up, collided with Sian¡¯s eyes looking down at her.


    Oh, how hurt she was by that indifferent look. It remained a place of entertainment that would not be erased by any ointment or treatment, and she has suffered until now. She didn¡¯t want to face him anymore. Even for a moment. If she could heal this pain, she¡¯d like to erase him from her memory.


    ¡°Let me go, please.¡±


    At Elena¡¯s urging, Sian felt strange. He tried to hide it, but the pitiful look in her eyes made him feel sad.


    ¡°Are you alright? You have to go see a doctor!¡±


    Cecilia made a fuss next to her apparently worried. However, Elena shook her head, barely standing up with Sian¡¯s support.


    ¡°Get some rest, and you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    ¡°Your complexion is not so good.¡±


    ¡°¡­ I want to rest.¡±


    With Elena¡¯s desperate eyes, Cecilia could no longer force her to speak. Elena barely managed to recover her body and mind, but showed perfect manners as usual and thanked her.


    ¡°Thank you for the care of the Crown Prince.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Sian¡¯s eyes looking at Elena, expanded slightly. Even in the midst of not feeling well enough to fall over consciousness, the manners and movements shown by Elena were stubborn enough to use them as a model for the imperial family. The royal family was an exemplary figure that seemed to have transferred the word that there should be no disturbance until the moment of death.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay? I¡¯ll take you to the dorm.¡±


    ¡°No, I really want to be alone. Let me go, please.¡±


    Elena, who asked Cecilia for understanding, turned around. This was the end of the scandal. She clenched her molars and balanced the line to prevent her from collapsing. She didn¡¯t want to look ugly even when she turned around for the last time. It was the pride Elena wanted to keep until the end.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t feel comfortable sending her as it is.¡±


    Cecilia could not resist seeing Elena walking and tried to follow her again.


    ¡°Are you worried about her?¡±


    ¡°How can I just let her go when she might fall again!¡±


    Sian calmly held back as he watched Elena disappearing with a careless glance.


    ¡°I think she needs more respect than your worries.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness is saying something I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Cecilia was frustrated that she thought words were not working. Sian stood tall and watched until Elena was so far away that he was smaller than his fingernails.


    Who the hell was that young lady? It was clear that she was simple-looking, but why did she qualitatively have the same discipline and theft that can only be seen in imperial adults?


    There was a continuous question, but Sian was not free enough to be entangled in trivial questions. It was more urgent to take direct steps to the west side of the academy, which did not come well.


    ¡°Let¡¯s finish the conversation, Cecilia.¡±


    At that time, there was a girl who stole a glance at Elena, who was barely walking with her body that might collapse. The girl¡¯s name is Mitchell. Once part of the Veronica princess faction, she was now following Avella, the eldest daughter of Duke Reinhardt.


    ¡°What, the fly¡¯s entangled again?¡±


    She came after Cecilia, who looked like a thorn in the eye, and saw Elena. Although she pretended to be sick, it seemed to be an obvious move to attract Sian¡¯s attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let Lady Avella know as soon as possible.¡±


    Mitchell twisted her mouth as she watched Elena move away. She was already looking forward to seeing how Avella would punish the bitch who wagged her tail on Prince Sian.


    ***


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena, who barely left her seat, leaned on the streetlamp. Her pale face looked like a sick man who could fall at any moment. Elena struggled to walk to the bench in the square. Then she collapsed like a fall.


    She remained delirious. It was a square where countless students came and went, but at this moment, Elena seemed to be the only one left. Her head was blank. She didn¡¯t think of anything. No sound was heard.


    ¡°Just¡­ A little bit¡­¡±


    Her pulse went off and her consciousness gradually dimmed. Her body and mind forced her to rest as if this was the limit.


    Elena fell asleep while sitting on the bench. But her head picked up a memory that she didn¡¯t even want to think was awake and bothered her.


    ¡°I will no longer be hung up on Your Majesty. I can¡¯t see Ian hurt because of me.¡±


    Elena struggled in a nightmare. A painful moan flowed through her lips. Her expression was sadly distorted and her forehead and neck were damp with cold sweat.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Elena burst out of sleep with a short flurry. Her breathing was unstable and her complexion was still pale as if the nightmare¡¯s linger had not gone away. Still, she had a little rest and her body was lighter than before.


    Elena, having trouble getting up from the bench, felt a sense of incongruity. She felt uncomfortable and she had a tight back. Her head turned to the blatant gaze of someone.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena doubted her eyes. It¡¯s a pity that she didn¡¯t have energy. If it were usual, the sound of evil would have popped out of her head. That¡¯s how much she was surprised.


    ¡®Why is this man here?¡¯


    Ren sat with his legs crossed at the end of the bench, staring at Elena with his unique stiff eyes.


    ¡®Since when were you here? No, what¡¯s more?¡¯


    If it were usual, she would have handled it quickly, but she couldn¡¯t today. She couldn¡¯t do her job as if her brain had hardened because she was not feeling well.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Ren snapped.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking. What are you?¡±


    Elena replied because she could no longer ignore what Ren said.


    ¡°Oh, hello, senior.¡±


    ¡°Introduction, not greeting.¡±


    ¡°A freshman who entered this year Lu¡­¡±


    Ren cut the conversation off.


    ¡°Lucia, right?¡±


    ¡°H-how did you get my name?¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes got bigger. It was not welcome that Ren already knew the name of her position to be hidden thoroughly.


    ¡°You must have a name tag?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Elena was relieved to see the name tag on her right chest.


    ¡®Be calm, Elena.¡¯


    Even considering the circumstances before and after, they met by chance. No matter how good Ren was, there was no time to learn about Elena. Elena¡¯s distracted spirit became clear as she calmly looked back and discerned the situation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue with the introduction, shall we? Not a name, but something else first.¡±


    As Ren continued to show interest, Elena asked back boldly and changed the topic.


    ¡°I know you, too. You¡¯re Ren from the Sword Department, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the answer to my question.¡±


    When Ren came out too hard, it was Elena¡¯s side that was rather embarrassed.


    ¡®I¡¯m going crazy. I can¡¯t just take it.¡¯


    Now Elena was not Princess Veronica. It was absurd to go out on Ren, who might lead the empire¡¯s emerging nobleman under the status of Lucia, the daughter of a merchant. It would be frustrating and crazy, but there was no choice but to stick to the low profile.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be fun if you knew about me. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    ¡°You, am I funny?¡±


    Elena kept changing her words, and Ren looked at her voice. The untamed look was threatening.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But why do you keep changing the subject? Why don¡¯t we finish introducing ourselves?¡±


    Elena was tense. She couldn¡¯t think of any way out of this situation.


    It was then. A big raindrop fell and soaked Elena¡¯s nose.


    ¡®Rain?¡¯


    The sky, which was sunny until a while ago, disappeared and dark clouds were thick. The number of raindrops that had been falling one or two drops by drop increased exponentially and soaked the shoulders. Elena was grateful for the shower, it was really timely.


    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well¡­ Can I put off my introduction for next time?¡±


    Raindrops quickly thickened. Students who were spending their free time in the plaza ran frantically to nearby buildings to avoid the rain.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it your consideration to be fooled by the excuses of your juniors? Goodbye then.¡±


    Elena said goodbye with a smile that was just enough not to look ugly, and tried to escape as if she was running away without looking back.


    ¡®I¡¯m glad he didn¡¯t catch me. The crisis seems to have been averted¡­ Huh? Uh!¡¯


    Elena¡¯s foot, which stood up from the bench and was only looking forward, caught something.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Elena lost her balance and fell cheek-to-cheek as she weighed forward. Reflecting on the floor, her palm was peeled off, and her stockings were torn to the ground and wounded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you to go?¡±


    Elena, who fell on the ground, raised her head, and Ren, who deliberately tripped her, looked down with an evil smile.

 Chapter 38

    ¡°That look looks like someone I know.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena quickly controlled the anger that she expressed, unable to control it for a moment.


    ¡°Sorry, I was going to go without your permission.¡±


    ¡°Even the voice.¡±


    Elena¡¯s lips dried up as she watched Ren narrow his eyes. It was more suspicious to deny it here, so Elena forced herself to smile and shudder.


    ¡°Who looks like me? Then she must be gorgeous, right?¡±


    Elena smiled insincerely as she turned around. It was a frivolous smile that she¡¯d never done while posing as Veronica. It was due to concerns that Ren might be suspicious of her if she did not show the opposite personality of Veronica.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Despite Elena¡¯s performance, Ren didn¡¯t respond.


    One second, two seconds. Less than a few seconds feels longer than a few hours. She was worried that Ren may have noticed.


    And finally, Ren reacted.


    Laughing. Ren laughed. He showed an innocent smile. It was when Elena couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Ren and stood blankly at the unexpected response. Ren suddenly took off his school uniform coat.


    ¡®What else are you going to do?¡¯


    As Ren, who has a very ingenious way of harassing people, she was wary of what other harm would have happened. As Ren threw it, he put his coat over Elena¡¯s head. Like a raincoat that blocks the pouring rain.


    ¡°It¡¯s raining.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t smile or cry and stood with a troubled look. She was more anxious because she couldn¡¯t understand why Ren was doing this.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re going, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Can I go?¡±


    ¡°Go.¡±


    Ren beckoned her to go. Elena pulled out carefully, not letting go of the tension. Ren did not move with his arms crossed, as if he had no intention of arguing anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way then. I¡¯ll leave you now.¡±


    She said good-bye and tried to run away in a hurry.


    ¡°You owe me.¡±


    When she looked back at Ren, who made her nervous by talking about debt, he was smiling evilly like a devil. The smile looked as if a child were happy with a new toy.


    Elena hurried off, feeling goose bumps all over her body. Could there be a worse day than this? It was a terrible day that she wanted to turn back if she could.


    Elena rushed to the library¡¯s archives in a rush to avoid the rain.


    It was not until the lock on the record room door was firmly fastened that the tension was lifted, and she slid on her back. Elena threw Ren¡¯s coat, which she was holding, roughly.


    ¡°How did it get tangled up like this¡­¡±


    It started with meeting Sian by chance. If she had dealt with it more wisely and calmly at that time, she would never have drawn Ren¡¯s attention. What¡¯s more resentful is that she can¡¯t blame anyone. All of Elena¡¯s minor mistakes snowballed and led to the current situation.


    ¡°Calm down. Calm down, Elena. Huuu. What if you regret it?¡±


    Elena had a thought shift. There is nothing more meaningless than loosening a thread that has already been tangled. Once twisted, the thread can not be as bad as it used to be, even if it was twisted again.


    ¡°If it gets tangled, let¡¯s go with it. I don¡¯t have to solve it.¡±


    If she had been so frustrated, she wouldn¡¯t even have the resolve to seek revenge in the first place. The evils of her last life shook Elena in different ways, but nothing changed. Rather, it became an opportunity to make the heart stronger and stronger.


    Elena, who succeeded in controlling her mind, took off her disguise and returned as Princess Veronica. She was going to tell Anne that she fell down in the rain, although she might be suspicious of the torn stockings and the school uniform that was dirty in muddy water.


    ¡°This is the real challenge.¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression was irritated by Ren¡¯s uniform coat. She wanted to throw it away right away, but she couldn¡¯t do this or that because she didn¡¯t know when Ren would ask her to return it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep it for now.¡±


    Elena¡¯s gaze, which was hanging from the closet with his coat hanging on the hanger, headed to Ren¡¯s name tag on the left chest.


    Jiiiiik.


    Elena, who took off his name tag without any hesitation, grabbed it with her small hand. Still, she put her anger in the trash can to see if it could be relieved. Only then did she feel a little better, so she came out of the recording room with a light step. The rain-soaked clothes were still wet, so it was chilly, but when she left the library, the sunlight was bright as if it had never rained.


    Anne was surprised to see how Elena looked when she came back to the dormitory.


    ¡°What the hell is going on, miss? No, why did you hurt your leg again?¡±


    Beyond the torn stockings, the flesh of the knee was peeled and bloodstained. Ann rushed to bring emergency medicine at a time when the scar on her body was considered a shame.


    ¡°I fell down in the rain.¡±


    In case Elena was sick, Anne carefully sprayed disinfectant and applied ointment. Elena, who looked down at Anne, mentioned May who was not here.


    ¡°This is all because of May. The dog seems to be making my day worse.¡±


    ¡°I know. She¡¯s so careless.¡±


    Anne secretly responded and scolded May. She did not forget to appeal to Elena.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go down and get some warm water. You¡¯ll feel much better if you take a bath.¡±


    ¡°As expected, you¡¯re the only one I can count on. Then please.¡±


    Anne left the bedroom with a big smile and warmed up the water. Soon, Anne said she was ready and took Elena to the bathroom.


    She felt much better after she soaked herself in hot water. Finally, Anne served her tea, and today¡¯s accumulated fatigue went away. However, not all the emotional pain accumulated from the past life had disappeared.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that meeting.¡±


    Reminiscing about the past, Elena laughed painfully. The past days, when she was dry from the wait without hesitation, was very painful. But today, Sian was looking for Cecilia first. Even though it was all past, she was crazy with envy. She felt so pathetic that she had intervened between those two people.


    ¡°Everyone is happy when I¡¯m gone. Just me.¡±


    Elena felt better when she pushed herself to play the villain. Now she had confidence that she could be brave even if she ran into Sian.


    Elena, who finally found the rest of her mind and body, turned her gaze. As time had passed, the sunset suddenly became dark and the sky was dark. It was around that time that May, who had been kicked out by Elena saying she didn¡¯t want to see her, returned to the dorm.


    ¡°Where have you been! Go up and empty yourself to the lady!¡±


    She could hear Anne¡¯s lecture downstairs to the bedroom on the second floor. It was funny to hold May like a rat with Elena¡¯s trust on her back.


    Knock, knock.


    Soon she heard a knock.


    ¡°My lady, this is May. I¡¯m coming in.¡±


    May opened the door carefully, and then checked under the stairs to see if Anne was eavesdropping outside, and came inside.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Here you are.¡±


    May crossed the parchment with a full report. Elena, who received the parchment, coughed low and suddenly screamed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t hear me tell you to get out? Get out of here!¡±


    This was a prearranged postponement. Elena deliberately scolded her loud enough for Anne to hear. In the meantime, she touched May¡¯s cheek with a sad touch, perhaps because she felt bad about hitting her cheek during the day.


    ¡°Get out of my sight because I don¡¯t want to see you!¡±


    Elena, who had been shouting fiercely, nodded as if this was enough, and May quietly retired after being polite.


    As soon as May left the bedroom, she went down to the first floor with a wounded face. Anne did not dare to speak to the appearance of crying at once, and May was locked in a room where the maids lived.


    Elena shifted her eyes to the parchment with the report written on it. It would be nice to be briefed directly by May, but she needed a justification to send her out without any doubt as she had to leave the academy to work. And the most obvious cause was Elena¡¯s anger.


    ¡°As expected of May. It¡¯s a lot more neat than I thought.¡±


    There were about ten people who May visited and helped today. Those who had been suspicious of the sudden kindness reportedly could not erase their dazed feelings as soon as they received help. Some even expressed their gratitude with tears, saying that a miracle had happened.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s better to pay the debt slowly than to write it off at once. That way, they¡¯ll feel more grateful.¡±


    May even took care of the parts Elena didn¡¯t tell her to take care of, and the small but important part of her was what she had expected.


    ¡°L.¡±


    Elena translated the words symbolizing her initials in the ancient Imperial language. Sooner or later, all the great masters of the time will be helped by L. The kindness received was immediately appreciated. If the gratitude grows, it is a grace that human beings cannot ignore.


    Elena plans to give them a favor, not a debt. It was believed that it was the only way to win the hearts of the masters of the era, who were united with pride that wouldn¡¯t move even if she gave them a billion dollars.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to want to, but I¡¯ll help you as much as I can. So that when L stretches¡­ You can be my wings.¡±


    The next day, May was kicked out of the dormitory. This is because Elena shouted for her to get out and that she hated to see her. May, who had not been able to put her foot in the dormitory for as long as four days, returned at night, boiling to her knees and begging. I won¡¯t make that mistake again. Please forgive me. Only then did Elena, who was a little soft, reluctantly forgave her. May said, ¡°Thank you so much,¡± and added, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This was the four days Anne saw and went through.

 Chapter 39

    Sect 7. Lucia


    The lecture on ¡®Continental History¡¯ was the most terrible time for Elena throughout her academic career.


    Ren only looked at Elena as she listened to the professor¡¯s lame lecture on history. She said, ¡°It¡¯s enough to ignore it,¡± but it was true that it was burdensome.


    ¡°I¡¯ll finish the lecture here. Please investigate the background of the establishment of the Trilateral Alliance by next lecture.¡±


    After the lecture, she felt persistent in the eyes of Ren, who was only looking at Elena even after the professor left.


    ¡®Never mind. I can¡¯t ignore him.¡¯


    She would have ignored him so neatly in the past, but she couldn¡¯t now. While posing as Lucia, she met Ren, and she was forced to be conscious of him.


    ¡°Strange.¡±


    Ren, who was staring hard at Elena¡¯s face, muttered.


    ¡°Are you the only one who sees me throughout the lecture? Or am I pointing you out?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s weird that Veronica is taking a lecture. You were going to die. You changed suddenly.¡±


    Elena rose from her chair, feeling that he was not even worthy of dealing with. She felt it was a waste of time to say such things.


    Thud!


    Suddenly, Ren pushed back his chair and stood up hard. Elena shivered her shoulders at the loud and threatening sound. Nevertheless, she tried not to lose her fortitude.


    ¡°Look, you¡¯re not scared.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason to be scared, is there?¡±


    Ren smiled and shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°You¡¯re just picking the right ones again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s stop.¡±


    Elena hurried out of the classroom, where Ren reached out his hand and blocked her. Elena looked away.


    ¡°Did you clean it up?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you hear me?¡±


    Ren also removed his hand and opened the way, as if he had not intended to keep blocking it.


    ¡°I¡¯d never forget what Veronica would be like at times like this.¡±


    She managed her expression as if nothing had happened, but Elena could not hear it lightly.


    ¡®You still suspect me.¡¯


    The scar on the back of her ear, and she had to give up, but Ren was very persistent. Ren grinned and turned around, putting his hand in his pocket.


    ¡°It¡¯s chilly without a coat. Where am I going to find her?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s heart sank when Ren said that to herself. She thought so, but it gave her goosebumps to think that he was looking for Lucia.


    ¡°This is the worst.¡±


    Elena stumbled and bit her lips looking at Ren who left the classroom. It was not easy to work freely as Lucia in a situation where Ren¡¯s attention was pouring in. Now, he can¡¯t connect Veronica to Lucia, but as the number of encounters increases, Ren would be quick to notice.


    ¡°He won¡¯t be there.¡±


    The chances of encountering him here were slim, as the school, which is mainly composed of common people, was located on the opposite side of Ren¡¯s sword department.


    Now, she arrived at Raphael¡¯s studio, smelling the stale smell of the underground corridor.


    ¡°Senior, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Elena greeted by acting like a live freshman.


    ¡°Miss Lucia?¡±


    Raphael¡¯s voice was locked beyond the easel, and the dark circles were down to his chin, as if he were badly hurt.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re alive, right?¡±


    ¡°So far. But I don¡¯t know if that will continue.¡±


    Raphael¡¯s face was as pale as a corpse, responding vaguely.


    ¡°What kind of joke is so dark? What the hell is going on? Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


    Elena¡¯s gaze, anxious, turned to the floor of the studio. Raphael¡¯s artistic anguish was felt on the crumpled and torn canvas.


    ¡®Can¡¯t you do what you want?¡¯


    Raphael¡¯s paintings were currently in a state of limbo. The technique was greatly accomplished with the help of Elena, but it was still blocked from capturing the essence of the painting.


    ¡°I was so frustrated that I made a big fuss. Like a kid. Lucia is better than me, right?¡±


    ¡°Me? Oh, yes. As you can see, I¡¯m better.¡±


    It seems that he heard about Elena¡¯s fall through Cecilia.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I was very worried.¡±


    ¡°I was a little dizzy. I got better soon after the break.¡±


    Elena smiled brightly as if to prove that she was all better.


    ¡°Do you know you look worse than I do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad. I¡¯ve been washing my face. Don¡¯t be too worried.¡±


    Raphael laughed bitterly. He looked like he had put on some years over the week.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so impatient. Sometimes indifferent times give answers rather than passion or effort.¡±


    ¡°Time¡­¡±


    Raphael stared at Elena, who gave advice. Sometimes when he saw the girl who seemed to be more familiar with the world than a professor of philosophy, he was often surprised.


    ¡°Why look so stare at me. I just noticed.¡±


    It was Elena who felt uncomfortable even in Raphael¡¯s gaze, who was staring at her without a word, perhaps because she was suffering from Ren.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s habitual. Sorry for staring.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize too politely. I feel pressured!¡±


    When Elena relaxed the atmosphere by waving her hands, Raphael smiled lightly. At this moment, he was able to free away from the agony of squeezing his brain.


    ¡°I just thought¡­ I wanted to see Miss Lucia¡¯s painting.¡±


    ¡°My, my painting?¡±


    Elena was quite embarrassed because it was unexpected. On the other hand, she felt that it was something that had to come. It was natural for him to be curious because she had pretended to know about painting so far.


    ¡°Oh, I just thought of it. A passing thought.¡±


    Elena thought about it for a second. If she could help overcome the slump, she wanted to help even if she lacked skills.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try painting.¡±


    Raphael¡¯s eyes grew bigger. Although he felt sorry for putting pressure on her by asking too much, he could not hide his expectations.


    ¡°If it¡¯s because of me, you don¡¯t have to¡­¡±


    Elena shook her head firmly. She wanted to express for sure that she wasn¡¯t being pushed to draw.


    ¡°I¡¯m drawing because I want to. Don¡¯t tease me even if I¡¯m bad at painting. Okay?


    Elena grinned.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    However, Elena was at a loss when she faced the white canvas. It was not even possible to know what and where to fill this white paper as vast as the sea.


    ¡®What should I draw?¡¯


    What comes to mind right away was imitation. During the teachings of Raphael, she studied by copying the masterpieces of various artists who created the Renaissance revival. Since these are the pictures she had mastered through the iteration process, she wondered if she would be at a better level even if she finished drawing them now.


    ¡®That¡¯s right. What would it mean?¡¯


    Elena glanced at Raphael reading while sitting in the distance, in case he might get in the way. The reason she took the brush she had put back was to help Raphael, who still couldn¡¯t contain his soul in his work.


    ¡®The imitation is just the imitation. It won¡¯t help him.¡¯


    It may surprise Raphael, but not give him realization. If that¡¯s the case, she didn¡¯t even have to draw.


    ¡®I have to draw my own picture.¡¯


    Elena made a decision and closed her eyes. Fragments of her memories of her life fluttered in her mind. When she lifted the pieces, when she was happy, when she was sad, when she was lonely, when she was miserable, when she was excited¡­ all the emotions she had experienced in her life were permeated.


    Elena was drawn to the sharpest and most painful fragment of her memory. She didn¡¯t want to reveal it again, but she couldn¡¯t handle the mind to keep leaning towards it.


    Forced to turn away, forced to forget, forced to comfort. Then, a piece of memory came to mind again due to the man of love and hatred that she had encountered by chance. She tried to squeeze it in, but she couldn¡¯t avoid it anymore. It was so hard and hard just to think about it, but Elena took courage. Let¡¯s not hide anymore and face each other.


    Elena grabbed the brush. She transferred the oil feeling to the palette, and without hesitation, she picked up the brush and took it on the canvas. At this moment, there was no time for her reason to rush into Elena. The sketch was also omitted and focused on moving it intact.


    Techniques? Definitely learned. But she forgot. In order to express feelings properly, technical expressions must be properly harmonized, but even that was ignored.


    ¡®Ah.¡¯


    Elena fell into a trance into the painting. At this moment, she was more lonely than anyone else. There was only the canvas, brushes, oil paints, and she.

 Chapter 40

    Raphael could not take his eyes off her brushwork. For hours, Elena concentrated so much that she felt as short as the moment. And the brush strokes that seemed to never stop became quiet.


    Elena could not take her eyes off the painting with her palette and brush down.


    Tuk.


    And she shed tears. They were tears of longing that were more touching than sadness or pain.


    ¡®Ian, it¡¯s Mom.¡¯


    The portrait painted on the canvas was Ian, the only son born to her and Sian. When she faced the dead inside her canvas, the feelings she had kept repressed came up.


    ¡®Mom is sorry. I¡¯m sorry I tried to forget you.¡¯


    Elena, who returned, buried Ian, who was never born, in her heart. She tried not to rationalize and remember him, saying he was better on the other side. There are no parents in the world who forget their children.


    Yeah, Elena forced herself to turn a blind eye. The mere thought of Ian hurt so much that she couldn¡¯t stand it. Whenever she thought of Ian, she thought of her husband, Sian, who hurt her, and she felt like she was going to collapse.


    But not anymore. Not forgetting, but remembering. She won¡¯t turn away, she¡¯ll keep it. Although they cannot meet again, she will look at Ian without burying him in her heart. Because she¡¯s his mom.


    ¡°M-Miss Lucia.¡±


    When Elena burst into tears, Raphael was embarrassed because he didn¡¯t know how to comfort her.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I got so emotional that I didn¡¯t even realize I was acting ugly.¡±


    Elena, who came from the height of her emotions, faced the picture she drew. Although it could only be seen as a portrait, she could laugh painfully at Ian.


    ¡°He¡¯s a brighter kid with a smile, but I¡¯m so bad at drawing.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°The composition and coloring are terrible. I drew it because I was so immersed in my feelings. I don¡¯t think I can help. What should I do?¡±


    Elena laughed bitterly. The painting was drawn to help Raphael a little. But she felt sorry for drawing a picture of herself facing and healing herself.


    ¡°Oh. It¡¯s too messy to see it again. I can¡¯t do this anymore because I¡¯m shy. I want to run away.¡±


    Elena hurriedly took off her apron and robe and left the studio as if she was really running away.


    ¡°H-hold on.¡±


    ¡°Next time. I can¡¯t look at your face.¡±


    Raphael chased and tried to catch her, but Elena ran out of the hallway earlier. Raphael returned to the studio as if he had no choice but to face Ian¡¯s portrait, which Elena had painted.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    To evaluate Elena¡¯s portrait in a sober manner, it was like an apprentice in a drawing room. She has a basic sense and skill, but she can¡¯t use advanced techniques, so the expression of the painting has fallen off. Nevertheless, Raphael could not take his eyes off the painting.


    ¡°I think I know a little bit.¡±


    He watched Elena¡¯s painting process from start to finish. He couldn¡¯t forget the tears she shed. The process was a work that contained a part of the soul that a human had lived with.


    ¡°What¡¯s the real picture? What do I lack?¡±


    Raphael could not leave the front of the portrait for a long time. This painting, which Elena left behind, was a masterpiece and a guidebook for Raphael.


    ***


    Elena couldn¡¯t find the studio for some time. It was embarrassing to think that she had done a poor job when she always talked about the painting. Her face was still burning, considering that she was crying and unable to control her emotions.


    ¡°¡­ But I was happy. I can see you again.¡±


    It may have been a messy painting, but it contains all of Ian, whom Elena remembers. The happiness of waiting in the stomach for 10 months. The unfamiliar joy that she felt when she cried in the product after giving birth. There was no day after Ian was born that was not brilliantly beautiful to Elena.


    She failed to protect Ian. The depth of the despairing remorse was beyond measure. That¡¯s why she asked. No, she turned a blind eye. It was rationalization for my life.


    ¡°Ian, even if the world forgets everything, your mom will remember you.¡±


    That¡¯s enough. Ian will live in Elena¡¯s memory forever.


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to need help from the outside.¡±


    Returning to reality, Elena reversed what had been done so far. May succeeded in imprinting L¡¯s name on the masters of the time. It would not be long before they would feel indebted to her if she continued to provide regular help. And to do so, she needed someone who was professionally able to control and manage them outside of May.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s the most useful¡­¡±


    Before leaving the Duchy, Elena had considered someone. As he was attending an academic institution by chance, it was appropriate to recruit him.


    Elena decided to dress up as Lucia and move. There was a danger called Ren, but she decided that it was better than approaching as Princess Veronica openly. It was also important to win the heart and make them believe and follow, but sometimes partners who share profits through transactions are more reliable. The latter was the helper she was going to meet now.


    Elena, who stopped by the recording room and dressed up, left the library, looking around as if she was tapping on the stone bridge.


    ¡°It was the humanities department, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Elena had only seen him once in her past life. It was when she visited the Vatican, the headquarters of the Gaia Church, to pray for Ian¡¯s childbirth. There, she was coordinating the budget for the construction of a cathedral commissioned by the Pope on behalf of the architect Randol, the birthplace of the times.


    Elena didn¡¯t understand him at the time. It was strange that Randol would not visit in person, set the Pope and budget, and receive the compensation for the request, but send an agent to proceed with the work. She was so curious that she went and asked him, and he answered like this.


    ¡°I¡¯m a broker. Artists can¡¯t do art if they are blinded by money. It¡¯s my job to replace them and help them focus on their work.¡±


    It was a fresh shock. Previously, it was a common form of art to divide the price of selling works on the condition that they were sponsored by the nobility. In the middle, art dealers were buying artworks and selling them to collectors, nobles, or royalty. He called himself a broker.


    The art broker Khalif.


    Looking back now, it was clear that what he did was a job ahead of the times.


    ¡°That¡¯s the future. Now he¡¯s two-faced, trying to seduce a woman with a good family.¡±


    The academy, where humanities departments were concentrated, had an overwhelming proportion of female students. This is inevitable because there are a number of departments in education or management that are favored by common people or young people from lower-class aristocrats, who are the only graduates of the academy.


    Among them, there was a liberal arts department for the spirituality of the dull and vain high-ranking aristocrats. Literally, it was a department that existed to give a diploma, which was far from studying.


    Elena expected Khalif to hang out somewhere here. Khalif, from a fallen family, entered the school with the remaining assets of the family at the academy¡¯s expense. In such cases, most of them seek a way to live after graduation based on learning, but Khalif was on the other side. It was about marriage. He considered it a once-in-a-lifetime success to seduce a woman from a family that had no enemies and to sit down as a son-in-law.


    In the end, the Khalif did what he wanted. He married a young girl after graduation, who had been ostracized even in the academic institute for her poor appearance.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. In a short time, the land went bankrupt.¡±


    Two years later, with a severe drought, Khalif¡¯s wife¡¯s family collapsed beyond maintenance. His dream ended. Khalif set foot in the art world to live. As an eloquent speaker, he was fascinated by the artists and gradually gained fame by his skill in representing their interests.


    Elena noticed Khalif because he was a man of ability but trust.


    ¡°¡­ He never abandoned his wife and loved her, even though he had great wealth.¡±


    Khalif did not abandon his fallen wife until the end of his appearance and his family. It may be said that it was natural or that it was great, but it was not easy considering the countless beautiful young ladies who were flirting to seduce the married man, Khalif, and the social aspect of the Empire.


    He only cared for and loved his wife. Such a scene touched many hearts, and it was even heard that he was a romanticist.


    Elena appreciated the purity that Khalif showed to his wife. There were so many aristocrats and men who didn¡¯t keep the obvious. Just as Elena saw and judged, he was a man with the most credibility to be with her as a business partner.


    ¡°I thought the lion would come when I said it¡­ but I never thought I¡¯d run into him.¡±


    She saw a man who was ripe for the day lying on the lawn of the North Hall of the Academy where the Faculty of Humanities departments was concentrated, and flirting with a woman. The half-faced Khalif in her memory would smile slyly at the women with a smooth face that young ladies would like.


    ¡°Do you know why flowers are beautiful?¡±


    The girl couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Khalif.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because there are flowers like you. I won¡¯t blame you for being blind today.¡±


    ¡°Am I that pretty?¡±


    The girl twisted her body with a red face like a red beet. She tried to be confirmed again as if she was ashamed but didn¡¯t hate that remark.


    ¡°Shhh.¡±


    Khalif raised his index finger to block the girl¡¯s lips.


    ¡°If I eat your ears, will you be responsible?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ Ah! I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena was speechless due to a comedy she wouldn¡¯t waste her money on. It was the same as Khalif who used cringing speech, or the female student who really liked hearing that, or a ridiculous thing. She didn¡¯t understand, but Elena wanted to respect them. Lovers¡¯ love wasn¡¯t always acceptable from the perspective of others.


    The girl lying on the lawn whispering and playing showed a regretful expression.


    ¡°I have to go to the lecture now.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    Khalif cut her off firmly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not say goodbye or anything like that. Let¡¯s meet tomorrow as if we were always together.¡±


    ¡°Senior how can you¡­ hold my heart like this and let it go?¡±


    Elena held her breath and persevered. It was so cringe that she couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, but it seemed like it would be over soon. Sure enough, the girl looked around again and again and left while leaving the grass.

 Chapter 41

    Sitting on the lawn and watching her disappear from view, Khalif looked back.


    ¡°How long are you going to stand? Aren¡¯t you here to see me?¡±


    Khalif recommended the picnic mat to see if Elena was aware that he noticed her.


    ¡°No, we can stand up and talk.¡±


    She felt uncomfortable to sit down when she saw the girl lying there a while ago. Khalif shrugged his shoulders as if to do so.


    ¡°Looking at the color of your name tag, it looks like you¡¯re a freshman¡­ So what¡¯s the matter with you? Confessing?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena cut off the conversation. She didn¡¯t want to be involved as much as her fingernails, if anything else.


    ¡°What, then? Why did our fresh freshman talk to this brother?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to make a deal.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Deal?¡±


    Khalif blinked his eyes. It was not a word that could come out of the mouth of a freshman who just entered the school, and a female student who seemed to like books because the horn-rimmed glasses looked good on her.


    ¡°Yes, to be exact, I want to work with you.¡±


    ¡°Co-workers? You brought up a very difficult topic at the beginning.¡±


    Khalif scratched his cheek awkwardly. Then he popped a question.


    ¡°Do you know me?¡±


    ¡°I think I know enough.¡±


    She knew what kind of character the future Khalif was, if nothing else. It cannot be said that she did not know roughly what life he had been through.


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be quick to talk fast. I¡¯m damn broke. A good-looking wild apricot. You know that?¡±


    Nod.


    ¡°You know that, and you offered me a partnership. What does that mean?¡±


    Khalif grinned. It was a cynical smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious, *I will give you work that only uses physical labor. It¡¯s not dangerous or illegal. What do you think, am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, you can¡¯t answer. That¡¯s right. Nothing.¡±


    Khalif, who arbitrarily concluded the situation, gave a demonstration of waving his hand. Then he laid down on the picnic mat and closed his eyes and slept. Elena stood silently and looked down at him.


    ¡®He knows exactly what I¡¯m talking about. It¡¯s very difficult.¡¯


    Most people overestimate themselves very much. But Khalif was never seen like that. He knew exactly where he was, how well he was, and what he was doing, and was wary of it. Although it¡¯s her second time seeing him, Elena liked Khalif.


    He¡¯s nice enough, he¡¯s got a good head on, he¡¯s got a good sense of business. Whatever else, he was the best person to leave Elena¡¯s overall business to be carried out from the outside. Elena sat on the picnic mat with a grain of salt to keep the conversation going.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything, why are you guessing by yourself? I¡¯m just making a point.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    Khalif was lying on his back, not looking back. It wasn¡¯t polite to the other person, but Elena didn¡¯t care. What¡¯s really important is that the terms and conditions meet and the deal is completed.


    ¡°Are you interested in art?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about making a business, but it¡¯s too much for me. I want you to help me. Oh! It¡¯s not dangerous or illegal, so be assured.¡±


    Elena tailed, and Khalif¡¯s eyes narrowed. No matter how he looked at it, it doesn¡¯t seem like she approached him to take advantage of him. The hesitant Khalif stood up scratching his head and sat face to face with both legs crisscrossing at Elena.


    ¡°Are you interested now?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no harm in listening.¡±


    Elena smiled and continued.


    ¡°I have some money saved up. Oh, I described it as a small amount, but the amount is not small. My father gives me a lot of pocket money because he has a lot of money.¡±


    ¡°Wow, you don¡¯t care about unlucky things. So?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it to rot, and I¡¯m thinking of investing in it and rolling it. As an art business.¡±


    Khalif shook his head at the bold and confident lady¡¯s plan.


    ¡°That¡¯s easy to say. Do you know what¡¯s going on in the art world?¡±


    ¡°I know the flow.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be quick to talk fast. Do you know what the most important thing is to be an art dealer?¡±


    When Elena stared instead of answering, Khalif said with a sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s networking. Whether it¡¯s a famous painter or sculptor, they have a high nose. They don¡¯t move with their money. You think that¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°And what else?¡±


    ¡°Who are you going to sell the artwork to? No aristocrats or collectors meet just anyone. Most people don¡¯t even do it if they¡¯re not acquainted or if they¡¯re not a traditional artist.¡±


    Khalif, who began to speak calmly, became increasingly enraged. He was also interested in the art world and their work, so he just sighed at the ignorant schoolgirl¡¯s business plan.


    ¡°Hah, I¡¯m saying it because I¡¯m like a brother, but don¡¯t do anything in that direction. You¡¯re perfect material to get scammed.¡±


    ¡°From now on, I have a vision and plan.¡±


    ¡°Only in your head? Darling, the reality is different. I have a lot of ideas in my head that will remain even after making billions of dollars.¡±


    Khalif looked at Elena, who was staring at him despite his explanation, and thought that further advice was meaningless.


    ¡°If you want to do it, do it alone. Then there¡¯s no problem.¡±


    ¡°I have something to do. I have a promise with my father, so I have to get a diploma.¡±


    There was a real reason, but Elena made a plausible excuse and surrounded it. Khalif got up from his seat, apparently feeling that further conversation was meaningless.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I need a diploma, too. Do it alone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll change your mind if you hear what I¡¯m going to say. I have stronger connections than you think.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    Khalif laughed sarcastically.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be surprised when you hear it.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Because it¡¯s so terrible? My junior, here¡¯s your award. You can get started with the nobles who live in a very high place, in other words, the people who don¡¯t have enough money to rot.¡±


    ¡°I know. I know them very well.¡±


    Elena answered as if it were insignificant. Khalif was also a little annoyed because he still didn¡¯t seem to understand what she was saying.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m very curious to know how great you are. You must have connections with the four great dukes. A servant? Or a horseman? Oh! A butler for your good work?¡±


    ¡°You have a good imagination. But will you only be satisfied with the 4 great dukes?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    The impatient Khalif shouted. The more she talked, the more he felt like he was getting involved with Elena.


    ¡°Just do it. You don¡¯t know the end of it.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m serious? If the Grand Duke were a first-time customer, wouldn¡¯t I have a firm foothold?¡±


    ¡°What? G-Grand Duke?¡±


    Khalif stammered when Elena mentioned a family that was too great for him to say.


    ¡°Princess Veronica and I have a special relationship.¡±


    ¡°Is that true? If you¡¯re lying¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Highness told me that she only wanted to deal with the art dealer she was introduced to.¡±


    Khalif hesitated, not knowing how to take that word. He heard rumors that Princess Veronica returned to school, but he didn¡¯t expect her to be in a special relationship with the incoming freshman. No, apart from that, he couldn¡¯t decide how far to believe that story.


    ¡°I got it as a gift from your Highness. Would you believe it if you saw it?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Khalif¡¯s eyes were so big that they almost popped out. The cover of Elena¡¯s watch was decorated with a symbol of the great house. At a glance, he could imagine that the craftsman¡¯s blood, sweat, and hands were touching.


    ¡°Do you have any thoughts of making a deal now?¡±


    Khalif had an instinctive hunch. He thought one of the three opportunities in his life came today.


    ***


    They plotted. In order to jump into the art world in earnest, there were many issues that had to be systematically conceived and embodied before proceeding. The meeting used a study room in the library. It was an effort to reduce Ren¡¯s noticeable number of times by avoiding outside access as much as possible.


    ¡°You mean buy a mid-sized artist¡¯s work cheap and sell it to Princess Veronica at a high price?¡±


    ¡°Now you understand exactly.¡±


    ¡°Can I really do that? Isn¡¯t that a scam?¡±


    Khalif asked back, frowning.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a fraud to sell things that are less valuable as if they¡¯re worth it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what it is.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s not worth the attention of the art world yet, but it¡¯s not that they can¡¯t paint.¡±


    Khalif felt something strange but strangely persuaded.


    ¡°The value of art is ultimately determined by the bidding price. The artist¡¯s life would be worth living if he heard that it was collected by Princess Veronica, not anyone else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°When the artist¡¯s reputation rises, the value of his work increases. It seems like she paid for it, but the value of the painting will go up, so she won¡¯t lose anything.¡±


    ¡°¡­ That sounds like it, but it¡¯s strangely convincing.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t say anything wrong. It¡¯s just that Khalif doesn¡¯t know about the contradictions in the art world.


    ¡®That¡¯s ridiculous. With the same style of painting, even if you draw the same portrait, some people are called masters, while some people are street painters all their lives and end their lives as painters.¡¯


    The reason why artists who gain fame and those who do not have a reputation are divided on the premise that their painting skills are similar is because they were deprived of the opportunity to promote themselves.


    Elena dared to assert that the current art world is rotten. Despite the work of an artist who was not very good, art critics attach meaning to the painting, and if the appraiser evaluates it highly, its value goes up. The moment the appraiser hands over the painting to a collector or a high-ranking aristocrat with the finishing touch, the artist who drew the painting gains fame. On the contrary, even if the style of painting is unique and good, if art critics or appraisers do not recognize its value, they will be buried as meaningless paintings.


    ¡®I have to pay for all the paintings and buy them at a high price so that I can steal the money from the great house.¡¯


    This is what Elena ultimately aims for. The purpose was to set up a large amount of money to serve as a foundation for multiple purposes, beyond the concept of allowance within the limits set by Leabrick.


    In that name, the purchase of art was very well-founded. The art was of excellent residual value, which was bound to increase the price over time. If so, it was highly likely that Leabrick would acquiesce even if Elena spent more than her limit on purchasing art.


    *(T/N): To be giving you something to use only your body, not your head.


    It doesn¡¯t mean to do something right, but to replace it with something simple.


    Ex. Serve a meal: simply eat anything with the intention of filling only the stomach.

 Chapter 42

    ¡®The value of the paintings will fall before long.¡¯


    Times change soon. The old-fashioned, rotten art world¡¯s common and uncharacteristic paintings plunge in value with the emergence of natural masters led by Raphael.


    Elena, that¡¯s what she predicted. Instead of just paying attention to buying art pieces right away and stealing money from the Great House, she was calculating that the value of art purchased with extra money in the future that plummeted and became a waste. Elena never wanted to benefit the great house, which was the subject of destruction.


    ¡°There will be a lot of things for you to do.¡±


    ¡°Ha, if I wait a little longer, your graduation¡­ I think my diploma is out of the question?¡±


    Elena smiled when Khalif made a big fuss.


    ¡°It¡¯s a chance to change your life. Is graduation a big deal?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s when it works out. Let me ask you one more question.¡±


    Khalif with arms crossed asked, groaning his head.


    ¡°Who the hell is L? Is it you?¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Think about it. We¡¯re in a joint business, you don¡¯t have your name, and only L¡¯s signature. I don¡¯t have any investment, so it¡¯s the level of incentives, but you¡¯re different.¡±


    Khalif did not readily understand. Lucia made the initial plan and invested. However, while preparing for the business and working on the overall documentation, the name Lucia was completely missing and the signature L was replacing the position.


    ¡°It¡¯s my alias. I don¡¯t want my father to find out.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±


    Although it was a weak excuse, Khalif unexpectedly accepted it easily. From the first meeting, Elena mentioned her relationship with her father without doubt.


    ¡°That¡¯s it for today. I¡¯d like to talk more, but I have a previous engagement with the famous painters.¡±


    ¡°I trust you¡¯ll do well, and I won¡¯t nag you.¡±


    ¡°If you have something to say, just say it. That¡¯s more of a burden.¡±


    Elena believed in Khalif¡¯s ability and eye in her past life. Although he was still lacking in skill compared to his passion, it was a problem that would be met when he gained experience. His natural personality and qualities are the same.


    ¡®You don¡¯t have to force a bank and change the waterways. Just let the water flow naturally.¡¯


    All Elena had to do was read and capture the trends of the times faster and decide the direction. It was now in the early stages of the project, so he was involved, but once it was established, there was the amount to be delegated to Khalif. He has such a good sense of skill that Elena thought he would be able to do well without being involved.


    Elena, who sent off Khalif, found a reading room on this floor. Like the central library of the Imperial Academy, there were many books published in other countries as well. Among thousands, no, tens of thousands of books, Elena noticed ancient history. To be exact, she was interested in the first unified nation in continental history.


    The Holy Felicia Empire It was the largest ancient empire that ruled the entire continent, which was historically unprecedented. However, it was more than 1,500 years ago, so you would not know well about it unless you were an archaeologist who deals with and studies history. Moreover, the imperial palace was burned down in the process of facing destruction, and even most of the historical records were lost. However, the central library of the academy, which the imperial family boasts, was able to have some materials and books compiled in other countries.


    ¡°If you know history, you can see the future.¡±


    Elena chose some books after much consideration.


    <Republic of the Holy Empire>, <History of the Holy Felicia Empire>, <Citizen of the Holy Empire>. Among the countless ancient nations, Elena had good reason to pay attention to the Holy Felicia Empire.


    ¡°I see the past in the new era.¡±


    The upcoming new era is not limited to artistic development. It led to the exploration of things that had been taken for granted, such as learning, philosophy, and enlightenment. In particular, the cultural movement of ordinary people and intellectuals, who were dissatisfied with the corruption and absurdity of the privileged class, was so militant that many tragedies occurred due to treason.


    ¡°I can¡¯t change the flow of the times just because I am. It¡¯s just jumping on the flow and making them mine.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t want to stop using the new era. She wanted to take the initiative in opening and leading a new era.


    New woman. In the fields of art, philosophy, mathematics, science, and geography that were considered exclusively for men so far, she wanted to stand confidently by accumulating knowledge comparable to those of them. It was believed that the cultural impact and influence that Elena would have would be the absolute power to isolate and destroy the Grand Duke.


    Elena embraced five books thicker than the encyclopedia and took them to a desk in the corner of the reading room. It was a space where people could sit comfortably and read books freely. It was time for Elena to pull out her chair and sit down after barely moving the book.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±


    Elena raised her head to a voice that shook her emotions.


    ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s body froze as she faced the owner of the voice and gaze. Prince Sian. He hoped not to touch her as much as possible, and looked at her through the bookshelf in an open position.


    ¡°¡­ Your Highness, greetings.¡±


    Elena grabbed the reins of her mind that was about to collapse momentarily. It was the time to get out of the panic faster than the first meeting she had experienced once.


    ¡°Are you all well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m much better.¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression of bowing her head to salute was bitter.


    ¡®The greetings that have never been heard between husband and wife are only heard now.¡¯


    Looking back, it was a tragedy. Although they were married, they lived in a relationship worse than others. It was a long time of pain for both of them to feel it was unreasonable.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    On Sian¡¯s expressionless face, Elena felt that the worry was just a formality. That¡¯s why she didn¡¯t put any meaning on it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to have troubled you. I¡¯m afraid I have interrupted, so I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t want to face him anymore. Her child Ian was happy to face and remember with courage, but Sian¡¯s was not. It was a pain that didn¡¯t leave even love or hate. An incurable pain that couldn¡¯t be cured by any medicine in the world.


    ¡°You seem to be very interested in history. Is it your major?¡±


    When Sian spoke to her again, Elena, who was backing away and pulling out, looked at him again.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m in the archaeological department, Your Grace.¡±


    ¡°May I ask you¡­ why you chose the books of the Holy Empire?¡±


    The continuous questions perplexed Elena. Even when they were married in their previous lives, they never talked more than a few words. Even though she was the wife of a future prince, Sian ignored her without giving a glance. Then he kept talking to Elena.


    ¡°It¡¯s a simple curiosity, Your Highness. It doesn¡¯t mean much.¡±


    ¡°Is that really it?¡±


    For some reason, Sian didn¡¯t seem to believe all the words.


    ¡°I was just curious about the lives of the people of the Holy Empire who enjoyed the Holy Land in the past.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Perhaps because he heard the answer he wanted, Sian was not more curious about it. Elena stepped back and glanced at the book that Sian was reading.


    [Sometimes a ruler must make his subordinates fear him. Because feared leaders cannot be betrayed easily.]


    ¡®Monarchism.¡¯


    Elena only read one passage, but she was able to read through the book Sian was reading.


    ¡®The absolute monarch of power, the ideal you¡¯ve always dreamed of.¡¯


    The imperial authority in the present Empire was not very strong. This is because the power of the four major dukes was strong enough to stamp out the authority of the imperial family.


    So Sian wanted to be a strong monarch. He sought to establish the imperial authority and return to the past empires where only the emperor could be in power. But that didn¡¯t happen during Elena¡¯s reign as queen. This is because the wall of the Grand Duke was so high and hard. At that time, the five generations of families gathered their will to the extent that they would depose even the previous emperor and directly appoint Richard, the father of Sian and the current emperor.


    In recognition of his contribution, Duke Friedrich, who was then the head of the 5th family gate, was elevated to a Grand Duke. Although the empire has traditionally been a country with strong imperial power, they had been put in a shameful situation where they had no choice but to take notice of the


    nobility.


    Regrettably, the current empire¡¯s ruler, Emperor Richard, wasn¡¯t enough to keep the nobles in check. Eventually, the weight of the expectation and the imperial revival was only passed on to Sian¡¯s share. It was easy to guess how much pressure Sian was rejuvenating and continuing a lonely fight.


    ¡®That¡¯s when Ian was born.¡¯


    She still remembered it clearly. On the day Ian was born, he was resentful for himself, saying that a momentary mistake drove the empire into hell. It couldn¡¯t have been more hopeless to see the future through Elena who had a successor from the Grand Duke who he so wanted to be excluded.


    Elena was forced to shake her mind when the memory of her past life kept biting her tail. What she needs to see now is not the past but the reality.


    ¡®¡­ Your Highness, monarchism is an untimely book.¡¯


    Times are dynamic and changeable. That was why Elena saw the history of the Holy Felicia Empire. If you don¡¯t have an enlightened philosophy that fits the coming new era, you will be eliminated.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    Sian turned the pages without even looking. It could have been selfish, but Elena, who was more familiar with such a figure, thought little of it. It was when Elena stood up with a book.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you bring them to see them?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    When Elena asked back, Sian still kept his eyes on the book and spoke calmly.


    ¡°I wonder if you really need to move your seat. I¡¯m not going to talk to you anymore, so sit down there.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena almost made a face at the moment. He must have said this because he felt sorry she had to move the heavy book back to another desk, but that word itself was a burden for Elena.

 Chapter 43

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it will interfere with Your Majesty more than me¡­. I¡¯ll sit down. Thank you for your care.¡±


    She was wondering what excuses to make, but Elena agreed, pulled out her chair and sat face to face. It¡¯s better to be criticized first, and they¡¯ll meet several times in the future while she¡¯s in the academy. It was inevitable forever, and even if it was inconvenient, it was a measure to be taken in.


    She heard only the sound of going over the bookshelf in silence. Neither side spoke to each other for quite a long time. Elena was the first one to leave. She left the reading room quietly and without making any noise.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Shortly after Elena left the reading room, Sian looked up. His melancholy gaze turned to the empty chair where Elena had been sitting a moment ago. Sian couldn¡¯t take his eyes off what he was thinking.


    ***


    Raphael¡¯s eyes did not fall from Ian¡¯s portrait that Elena had left behind. The eyes with deep thoughts were not just looking at it as a picture, but rather an attempt to approach the nature of the painting.


    ¡°Are you still doing this?¡±


    As usual, Cecilia, who brought food in one hand, looked at Raphael with worried eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m still like this.¡±


    Sadness was in Cecilia¡¯s eyes when she saw Raphael, who was tired of agony.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you thinking too hard? Drawing is developed by drawing.¡±


    ¡°I thought so too, but it wasn¡¯t.¡±


    Raphael stared at Ian¡¯s portrait on the easel. Not only did the composition and balance fall, but the expression of contrast was not very good. At first glance, it was fine, but if you look at it carefully, it was a painting that was not enough.


    It¡¯s a painting, but he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off it as if he was being sucked into it. He was under the illusion that he was fascinated by the warm and happy energy he felt in that painting.


    ¡°What, that lack of confidence.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a little tired.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a break? They say taking a break is part of the effort.¡±


    Raphael shook his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s too far to go.¡±


    ¡°You always underestimated yourself while not in front of the professors. In my opinion, your paintings will remain highly praised even if you debut in the art world right now.¡±


    Cecilia was not wrong. In the meantime, Raphael has improved with Elena¡¯s advice. It was great enough to raise the level of the art world to a few levels with innovative techniques that could overturn the art world even with the air perspective. But Raphael disagreed.


    ¡°The portrait contains the life of the person who lived his life.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to say that the portrait you drew contains that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Cecilia turned her head and stared at Ian¡¯s portrait on the easel. She was quite knowledgeable about the painting and had an eye for it, but she couldn¡¯t find what Raphael was talking about.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Raphael. I really don¡¯t know.¡±


    Cecilia just spoke honestly as she felt. Not because Elena had bad feelings, but because Raphael was overwhelmingly superior in the level of expression, technique, and coloring when compared to the painting itself. Her words might be comforting, but Raphael listened with one ear and shed it with the other.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t she coming? She¡¯s been here regularly.¡±


    ¡°Miss Lucia?¡±


    Raphael nodded and recalled Elena of the day. As soon as she finished the painting, she couldn¡¯t even breathe and cried.


    ¡°Why did she cry?¡±


    ¡°Did she cry?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She cried in pain.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Cecilia couldn¡¯t take her gaze away from Raphael. He looked different from usual, but Raphael never noticed.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about her, too. Do you want me to meet her?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. I don¡¯t want to burden you.¡±


    ¡°Why is that a burden? It¡¯s because I¡¯m worried.¡±


    Raphael dissuaded Cecilia as if he really didn¡¯t want it.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to wait a little longer. I want to.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Cecilia suddenly wanted to ask Raphael. Have you ever waited for me? However, the words could be a burden, so she swallowed them in her heart and smiled as brightly as usual.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do that! Miss Lucia, as we know, will be back soon. So hang in there and wait.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re the only one.¡±


    Raphael laughed as he watched Cecilia patting her shoulders. She could see his smile in a few days, but Cecilia felt bitter somehow. So she forced herself to smile more brightly. It¡¯s always been like that.


    ***


    ¡°Go slowly. You don¡¯t have to go fast, so be careful. Do you understand me?¡±


    Khalif, seated next to the horseman, constantly nagged. What was inevitable was that there were dozens of expensive paintings in the carriage. The paintings were purchased by investing all the money that Elena received, and he was shocked by the wagon and worried that it might be damaged.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m nervous. Why is she so into making me nervous?¡±


    Khalif kept shaking his legs to see if he could calm down.


    Today was the first step in art. It was also a day when everything prepared was evaluated as a result. As much as he paid close attention, he was confident that he would do well. However, the problem was that the collector who would like to meet now was not a regular aristocrat.


    He was shocked and worried about the damage.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad the first customer is Princess Veronica¡­ but isn¡¯t it too strong?¡±


    In a way, it was natural for Khalif to tremble. Who is Princess Veronica? She is the daughter of the Grand Duke Friedrich, who dominates the empire. It was irrelevant to say that she was the next strong successor under the current law of the empire, which allows women to succeed to the throne. Being able to make a deal with Princess Veronica as an art dealer was an opportunity to break through the checks of established art dealers at once and hold a firm position.


    In fact, Khalif expected to see Princess Veronica with Lucia. As Lucia¡¯s close friendship is said to be strong, he predicted that it would work more positively on the deal. But in yesterday¡¯s meeting, Lucia embarrassed him by saying that she couldn¡¯t go with him.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I go? If I get caught by my father, I¡¯ll get in trouble. I¡¯m pretending to be a good daughter. And the more we do this, the more we have to distinguish between public and private matters. I¡¯m only going to introduce myself, you¡¯re only going to trade, and the Princess will buy. This is the cleanest and most comfortable deal.¡±


    At first, he thought she might be handing it all over to him, but when he listened to it all and thought about it, it made sense. He cannot rule out the possibility that the line that should be kept in mutual transactions may be broken due to the friendship.


    ¡°Even so, I think I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s having a hard time¡­¡±


    From recruiting a middle-class painter to commissioning painting brokerage, to hiring a part time worker. There has never been an easy time for Khalif. It was not an exaggeration to say that even if he had two bodies, his work bursts out enough.


    In fact, it was Elena¡¯s intention to roll Khalif in this way. Elena had seen the failure of aristocratic children who inherited the family business in their past lives because they failed to operate them properly.


    Therefore, it was believed that learning to roll directly from the floor could lead to the operation of the business with sincerity even if a subordinate was called later. The reason was that she couldn¡¯t move herself, but there was such an arrangement for Elena driving the work to the point where she thought it was too much.


    ¡°Oh, no more thinking. Let¡¯s not make mistakes today.¡±


    Khalif constantly muttered to himself and took up his mind. In the meantime, the carriage reached a detached dormitory on the east side of the academy. It was said that it was a place where only a few of the most prominent families and the royals could stay since the founding of the empire, but it was definitely different from the dormitory where Khalif stayed.


    ¡°Calm down.¡±


    The horseman pulled the reins to stop the carriage. Khalif, who reached his destination, took a deep breath and got off the carriage.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Hurelbard, a knight wearing armor with the seal of the great house, demanded identification.


    ¡°My name is Khalif de Gea, an art broker. I¡¯m here to introduce it to Princess Veronica. Here¡¯s an ID.¡±


    Hurelbard scrutinized his credentials for perjury.


    ¡°There was a message from Your Highness the Princess to serve you respectfully. Please come inside.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Khalif carefully carried the paintings to the four workers and followed Hurelbard. May led him through the building and as he entered he admired the inside view of the dormitory with even a small garden.


    ¡°You can get ready in this drawing room.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Now, bring it inside.¡±


    On the other side of the sofa where Elena would sit, he installed an easel and hung the painting to introduce first. He didn¡¯t forget to cover it with a cloth for a dramatic introduction.


    ¡°We¡¯re all set. Tell Your Highness the Princess.¡±


    ¡°Please wait a moment.¡±


    Soon after May went up to this floor, he heard the sound of shoes stepping on the stairs.


    Khalif was nervous and swallowed his dry saliva. He¡¯d seen her two years ago, but he¡¯d never had such a close relationship. Moreover, he couldn¡¯t help but be nervous because he was meeting the Princess as an art broker, not as a student at the same academy.


    Princess Veronica came down the stairs.


    She was not wearing a school uniform, but a dress with a blue light like the sea.


    ¡®P-pretty.¡¯


    Khalif opened his mouth and admired. She was superior and she was a trembling beauty. She was a benevolent beauty that can only give a glance to a man with a simple outfit even if she was not very stylish. No, it was somewhat insufficient to express her in the word beauty.


    ¡®¡­ The atmosphere is crazy.¡¯


    Princess Veronica¡¯s elegant grace seemed to be breathtaking. It was the authority that made him look up and bow down. He was just standing and he felt overwhelmed. It wasn¡¯t learned, but even godliness came from the natural nobility that naturally flows from the body.


    ¡®She¡¯s not the a I¡¯d dare to look at.¡¯


    While attending the academy, he had a chance to see young ladies from a few aristocrats. Among the dogs were Duke Reinhardt¡¯s eldest daughter Avella.


    ¡®It¡¯s impolite to even compare her to Princess Veronica.¡¯


    Avella was just lucky to be born and treated as the first daughter of a Duke, he could not feel the noble figure or dignity that a great noble family should have from her.

 Chapter 44

    As she reached the sofa in the middle of the living room, Elena greeted him with a smile.


    ¡°Welcome.¡±


    Elena¡¯s smile made him feel a little comfortable. Khalif introduced himself in a relaxed manner.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. I¡¯m Khalif, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. You¡¯re a senior who¡¯s about to graduate this year.¡±


    ¡°Sorry? Yes, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m going to graduate properly¡­ because I¡¯m so into this job that I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m going to be able to study.¡±


    When Elena brought up a topic that could be shared as an academic institute and naturally led the conversation, Khalif¡¯s expression improved.


    ¡°Where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way. A diploma is just a piece of paper.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m encouraged to hear that from your Highness, not from anyone else.¡±


    Elena went to the point when Khalif seemed to have found some leeway.


    ¡°Shall I look at the pictures?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    As Elena sat on the couch, Khalif stood next to an easel covered in cloth. He put his fist to his mouth, coughed briefly, and removed the cloth.


    ¡°The title of this painting is ¡®Portrait of a Young Woman.¡¯¡±


    Elena leaned against the sofa and took a sip of Anne¡¯s tea, looking at the painting.


    ¡®Women¡¯s virtue, quietness.¡¯


    A black-haired woman was sitting among the bushes, raising one hand and covering her chest with a cloth. The gaze was slightly shifted from the front and did not face the viewer directly. In the face of a woman¡¯s sensual beauty, and not looking straight, Elena grasped the significance of the work.


    ¡°This painting is the work of painter Giorgio, reflecting the contemporary state of love in the secular world¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough explanation.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy it.¡±


    When Elena spoke as if she was throwing it without context, Khalif blinked.


    ¡°You mean you¡¯re buying this piece now?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Khalif was more puzzled than the joy of selling the work. This is because he never dreamed that works would be sold this way. But it¡¯s still too early to be surprised.


    ¡°Then the next piece is¡­¡±


    ¡°No, let¡¯s change the order.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s frustrating to look at each point. Please display all the paintings you brought from there to here.¡±


    ¡°E-everything?¡±


    Elena nodded leisurely, drinking tea.


    ¡°Anne, May, don¡¯t stand still and go help.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡±


    Khalif used his maids and workers to bring out all the paintings. Works that cannot be displayed due to a lack of easels made workers and women hold it themselves.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s worth seeing.¡±


    ¡°Now, I will introduce and explain the works in turn¡­¡±


    ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    Elena cut him off.


    ¡°External subjects or composition are interfering with the appreciation. I want to see and appreciate these paintings.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes.¡±


    When Khalif was speechless, Elena sat on the sofa and looked at the paintings. She even tasted cookies and tea in the middle and enjoyed the paintings.


    ¡°All the paintings are good.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. These are specially selected paintings.¡±


    Elena¡¯s reaction brightened Khalif¡¯s face. And his bright face turned into a shock at the next words of Elena.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy everything.¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, all nine?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena took the last cup of tea and put it down. Even though he succeeded in selling all of his brought works, Khalif seemed half-heartedly wondering as if it didn¡¯t feel real.


    ¡°T-that¡¯s a wise choice.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Khalif¡¯s eye for great paintings.¡±


    Khalif felt good when Princess Veronica, not anyone else, painted him in gold. Also, he was happy to have succeeded in the deal, which was his first step in art.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not what I did. As a token of appreciation, I would like to give you a partial discount on the total payment amount¡­¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t bargain over art. It¡¯s an insult to art.¡±


    ¡®¡­ Crazy cool.¡¯


    Khalif was in pure admiration. Every word she uttered made her more dazzling and blinding. He¡¯d seen a lot of simple pretty aristocrats, but Princess Veronica was the first woman to feel cool enough to transcend all of them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you part of the payment now and charge you for the rest of the loan.¡±


    ¡°I-I see.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a contract for the transfer right away, no delay.¡±


    Elena decided how to pay for the purchase of the work at once, and wrote a transfer contract and issued a loan certificate. It was not until she signed the document with a blank face that Khalif realized it.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness Princess.¡±


    Khalif bowed down to hide his smile that kept rising with joy.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to thank me for? I¡¯m just paying a reasonable price for a work that¡¯s worth it. Please continue to introduce good works.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll bring you some masterpieces you¡¯ll like.¡±


    Khalif, who handed over the painting, said goodbye politely and left the dormitory with the workers. After completing the first deal successfully, Khalif, who was getting on the carriage in a relaxed mood, turned his head and looked up at Elena¡¯s exclusive dormitory.


    ¡°As expected, a princess is a princess. She¡¯s a different class from a regular aristocrat.¡±


    The more awkward the aristocrats, the more they pretend to know. Khalif, from a family of fallen aristocrats, had seen many such uncongenial aristocrats since childhood.


    But Elena was different. What¡¯s shocking so far is that she hadn¡¯t asked for the purchase amount until the moment she signed the contract. Of course, the transfer contract and the loan certificate were specified, but she didn¡¯t pay much attention.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a myth to say that you can buy an empire by attracting the wealth of the Grand Duke.¡±


    A smile caught on the mumbling Khalif¡¯s mouth. Princess Veronica was the first customer, and she would be the main customer. The fact that she had a lot of wealth meant that the more he continued to deal in the future, the greater the gain he would get.


    Khalif wondered how to show off his successful first deal to Lucia.


    ¡°Oh, what should I say to Lucia? She would be surprised to hear this too.¡±


    At that time, standing by the bedroom window on the second floor, Elena was looking down at Khalif pulling the wagon away.


    ¡°Now I hit my first shot.¡±


    She put a lot of effort into finding someone to help him out of Leabrick¡¯s eyes. The talented people who had obtained it slowly moved to their proper roles. Although there were still some parts that were not satisfactory, today¡¯s art trade was the first success.


    ¡°Anne, are you outside?¡±


    At Elena¡¯s call, Anne, who was cleaning up after sending the guests, came up.


    ¡°Did you find it, miss?¡±


    ¡°Did you pack the paintings well?¡±


    ¡°I packed three layers so that you wouldn¡¯t be shocked.¡±


    Anne answered confidently, as if she was paying special attention.


    ¡°Good work. Just hang ¡®Portrait of a Young Woman¡¯ downstairs and send the rest to the Great House.¡±


    ¡°Yes, miss.¡±


    ¡°This is a letter to Leabrick. Send it.¡±


    Anne picked up the letter and turned around and went down to the first floor. Elena, who was left alone, turned her eyes out of the window again. There was a panoramic view of the academy that was so peaceful.


    ¡°How would Leabrick react if I collected art?¡±


    It¡¯s obvious without looking at. She¡¯d dare to laugh at her with that look of hers. Ever since she first met Leabrick, she¡¯d been playing a vain and selfish role of a young lady.


    ¡°I hope you like it.¡±


    Elena smiled meaningfully. Originally, once the child was obedient, she would be prettier and joyful. Although she didn¡¯t know, she may be satisfied with having a hobby that is suitable for the status of a princess with a little aristocratic appearance. It¡¯s not going to do the least bit of crap and ruin her reputation.


    ¡°There will be more loan certificates for the Grand Duke to be named.¡±


    It was Elena who used a loan certificate to make a debt, but it was up to Leabrick to pay the debt.


    ***


    Elena disguised herself as Lucia after a long time. It was to visit Raphael¡¯s studio, which she had never been able to find.


    ¡°Ha¡­ Why is it that I painted that?¡±


    She still wanted to hide in a mousetrap when she thought about what happened that day. It was embarrassing to paint a poor picture, but she shed tears in front of Raphael, so what more could happen. But she couldn¡¯t stop going back and forth. She was embarrassed, but she didn¡¯t know how to deal with Raphael.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Opening the door, Elena entered the studio. Raphael, who was sitting with a canvas hanging on the easel, looked up and looked at her.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Silence fell in a few seconds. Elena, who had the past in mind, felt more awkward than nothing.


    ¡°Have you been painting? I interrupted you.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nice to see you after a long time, Miss Lucia.¡±


    At first glance, he was as calm as usual, but today, Raphael¡¯s voice was filled with deep joy.


    ¡°Me too, sir. I¡¯m sorry I left like that.¡±


    ¡°I was very worried.¡±


    Elena bowed her head, forgetting that she was ashamed. She felt so sorry that her actions caused Raphael to worry about anything else.


    ¡°It¡¯s helping in my own way¡­ Huh? Oh! Why did you hang that up there!¡±


    Elena was embarrassed to see her painting hanging on the wall. Apart from the meaning, if you look at the painting itself, it¡¯s like rubbish, and her face was burning.


    ¡°Because I can see it the best.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll get off right away. It¡¯s definitely not a painting to show anyone.¡±


    It was time for Elena, who was embarrassed, to lower the picture. Raphael reached out his hand unknowingly and grabbed Elena¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Just let it go.¡±


    ¡°S-senior?¡±


    ¡°When I look at that painting, I feel like every painting I¡¯ve ever painted is a fake. I can¡¯t take it off my eyes.¡±


    Raphael was as serious as ever. Elena was speechless at the sight. His earnest heart, which was so desperate, felt so sincere.

 Chapter 45

    ¡°So please let me leave it there a little longer. Please.¡±


    When Raphael came out like that, Elena couldn¡¯t insist on taking the picture off anymore.


    ¡°Since you say it¡¯s helpful, I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I think you can let go of this hand now¡­¡±


    Elena raised her wrist in embarrassment. Only then did Raphael let go of her hand to see if she was hurt.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been rude without even realizing it. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Y-you didn¡¯t mean to.¡±


    Elena was quite surprised, even though she was trying to pretend nothing was wrong. But she changed the subject as if nothing had happened, thinking that Raphael would be more sorry if she kept showing signs of embarrassment.


    ¡°Can you paint well?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Raphael laughed bitterly. It was a smile that held long agony.


    Elena felt sorry. In other words, she drew a picture to help, but she was worried that it might have caught Raphael¡¯s ankle.


    ¡®What should I do? If he can¡¯t get over the slump¡­¡¯


    Elena¡¯s water also deepened. There have been countless stories of artists who could not overcome the burden and weight of art and suffer a slump. Raphael was a master of the times, so it shouldn¡¯t be, but it was pitiful to see him suffer.


    ¡®Is there any way I can help you?¡¯


    Elena continued to feel uneasy because Raphael¡¯s slump seemed to stem from her. So she thought of a way that would help Raphael in a way that would not backfire.


    ¡®Oh! That!¡¯


    A good idea flashed through her mind. She was sure that the method would work well.


    ¡°Senior.¡±


    Raphael glanced at Elena¡¯s low call. Elena smiled at what she was trying to say, but her short, flickering hair made her look cute.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Raphael stared at Elena as if he was possessed. On top of Elena¡¯s smile, she couldn¡¯t even breathe and cried at that time. That made Raphael unable to take his eyes off her.


    ¡°I want to learn how to draw. Step by step from the basics.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to learn from me?¡±


    Elena nodded with a smile.


    ¡°Who else is here besides you, senior?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s so unexpected¡­¡±


    Raphael was at a loss for the unexpected proposal. Well, it was the same in the first meeting, but Elena must have a knack for embarrassing him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to teach me too much. It¡¯s okay if you watch me when you have time, when you get stuck drawing.¡±


    There is a saying that one learns by teaching. When you teach others, you can also see your own inadequacy, which means that you reflect on yourself and develop through the process of supplementing them. Elena wanted to give Raphael an opportunity to develop further through herself.


    ¡°Did I ask you too much?¡±


    ¡°No way.¡±


    Raphael regained his composure.


    ¡°Actually, I felt sorry, too. I thought Miss Lucia¡¯s talent might make her a better painter than me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that flattery is too much.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not flattery, it¡¯s my honest opinion.¡±


    Elena felt a little burdened because Raphael was so highly appreciative. However, if Raphael¡¯s paintings could advance through this process, she was willing to take this much anticipated burden.


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll let me, right? You can¡¯t get sick of it later.¡±


    ¡°Lucia, be prepared. I¡¯m a bit strict.¡±


    ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t be a very easy student. Then let¡¯s shake hands as a gesture of kindness.¡±


    Elena held out her thin and white hands and smiled.


    ¡®You are my teacher in my past life, and in this life, too.¡¯


    It was strange that it was meant to be. She didn¡¯t know that it would lead to this. She was even happier that the relationship was not a bad one.


    Raphael smiled coolly at the awkwardness of this situation, then wiped his hands on his clothes and held them. While doing so, he found himself delighted in the formation of a new relationship. It was because he felt like he became closer and closer to her after leaving their simple senior and junior relationship. Elena, who had released his hand, said, showing will.


    ¡°Will the class be okay from today, senior?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡±


    Raphael readily agreed. It¡¯s time to establish the first class between teacher and student.


    ¡°Is this the right place.¡±


    Elena and Raphael turned their heads at the same time to the low voice.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Surprised at the moment, Elena opened her eyes wide. The identity of the voice was none other than Prince Sian.


    ¡°I see you again.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Greetings to Your Highness.¡±


    Confusion was just a passing emotion, and Elena¡¯s body was bowing to him with instinctively disciplined manners. Sian, who had been eyeing etiquette that would only be seen in the palace, turned his eyes.


    ¡°Are you Raphael?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to see you again, Your Grace.¡±


    Raphael bowed his head as if he had already met Sian.


    ¡°Is this your studio?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Cecilia, but she didn¡¯t come here.¡±


    Sian looked around the studio and revealed that Cecilia was the reason he came here. Presumably, Sian was somehow looking for her, and Cecilia seemed to be avoiding him.


    ¡®The Empress is a blessed person.¡¯


    She thought it was all in the past, but Elena felt bitter again. Even though Elena desperately craved for it, she felt that she was being treated excessively. It was too obvious.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Cecilia in days.¡±


    ¡°Is that so.¡±


    With his unique expressionless expression, Sian looked closely at various things, including Raphael¡¯s paintings hanging here and there in the studio, human proportionality under study, and anatomy.


    ¡°Cecilia praised you for being the artist who represents the times.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still not enough.¡±


    ¡°I think what she says is true. I can feel your genius even with my poor eyesight.¡±


    Despite Sian¡¯s praise to be crowned emperor in the future, Raphael only looked down and was not very happy. He was not satisfied with his paintings, so what was the significance of even the crown prince¡¯s praise.


    Elena looked at Sian and inwardly hoped that he would leave the studio quickly. It was less than the first meeting, but still uncomfortable for Elena to face Sian.


    Sian, who was enjoying the works of the studio as if he had come to the salon, stopped in front of one piece.


    ¡°Did you draw this picture?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s breath almost came to rest. The painting pointed out by Sian was a portrait of Ian drawn by Elena. More than ten paintings of Raphael¡¯s hung in this studio that would be enough to rise to the ranks of masterpieces. But Elena was embarrassed because Sian put them all aside and pointed out Ian¡¯s portrait.


    ¡°No, this is a painting by Miss Lucia here.¡±


    ¡°You?¡±


    Sian reacted unexpectedly, glanced at Elena and turned his gaze back to the painting.


    ¡®Why did your Majesty do that painting¡­¡¯


    If she could, she wanted to turn back time so that Sian wouldn¡¯t see Ian¡¯s portrait. Aside from drawing bad, Sian¡¯s eyes, which had been looking at Ian with contempt during his lifetime, kept overlapping and made her suffer. It would be nice if he didn¡¯t say anything. Despite Elena¡¯s wish, Sian seldom left in front of Ian¡¯s portrait.


    Why? Why? Why was Sian paying much attention to Ian¡¯s portrait? Elena was just eagerly hoping and hoping that he would quickly get his interest and leave.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Sian¡¯s expression, which broke the long silence when he opened his mouth, seemed complicated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why this angel¡¯s smiling face¡­ Is so touching.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena cried. A while ago, Sian¡¯s words lingered in her ears and didn¡¯t leave. It didn¡¯t make sense in common sense. Because all these moments are like lies. Sian didn¡¯t know who Ian was. He didn¡¯t know. Nevertheless, the core of one corner of her heart melted with the tenderness felt in Sian¡¯s gaze at Ian¡¯s portrait. It was late, it was very late, but Ian can still catch his father¡¯s warm eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s your relationship?¡±


    ¡°¡­ My brother.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s your son.¡¯


    Elena swallowed, holding back her feelings. She knew it was the truth that no one in the world could believe. She was sorry for Ian, but she had no choice but to borrow a younger brother who didn¡¯t exist in the world.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Sian nodded small, and held the portrait in his eyes again.


    ¡°Please, I hope you grow up well.¡±


    Elena was now angry at Sian and was quick to swear. He hadn¡¯t seen him once in his life.


    Why was he so cruel then? Many words that couldn¡¯t be poured out were stuck at the end of her throat.


    ¡®Don¡¯t say anything.¡¯


    There¡¯s no Ian anywhere in the world. He¡¯s not even in his father¡¯s memory. He only exists in Elena¡¯s memory. Why didn¡¯t he look around Ian a little earlier? She couldn¡¯t bear to hear him say such warm words now because he was so hateful and resentful.


    Eventually Elena collapsed.


    The tears that had been holding down from Elena¡¯s eyes, which had let go of everything, flowed down. There was a burst of water without any time to get over the feelings. Elena¡¯s tears made Raphael and Sian quite embarrassed. Especially Sian, who saw her tears for the first time, felt very embarrassed.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Did I make a mistake?¡±


    Sian did not know what to do in this case. If he had known the reason, he would have done anything to comfort her, but he couldn¡¯t guess why she cried.

 Chapter 46

    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena forced a smile. She couldn¡¯t stop crying because she couldn¡¯t calm down, but she still smiled.


    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much for your words of congratulation¡­¡±


    The relationship between parents and children in the East was called a natural thing. She was grateful that he was interested in Ian and said warm words even though he didn¡¯t even have a face-to-face meeting. Ian only lives in Elena¡¯s memory, but she hopes he can smile at least faintly.


    ¡°You¡¯ll grow up well. Because you were blessed by Your Highness. Be happy. Be more courageous than anyone else.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena smiled happily and painfully. A little late, no, a lot late. She desperately hoped that the sincere words of Sian had reached Ian.


    ***


    ¡°Ha, really.¡±


    Leabrick put the paintings on display Elena had bought and looked ridiculous. She wondered if she was going into the academic institute and was quietly getting along, so she was not afraid of accidents like this.


    Art collection. If she had been extravagant, she would have done so. Was it just a hobby to her subject? She wondered what she knew and why she was paying for these paintings. Especially, the letter that she sent in her own handwriting was more of a spectacle.


    ¡®What? These pictures will be worth a lot sooner or later, so trust me and pay for them?¡¯


    Looking at Elena¡¯s confident handwriting and sentences, it was encouraging. It said that she had fallen in love with art recently and that she felt happy and healed just by looking at it. She also said that she was interacting with young people with artistic insight and accumulating knowledge through books. She also accompanied the loan certificate and asked her to pay the bill.


    The problem was the amount on the loan card. Like a well that never dries up, the Grand Duchy was capable of paying this much. However, Leabrick was wary of spending this way once or twice. As long as Elena continues to act as Princess Veronica, the influence of her signature cannot be ignored.


    Now that she only lived in a closed space called an academic institute, she didn¡¯t really need control. However, the story changes after graduation. It may not be easy to control if she ran wild like an unbridled foal. Just in case, she needed to make a plan to arrest and control Elena.


    ¡®It¡¯s not just that. The nobles of the Empire are also subject to control. Without exception, even if it were the emperor¡¯


    She was confident, although others would have thought it was crazy. Leabrick, who had already taken over all power on behalf of the great Duke of Friedrich, was secretly working on his related work.


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±


    The art appraisers, who were invited separately by Leabrick, stopped what they were doing and reported.


    ¡°They¡¯re all excellent paintings.¡±


    ¡°Because they are still unknown writers, there is nothing to point out about styles, techniques, and expressions.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit expensive, but I think five years at the earliest, ten years at the latest, they will be worth more than the purchase price.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Leabrick seemed surprised at the unexpectedly high value of the painting. Considering Elena¡¯s eye and level of experience, such reactions were natural.


    ¡°Yes, even though this is her first purchase, it is safe to say that Princess Veronica has a better artistic perspective than others.¡±


    ¡°After all it¡¯s Your Highness the Princess. I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s this good at a young age.¡±


    ¡°Hoho, I can¡¯t wait to see what other works she buys next.¡±


    Leabrick had a hard time holding back the laughter that almost leaked out. Even a snail was knowledgeable. She didn¡¯t expect the paintings purchased by Elena to be well-received by appraisers. It is often said that the goddess Gaia gives even the ugliest human beings a talent, and she thought this was the case now.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll call you when she buys again.¡±


    Leabrick, who sent back the art appraisers, ordered the maids to move all the paintings to a collection warehouse. The paintings were like wine, as time goes by, its value increases. The value of these paintings will double, or triple, when they are brought back into the world again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind watching.¡±


    She was going to take a little more time because she heard that she had a good eye for art. If she really was talented, it would have a positive effect on the reputation of Princess Veronica. On the contrary, if she was just lucky, she could ban the sale of art.


    After making the decision, Leabrick took out the key stored in her sleeve and opened the locked desk drawer. It was filled with correspondence periodically sent by Anne, who was secretly monitoring Elena. Leabrick, who had a letter from Elena, locked the drawer again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget. You¡¯re in my palm.¡±


    Leabrick didn¡¯t take her eyes off Elena for a moment. From the first meeting until now. It was the same in the future.


    ***


    Elena periodically visited Raphael¡¯s studio. It was in the name of learning to paint, but in reality it was to give Raphael a little help. She was worried about being caught by Ren, but she couldn¡¯t have been hiding forever.


    Step-by-step preparations for revenge could only be made now. In the meantime, it was fortunate that she found a way to the western annex. As the boulevard was placed in the central square, the roads that had been poorly used were almost abandoned.


    Elena used the route from the library back to the South and then to the west. It was to avoid encountering Ren as much as possible as passing by the central square.


    Fortunately, despite several trips, she never saw Ren. Although she went around carefully, the chances of encountering students have decreased significantly because there were no students using abandoned old roads. Elena, who entered the western annex, visited the studio with a light heart.


    ¡°Senior, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Elena greeted pleasantly, but the studio was quiet. When she went inside in a curious mood, there was no one.


    ¡°Where¡¯d he go? I don¡¯t think there are any classes at this time.¡±


    Although she turned her head in doubt, Elena wasn¡¯t too worried. She had nothing to rush right away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to boil tea and wait.¡±


    Elena took out the tea set from the basket. The white porcelain decorated with roses and golden borders was Elena¡¯s favorite and cherished cup. As the leaves of black tea of good quality came in from the Grand Duchy today, she brought them with her in the hope of enjoying them with Raphael. Even so, she didn¡¯t forget to bring May to come out after talking about having tea time with the esteemed daughters, maybe Anne would doubt. By now, May would be looking at the welfare of future masters outside the Academy.


    Elena was left on one side of the studio and lit a small brazier again. Then she placed a silver kettle that had been filled with water on it. As the firepower was weak, it seemed like it would take a long time to boil.


    ¡°I want to be of some help, but it¡¯s not easy.¡±


    Elena wanted to see Raphael, who overcame the slump, become a representative artist of the era. She would be delighted if she could be of any help to Raphael¡¯s growth.


    ¡°I really want you to be recruited after graduation.¡±


    Elena was preparing a lot for the change of times. She planned to develop a more in-depth art brokerage that Khalif had done in his previous life. Artists can focus only on their works, while brokers focus on sales and management. And make space to lead culture. That was Elena¡¯s grand plan, and Raphael was important enough to be the centerpiece.


    Tak, tak, tak.


    Elena, who was looking at the silver kettle when the water stopped, looked back at the footsteps.


    ¡°Senior, are you here?¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression, which was greeting with a welcoming smile, quickly hardened. This is because Sian, not Raphael, stood with his unique expressionless expression.


    ¡°I see you¡¯re here, Your Highness.¡±


    Although she was quite embarrassed, Elena did not forget to show her usual courtesy.


    ¡°You must be here a lot.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m learning to paint from Raphael.¡±


    ¡°Painting?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena felt uncomfortable with this conversation. Even when they were married, they rarely asked each other how they were doing and how their day was going. Elena took out a suggestion to end the awkwardness as soon as possible.


    ¡°Cecilia is not here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to see Cecilia.¡±


    ¡°What? Then why are you here¡­¡±


    Elena obsessed over what she couldn¡¯t understand. If he was not here to see Cecilia,


    there was no reason for the noble prince to come directly to this damp and shabby underground studio.


    ¡°I came to see you.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Elena reproached herself, looking back at him asking back like a fool.


    ¡®What do you expect.¡¯


    She hated seeing this again in front of him. It was pathetic to think of the time when she attached meaning to everything she said in her past life. So Sian¡¯s interest was not sweet.


    ¡°May I ask you why you came to see me?¡±


    Sian stared silently at Elena. His melancholy eyes did not show his feelings at that time or now.


    ¡°Reason. I just came here to drink your tea today.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Tea?¡±


    Sian¡¯s eyes passed Elena and fell onto the set. Elena lost her words because she didn¡¯t expect such an answer.

 Chapter 47

    This is because it was an impromptu answer that she had never heard from Sian in the past.


    ¡°The water is boiling.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Oh!¡±


    Surprised, Elena tried to grab the silver kettle reflexively, but was surprised by the heat transmitted at her fingertips and pulled away her hand. Her hand was tingling because it was so hot.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, I don¡¯t think I burned myself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Sian rolled the silver kettle around the canvas on the desk and put it down under the brazier.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it now. You asked for a cup of tea, didn¡¯t you?


    Elena, who was embarrassed by a mistake she had never made before, quickly took over the silver kettle and transferred boiling water to the manifold. It was to cool it down to the most suitable temperature for the black tea leaves brought today while maintaining the same temperature.


    ¡®What an ironic thing. I can only make tea after I become someone else.¡¯


    Sian, the emperor of her past life, enjoyed tea. Among them, he preferred the deep taste and aroma of black tea from the eastern continent, which was served across the sea. Elena, who became the queen, had cooked tea for the Sian. She tried to express her sincerity toward Sian, not her ostentatious etiquette when he said ¡°mindfulness.¡±


    Those who tasted Elena¡¯s own tea praised it in unison. It was also often said that young people in society should see and learn.


    Once, was it? He didn¡¯t even look at it. Even the mixing of words was contemptible, but the tea party was too much. But now that the couple¡¯s relationship has been cut off, and they were completely strangers, she couldn¡¯t believe they were having tea together for the first time. She wondered if there was more contradiction and discord than this.


    ¡°Did you learn tea ceremony formally?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a basic thing that a lady should know.¡±


    Sian sat silently in his chair watching Elena. She was close to perfection, from the small preheating process to the height of pouring water, the tea leaves sprinkling to scatter, and the process of throwing away the first water.


    ¡°Here you are.¡±


    Elena poured out a cup of tea with a clear yet deep aroma. Sian, who took the cup of tea elegantly, first enjoyed the tea with the incense, and tasted the deep depth of black tea with tea water. Although he was cool, he did not drink it aloud even though it was still hot tea.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    What is this? Elena looked at Sian¡¯s reaction with a bit of nervousness.


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing.¡±


    Sian¡¯s first words, when he tasted only two sips of tea, were admiration.


    ¡°Does it suit your tastes?¡±


    ¡°Did you say tea ceremony was a basic skill?¡±


    ¡°Yes? Yes, I did.¡±


    ¡°What a humbling remark. It¡¯s a deep taste that I¡¯ve never tasted in the palace before.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Sian lavished praise on each sip of black tea. He also quickly offered an empty cup of tea as if he were proving that it was not an ostensible thing.


    ¡°Can I have another drink?¡±


    Elena filled the empty tea cup with a half-way face. Sian savored the black tea in an elegant and disciplined manner in accordance with tea ceremony. He really wouldn¡¯t be able to do that if Elena didn¡¯t fit his taste. It was noticeable that he enjoyed the tea very much.


    ¡®You¡¯re lying, aren¡¯t you.¡¯


    Elena couldn¡¯t believe the current situation. In her past life, she went mad to attract Sian¡¯s attention. But he didn¡¯t give a single glance. As if such a past life was a lie, Sian praised Elena by drinking black tea. When Elena kept blanking out, Sian asked.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you drink?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m going to drink it now.¡±


    Elena poured tea water into a teacup and sipped. Despite the tea that was personally brewed with her favorite teacups and high-end black tea, it was hard to tell whether it went into her nose or mouth.


    ¡®That¡¯s enough. I don¡¯t have a grain of regret left with this.¡¯


    Elena wanted to thank God if there was one. By treating Sian with her own tea, she was able to let go of her lingering feelings.


    Elena, who felt relieved, raised her chin. She had the courage to look into Sian¡¯s eyes, which she had never looked straight into.


    ¡®May the Empress be happy.¡¯


    She wanted to wish him happiness now because the time she loved him was more precious compared to anything else.


    The tea in the multi-pipe ran out of water without a break. She didn¡¯t bring a lot of black tea leaves in the first place, so she couldn¡¯t make more.


    ¡®How long are you going to be here?¡¯


    Sian did not turn until the tea water exposed the floor. The awkward silence was prolonged because there was no subject to continue the conversation. Whether such discomfort was her exclusive property, Sian left behind and took a leisurely tour of the studio.


    ¡°He¡¯s very late.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena closed her mouth at the silence that came back. It was not easy to continue the conversation to the extent that it seemed like this person was a wall.


    ¡®I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡¯


    Unfortunately, she thought it would be better to go back after this today.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to see him today¡­ So I¡¯ll come back next time.¡±


    Elena wanted to escape the awkwardness as soon as possible, so she hurriedly put the tea sets in the basket and prepared to go back.


    ¡°Your Grace, I¡¯ll be on my way first.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Sian asked, looking at Raphael¡¯s canvas hanging on the wall.


    ¡°¡­ The library. I have to stop by.¡±


    She had to go to the library for the disguise, and she had to come out with May to bring out the tea ceremony set. By now, she would be working outside the academic institute, so they planned to return to the dormitory together in time for her return. That way, Anne¡¯s doubts could be avoided.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯m on my way to the library, so let¡¯s go together.¡±


    ¡°T-together with Your Highness?¡±


    Elena asked back. She was embarrassed when he asked him to go with her after even showing her nuance.


    ¡°Is there a problem? I remember seeing you for the second time in the library.¡±


    Sian embarrassed Elena with his insensitive eyes and speech. That¡¯s why Sian was difficult because he kept acting out of common sense.


    ¡°Are you going to stand there?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    Elena blurted her words. She didn¡¯t want to accompany him. It was uncomfortable, and she wanted to stay quiet as if she didn¡¯t seem to be there while disguised as Lucia if possible.


    ¡®If we go outside like this, I¡¯ll get attention.¡¯


    Sian was the crown prince who would lead the empire in the future. Of course, the women he spoke to were forced into the mouths of people. Elena didn¡¯t want that. Ren alone was too much, but it could be hard to pretend to be Lucia if she was out in other people¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you have anything to say?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Or I¡¯ll just go.¡±


    At Sian¡¯s urging, Elena followed suit and left the studio. As the two people who left the annex walked side by side, the eyes of the students were concentrated regardless of gender.


    ¡°Look over there, it¡¯s Your Majesty the Crown Prince.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the woman next to him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her before? Are those real glasses¡­ even though they look so tacky?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it looks like she¡¯ll fall apart. No matter how much you say it¡¯s in the academy, you have to filter out kids like that.¡±


    The situation that Elena feared quickly became a reality. Unlike boys who just stop out of curiosity, girls were eager to downplay whoever it was if they could get Sian¡¯s attention and become empress.


    ¡®You said the empress suffered a lot when she was in school. This is why.¡¯


    A laugh came out of the eyes of the female students who were staring at her as if they were going to eat her. A human being is so shrewd. If she revealed that she was Princess Veronica, those who couldn¡¯t even make eye contact with her now wouldn¡¯t be looking at her and trying to eat her.


    ¡®I can ignore them, but the problem is Ren. I hope we don¡¯t bump into each other.¡¯


    In the meantime, she had no chance to run into Ren because she traveled to the western annex on a road that nobody used anymore. However, on the way now, students went the most, and it was crowded. There is no choice but to have a higher chance of bumping into Ren.


    ¡°Your black tea was very delicious.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the compliment.¡±


    While walking toward the library, Sian praised Elena as if the deep taste of black tea did not go away.


    ¡°That¡¯s why.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    ¡°Can I have your tea again next time?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena stared at the proposal saying the following, but didn¡¯t know how to answer. Every word and every action Sian said right now was confused with the appearance in Elena¡¯s memory. Eventually, Elena couldn¡¯t answer Sian¡¯s request until she reached the library.


    ¡°Well, Your Highness, I¡¯m off¡­¡±


    It was time for Elena, who wanted to wrap up this uncomfortable trip as soon as possible, to say goodbye.


    ¡°What kind of combination is this?¡±


    Elena¡¯s face was darkened by the unexpected sound of him coming in. She turned her head in the hope that it wouldn¡¯t be, and there stood the worst man. It was Ren.


    ¡°Does our freshman have talent? It¡¯s not anyone else, but Your Highness.¡±


    Ren looked at Sian and Elena alternately with a grinning face and mocked them. It wasn¡¯t something he could do in front of Sian, who would take the throne in the future, but this lunatic didn¡¯t seem to care about that. Elena¡¯s mouth was burning when the worst she feared became a reality.


    ¡°Hello, Ren. I see you again.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why is it so hard to find your face.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s kind of weird, isn¡¯t it? The academy is a bit wide, so¡­¡±


    Elena, sweating around, could easily infer that Ren was looking for her with just a few words of conversation.


    ¡®What should I do?¡¯


    Ren alone was too much, but she was with Sian next to her. She had to pass the situation wisely somehow, but she couldn¡¯t find a way. Under such circumstances, the words of Sian, who had been silent, were opened.

 Chapter 48

    ¡°You don¡¯t see me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. How could I not have seen Your Majesty? I just saw you in my undergraduate lecture, so I just omitted it because I didn¡¯t know how to say hello.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. It¡¯s a matter for you to judge.¡±


    As usual, he had no expression on his face, but the way Sian was standing felt strange. Ren, who was exchanging a tense look, smiled and gave up.


    ¡°You¡¯re particularly rough today. I¡¯ve done enough disrespect. I managed to find the person next to you, and I was so happy that I couldn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Do you know each other?¡±


    When Sian turned his head and asked, Elena replied hesitantly.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know each other.¡±


    ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re not even close.¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyebrows wiggled. Sian¡¯s arbitrary defining of his relationship with Elena was annoying.


    ¡°If you say so with the party present, it¡¯s disappointing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with her?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s extremely personal. She owes me some money.¡±


    ¡°Debt?¡±


    Sian¡¯s gaze reached Elena again. It was a glance asking what the debt was, but if there was anything to be noted it was the school uniform he lent to her saying that she shouldn¡¯t get wet.


    ¡®Owing you money?¡¯


    If that was correct, it would be ridiculous for Elena. What kind of favor was the outer garment that he gave her, saying not to get wet after putting her feet in the rain and making her wet. There was no such force. Sian looked at Elena¡¯s expression and answered instead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena stared at Sian in surprise. The way he treated Ren as if he were defending her was too lowly and quaint.


    ¡°Oh, this is the world. There¡¯s someone who owes me, but there¡¯s no one to pay me back.¡±


    Ren made a sarcastic remark without the subject. Even if the authority of the emperor was not the same as before, Sian was the crown prince to succeed the throne. It was possible for Ren to be so sarcastic to such Sian because he was a crazy man who didn¡¯t think about the future.


    ¡°Get back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t want this. Your Highness, I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s still a settlement between the lady and me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you twice. Get back.¡±


    Sian warned Ren with his unique insensitive look. The third one he was not going to stay still.


    ¡®Why are you doing this? What do I say?¡¯


    Considering it, this was the relationship between Elena and Ren. Sian, a third party, did not have to intervene. However, even though she was thankful for him, he was hostile to Ren, and she did not understand.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Your Highness wants me to step down.¡±


    It was Ren who lowered his tail first in the tense fight. No matter how hard he went out, he wasn¡¯t thoughtless enough to run against the crown prince.


    ¡°By the way, Your Highness. That¡¯s not a good choice.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to lecture me?¡±


    ¡°No way. However, since Your Highness keeps trying to protect her¡­ I¡¯ll want to harass her more.¡±


    Elena thought that was no better than a death sentence. Lucia¡¯s position, which still had a lot to do, was put on hold.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t allow it?¡±


    ¡°As you do your best, I have to do my best.¡±


    Ren grinned at Elena. The smile was ferocious like a beast aiming for prey.


    ¡°Freshman, see you again. Not the three, just the two of us.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes frowned as she saw Ren moving away. Until before, it was considered the best practice to behave as unobtrusive as possible and to go quietly. If she stepped on the shit and struggled a little, there would be a problem with working as Lucia.


    But now they were so estranged that she couldn¡¯t fix it. It was after crossing an irreversible river to turn it around. Elena had no intention of being low-key anymore. As much as he was in the academy, Ren had to follow the rules. She had no choice but to go all the way to what has become like this.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    She was now anxious when Sian asked about her safety. What bothered her more than Ren now was Sian. She didn¡¯t know why he was helping her so much.


    ¡®Cause you¡¯re worried about me? But Your Majesty is not that kind of man.¡¯


    Sian was not an easy person to express his feelings. As the crown prince succeeded the throne, he had to live with a great sense of duty and responsibility. That¡¯s why he was always forced to kill his emotions and live cold and rational. So she might have been more heartbroken by his contemptuous eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    What¡¯s clear was that Elena owed him for today.


    ¡°You look comfortable now.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Did it show a lot? He¡¯s actually a bit of a senior.¡±


    Elena smiled awkwardly. It was a very strange thing. Earlier, they shared tea in a friendly way, and now they were talking to each other like he was a friend of hers.


    ¡°You are very strange.¡±


    ¡°Am I?¡±


    Sian suddenly changed the topic and stared at Elena. It was burdensome for him to look at her, it felt as if she was going to be pierced because it was so blatant.


    ¡°Fainting at the first meeting.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°You cried in the studio.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You were being bullied today.¡±


    Elena bowed with embarrassment. It wasn¡¯t at a strange level, but when she heard it so clearly, she thought it was nothing but a disgrace.


    ¡®I can¡¯t blame anyone. I would think it¡¯s weird, too.¡¯


    As if he knew Elena¡¯s inner thoughts, which she wanted to hide in the hole, Sian kept his eyes on Elena and continued calmly.


    ¡°So if I¡¯m worried, am I strange?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s heart sank.


    Sect 8. Less


    ¡°Have you never taken any undergraduate classes?¡±


    Ren visited the humanities department building with a lecture on archaeology. As soon as the lecture was over, several archaeological students came out and were questioned.


    ¡°I only saw her name on the role book.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her since the start of school, and she isn¡¯t even called for attendance these days.¡±


    The students all said they had never seen Lucia.


    ¡°Are you telling me the truth?¡±


    ¡°O-of course. Why would we lie?¡±


    The students, intimidated by Ren¡¯s fierce eyes, protested. No matter how hard he looked at them, he didn¡¯t think they were lying and glanced at them.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with her?¡±


    It was not difficult to stop by the academy and find out which department a girl named Lucia was attending. Until then, he thought they would meet soon.


    But what¡¯s this? Even though he visited the lecture room of the archaeological department, he could not meet Lucia. No, rather than meeting her, questions had piled up to the point where he wondered if he could meet her.


    ¡°C-can we go?¡±


    When Ren, who was lost in thought, was silent, male students from the archaeological department looked at him and asked.


    ¡°You have to go. Sure. Go.¡±


    When Ren gave a test to wave his hand, the boys bowed politely and ran away.


    ¡°It¡¯d be better to go to the dorm, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    All students attending the academy were in the dormitory as a rule. Very, very rarely, because of health or family reasons, sometimes they go outside the school, but it was literally extremely rare.


    Ren passed the central plaza and headed to the northeast side of the women¡¯s dormitory. It was a familiar place as it was located near the field where the Swordsman School lecture was held. However, today was the first time he ever entered the place where women¡¯s dormitories were concentrated.


    ¡°L-look over there! Isn¡¯t that Ren?¡±


    ¡°Why is he here? I¡¯m nervous. Who else is he trying to pick on?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m about to fall in love¡­ With that freedom.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really crazy.¡±


    Female students who were traveling to and from the dormitory were surprised and muttered at Ren¡¯s appearance. Ren, who teases both men and women persistently once they get on his nerves, was also shunned by female students. Of course, there were only a few girls who liked Ren because they were attracted to bad men.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but access is prohibited from here. Please go back.¡±


    Knights stationed for security blocked Ren¡¯s way. The entrance of male students was strictly controlled as the girls¡¯ dormitory buildings were concentrated based on the gate they guarded. Ren also pointed out a girl who was just entering the dormitory, as if she had no intention of entering.


    ¡°Hey, you.¡±


    ¡°M-me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you. Come here.¡±


    When Ren gestured, the girl approached with a tearful face.


    ¡°Why, why?¡±


    She seemed to be in danger of crying when he touched her, perhaps thinking she had been put on Ren¡¯s list.


    ¡°I have something to do in the dormitory. But I can¡¯t go in. I¡¯m angry.¡±


    Ren jabbed at the knights in front of her face. The faces of the knights hardened, but they ignored him as if they didn¡¯t want to be swayed by useless disputes.


    ¡°So, you need to find someone for me. Of course, you can¡¯t refuse.¡±


    ¡°W-who?¡±


    ¡°Lucia. She¡¯s a freshman in the archaeology department this year.¡±


    The girl mumbled and remembered the identity of Ren.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll find her and let you know.¡±


    ¡°No, if you do, bring her out. If she doesn¡¯t come out, tell her I¡¯ll go in. I¡¯m not very patient.¡±


    When Ren grinned, the girl shuddered and ran into the dormitory. Soon after, the girl came out with a harsh breath.


    ¡°S-she¡¯s not here.¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyebrows wiggled.


    ¡°She¡¯s not?¡±


    ¡°Roommate said she¡¯d never seen her. I heard she came here a few days before the eve and unpacked her luggage¡­ That¡¯s all. She hasn¡¯t come in since.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Ren looked as if he was more interested.

 Chapter 49

    ¡°You don¡¯t see me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my. How could I not have seen Your Majesty? I just saw you in my undergraduate lecture, so I just omitted it because I didn¡¯t know how to say hello.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. It¡¯s a matter for you to judge.¡±


    As usual, he had no expression on his face, but the way Sian was standing felt strange. Ren, who was exchanging a tense look, smiled and gave up.


    ¡°You¡¯re particularly rough today. I¡¯ve done enough disrespect. I managed to find the person next to you, and I was so happy that I couldn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Do you know each other?¡±


    When Sian turned his head and asked, Elena replied hesitantly.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know each other.¡±


    ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re not even close.¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyebrows wiggled. Sian¡¯s arbitrary defining of his relationship with Elena was annoying.


    ¡°If you say so with the party present, it¡¯s disappointing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with her?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s extremely personal. She owes me some money.¡±


    ¡°Debt?¡±


    Sian¡¯s gaze reached Elena again. It was a glance asking what the debt was, but if there was anything to be noted it was the school uniform he lent to her saying that she shouldn¡¯t get wet.


    ¡®Owing you money?¡¯


    If that was correct, it would be ridiculous for Elena. What kind of favor was the outer garment that he gave her, saying not to get wet after putting her feet in the rain and making her wet. There was no such force. Sian looked at Elena¡¯s expression and answered instead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena stared at Sian in surprise. The way he treated Ren as if he were defending her was too lowly and quaint.


    ¡°Oh, this is the world. There¡¯s someone who owes me, but there¡¯s no one to pay me back.¡±


    Ren made a sarcastic remark without the subject. Even if the authority of the emperor was not the same as before, Sian was the crown prince to succeed the throne. It was possible for Ren to be so sarcastic to such Sian because he was a crazy man who didn¡¯t think about the future.


    ¡°Get back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t want this. Your Highness, I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s still a settlement between the lady and me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you twice. Get back.¡±


    Sian warned Ren with his unique insensitive look. The third one he was not going to stay still.


    ¡®Why are you doing this? What do I say?¡¯


    Considering it, this was the relationship between Elena and Ren. Sian, a third party, did not have to intervene. However, even though she was thankful for him, he was hostile to Ren, and she did not understand.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Your Highness wants me to step down.¡±


    It was Ren who lowered his tail first in the tense fight. No matter how hard he went out, he wasn¡¯t thoughtless enough to run against the crown prince.


    ¡°By the way, Your Highness. That¡¯s not a good choice.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to lecture me?¡±


    ¡°No way. However, since Your Highness keeps trying to protect her¡­ I¡¯ll want to harass her more.¡±


    Elena thought that was no better than a death sentence. Lucia¡¯s position, which still had a lot to do, was put on hold.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t allow it?¡±


    ¡°As you do your best, I have to do my best.¡±


    Ren grinned at Elena. The smile was ferocious like a beast aiming for prey.


    ¡°Freshman, see you again. Not the three, just the two of us.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes frowned as she saw Ren moving away. Until before, it was considered the best practice to behave as unobtrusive as possible and to go quietly. If she stepped on the shit and struggled a little, there would be a problem with working as Lucia.


    But now they were so estranged that she couldn¡¯t fix it. It was after crossing an irreversible river to turn it around. Elena had no intention of being low-key anymore. As much as he was in the academy, Ren had to follow the rules. She had no choice but to go all the way to what has become like this.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    She was now anxious when Sian asked about her safety. What bothered her more than Ren now was Sian. She didn¡¯t know why he was helping her so much.


    ¡®Cause you¡¯re worried about me? But Your Majesty is not that kind of man.¡¯


    Sian was not an easy person to express his feelings. As the crown prince succeeded the throne, he had to live with a great sense of duty and responsibility. That¡¯s why he was always forced to kill his emotions and live cold and rational. So she might have been more heartbroken by his contemptuous eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for your help.¡±


    What¡¯s clear was that Elena owed him for today.


    ¡°You look comfortable now.¡±


    ¡°¡­ Did it show a lot? He¡¯s actually a bit of a senior.¡±


    Elena smiled awkwardly. It was a very strange thing. Earlier, they shared tea in a friendly way, and now they were talking to each other like he was a friend of hers.


    ¡°You are very strange.¡±


    ¡°Am I?¡±


    Sian suddenly changed the topic and stared at Elena. It was burdensome for him to look at her, it felt as if she was going to be pierced because it was so blatant.


    ¡°Fainting at the first meeting.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°You cried in the studio.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°You were being bullied today.¡±


    Elena bowed with embarrassment. It wasn¡¯t at a strange level, but when she heard it so clearly, she thought it was nothing but a disgrace.


    ¡®I can¡¯t blame anyone. I would think it¡¯s weird, too.¡¯


    As if he knew Elena¡¯s inner thoughts, which she wanted to hide in the hole, Sian kept his eyes on Elena and continued calmly.


    ¡°So if I¡¯m worried, am I strange?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s heart sank.


    Sect 8. Less


    ¡°Have you never taken any undergraduate classes?¡±


    Ren visited the humanities department building with a lecture on archaeology. As soon as the lecture was over, several archaeological students came out and were questioned.


    ¡°I only saw her name on the role book.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her since the start of school, and she isn¡¯t even called for attendance these days.¡±


    The students all said they had never seen Lucia.


    ¡°Are you telling me the truth?¡±


    ¡°O-of course. Why would we lie?¡±


    The students, intimidated by Ren¡¯s fierce eyes, protested. No matter how hard he looked at them, he didn¡¯t think they were lying and glanced at them.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with her?¡±


    It was not difficult to stop by the academy and find out which department a girl named Lucia was attending. Until then, he thought they would meet soon.


    But what¡¯s this? Even though he visited the lecture room of the archaeological department, he could not meet Lucia. No, rather than meeting her, questions had piled up to the point where he wondered if he could meet her.


    ¡°C-can we go?¡±


    When Ren, who was lost in thought, was silent, male students from the archaeological department looked at him and asked.


    ¡°You have to go. Sure. Go.¡±


    When Ren gave a test to wave his hand, the boys bowed politely and ran away.


    ¡°It¡¯d be better to go to the dorm, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    All students attending the academy were in the dormitory as a rule. Very, very rarely, because of health or family reasons, sometimes they go outside the school, but it was literally extremely rare.


    Ren passed the central plaza and headed to the northeast side of the women¡¯s dormitory. It was a familiar place as it was located near the field where the Swordsman School lecture was held. However, today was the first time he ever entered the place where women¡¯s dormitories were concentrated.


    ¡°L-look over there! Isn¡¯t that Ren?¡±


    ¡°Why is he here? I¡¯m nervous. Who else is he trying to pick on?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m about to fall in love¡­ With that freedom.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really crazy.¡±


    Female students who were traveling to and from the dormitory were surprised and muttered at Ren¡¯s appearance. Ren, who teases both men and women persistently once they get on his nerves, was also shunned by female students. Of course, there were only a few girls who liked Ren because they were attracted to bad men.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but access is prohibited from here. Please go back.¡±


    Knights stationed for security blocked Ren¡¯s way. The entrance of male students was strictly controlled as the girls¡¯ dormitory buildings were concentrated based on the gate they guarded. Ren also pointed out a girl who was just entering the dormitory, as if she had no intention of entering.


    ¡°Hey, you.¡±


    ¡°M-me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you. Come here.¡±


    When Ren gestured, the girl approached with a tearful face.


    ¡°Why, why?¡±


    She seemed to be in danger of crying when he touched her, perhaps thinking she had been put on Ren¡¯s list.


    ¡°I have something to do in the dormitory. But I can¡¯t go in. I¡¯m angry.¡±


    Ren jabbed at the knights in front of her face. The faces of the knights hardened, but they ignored him as if they didn¡¯t want to be swayed by useless disputes.


    ¡°So, you need to find someone for me. Of course, you can¡¯t refuse.¡±


    ¡°W-who?¡±


    ¡°Lucia. She¡¯s a freshman in the archaeology department this year.¡±


    The girl mumbled and remembered the identity of Ren.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll find her and let you know.¡±


    ¡°No, if you do, bring her out. If she doesn¡¯t come out, tell her I¡¯ll go in. I¡¯m not very patient.¡±


    When Ren grinned, the girl shuddered and ran into the dormitory. Soon after, the girl came out with a harsh breath.


    ¡°S-she¡¯s not here.¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyebrows wiggled.


    ¡°She¡¯s not?¡±


    ¡°Roommate said she¡¯d never seen her. I heard she came here a few days before the eve and unpacked her luggage¡­ That¡¯s all. She hasn¡¯t come in since.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Ren looked as if he was more interested.

 Chapter 50

    ¡°It depends on me in the end, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you to succeed or fail.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s run with that. You gave me a plate, but if I can¡¯t eat it with a spoon, I should fold it.¡±


    Khalif confidently left with Randol¡¯s personal details. While feeling a little pressure, he seemed to be fascinated by art brokers.


    ¡°Shall I go now?¡±


    After leaving the study room, Elena left the central library and walked down the road. In the meantime, Sian¡¯s words had complicated her head, and she refrained from her activities as Lucia, fearing that Ren would be setting his edge. It was also the exam period. Perhaps that¡¯s why this road, which was sparsely populated and untidy, felt much lower and shabby.


    Elena came down to the West Side annex of the Academy without any trouble. As usual, she headed to the basement studio in the annex, where a group of three or four female students stood in front of her and blocked her.


    ¡°Stand there.¡±


    Elena picked up her eyes and scattered them. They wore high-quality uniforms that were not suitable for libraries with many commoners. Also, it was easy to guess that they were noblemen because they cared a lot about dressing up. Among them, the day was ripe for a female student who appeared to be the leader of the group.


    ¡®Was her name Mitchell? She was a parasitic woman next to Avella, who used to gossip and slander.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t feel good. Whether they were arguing for a purpose, not a coincidence, it was clear that she was caught up in a troublesome affair.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you.¡±


    Mitchell fell behind, and the ferocious young women crossed their arms.


    ¡°Do you have any business with me?¡±


    ¡°What? Business? Look at her. Aren¡¯t you supposed to say hello first if a senior calls you?¡±


    Elena bowed her head to watch the situation more.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Did you see her say hello? I thought she was going to break her neck with that force.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been told that freshmen aren¡¯t cheap, but wow, she¡¯s no joke.¡±


    Elena was convinced as she watched them openly snarling and criticizing despite her normal greeting.


    ¡®You¡¯re picking a fight.¡¯


    Elena pondered why they might quarrel. She could infer the answer without difficulty.


    ¡®Avella, you must have been troubled by your eyes.¡¯


    Now the picture was roughly drawn. Avella has had a crush on Sian for a long time. At the ceremony, she invited Sian to the point where she did everything she could. Elena, who was attached to Sian in Avella¡¯s eyes, could not have looked nice. Moreover, every time she was with Sian, something that had to draw attention.


    She fell down from the first meeting and was held in Sian¡¯s arms, and when she went to the library, he protected her from Ren¡¯s quarrel. For Avella, Elena had no choice but to be as intrusive and unenviable as a thorn in her eye. So she might even have thought of pulling her faction in this way and getting her away from Sian by doing harm.


    ¡®That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to get involved.¡¯


    Elena sighed. Looking back, it was Elena herself who caused all this.


    ¡°Are you sighing now?¡±


    ¡°I really can¡¯t do this. Come with me.¡±


    Two large girls in the group stuck to both sides of Elena, dragged her to the back of the annex building. When they reached a place where people were scarce and sunlight was difficult, they pressed her with more overbearing expression and speech.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, aren¡¯t you? Your Highness has spoken to you a few times, so you can¡¯t see anything, can you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you going to talk back to me rudely? Huh?¡±


    The big girl patted Elena on the shoulder and threatened her. The girls next to her were also spitting or staring at her, creating a scary atmosphere.


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe this, it¡¯s ridiculous. If you knew I was Veronica, how dare you try to hurt me when you can¡¯t even look me in the eye?¡¯


    Elena was overwhelmed by the situation she was experiencing for the first time. Who dare to commit these atrocities to Princess Veronica and hope to survive. Since Lucia was not an imperial nobleman, but the daughter of a merchant from a foreign country, this kind of harm is possible, but she was worried about how to deal with it.


    ¡®It¡¯s obvious that they are habits. The weaker you are, the worse you behave.¡¯


    As age climbed to the pinnacle of the social world, there was an eye that could distinguish and grasp the young ladies that should be kept and the young ladies that should be filtered.


    ¡°Have you got a gag on your mouth? You¡¯re always quiet when you talk back. Why, are you scared?¡±


    Elena grinned. It was a clear rain of laughter.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°What? Did you lose it? Did you just laugh?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not funny, it¡¯s weird, right? You came here to scare me and threatened me. It¡¯s so childish.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    The faces of the female students were red and blue as Elena openly sarcastically criticized them.


    The girl who was pushing Elena¡¯s shoulder just a little while ago seemed insulted, and her breathing became harsh.


    ¡°Have you lost your fear in four years?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not on the road, so leave. Mitchell, can we talk?¡±


    Mitchell¡¯s eyes shook as Elena openly called her name and pointed her out. Either way or not, Elena stared at Mitchell with a glaring glance. Outright as if to be conscious.


    ¡°She¡¯s so funny. Who do you think you are? To tell that to your senior and say goodbye. Huh?¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Mitchell, who had been silent, raised her hand and held her back. Then she walked forward, and she had a snake-like smile.


    ¡°What does the arrogant junior have to say to me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t live like that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Mitchell¡¯s relaxed expression was bizarrely distorted. She thought she¡¯d kill her pride and beg at best, but she got on her nerves.


    ¡°Do you think Avella will cherish you? That¡¯s an illusion.¡±


    ¡°What do you know. You¡¯re just blabbering out your mouth.¡±


    Mitchell made an impression and stared at it ferociously. If she got angry a little more, she was ready to slap her cheek. But rather than being daunted, Elena stared at her with a nonchalant look. Mitchell felt daunted by the unfeeling indifferent glance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything else, but I know the ending of you. It¡¯s going to be miserable.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    What Elena said now was not a lie. After losing out to Elena in a social factional fight, Avella threw all of her bad deeds at Mitchell, who had a lot of flaws, and kicked her out. She was disposed of because she was used up. It was a bad relationship, and Elena hoped that Mitchell, who had a foolish head and acted like Avella¡¯s limbs and destroyed her family, would come to mind.


    ¡°Senior, this girl is crazy. How dare she mention Lady Avella?¡±


    ¡°I really need to educate her properly. I don¡¯t think she should talk about it.¡±


    Elena added another word, ignoring the girls who were making a fuss next to her.


    ¡°Think about it now and well. Whether she really cares about her seniors.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell¡­¡±


    Mitchell couldn¡¯t answer anything. It was because Elena¡¯s expression was so serious.


    ¡°This bitch! I¡¯ll really have to wake her up.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing? Are you going to keep looking?¡±


    The unbearable girl raised her hand high. It was obviously a preparatory move to hit Elena.


    ¡®What type of strike is that. It¡¯s really low.¡¯


    Violent acts within the academy were strictly controlled as they led to family strife. However, it is different if the victim is a commoner. Although they will be disciplined in accordance with the rules of the academy, the level of punishment will inevitably be weak. Elena didn¡¯t want to face her, but she didn¡¯t even want to stand still and let her slap her in the face.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Pause.


    Elena, who tried to avoid her body by turning to an unfamiliar voice, and even the girl who tried to slap her, stopped moving. Mitchell also turned to the direction where the voice was heard.


    ¡°S-senior R-Ren?¡±


    ¡°Senior why are you here?¡±


    Mitchell and other girls¡¯ facial expressions were distorted. Ren was a human being who did not even associate with Avella. Such Ren suddenly appeared and was interrupting. Ren chinned with his back against the wall.


    ¡°She¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand? I took her.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    It sounded like a warning to not touch Elena, although the tone was different.


    ¡°Senior, it¡¯ll be over in a minute, so just a little while¡­¡±


    The schoolgirl, who was about to slap her on the cheek, plucked up her courage and asked Ren for his understanding.


    ¡°You think I¡¯m asking for your permission right now? It¡¯s not good if you can¡¯t understand me.¡±


    ¡°T-that.¡±


    ¡°Leave. I¡¯ll give you three seconds.¡±


    The girl bit her lips hard at Ren¡¯s deadly threat. This is because if you step up and get caught by Ren, your academic life will be ruined.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to step down now that you say so.¡±


    ¡°There is no time. 3, 2¡­¡±


    Mitchell greeted him as a representative and led the group out. Mitchell couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Elena, she seemed to have a lot of thoughts. Ren, who kicked out all the uninvited guests, shook his hand and approached Elena.


    ¡°You have many enemies?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena was very embarrassed. It¡¯s better to deal with them, of all things, but because she met Ren on the single road, it made her feel worse.


    ¡°Hey, I saved you. You have to say thank you.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just let them stay and leave.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I can clean them up on my own.¡±


    It was not bluffing. Even if Ren didn¡¯t appear, Elena was confident she could clean them up.


    ¡°You¡¯re embarrassing me again.¡±


    ¡°Because I have suffered a lot from my senior. Look at the work.¡±


    It was time for Elena, who had a bad feeling about the last incident, to turn around and be harsh.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you to go?¡±


    Ren grinned and stood in front of her. He expected it to come out like this already. Elena wasn¡¯t really surprised. They¡¯d gone so far as to be unable to recover, so she took it without pretense.


    ¡°If you have anything to say, just say it. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a coincidence. I think you¡¯ve been waiting for me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re sharp.¡±


    Ren made eye contact with Elena. He smiled a meaningful smile and said it directly.


    ¡°Are you a ghost?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never been seen in any undergraduate classes, not even in the dormitory. I go to the academy, but there¡¯s no sign of you.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s face hardened. She was off her guard. She forgot how much Ren could do. The fact that he brought that up means that he had already completed a background investigation into Lucia.

 Chapter 51

    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    ¡°¡­ A ghost.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re giving a chance to make excuses. You¡¯re not Lucia, are you?¡±


    Elena sensed that it was becoming difficult to escape this crisis easily. Although he was far from studious, Ren was brilliant in this way. He thought he had a good feeling. There was already an air of conviction that she was not Lucia.


    ¡®Calm down. Just because I¡¯m not Lucia, he won¡¯t think I¡¯m Veronica.¡¯


    Doubts were everywhere. If there had been confirmation that she was not Lucia, he wouldn¡¯t have thought of it that way. In this case, a head-on breakthrough was the answer.


    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re asking?¡±


    ¡°Are you revealing yourself?¡±


    Elena took out her student ID card from her school uniform skirt and stuck it out. It was a fake student ID card made in case this happens.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want to know, but is this enough?¡±


    ¡°Report.¡±


    Ren looked carefully at her student ID card and laughed.


    ¡°This is forgery.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust people.¡±


    ¡°You have to look at certain things like this and be sure of it.¡±


    Elena did not lose and responded to Ren, who did not stop suspecting until the end.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go into more detail with that passion?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m actually trying.¡±


    Ren smiled meaningfully. The smile made Elena nervous.


    ¡°How about a meal in four days? I¡¯ll be disappointed if you don¡¯t know what grace I showed you. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°You want me to eat and get an upset stomach?¡±


    ¡°That would be better.¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t figure out how to accept the situation. There was definitely hostility, but it was even stranger that he pretended to have goodwill.


    ¡®What kind of dream is it?¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t guess. Clearly, Ren was still suspicious of Elena. That dinner will also be a place to turn doubt into conviction.


    ¡°There¡¯s no answer, so let¡¯s just say yes. Ah! You better not think about not coming. You know my personality, right?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re inviting me so rudely. I can¡¯t wait to see how rude you are.¡±


    Elena was blatantly sarcastic. The more she was, the more excited Ren was, interested in Elena¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Look at you talking? That¡¯s why I can¡¯t stop paying attention.¡±


    Ren grinned like a child. He was as innocent as a child with a new toy in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m already excited about what to eat. See you that day.¡±


    Elena stared at Ren with narrowed eyes.


    ***


    Four days later, Elena seriously contemplated whether to accept Ren¡¯s invitation to eat. Ren¡¯s personality didn¡¯t make her think it was a simple meal. Judging from the fact that Lucia was already suspected, there was a high possibility of failure.


    ¡°I have to go even though I know that.¡±


    Elena had no choice from the beginning. The problem was that he knew too much, not because she was afraid of retaliation.


    ¡°Now I can¡¯t abandon Lucia.¡±


    It was the only way to get out of Ren¡¯s interference, but on the contrary, she lost a lot. In particular, it was inevitable to deal a big blow to the network built up by posing as Lucia. Khalif alone had yet to find a proper place. Without Elena¡¯s advice, growth would stagnate, and she would have to stay in the river for a long time without going to sea.


    Raphael was more serious. He still couldn¡¯t get out of the slump. The existence of Raphael, who opened the door to a new era, was absolutely necessary for the future designed by Elena. Considering Lucia¡¯s influence on the two, she couldn¡¯t abandon her status now. Eventually, Elena was forced to comply with Ren¡¯s request. It would certainly put her in a corner, but it was up to him, too.


    After leaving the dormitory, Elena stopped by the library¡¯s archives and disguised herself as Lucia. After that, she went out to the central square in time for her appointment. When she went to the bench they first met, Ren was already sitting and waiting.


    ¡°Look at the weather. It¡¯s the perfect day to eat out, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The sky was high and the sun was warm. Elena¡¯s feelings were dark and cloudy, however, as if heavy rain was pouring.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the rush? I¡¯m excited about the waiting time, too.¡±


    Ren grinned. Elena couldn¡¯t stop anxiety from developing because of the gloominess beyond the smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s, then.¡±


    She followed Ren walking ahead and left the central square. Then, various shops and restaurants were opened on the left and right sides of the street. The street was built in consideration of the students who lived in the academy.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°A bit around here. Let¡¯s eat outside.¡±


    Elena stopped walking.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat outside? You didn¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡°I did now. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Ren went behind Elena and held her shoulder. He pushed her forward. His strength was so strong that she clenched her teeth and threw him away, but she had to walk forward.


    ¡®Ha, the dream came true¡­ and today he¡¯ll do more harm than good.¡¯


    Even though she knew it was her limbs, she had no choice but to walk. They passed through the marble-carved door and left the Academy. There were no restrictions as it was possible to use the commercial area near the academic institute without breaking the curfew. However, you have to write your name on the list to get access.


    The street was lively. In her past life, it was a street where the academy went out in an obvious way, so it didn¡¯t slow down. The restaurant Ren booked was also where Elena visited in the past. It was a luxury restaurant that served seafood dishes such as crayfish and lobster.


    ¡°Excuse me? I¡¯ve arranged a table on the terrace on this floor.¡±


    The waiter recognized Ren at once and kindly guided him. As they climbed up to the floor, she saw the streets and the academy at a glance. Not only did it have a good view, but it was also a room type, so it was a place where you could eat quietly.


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    Ren showed excess kindness by pulling out a chair. Elena didn¡¯t relax because she knew his bad temper.


    ¡°Can you get your hands off me? I have bad memories of my senior¡¯s favor.¡±


    Ren stepped back, shrugging his shoulders. Only after confirming that Ren had fallen did Elena sit on the chair. Ren also sat face to face in the front seat. Soon the employee served salad, bread, and soup, the appetizers of the course meal.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to say?¡±


    Elena ate the soup dryly and asked. She didn¡¯t want such an uncomfortable meal, and she felt sick even if she ate it.


    ¡°Eat, the food here is good.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk first.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you? I¡¯m in a good mood now, and I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Ren concentrated on the meal, he usually ate at home. She wondered how delicious it was that he called her for a meal.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you eat?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an appetite.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed. I¡¯ve put a lot of thought into this menu.¡±


    Elena frowned. There was definitely a point, but she was annoyed by the way he twirled the story in this way.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re done, so talk to me.¡±


    Ren wiped his mouth with a napkin.


    ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an appetite.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have an appetite, or you don¡¯t want to eat with me?¡±


    ¡°Both.¡±


    Elena answered honestly without any hesitation.


    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m hurt.¡±


    Ren shook his head. Elena didn¡¯t notice, but there was a little bit of his true feelings in his words.


    ¡°I can¡¯t move on quietly because of you.¡±


    Ren, who had erased his mischievous expression, clapped his hands. Then, an employee who was waiting outside the room came in.


    ¡°Anything you need?¡±


    ¡°Get him.¡±


    ¡®Him?¡¯


    Elena¡¯s ears were open. At the same time, anxiety had increased. Since she was disguised as Lucia, it was not a good idea to meet someone from outside. Ren enjoyed watching Elena¡¯s response.


    ¡°What are you so nervous about?¡±


    ¡°Are you looking forward to it?¡±


    Elena responded, but she drank water and soaked her neck in nervousness. Soon after, the visit was held, revealing a strange man.


    ¡®Who is it?¡¯


    She looked through her memory, but she couldn¡¯t find a face to match him. He was a middle-aged man believed to be in his early and mid-40s, but he had a very gentle and docile impression. In addition, compared to his gentle impression, she felt his eyes were centered. His neat yet luxurious clothes suggested that he was leading a well-to-do life.


    ¡°Have you come?¡±


    Ren approached him with a meaningless smile. He stood next to him and smiled alternately at Elena and the middle-aged man.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you say hi?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°What, you don¡¯t know who this is?¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes changed when Elena failed to respond. It was a process in which the doubt that he had turned into confidence. Elena¡¯s back was dripping with cold sweat.


    ¡®Who the hell is this? I don¡¯t know. Have I seen him? I don¡¯t remember.¡¯


    She guessed there would be a trap, but she didn¡¯t expect him to catch her off guard like this. The longer Elena¡¯s silence grew, the deeper Ren¡¯s smile became. He seemed to enjoy Elena¡¯s reaction to the difficulties as if she had been caught.


    ¡®Are you trying to figure it out of the blue? Or does Lucia actually know him?¡¯


    Elena couldn¡¯t keep her balance and shook on Ren¡¯s hand. Although she has been disguised as Lucia, there had been no particular contact with her in her past life. There was no way to know if that middle-aged man really knew Lucia or if Ren had cast him for questioning.


    ¡®If it¡¯s like this, it¡¯ll all be revealed.¡¯


    Elena imagined the worst. From the moment Ren found out that she was pretending to be Lucia, it was obvious that she would suffer. She thought of her past life, when she was found to be a substitute and tortured by Ren. Her teeth were still divided. She wanted to stop it, but she couldn¡¯t think of a proper way to deal with it. It was impossible to say that she knew the middle-aged man. What was she going to say to a stranger? Even if she said a few words, she would soon be discovered. Of course, Ren could have been looking for Elena by casting a man from a random place. Either way, Elena was an outsider.

 Chapter 52

    ¡°How are you?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    The middle-aged man who was keeping his mouth shut asked Elena how she was doing. In the  most affectionate tone.


    ¡°You look quite lady-like in your school uniform.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°If your mother in the sky had seen you, she would have been very pleased. My daughter grew up well.¡±


    ¡®Mom? Daughter?¡¯


    For a moment, Elena¡¯s eyes opened and came to her senses. The head, which was not spinning as if it was clogged, turned quickly. Based on the friendly tone, the lonesome story behind it, warm eyes¡­ and various circumstances, she could guess the identity of this man.


    ¡®Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation.¡¯


    And.


    ¡®Lucia¡¯s biological father.¡¯


    Elena grasped the situation at once. At the same time, she couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. It was amazing that Lucia, who is suffering from fever and was receiving treatment wasn¡¯t here. Yet he mentioned the relationship in front of Elena, whom he had never seen before, and revealed his identity.


    ¡®Why are you helping me?¡¯


    She suddenly wondered, but Elena stopped thinking.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not think.¡¯


    Elena judged that it was more urgent to avoid the current situation, although she does not know what happened.


    ¡°F-father.¡±


    The word father came out in one pronunciation.


    ¡°Yes, my daughter. Do you know how worried I was?¡±


    Emilio approached and hugged Elena. He whispered in Elena¡¯s puzzled ear.


    ¡°He suspects.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Emilio soon took off his hug and stepped back. His warm eyes were the same as her father, who was really worried about his daughter¡¯s safety. Elena acted naturally, hiding her embarrassment.


    ¡°How did you get here? Without a word.¡±


    ¡°I heard that something urgent happened to you, so I left the top job and ran.¡±


    ¡°To me?¡±


    Emilio nodded and looked at Ren. Ren¡¯s face was distorted in a good way. The picture he wanted was not this, and he was clearly displeased. Either way, Elena and Emilio focused on creating a good-looking father-daughter relationship.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing well¡­¡±


    ¡°I see. It¡¯s just about your personal affairs, so I ran back and forth.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes turned cold. A rough situation has been identified somehow. Ren even called in Emilio in the north to reveal Lucia¡¯s identity.


    ¡°Oh, this is ridiculous. Are you two biological father and daughter?


    Ren witnessed it himself and wondered if he could believe it. It felt a little awkward to call it a touching reunion, but it was ambiguous to point out.


    ¡°Sir, can you tell me now? What is the skit that I have to come to and argue over?¡±


    Emilio¡¯s tone was polite. But the nuance in the words was close to interrogation.


    ¡°Your daughter has never attended a lecture.¡±


    ¡°And.¡±


    ¡°She unpacked her luggage in the dorm but no one saw her? So you¡¯re worried about her, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes glistened sharply, though he was acting cute. His eyes were full of suspicion.


    ¡°You only called me for that?¡±


    ¡°Only? That?


    Ren asked back reflexively without realizing it was a reflex. This is because Emilio¡¯s attitude of accepting academic life that is not normal is not understandable.


    ¡°Yes, is there anything particularly strange about it?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes shook. Things were going very differently from what he had thought.


    Sect 9. The Salon of L


    ¡°Lucia has a congenital chronic disease. It¡¯s much better now, but once it comes back, she has to rest for a month or two. That¡¯s probably why.¡±


    ¡°So she skipped classes, didn¡¯t she go into the dorm?¡±


    Ren asked back as if he was dumbfounded. There were strict rules in academic institutions. It was prohibited to stay outside the dormitory and attend lectures.


    ¡°Yes, I have notified the academy and even received permission to receive outside treatment if her health deteriorates.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you?¡±


    Ren remained suspicious until the end. He went to the academy to find out about Lucia, but he¡¯d never heard of this before.


    ¡°They probably kept it a secret because of the equity issue. It¡¯s against the rules of the academy.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s crazy. The academy giving her a break?¡±


    Ren put his wavy hair back roughly. He looked very angry that things were not going as he wanted.


    ¡°Did you two dig?¡±


    ¡°You know, I didn¡¯t arrive in the capital until last night after receiving a call from the young sir. Do you have anything to say between parents and children?¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t take her eyes off Emilio with a blank face. His voice and expression were persuasive enough to convince anyone to believe a lie. Emilio¡¯s rigid expression unraveled when he saw Elena.


    ¡°I was nervous, but it¡¯s nice to see my daughter. I didn¡¯t have a chance to do it because I was busy working at the top.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. You¡¯ve been so careless.¡±


    Elena responded appropriately to create a good father and daughter mood.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but please forgive me for coming.¡±


    ¡°Pft, fine.¡±


    Ren looked back and forth at Elena and Emilio with a still unbelievable face. He opened his eyes one by one and expressed doubt.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look alike at all?¡±


    ¡°Because I look like my mom.¡±


    Elena smiled and deftly responded. Then Emilio said a word.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t fall short of my wife¡¯s appearance. You see, isn¡¯t she a pretty and lovely child?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way to check, and I¡¯m going crazy.¡±


    Emilio, who looked at Elena lovingly, asked Ren sarcastically.


    ¡°Do you have any questions left? I¡¯ll answer anything you want, because you¡¯re so concerned about Lucia.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. Thanks to you, I want to repay you for allowing me to see my father.¡±


    Elena smiled broadly and joined Emilio¡¯s arms as if she were teasing him. No matter who sees it, Ren¡¯s feelings were distorted because it was like a friendly father and daughter.


    ¡°The food here is delicious, but I can¡¯t digest it.¡±


    ¡°Are you going?¡±


    Ren, who was going to leave the room holding the door handle, turned around.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have a place to go for the touching reunion.¡±


    ¡°You know it¡¯s all thanks to me, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve done such a good thing for others again. You finish the rest. You¡¯ll be punished if you leave it.¡±


    Ren shook his hand and left the room as it was. Elena relaxed only after confirming that Ren was leaving the restaurant through the terrace.


    ¡°Thank you. If you hadn¡¯t noticed, I¡¯d have been stuck.¡±


    Elena finally expressed her gratitude. It was embarrassing to meet suddenly, but there was no situation because it happened in a moment to play a friendly father and daughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s right for me to say thank you.¡±


    Emilio straightened out his disheveled clothes and bowed his head as if his waist was bent.


    ¡°I just want to thank my benefactor. Thank you for saving my daughter.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena was surprised. Even without specifying the sender, Emilio seemed to know that Elena was the one who sent the cure for the fever.


    ¡°How could it be me?¡±


    ¡°You wrote this in the letter. Even if she gets better, she needs to rest for a year or more.¡±


    Elena definitely wrote that. This is because if a fully recovered Lucia returns to the academy in the middle of the road, it would hinder Lucia¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°But, she didn¡¯t have to. Malone, the grassland tribe, said that when it was cured, the recurrence rate was low and there was no problem with daily life in a month. Does anyone who knows how to treat the disease know the duration of the treatment? I didn¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Personally, I even found out that the letter¡¯s first origin was near the academy. Meanwhile, the man who sent me the letter. Something¡¯s wrong with my daughter. I was sure then. I would be able to meet the benefactor who sent me the letter and saved my daughter.¡±


    Elena was compelled to admire his keenness in her heart. She couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d analyzed these circumstances and deduced them to be near perfection. It was felt that Emilio¡¯s reputation was not in vain at the top of the Castol Chamber of Commerce, who had crossed the trilateral alliance and traveled to the southern empire of the continent.


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny it since you¡¯ve recognized it. Yes, I did.¡±


    Elena admitted it without hesitation. Even though she was not his daughter, he pretended to be a father and daughter and helped Elena not to be discovered. He was trustworthy enough.


    ¡°I thought you might be a student at an academy, but it¡¯s even more surprising to see you in person. It¡¯s late, but I really wanted to say thank you. Thank you very much for saving my daughter.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. Thank you so much for today.¡±


    Elena also bowed her head to express her gratitude. Without Emilio¡¯s wise handling, she would have been in trouble by now.


    ¡°This is fate, so would you like to have dinner with me? The course here is pretty good.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡±


    Emilio accepted in a polite manner. The newly ordered course meal came out and slowly savored them. Perhaps because Ren left, it was the same dish that he had before, but the flavor and texture were very different.


    ¡°But you never asked.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Elena put down her fork and knife.


    ¡°Who am I, what am I doing, why did I impersonate Lucia.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to know.¡±


    Emilio wiped his mouth with a napkin and continued calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a benefactor who has saved my daughter, who is everything to me. If you¡¯d like, I¡¯d like to offer you the castol company. No, I can give it to you now.¡±


    Elena looked up and looked him in the eye. His sincerity came out of his eyes and expressions as much as his sincere speech. Indeed, he was the man who threw all of his life away to cure Lucia in his past life.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just accept your heart. You¡¯ve paid me enough for what happened today.¡±


    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t pay you back.¡±


    Emilio¡¯s determined expression showed something of an inscrutable stubbornness.


    ¡°If you¡¯d allow me to say a few more words, would you mind?¡±


    ¡°As much as you want.¡±


    They are two people whose age is quite different to believe that they are actually father and daughter. However, when looking at the actual conversation, Elena seemed to naturally treat him as a subordinate, and Emilio was respectful.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking at you since I first met you. Oh, don¡¯t get me wrong. It¡¯s a habit for me to look after people as the basis of trade between merchants is people.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t misunderstand.¡±


    ¡°Speech, gestures, how you eat, word choice¡­ It¡¯s trivial, but we judge people through all of those things. We can¡¯t change the behavior of our body with our consciousness. There¡¯s another atmosphere. They¡¯re made to be acquired, and they¡¯re born to be.¡±


    Emilio moistened his throat with water and asked carefully.


    ¡°Are you not a part of the imperial family?¡±

 Chapter 53

    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°If not, I¡¯m sorry. Let¡¯s just move on to something out of topic.¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t help but admire, though she was silent.


    ¡®You have a great eye.¡¯


    It is often said that success or failure depends on the eye of the merchant. This is because transactions are based on a person¡¯s personality and character as much as credit is based on. In that context, Emilio had a great eye. He instinctively felt the mood and grace of Elena that she was trying to hide.


    ¡°You¡¯re half right and half wrong.¡±


    In the past life, she was the empress. But not now. Princesses are a class of great nobility, but are not strictly royal. So, half is right and half is wrong.


    Emilio looked surprised for a moment, but quickly returned to his true self.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I asked you anything. I¡¯ll erase what you just said from my head.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Elena had a different feeling about the tycoon. In her past life, the company was blinded by Lucia¡¯s treatment of the Northern fever and was on the verge of bankruptcy, but now that history has changed, she was looking forward to how much Emilio and Castol would grow.


    Slowly.


    Emilio took an envelope out of his arms and put it on the table.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°This is the transfer of the Chamber of Commerce of Castol in the Empire.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes got bigger. The branch was the stronghold of the local Castol Corporation. The transfer of the branch was tantamount to giving Elena all the income generated from the local transactions.


    ¡°I must have told you. I¡¯ll accept your heart.¡±


    ¡°¡­ My daughter told me. She¡¯s so happy to see her dad again, and she¡¯s glad she can¡¯t see him sad because of you.¡±


    Emilio had a faint smile on his face. He almost lost his daughter, who is almost everything in the world to him, so he had no choice but to be grateful to Elena for saving his daughter.


    ¡°So go and help them.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I saw you today and felt it. You¡¯re obviously an extraordinary person¡­ You really need my help. That¡¯s why I want to give it to you.¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t readily decide how to deal with it. In the meantime, she pursued something clear and certain. People who did not have contact in the past she refrained from contacting or approached carefully no matter how capable they were. This is because she cannot rule out the possibility that they will become a source of anxiety beyond Elena¡¯s influence. That¡¯s why, even if it¡¯s difficult to go back, there are people who can stay with her until the end.


    In that context, Emilio was a character outside the field that does not exist in her plan. He has a reputation to the extent that no one does not know about his love, but she did not know his character or humanity. For this reason, the relationship with Emilio ended by providing Lucia¡¯s cure for northern fever. It was enough to secure Lucia¡¯s identity in the academic institute.


    But the situation has changed. As Ren intervened, a contact with Emilio was created. She has been told that she is a benefactor and that he will transfer part of the Castol Chamber of Commerce. This was not in the plan. However, the income from the Castol Chamber of Commerce mentioned by Emilio was too attractive to refuse. Although it is not a good idea, the branch of Castol Chamber of Commerce, which occupies a place in the top ten seats on the continent, will have enormous commercial rights, sales networks, and asset management.


    ¡°You¡¯re putting me in trouble.¡±


    ¡°I apologize for that, too.¡±


    Emilio replied politely. Then he added words to Elena, who was hesitant to make a decision.


    ¡°I must have been mistaken.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The benefactor seems to be hesitant to take over the branch of the Castol Corporation. It will take some time, but I will organize the branches and prepare them in gold coins, which are imperial currency. I think this is better for you.¡±


    ¡°W-wait a minute.¡±


    Elena was quite embarrassed and stopped talking. She was surprised when he presented the transfer of the branch of the Castol Corporation, but she couldn¡¯t say anything when he said he would sell the branch and prepare it in gold coins. What¡¯s more shocking is that it¡¯s not just a word, but a sincere heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re making it so difficult for me.¡±


    Elena sighed quietly. She knew it was a favor, but it was too much for her.


    ¡°I beg you, too. Please let me be a decent father to my daughter.¡±


    Emilio bowed politely. He wanted to give everything as if he had no regrets while giving his own. Elena had to make a choice, too.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t want to receive any gold or branch of the Castol Corporation.¡±


    ¡°But the benefactor¡­.¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t mine. But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s exactly the right thing to ignore Emilio¡¯s sincerity.¡±


    When Elena left him room, Emilio held his breath and waited for the next word. After thinking dozens more to be cautious, Elena opened her mouth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s work together.¡±


    ¡°Did you say partnership just now?¡±


    Surprised Emilio asked again. It was an unexpected remark from her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not confident that I¡¯ll do as well as Emilio even if I¡¯m in charge of the branch. I¡¯m tied up, and I don¡¯t have a business person. One day, I¡¯m going to influence other companies and go bankrupt.¡±


    Elena judged her ability coolly. She was building various foundations based on the memories of her past life, but that was all. The merchant was not the way she wanted to walk, and even if she was transferred to the branch of the Castol Corporation, she was not confident of competing with other superiors.


    ¡°Gold money is not worth talking about. I feel like I¡¯m red-handed with your daughter¡¯s life. Depending on what happens, it can sound insulting.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about that. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Emilio quickly apologized after realizing that he was too much. Even though he said he thought deeply and acted, he realized that it could be misunderstood enough. Elena smiled openly.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s why you felt sincerer. Money is everything to merchants.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of me. If I may ask, why did you suggest a partnership?¡±


    ¡°People¡­¡±


    Emilio muttered the words, blurring the words. He had emphasized the importance of people as well, but when Elena said that, he thought deeply.


    ¡°That¡¯s what you said earlier. You told me I needed Emilio¡¯s help badly. It¡¯s actually like that.¡±


    ¡°Benefactor.¡±


    ¡°Please stay with me. And then help me. Then I can promise you this one thing.¡±


    Emilio looked up and stared at Elena at the word ¡°promise.¡± Elena, whom he saw, was a noble and noble woman of birth. Even if she tried to hide it as a disguise, the grace and dignity that were revealed secretly proved it. That Elena mentioned the promise. The weight of the promise was different. It will not be a promise that precedes only one merchant¡¯s words, but it will be a promise to keep even if the world collapses and has two sides.


    ¡°A new era will come soon. A time when the world is turned upside down and many things are starting anew.


    ¡°New era¡­¡±


    Emilio brooded on the low-pitched word. It was too big a word for a merchant to put in his mouth and understand. Only Elena could fully understand and handle the weight of the word.


    ¡°I dare to promise you your place in the new era.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena smiled around her mouth. Her smile was full of confidence, though it was a promise that would sound more provocative and reckless.


    ***


    ¡°You know, I got goosebumps and I can¡¯t get rid of them.¡±


    Khalif, who met in just a few days, couldn¡¯t hide his excitement and talked. Elena, who answered back, was calm.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I understand why your father is respected by people. I¡¯ve only told him about my business plan, but he caught the thread I missed all of a sudden.¡±


    Khalif gave a dry mouthful of praise for Emilio. Elena, who joined hands with Emilio, arranged a meeting between the two, judging that it would help Khalif, who still lacks experience. The result was more positive than expected. As the passion and wit of Khalif added to Emilio¡¯s experience, the scope of his thoughts widened.


    ¡°Yes, but why did you change your mind all of a sudden? You told me you¡¯d be in trouble if you got caught doing business behind your father¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°That? I got caught.¡±


    Although it was an absurd excuse, Khalif accepted it without any doubt.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why he knew. Didn¡¯t you get in trouble?¡±


    ¡°Rather, he complimented me. I will apply, so he asked me to endure it until graduation. Of course, under the premise that I am not neglecting my studies.¡±


    ¡°Compliments are compliments and studies are academic.¡±


    Khalif, who was deceived by Elena¡¯s lie, was convinced and accepted.


    ¡°Have you met Randol?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Uh, I met him. I saw him and I felt like I was going to kill myself.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Elena asked back with a slight frown at the harsh expression.


    ¡°Why are there so many geniuses in the world? You¡¯re a genius, but he¡¯s more a genius. There¡¯s a real sense of shame.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±


    Elena shook her head as if she was convinced. Randol was a great architect who would remain on a page of history. In the art world, there is a saying that an era¡¯s master cannot be done by effort alone. In other words, he must be born with genius.


    Elena did not see the completion of the Santa Maria Cathedral, a collaboration between Khalif and Randol. It was because she was kidnapped and almost killed just before completion. However, she remembered seeing the library, known to have been designed by Randol. Although not as huge as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, his unique construction, the dome shape using the palace, was a glimpse into his genius.


    ¡°The world was so wide. The academy was in a well. I don¡¯t know anything about architecture, do I? But just looking at the construction and design drawings he showed me, I was thrilled to order them.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°He thanked L from the bottom of his heart. Thanks to L, he can focus on architecture. He said he wishes them well from now on.¡±


    Randol became the first customer of Khalif  to take his first step as an art broker, just like the original history.


    It was hoped that Elena¡¯s intervention would show better results than the original history, as the timing was advanced.


    ¡°Please tell them that I really appreciate it. For choosing me. I will never disappoint.¡± (T/N: this is Randol¡¯s thanks to Elena.)


    ¡°I did it anyway. He trusts you. He didn¡¯t say anything else. Do real geniuses have good personalities? Oh, except you.¡±


    Elena asked Khalif, who was outspoken about Randol.


    ¡°Looking at you talking, you¡¯ve gotten pretty close?¡±


    ¡°My drinking buddy.¡±


    ¡°You have a best friend.¡±


    Elena smiled as if she knew everything. Even in the past life, there was always alcohol in their friendship to the extent that it was a relationship made by alcohol. Khalif was in the fourth year, graduating from the academy, so he was considered an adult. So it was possible to build friendship by drinking with Randol.

 Chapter 54

    ¡°Senior, when are you going to see my father again?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow. Why?¡±


    ¡°I want to ask you to find out if there is some land in the capital to put a building on.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to speculate?¡±


    Khalif¡¯s eyes were full of greed. Since Khalif trusted Elena¡¯s judgment and choice almost at the religious level, he wanted to be put on this opportunity if she bought land.


    ¡°What do you mean, speculation? I¡¯m not good over there.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you suddenly looking for land? The land is expensive there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to build a salon there.¡±


    ¡°Salon? What is that?¡±


    Since this period was before the salon culture was established, Khalif did not know much about salons.


    ¡°A forum that can break the wall between men and women. The birthplace of culture and intelligence and a place of socialization. A mark and exhibition hall for literati, writers, artists, thinkers.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena planned to open the first, largest, and best salon in the Empire¡¯s capital. Salon is the collection of art culture that Elena dreams of. It is also a space where prominent figures such as writers, artists, aristocrats, and scientists come in and talk and discuss, and also a place to display and sell artists¡¯ works and sell them. Sometimes, it can serve as a ballroom where you can enjoy performances and dance while eating and drinking alcohol.


    The salon is a center with cultural ripple effects that can dominate the continent.


    ¡®L will be at the center of culture as the hostess of the salon.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s unconventional ambitions made Khalif speechless.


    ¡°Salon? It¡¯s shocking. I can¡¯t say anything. How did you think that?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the end. It¡¯s too early to be surprised.¡±


    ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Salons themselves are meaningful, but I want to give meaning to the first architecture that represents salons. It¡¯s the size of the cathedral, and it¡¯s a new style of architecture that we¡¯ve never seen before.¡±


    Khalif was surprised and worried.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too much greed? It¡¯s the size of a cathedral. Let¡¯s say it is. Where can you get an architect with a new architecture?¡±


    ¡°Where? He¡¯s next to you.¡±


    ¡°Whew is the person next to me¡­ Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re thinking about Randol?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll leave everything from the salon¡¯s design to architecture to Randol.¡±


    Khalif¡¯s mouth opened. As much as that, Elena¡¯s remarks were shocking. This is because it was an adventure to entrust Randol, who is born with a genius talent, but has not yet achieved external achievements, to do the work.


    ¡®As Lucia said. I don¡¯t think Randol can¡¯t build it again.¡¯


    It was vague because he was close to Randol and communicated with him more than anyone else, but he had faith that he could do it. Elena smiled as she seemed to have convinced him.


    ¡°Please give it to Randol. It¡¯s an opportunity to promote himself to the world. Break the mannerisms and surprise the world with his own techniques.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell him. He¡¯ll be happy.¡±


    In addition, Khalif also stood up. Randol was always determined to build a building with his own construction method, but the opportunity came earlier than expected. He was itching to tell him the news as soon as possible.


    ¡°If he can afford it, ask my father to look for a site near the land to buy.¡±


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re not speculating?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not speculation. We¡¯re going to create a complex cultural space that can be linked to salons.¡±


    ¡°What? Mixed culture? What on earth are you thinking about? I can¡¯t keep up.¡±


    In recent times, Khalif has been admiring Elena. The groundbreaking and catch-up ideas were so witty that he could not follow it even if he died and woke up.


    ¡°Why are you coming after me? Don¡¯t follow me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just doing what I¡¯m good at. You should do what you¡¯re good at.¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m good at¡­ That¡¯s right.¡±


    Khalif smiled and nodded in agreement. Elena spoke face to face.


    ¡°Salons are not designed and built by themselves. From beginning to end¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re also working with an art broker, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, your role will be more important than anything else.¡±


    ¡°Nice! It¡¯s nagging to say more. I know too. How important my role is. I¡¯m actually living with responsibility.¡±


    Elena smiled. He was always grumbling and playful, but she knew better than anyone else that he was always serious and committed to his field.


    ¡°And this. Give it to my father.¡±


    Khalif was handed an envelope with a letter.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? Can I see it?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you look at it, but it¡¯s not much. I¡¯m going to buy some land in the capital slums, and I¡¯ve checked the area on the map.¡±


    ¡°Why buy there? No, how can you think of buying a slum land? That¡¯s the end of life. It can¡¯t be sold again or bought. You¡¯ll be bitten by a water ghost.¡±


    Khalif had completely dissuaded Elena from buying the slum land. The slums were the cheapest land prices in the capital, as beggars, wanderers, tramps, and vagrants lived in the capital.


    Therefore, in the past, several aristocratic investors have attempted to buy land in slums at a low price and develop it.


    But the result was all a failure. Even if the poor were kicked out, other poor people soon came and filled the seats. Even if the building was built at a cost, common people were reluctant to come because there were vagrants and itinerants.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to buy the slum land, even if you know it? You, just talk to me. Is there any gold in there?¡±


    Khalif¡¯s eyes were filled with expectations.


    He was wondering if there was anything.


    ¡°Ha, where¡¯s the veins of gold in the capital? I¡¯m just buying it for charity.¡±


    ¡°Charity? Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Yes, do you think I¡¯m lying? What¡¯s the point of making money? We have to help people in need.¡±


    Disappointed, Khalif once again put the letter in his arms. If he was interested, he would have opened it, but it seemed that he was not interested in buying the land in the slums. He¡¯d lose his money as soon as he invested. Elena felt sorry for not being able to tell the truth.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, senior. I couldn¡¯t tell you honestly. But I can¡¯t help it. If I tell you, I think you¡¯ll live in that land.¡¯


    It¡¯s not that she didn¡¯t trust Khalif. Elena, however, was well aware that human greed sometimes obscures the opposite sex. In any case, if Khalif follows Elena to trade the land of the poor, he could also be targeted.


    ¡®I have to be prepared in private, if I don¡¯t buy it as quickly as possible with an agent, Leabrick will notice.¡¯


    Sooner or later, there will be a huge development craze in the capital. The Great House will use astronomical funds to push the slums away and create the Noblesse street where only nobles and royalty can enter the land, making it the largest development project in the capital since the founding of the empire.


    ¡®Whatever you imagine, it¡¯s more than that.¡¯


    The amount of money the Grand Duke spent on building this Noblesse street was equivalent to the Empire¡¯s annual budget. The power of the great house to make such astronomical investments is great, but Leabrick¡¯s contribution to the thorough preparation and success of the success of Noblesse Street was great. She predicted that the imperial family would collapse and the empire would return to the aristocracy, and wanted to make a distance for the nobles, and the result was a great success.


    ¡®The Grand Duke¡¯s success is my misfortune. I have to keep an eye on it.¡¯


    Elena plans to throw ash on their investment. She will eat it up little by little and eventually destroy it thoroughly. If the Noblesse street development project succeeds, it is almost impossible for Elena to destroy the Grand Duke no matter how long she tries.


    The first step is the egg-laying. She was a step ahead of Leabrick to buy up the land of slums in advance that could be a major base for the development of Noblesse Street in the future. It wasn¡¯t that difficult for Elena, who knew the future. There may be some margin of error, but the approximate development point was in her head as she frequently entered Noblesse Street during her time as empress.


    ¡®There is one thing to watch out for. Buying with L¡¯s possession, but having an agent so that the tail is not stepped on.¡¯


    Elena was well aware of Leabrick¡¯s tenacity. If she knew the fact that Elena started buying and selling land first, she would do whatever she could to find L. L is a person who exists only in documents and signatures. Although it is impossible to be found that it is Elena now, it is necessary to send an agent to sign the sale in order to cut off the tracking of Leabrick in advance.


    ¡®It¡¯s easy after I buy land from poor people. I can sell it back to Leabrick.¡¯


    Elena already had a perfect plan in her head. To use the plan of the great house to extort money from the great house. It was exactly the direction of the destruction of the great house that Elena envisioned. The only thing left was Emilio¡¯s sale of the slum land by proxy, as Elena wrote in the letter. He, who has abundant experience, wouldn¡¯t make mistakes, so she didn¡¯t worry too much.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s stop the conversation today. Oh, I have an appointment with your dad so focus on your studies for a while. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯m going to be as busy as you are with the way I am. Good luck.¡±


    It was when the conversation ended and Khalif tried to catch the door to leave the study room.


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    The sudden knocking of the door drew Elena and Khalif¡¯s attention to it. It was not common to be visited by others because a self-study room and a discussion room could be used for personal purposes without interference from anyone who applied.


    ¡®Oh, my God, Ren?¡¯


    She had such a question reflexively, but she soon erased it from her head. She stopped by the four-story recording room, disguised herself, and came down to the two-story study room. The movement was so short that it was unlikely that Ren would have been discovered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out.¡±


    Khalif, who was standing in front of the door, turned and pulled.


    ¡°Who are you¡­ Hyuk!¡±


    As soon as the door was opened, Khalif, who saw the man standing in front of him, swallowed his breath in vain.


    ¡°Y-Your Grace?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Is there any student attending an academic institute who doesn¡¯t know the face of Sian? In response to Khalif¡¯s surprised reaction, Lucia also rose from her chair.


    ¡°It was you again.¡±


    Unlike the two who were surprised, Sian¡¯s reaction was calm. You couldn¡¯t see any emotions except alternating with an expressionless look.


    ¡°How did you get here?¡±


    ¡°I happened to see you on this floor. I searched the reading room to see if I could ask you how you were doing. So I¡¯ve come, and you¡¯re here.¡±


    Khalif¡¯s eyes were wide open. Even when he chewed it over, he could only hear that Sian came first with an interest in Lucia. After seeing Elena with his back against Sian, Khalif questioned her in the shape of his mouth without a sound.


    ¡®Did you know Your Majesty the Prince? Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier!¡¯

 Chapter 55

    Elena, who did not feel worthy of answering, ignored him and turned her eyes to Sian.


    ¡°Did you have anything to say?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Instead of answering, Sian stared at Elena. As the silence became longer and awkward, Sian uttered words that had nothing to do with the point.


    ¡°I invite you. For dinner.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Khalif and Elena blinked at the unexpected suggestion, asking back reflexively. That¡¯s how an early dinner for the three unplanned people was arranged.


    ?


    Elena and Khalif visited a detached dormitory where only direct royal family members could use it. It was similar in size to Elena¡¯s detached dormitory, but it was poor to see the place where the crown prince who would lead the empire stay, and it felt strongly backward. Expensive paintings and decorations were nowhere to be seen, and the furniture looked old.


    ¡®Now I¡¯m here.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes deepened. Elena and Sian¡¯s dormitories were across the street. If the tree did not block the view, it was close enough to expose life.


    Elena¡¯s interest in her past life had been focused only on Sian since she was in the academy. What Sian ate, how he slept, and how he lived was her world and everything. Maybe since then. The interest that started in Sian became favorable and turned into useless attachment and love.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing special, but eat it. It won¡¯t taste bad.¡±


    Khalif and Elena sat opposite each other, with the table between them based on Sian sitting at the top. The maid served the dishes in the kitchen. It was soup, salad, and steak, but compared to Elena¡¯s usual diet, the level dropped a lot. It was the same with Khalif. He was looking forward to the meal invited by the crown prince, but the quality of the meat was not good at a glance.


    ¡°Listen.¡±


    When Sian cut the meat first and ate it, Khalif and Elena grabbed the knife and fork. Khalid cut the meat to make it easier to eat and chewed the meat while greasy. As expected. It was edible, but it wasn¡¯t really excellent in quality or juicy.


    ¡®Was it this bad? The financial situation of the imperial family.¡¯


    Elena was personally supported by the Grand Duke during her time as empress. Otherwise, they couldn¡¯t cover the luxury cost of maintaining dignity. Therefore, she was not interested in the royal family¡¯s finances and thought it was always enough. However, the financial situation of the imperial family felt here seemed much worse than she thought.


    ¡°Does it taste good?¡±


    ¡°Of course! It¡¯s so delicious. It¡¯s chewy and soft-boiled, and every time the juices spread out, it¡¯s so fascinating.¡±


    Khalif even praised the chief, saying that he would be disappointed. Sian nodded his head indifferently and turned to Elena.


    ¡°What about you?¡±


    Elena, who was asked, put down her fork and chewed the food in her mouth tightly and swallowed it. Then she picked up her napkin, wiped her mouth, and answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s too much to say, but it¡¯s definitely a delightful dish.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Sian no longer asked about the taste. Instead, he paid attention to Elena¡¯s eating. While eating a steak with poor meat, she did not make a single chewing sound, and more than eight forks and knives were used naturally to suit their purpose.


    ¡°You always show new looks.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Elena looked up to see if she was talking about herself. Sian continued, staring at Elena with a peculiar indifferent look.


    ¡°Sometimes you look weak like a deer.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Sometimes you behave more gracefully than the imperial family.¡±


    Elena missed it. She realized that the etiquette that had been implicitly infiltrated attracted Sian¡¯s interest. She rebuked herself for her rashness, but the water had already spilled.


    ¡°Was your name Khalif?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡±


    ¡°This year¡¯s graduation class. So, have you thought about your career after graduation?¡±


    To Sian¡¯s question, Khalif answered clearly with a very nervous expression.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve found a job that suits my aptitude. I have to prepare my thesis, and I¡¯m so into it that I¡¯m worried if I can graduate on time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the right thing to do. I wonder what it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing work in art.¡±


    Elena glared at Khalif, who answered politely. She was displeased with the act of amplifying Sian¡¯s interest by talking about things that he didn¡¯t have to say. There¡¯s no way he didn¡¯t know that, but Khalif ignored it and talked.


    ¡°Actually, Miss Lucia here recommended it to me. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but I¡¯m getting a lot of help because she has excellent knowledge and insight.¡±


    Elena glared at Khalif as if to kill him for his constant stream of useless words.


    ¡®Please, that mouth.¡¯


    However, Sian¡¯s attention has already been paid to Elena.


    ¡°I knew you had a sense of art, but I didn¡¯t know you had a good eye for it.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, this is what Khalif said to lower himself. You don¡¯t have to listen.¡±


    Elena quickly praised Khalif and tried to pull herself out. She made a fierce eye contact with Khalif, warning him not to talk nonsense anymore.


    ¡°You¡¯re so modest. I¡¯m even more interested in the depth of your learning.¡±


    Oh. Elena¡¯s head was throbbing because she kept getting things tangled. Since Sian has already shown interest, there was anxiety that he might try to confirm it in some way.


    ¡°How do you feel? Let¡¯s talk more about this.¡±


    Sure enough, Elena¡¯s prediction was right. This situation was uncomfortable because Elena did not want to be involved with Sian for a while.


    ¡°Your Highness, I am¡­¡±


    As soon as Elena tried to express her refusal, Khalif stepped in.


    ¡°How can she refuse to do that, Your Grace? Lucia, are you okay? We¡¯re free today.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ ah.¡±


    Elena, who was angry at the attitude of him accepting spontaneously because she wasn¡¯t enough to cut off her words, bit her molar. Even though he certainly noticed, why on earth are was he so stupid today? The reason for the recklessness was not known, so she was even more feverish.


    Eventually, the three moved to the drawing room. Elena elbowed Khalif in the waist as she walked behind Sian, who was ahead of her. Perhaps with emotion, there was quite a heavy force.


    ¡°Cough.¡±


    Elena whispered softly to Khalif, who frowned in pain.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you today? Let¡¯s go quietly when we¡¯re done eating. What are you talking about!¡±


    ¡°Your Highness wants it. And you didn¡¯t notice?¡±


    Elena narrowed her eyes and glared at him and made remarks of warning.


    ¡°What do you think? When he asks, do it in moderation. I can¡¯t stand it anymore.¡±


    ¡°Look at him. Don¡¯t you think this is good for you?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re trying to make me happy?¡±


    Elena couldn¡¯t hear the answer to the questioning. Because she arrived in the drawing room.


    ¡°Wow, look at the books. It¡¯s like there are thousands.¡±


    Khalif looked at the books filled with the walls of the drawing room and admired them. There seemed to be more than a thousand books, but considering that this is the reception room, not the library, he could see how much Sian lived with books. Three people sat relaxed on the spacious sofa. Then Sian looked at Elena and opened his mouth.


    ¡°When I see you, I think of it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Can you give me a cup of tea like that?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Tea?¡±


    Elena was quite embarrassed by Sian¡¯s request. Give him a cup of tea. It was a sudden request that would be embarrassing for her as well. Sian was also embarrassed to bring up these words, so he gave a false cough.


    ¡°I can¡¯t forget the scent and the deep taste.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it a difficult request?¡±


    When Sian asked again, Elena, who had been half asleep for a moment, quickly came to her senses.


    ¡°No. If you can prepare tea leaves, tea, and hot water¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Sian told them to bring them out. The servants brought them in the blink of an eye whether they had been announced in advance or had already prepared them.


    ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    Elena checked the tea leaves first by opening the sealed box.


    ¡®The tea leaves of the second order.¡¯


    It is better compared to some products, but compared to the tea leaves, which are mostly used by the aristocrats, the scent and taste of the products were much lower.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not count the quality. The tea is more important.¡¯


    Elena carefully examined the tea leaves. Knowing the dryness of the leaves and the degree of fermentation, even the tea leaves of a heavy product could bring out the taste. The temperature of the hot water was appropriate, and the preparation was perfect. Furthermore, no matter how good the ingredients are, it is no exaggeration to say that the deep taste and deep fragrance of tea depends on the hands of the person who makes the tea. In that sense, Elena¡¯s tea ceremony, which had been brewed dozens, no, hundreds of times with her heart for only one person, was close to perfection.


    Gululu.


    Elena recommended filling an empty cup with tea water.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Sian, who tasted the first donation, exclaimed.


    ¡°Even with the same tea leaves, it has such a deep taste and aroma.¡±


    Sian stopped talking. Using his sense of smell and taste, he focused on deeply savoring the tea Elena brewed.


    ¡°Wow, I think I know a little why people do tea ceremony.¡±


    Unintentionally, Elena was amazed at the Khalif who drank the tea. He decided to cancel the idea of tea ceremony as a show-off ceremony for aristocrats. Elena, who stared at Sian enjoying tea, said to herself.


    ¡®I hope this tea will be the last one today.¡¯


    For she didn¡¯t want any more bad news. Elena had no choice but to smile sadly not to repeat her past mistakes.


    ¡°There¡¯s so much I want to ask you today.¡±


    ¡°Do you know me?¡±


    Sian openly pointed to Elena and asked.


    ¡°You said your father is the head of one of the continent¡¯s leading commercial houses.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°How is it? In your view, the flow of money in the present Empire. Does it feel normal?¡±

 Chapter 56

    Elena was quite embarrassed when asked. Although Sian¡¯s questions were comprehensive, they were high-level questions that required very professional learning.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t learn much because I wasn¡¯t good at commercial talent. But since you asked for my opinion, I will speak my mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    ¡°The current flow of imperial money is closely related to power. The Grand House and the Four Great Families intervene in various interests and monopolize anything that makes a profit.¡±


    Since the founding of the empire, there has never been a single history in which aristocrats have held such vested interests. The empire belonged to the royal family from generation to generation, but gradually the power of the nobility grew and lost its authority. The scarecrow emperor. The nobles above the emperor change even the emperor. That was the reality of the present imperial family.


    ¡°You saw it correctly.¡±


    ¡°Because not only the flow of money, but also its pretext is being swayed over by the nobles.¡±


    ¡°The Empire must change.¡±


    Sian also seemed to be fully aware of the seriousness of the situation. His eager eyes gave him a sense of willingness to regain his powerful imperial power, breaking away from the interference and checks of the great and four great families.


    Elena was very sorry for the proposal. If he was born well, he had many qualities to become an emperor, but unfortunately, there was no place for such an emperor now. It was so sad to see that Elena quit.


    ¡°Get someone competent.¡±


    ¡°Human.¡±


    Sian still brooded on the word and asked, his eyes glistening.


    ¡°Do you mean someone like *you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Elena cut the line with a snap.


    ¡°I¡¯m not as good of a person as you think I am.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so humble.¡±


    Khalif barely spoke, but seldom got involved in the conversation. There were some high-level conversations, but because it was a very sensitive topic, it was so. In contrast, Elena maintained a terrifying calmness without any emotional disturbance.


    ¡°I also had the same thoughts as you. But most capable people are aristocrats. They never want to be on the side of the imperial family.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    She also understood Sian¡¯s frustration. Even in academic institutes, most intellectuals who have received a high level of education are to abstain from nobles. Rarely, there were also commoners, but as the majority of them were struggling to succeed, there were more people who leaned on the nobility rather than the imperial family.


    ¡®You have a will, but you¡¯re wrong.¡¯


    Elena saw it clearly. Sian, who dreamed of strengthening the imperial power and tried to reform, failed. He would repeat the same mistake in the same way as he was now.


    ¡®If you could read the flow of the new era properly, it would be different.¡¯


    A new era is coming soon. If he can read and ride on the bandwagon, there is a possibility that Sian may achieve what he wanted. But Elena couldn¡¯t bring it up. Sian was reading monarchism when she happened to bump into him in the library reading room. If he was still dreaming of a strong despotic imperial power, the future of the new era and Sian will conflict.


    ¡®Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. Your Highness will take care of the judgment.¡¯


    Elena wanted to be of some help to Sian. It was all because of the lingering love and hatred for Sian, who she once lived as a couple with. Yes, that was it.


    ¡°May I offer you a word of advice?¡±


    ¡°Advice. I¡¯ll take it hard.¡±


    Elena gave strength and said as Sian¡¯s permission fell.


    ¡°There are countless emperors in the Empire who were revered as great men in the past. It¡¯s no exaggeration to say that we have an empire now because of their achievements.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°The reason why their achievements are highly regarded is that they have prepared the necessary systems for the times, read the changes of the times and dealt with them appropriately.¡±


    Throughout Elena¡¯s words, Khalif could not relax. He was nervous that she might offend Sian.


    ¡°The times are beginning.¡±


    Elena took a small deep breath. It¡¯s real from now on.


    ¡°The nobles are rotten and corrupt. Nevertheless, the imperial family has no authority or power to press them.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Sian¡¯s expressionless eyebrows wiggled. Elena pointed out the incompetence of the Imperial Household in front of the Crown Prince Sian.


    ¡°L-Lucia! Bite your tongue.¡±


    The frightened Khalif stepped in and stopped him. Even though that may be said to be true, it was tantamount to an insult to the imperial family to undermine the imperial family. But Elena had no intention of stopping here. No, she wouldn¡¯t have even spoken if she had quit here in the first place.


    ¡°The world will change soon.¡±


    Even though it may sound uncomfortable and insulting, his expression did not change. Only Khalif, caught in the middle, was restless.


    ¡°The change of times never begins above. It starts below.¡±


    ¡°Below.¡±


    ¡°Commoners.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Sian¡¯s eyes, where there was no change of emotion, were energized. Since the founding of the empire, the subjects of reform have been the imperial family and the nobility. In the pyramid-shaped status system, the common people, who are the absolute majority, were simply objects to be governed, but were not included in the subjects of consideration as reform subjects. Elena pointed out those commoners. She said that the change of times is not from the top, but from the bottom. For Sian, the story came as shocking.


    ¡°Whether you are nobility or the imperial family. It doesn¡¯t matter to the common people. The nobles are corrupt, and the imperial family loses authority and cannot stop the tyranny of the nobility.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°The exploited commoners don¡¯t see both of them differently. The persecuting one or the one unable to stop it are just the same.¡±


    A cold sweat ran down Khalif¡¯s spine. Elena¡¯s level of words was so high that he was nervous that she might buy Sian¡¯s anger.


    ¡°Continue. Keep talking.¡±


    What was surprising was Sian¡¯s patience. Despite being criticized for the incompetence of the imperial family, he showed a willingness to continue to listen to Elena¡¯s claims.


    ¡°To the imperial family, nobility is the enemy. Are the common people the enemy to the imperial family?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then who should the imperial family lean against? It¡¯s the people.¡±


    ¡°Lean on, the imperial family¡­¡±


    Sian calmly chewed over what Elena said. The imperial family viewed the common people as an object to be governed, but did not give any other meaning. As far as the status exists, the common people have been recognized only as such. But now Elena¡¯s words were breaking all that common sense.


    ¡°The reign of the Emperor is over.¡±


    Elena gave strength to her voice and said it clearly. It was time to wrap up the long and lengthy argument.


    ¡°The Emperor should not reign over the people, but stand on the people¡¯s side and go together.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the only way you can achieve what you want in an era of change.¡±


    Elena¡¯s last argument was convinced. It was the future she saw and experienced in person, so she was able to speak firmly and without wavering.


    ¡®That¡¯s enough. The rest of the choice is yours.¡¯


    Elena knew. She knew what she was talking about was going to sound ridiculous. Even though she knew that, she hoped this sincere advice reached him because of the affection and sorry she once had.


    ¡°L-Lucia.¡±


    When Sian was silent, Khalif seemed nervous and called Elena in silence. As the silence continued, cold sweat formed on the forehead of the tense Khalif. Elena waited softly. The long silence signified Sian¡¯s troubles. When the worries were over, she was about to end the love and hatred she had by respecting whatever he chose.


    ¡°You surprise me every time.¡±


    Sian¡¯s first words were admiration. There was a surprise from learning about the world from a completely different perspective and knowledge.


    ¡°Is that? Is that the meaning of the Holy Empire books you saw then?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena was surprised. She never thought that Sian would remember the books she had read at that time and get the point of what Elena said.


    ¡®You really listened to me?¡¯


    Far from being angry, she couldn¡¯t believe it even when she saw Sian brooding over Elena¡¯s story in front of her eyes. The claim was somewhat unconventional and unreasonable for him, the crown prince and the pinnacle of the status system.


    In addition, it was very different from the way he didn¡¯t listen to Elena in her previous life even when she begged desperately. It might have been more comfortable if he had ignored her as before. But Sian kept listening to Elena¡¯s words, which made her even more confused in dealing with him.


    ¡°Today¡¯s story was very meaningful. I feel like the fog in my head has gone away.¡±


    When Sian broke the debate, the happiest person was Khalif. If he could leave this place without any problems, he would sell his soul.


    ¡°*My lady.¡±


    Sian sang low to Elena.


    ¡°It was a very fruitful time. Would you often spend this time with me?¡±


    ¡°¡­ Yes, Your Highness.¡±


    Elena replied reluctantly that she would. Even if she didn¡¯t want it, she couldn¡¯t refuse it in front of the city. After finishing the story, Elena and Khalif came out of the dormitory. Before she knew it, the sky was dark. Elena felt fatigue as soon as she relaxed.


    ¡®I want to rest.¡¯


    She could see the dormitory just across the street. It was a stone¡¯s throw away, but Elena couldn¡¯t go. It was because she had to stop by the library¡¯s archives and remove her disguise to return as Veronica.


    ¡°How *swollen is your liver? In front of Your Highness what? What about the imperial family?¡±


    Khalif walked side by side and criticized Elena. In his view, Elena¡¯s remarks today are well above the danger level.


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t listen to me, that¡¯s a mistake.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Elena closed her mouth with meaningful words. Khalif, who was trying to criticize more, said, ¡°Did you feel that this is not the atmosphere?¡±


    __________________________________


    (T/N: -?? ? ??? ???/?? ?? (the liver comes out of the stomach / to have a swollen liver): to be overbold and foolhardy, ignoring apparent hardship.)


    (T/N: Throughout this chapter, just in general, Sian has been referring to Elena as ¡°??,¡± it¡¯s a polite way to refer to a noble¡¯s daughter, however, since there is no English word for it, I would either use ¡°you¡± or ¡°my lady.¡± Just know that whenever he speaks to her, it¡¯s in a polite manner.)

 Chapter 57

    ¡°See you next time.¡±


    Khalif said farewell in front of the central library and moved away. Instead of nodding, Elena led a tired body to the fourth floor recording room.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Normally, she would move around the library without slowing down the tension, but Elena was so tired of the discussion that she could not do what she had to do. Not knowing that today someone¡¯s gaze is on her back.


    Elena opened the door to the recording room and went inside. And at the corner of the stairway at the end of the hall, a man was watching with his face hidden.


    ¡°Who the hell is she?¡±


    The man was Ren.


    ***


    Ren hasn¡¯t been able to get rid of the chewy feeling since the three-way encounter. No matter how much she thought about it, there remains a doubtful part of Emilio¡¯s relationship with Lucia in the upper part of the Castol Corporation.


    Ren, who was chasing Lucia¡¯s track record with his own persistence, found Lucia, who had broken up with Khalif and entered the library, and quietly followed her. Then he ended up seeing Lucia enter the archives.


    ¡°What are you doing over there?¡±


    Ren folded his arms and pondered. Although he was far from a studious person, he had an innate brain. It¡¯s all because of that cleverness that he can persist in torturing and questioning someone. However, it was difficult to guess this time even for the head, who was proud of his cleverness.


    The Friedrich Family Archives. A place to store old things that are  nothing special and meaningless. It was a record room, so it was neglected so that no one of the current students could find it. He couldn¡¯t understand why she went to such a place.


    Kkiiiik.


    It was not long before the door to the archives opened. Ren quickly turned the corner and hid himself on the stairs to the fifth floor.


    Tak tak tak.


    The heel of the shoe grew louder, and soon the owner of the sound turned around the corner of the stairs.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Ren¡¯s eyes were wide open, as most things did not surprise him. He could not help but doubt it even when he saw it with his own eyes.


    ¡®Veronica?¡¯


    Surprisingly, Veronica was the girl who turned around the corner and went down the stairs. Ren appeared on the landing, making an appearance only after Veronica disappeared down the stairs.


    ¡°What¡¯s this link without context?¡±


    Ren¡¯s interest in Lucia was nothing more than pure interest. Sian intervened in the middle and offended his sarcasm, but it wasn¡¯t so much of annoyance. Rather, the more he sold Lucia, the more he became interested in the mystery question. What he saw today, however, was a huge shock to the level of interest that went through.


    ¡°Do you have anything to do with Veronica?¡±


    Ren¡¯s face, which was muttering as if he was asking questions, looked more excited than ever. It was not anyone else, it was Veronica. From this moment when Veronica had been proven to be involved, Lucia was not just an interesting one. She was a prey that needed to be dug up to the end and discovered.


    ¡°When will she come out.¡±


    Ren waited for Lucia to come out of the recording room. For quite a long time until the early evening was over, and it was late at night. Although it was late, Lucia did not come out.


    ¡°What is this cheap feeling?¡±


    Ren felt something strange that he couldn¡¯t pick up and went down the stairs to the recording room. He was not polite enough to knock, so he grabbed the door handle and opened it.


    ¡°Is anybody there?¡±


    The recording room was empty. Far from anyone in there, he could feel the warmth that meant it was vacated for a lot of time. Ren scattered his head roughly.


    ¡°What, when did she get out of here? I would have known if she came out.¡±


    The only way downstairs from the four-story hallway where the archives are located was the stairs where Ren was located.


    ¡°Did I miss you?¡±


    In other words, Ren missed her, but that didn¡¯t make sense. Ren was a monster that had never missed the chief of the swordsmanship department since admission. In the first year, the family¡¯s knights were overwhelmingly strong enough to take a step back. Without such superior talent and genius, he would not have been praised as the best prosecutor along with Hurelbard.


    ¡°A real ghost?¡±


    Lucia disappeared as if evaporating from such a Ren. Without any trace of being there.


    ¡°Or stronger than me?¡±


    Ren laughed as if he was in vain while developing his thoughts.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s one more reason for me to be excited.¡±


    Although he missed Lucia, Ren whistled leisurely, let alone being impatient. It¡¯s hard to find the tail, but it¡¯s a moment to find the body as soon as it¡¯s caught. Ren, who finished his business, was about to leave the recording room when he saw the portraits of the Friedrich family¡¯s past owners hanging on one wall.


    ¡°That¡¯s an ugly face. Hey, because of you¡­ Do you know how shit my life is?¡±


    Ren¡¯s thickening emotions were of life and hatred. Since independence from the great house, he has been forced to make unilateral sacrifices for the great house. They made it mandatory to sacrifice by signing a 100-year treaty on the condition of independence.


    ¡°I¡¯m not obligated to keep my grandfather¡¯s treaty, am I? A hundred years? Give it to a dog.¡±


    Ren¡¯s face staring at the portrait became more brutal.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to destroy everything my way.¡±


    ***


    Final exams were over. Although there may be some differences between faculties, the first semester of the academic institute was running toward the end as grades were disclosed. Students in the faculty who ended early returned to the family for vacation. This is because, as vacations are given for over a month, they even have enough time to visit local provinces.


    However, not all students leave the academy. Many of the students from the common people remained in the dormitory. There was no time to relax as the academy¡¯s grades soon determine life after graduation.


    Elena stayed in the dormitory. It was very surprising considering that students from the aristocracy returned to their families. It wasn¡¯t her will that Elena was left at the academy. It was completely Leabrick¡¯s will.


    Veronica was forced to take two years off for health reasons. She unintentionally delayed graduation. Leabrick hoped that Elena would accumulate grades that she had never had before through the seasonal semester. This is because it was possible to graduate early if she filled her allocated credits regardless of her school period or if her grades were good grades.


    Elena took the seasonal semester when she was left at the academy. Not only major but also liberal arts were included, which made it feel tighter than this semester. But Elena didn¡¯t care. She still had a lot of work to do at the academy. This was more free of charge than entering the Grand Duchy and being watched by Leabrick.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really have anything to do with that.¡±


    Elena¡¯s plan worked better than she had planned. In L¡¯s name, she arranged for Khalif to meet the great masters of the era.


    Khalif, who communicated with Randol and became aware of the role and importance of art brokers, helped future masters focus on their work and maximize their artistry. The masters, who thought they had already been indebted to L, were fascinated by the role of the lyricist of such art, and they held Khalif¡¯s hand without hesitation.


    It was more than Elena expected. As the first and best art broker, he studied in any field of foundation, architecture, literature, etc., which he did not know well to help the masters. Working so hard that he had no time to sleep, Khalif tried to understand various fields.


    ¡°Efforts and enthusiasm are important, but Emilio played a big role in Khalif¡¯s growth.¡±


    Emilio, the head of the Castol Corporation, focused on the upward movement between the capital and the trilateral alliance. At the same time, when the opportunity reached him, he met with young Khalif and gave him the experience and insight he had accumulated. Khalif¡¯s growth has also had a positive impact on masterpieces.


    The great literary artist Vargas¡¯ work <The Mermaid> was published in the literary world as early as two years with the help of Elena and Khalif. <The Mermaid> is a story about the love of humans and half-humans. It brought about creating a revolution in the literary world, capturing human desires and desires for pleasure.


    Furthermore, the sale of books using the commercial and distribution networks of the Castol Corporation resulted in unexpectedly large revenues. In addition, rumors spread that it would quickly start selling to foreign countries such as the Kingdom of Roy¨¨re and the Trilateral Union through translation work, so many famous literary writers and great literary men came to their feet. It was not only because of the empire, but because of their desire to sell their work to other countries.


    ¡°The salon is being built smoothly.¡±


    Emilio succeeded in purchasing the land on the road crossing the capital at the main gate of the Imperial Palace. It would not have been easy to buy because the sale was so scarce and there was no trading, but he showed the ability to do it without difficulty. On the ground, the architect Randol was laying the ground for a salon that might be his first work.


    Randol was planning to implement a dome-shaped roof using a construction method that had never been seen before. It was trying to build a more elegant building by taking advantage of its harmonious and balanced architecture, which was differentiated from the current Gothic style, which is dominated by sharp and high spires. Elena, who had already seen the design drawings brought by Khalif, could not help but admire the high-toned style and classy grandeur.


    ¡°The capital¡¯s center will be busy.¡±


    Confident of success, Elena started investing more aggressively. Emilio was asked to purchase additional salon land. And the surrounding buildings were also asked to be purchased even if they were priced higher than the market price. It was judged that the size of land was necessary to change the street area around the salon.


    Randol revised the design drawings to suit the site that was more than twice as wide as the original. Although the design diagram of the salon to be completed is not a cathedral, it has the shape of a building that is comparable to that of the cathedral.


    The salon¡¯s interior facilities will also have structures that have never been seen before. In addition to the reception room where the discussion room could be held, the venue for the master¡¯s exhibition of works, opera theaters, and small ballrooms were planned to be separated. Elena has all the elements that will become the center of salon culture.


    When the extension was confirmed, the construction period also increased. Khalif said that even if construction starts right away, it would be enough for two years. This year was longer than Elena thought. However, she did not rush. This is because she knew that it would be completed much sooner than expected.


    ¡°The reason why Randol was revered as a real genius was because of the phenomenal speed of construction.¡±


    Elena didn¡¯t know how that was possible. However, Randol knew how to use an efficient construction method that would reduce the average completion period of the current building by nearly half.

 Chapter 58

    Khalif was faithful to his role as an art broker, and he had taken care of the art trade he had with Princess Veronica himself. Recently, as an art dealer, Khalif¡¯s name has gradually begun to rise and fall in the art world, and artists who want to entrust the sale of their works have come on their own. Although he could be greedy, Khalif acted on behalf of the art trade only to the extent that he could digest it. Just enough not to be greedy and not to have an upset stomach. He kept the line that Elena asked him to do in the beginning. Everything went smoothly. Except for one person.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about Raphael.¡±


    Elena¡¯s face was full of depth when she stopped by the recording room, disguised herself and left the central library. More than Elena had planned, preparations were made to destroy the great house.


    But Raphael couldn¡¯t get out of the slump. He had such a genius talent that she believed he would overcome it anytime. However, except when he was teaching Elena, he almost let go of the brush from his hands, so she was very worried.


    The cultural destructive power of Raphael¡¯s paintings, which opened the horizons of the new era, was more valuable than any other artwork. She wondered if the influence of only one painting was so great, but it was actually so.


    Raphael¡¯s ability to express various techniques and characters has changed the common sense of painting that people have known so far. That one point became a measure of painting, and it was an opportunity for the value of paintings, which had been considered famous until now, to drop sharply.


    That¡¯s not all. The symbolic meaning of a single painting was even greater in the sense of transcending the existing paradigm. Intellectuals have begun to question the conventional wisdom of society, which has been tolerated so far. Such an impact would spread to the lowest commoners of the status system. Why should they live like this? It was an opportunity to reveal the complaints of ordinary people, who were robbed and couldn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°¡­ I can¡¯t believe it when I look back. I can¡¯t believe the effect of a single painting was that much.¡±


    If someone had said this, Elena would snort and laugh. It¡¯s only a painting.


    But that actually happened.


    When Elena arrived at the West Side annex, she visited the studio as usual.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Raphael, who was sitting looking at the white canvas, welcomed her.


    ¡°Are you here?¡±


    ¡°Why are you making it so dark? It¡¯s a basement, so it doesn¡¯t light up well. You have to turn it on.¡±


    Raphael smiled silently. Did he think Elena would know? Starting with that nagging, Elena¡¯s time is the only time he smiles.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little bright now. Huh? Did you cut your hair? You have your sideburns trimmed.¡±


    ¡°I think I left it too unattended. I cut it neatly, does it look good on me?¡±


    When Raphael asked awkwardly, Elena nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice. The girls will follow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear empty words.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not tired of hearing it again. I guess humans are animals that are weak to praise.¡±


    Raphael humbly accepted, but Elena¡¯s praise was not mixed with a single exaggeration. It¡¯s because he can¡¯t take care of myself because I¡¯m stuck in the studio now, but he couldn¡¯t miss anything in terms of my appearance. The glasses with clear features and often used made him look even more intelligent. In addition, she felt it when he was a court painter, but his artist¡¯s unique free and unbound atmosphere had a strange charm that attracted women¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Shall we continue to draw what we couldn¡¯t do last time?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Elena, sitting in front of the canvas, unpacked the oil paint on the palette and dabbed it with a brush. In order to overcome the shortcoming of lack of basic skills, she was developing her expression skills by making a mockery.


    ¡°Well done.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for your compliment.¡±


    Elena was satisfied with her improved appearance even though she drew it. But Raphael was a man of no satisfaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little disappointed here. When you colored, the paint got clumped up due to too much strain on your wrist. It¡¯s light, but you have to push it with a force that won¡¯t be pushed by the brush.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an example.¡±


    Raphael  demonstrated on his canvas by putting paint on his brush. It was a color and expression that was clearly compared to Elena to the extent that the compliment just before was overshadowed.


    ¡°This is how you do it. Lucia, if you copy it a couple of times, you¡¯ll be able to do it in no time.¡±


    This was the case when he was a court painter, but Raphael was born with genius from his birth, so when teaching others, he tended to think of himself as a standard. In other words, he often misunderstood that he would learn the basics of painting and the way of painting easily thanks to his talent. Because of that, it was difficult to be taught.


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult. Could you teach me easily?¡±


    When Elena complained, Raphael seriously agonized and opened his mouth.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Raphael quietly came behind Elena¡¯s back, reached out and wrapped his hand around the one that held her brush.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you a demonstration, so please remember this feeling with your fingertips. You just have to apply force and draw a stroke here.¡±


    ¡°Ah! I think I know how it feels.¡±


    ¡°Really? Remember the feeling and end of the brush¡­¡±


    At the moment, Raphael¡¯s body hardened. In order to help Elena understand, Raphael, who only thought he had to teach easily, realized that he was very close to her.


    ¡°This is how you do it, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Elena was excited as she made fun of the brush, and Raphael swallowed it in vain. As the tip of his nose was almost touching the nape of Elena¡¯s neck, a subtle scent and smell of flesh exudes deeply.


    ¡®I can¡¯t think of anything.¡¯


    Once conscious, his body temperature transmitted through the back of his hand, the voice that sounded close as if whispering, and all of Elena¡¯s other things paralyzed Raphael¡¯s senses and made even time slow.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely better than before.¡±


    When Elena turned her head and talked, Raphael¡¯s body hardened again.


    ¡°Oh, oh, yes. I think it¡¯s a lot better.¡±


    ¡°Right? I got the feeling!¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    The more excited Elena talked, the more her breath reached Raphael. For Elena, it may be because she is happy with the way she expresses herself, but Raphael was insane because he was all conscious.


    ¡°I-I think you can practice alone now.¡±


    Raphael swelled unnaturally. It seemed like his heart would burst as he continued doing this. He was going to wash his face as if it would burst.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just because it¡¯s a little hot. Oh, it¡¯s not a little, it¡¯s very hot.¡±


    Raphael made a hand fan. He wanted to calm himself down and hide his shyness.


    ¡°Are you very hot? I think I¡¯m okay. Are you going to have a fever?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°My face is too red now.¡±


    Elena got up worried and touched Raphael¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Raphael was at a loss because of the unexpected contact again.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a fever.¡±


    ¡°Y-you don¡¯t have to worry. Rather, you have to practice repeatedly. That¡¯s how the body remembers.¡±


    Raphael tried to distract Elena from the embarrassment.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll practice since you say you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Elena has repeatedly mastered brush painting, recalling her previous senses whether her developing paintings were interesting. Her expression became clearer to see if her skill had improved. Meanwhile, Raphael was also able to find peace.


    ¡®Oh, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this all the time.¡¯


    Deep inside Raphael¡¯s heart, there had been a bud of emotion toward Elena. However, he did not express or show his feelings. It was because Elena might feel burdened with unilateral feelings.


    He was nervous that Elena would notice that he was embarrassed by the unintended contact. What if I get caught? Then what should I do? A lot of worries crossed in a short time. Fortunately, Elena seemed to have no idea how he felt.


    ¡°Senior, look. It¡¯s definitely better, isn¡¯t it? Oh no, I guess I have a talent for painting.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Raphael, who watched Elena chatter with excitement, let go without realizing it. The purely joyful appearance of Elena shined white enough to make the illusion that she had just transferred an unstained child that has never been seen in the world.


    Elena had beauty that Raphael had never seen or felt before. In any language, in any word, Raphael forced out a vocabulary that could express an indescribable feeling.


    ¡°Angel.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Elena, who heard Raphael¡¯s muttering, asked again, wondering if she heard it wrong. Raphael couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Elena like a man possessed by something. Feeling burdened by the gaze, Elena slowly turned her head and avoided it.


    ¡®I can¡¯t lift my face because I¡¯m shy. You¡¯re an angelic, unfamiliar!¡¯


    Elena was quite embarrassed by Raphael¡¯s appearance, which she had never seen before. It was after a long time that Raphael, who was staring at Elena, opened his mouth.


    ¡°Can I ask you a favor?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking for something, so you set the mood. It¡¯s hard to refuse.¡±


    ¡°I want to draw a portrait of Miss Lucia.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    It was Elena¡¯s side who was embarrassed by Raphael¡¯s cautious but earnest request. A portrait model? It was an unexpected proposal, so she wondered if she heard it correctly.

 Chapter 59

    ¡°Are you asking me to be a model? I didn¡¯t hear you wrong, did I?¡±


    ¡°You heard it right. Was it a little sudden?¡±


    ¡°Suddenly a model¡­¡±


    Elena was awkward. It was a great honor to be asked by a painter to be a model for a portrait. It meant that you had a beauty that could be put on a canvas. It was obvious that anyone would feel good, but Elena couldn¡¯t like it.


    Elena was disguised as Lucia now. Her straight bangs, short hair, black horn-rimmed glasses were typical of study bugs found in the corner of the library.


    Compared to the days when Elena was a Princess Veronica, who could reveal her natural beauty, her current appearance was so shabby that even a name card could not be presented. Elena didn¡¯t understand what kind of charm he had seen and asked for a model.


    ¡°Thanks for your words, but I don¡¯t quite understand. Why did you offer me a model? I¡¯m not that pretty either.¡±


    ¡°I have a reason. I¡¯ll tell you if you don¡¯t laugh.¡±


    When Raphael answered seriously, Elena stammered at the thought of the possibility.


    ¡°Maybe he¡­ The sky¡­ that¡¯s not it is it?¡±


    Elena mumbled shy words even in her mouth. An angel? She couldn¡¯t raise her head because she was ashamed of being compared to an angel considered a symbol of holy beauty.


    ¡°Angel. I said that, but it¡¯s actually just a piece of a word to describe how I felt. There was no way to express this feeling.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying no? Oh, thank God.¡±


    It was when Elena was inwardly relieved.


    ¡°Light, pure white.¡±


    ¡°¡­ It should have been an angel.¡±


    Elena was embarrassed to die of embarrassment when he said something that was no different from an angel. Raphael spoke to Elena again, who felt embarrassed.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve known that people shine, and I¡¯ve got the desire to put that light in my paintings.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes opened to the appearance of Raphael, who showed eagerness and enthusiasm for the painting.


    ¡®Maybe it¡¯ll be an opportunity to get out of a slump?¡¯


    Raphael fell into a severe slump because he was so focused on drawing an outer face that he couldn¡¯t contain the inner side, creating a sense of separation. No matter what picture the result was, she thought it was an important time for Raphael to overcome the slump.


    ¡°Light. It makes me curious.¡±


    Raphael¡¯s eyes were full of anticipation due to the blur of Elena¡¯s words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I might be a model for a portrait that represents the age. How can I just skip this opportunity?¡±


    ¡°Thank you. I was worried a lot about you refusing, but I really don¡¯t know how to express this gratitude.¡±


    Raphael didn¡¯t know what to do with Elena¡¯s acceptance. A smile was also drawn on Elena¡¯s mouth, watching Raphael. Elena sincerely wanted Raphael to overcome the slump.


    ¡°But! I¡¯ve done you a favor, so please do me a favor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll risk my life to hear anything you ask.¡±


    Raphael was ready to serve any request. His head was filled with a hot breeze trying to capture the light that Elena had in his picture.


    ¡°It¡¯s something a senior must draw to know, but if that¡¯s the case, really just a what if. If the portrait is completed before autumn, please display it at the art festival.¡±


    ¡°Is it an academy art festival?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m not asking you to draw it in a hurry, but I¡¯m saying it because I want you to submit it to the art festival if the timing is right.¡±


    Raphael hesitated for a moment. Although he is attending the art department of the academy, he submitted only the tasks necessary to acquire the grades, and he has never released a proper painting. He himself felt ashamed to disclose his paintings because he thought they were insufficient. Elena expected Raphael to break the shell and come out of the world.


    ¡°Okay. If the timing is right, I¡¯ll submit it as Miss Lucia said.¡±


    ¡°The deal¡¯s over! Now that we¡¯re talking about it, how about starting today? It¡¯ll be difficult if you forget the feeling. Should I go over there and sit down? Pose a little bit?¡±


    With Elena¡¯s enthusiasm, Raphael smirked without realizing it. And thought at the same time. This picture has a good feeling. For some reason, he was excited by the vague expectation that he could draw a real picture that he¡¯d never drawn before.


    ***


    In Leabrick¡¯s office. There were four gentle-looking men on the left and right, headed by Leabrick sitting at the top. Those believed to be in their early 30s were key figures who supported the great house with the help of Leabrick. Not only did she graduate from the academy with excellent grades, but she was also very loyal as he was educated under the auspices of the Grand Duke. For this reason, they were ordered by Leabrick, who was as young as 10 years old, but they never complained and followed faithfully.


    ¡°A person named L bought land in the slums?¡±


    When Leabrick asked back with a look of speech, they took turns reporting.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s 14 places, to be exact.¡±


    ¡°About two months ago, they completed the purchase process and even received land certificates issued by the imperial family.¡±


    ¡°It has been found that they are responsible for the increase in the purchase price of the poor¡¯s land.¡±


    ¡°I beg your pardon, but the site L purchased is the center of Noblesse Street.¡±


    The limbs collected and delivered what they surveyed as it is. It was Leabrick¡¯s job to analyze, take action, and respond based on that information.


    ¡°The bottom line is that L knew we were going to develop the slums, and they played first.¡±


    Unless you are a fool, you have no choice but to think about that. The location of the land bought by L was the same, and the timing was the same. In addition, given that they received a land certificate issued by the imperial family, she felt strongly that they were trying to prevent the land from being taken away in advance by external pressure or coercion. A man with a beautiful mustache spoke carefully.


    ¡°It looks like the information was leaked.¡±


    ¡°What do you call that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    The men lowered their heads at the same time as Leabrick spoke with a sharp edge.


    ¡°Did you find the leak?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    This means that they have not grasped it at all.


    ¡°Then where is L?¡±


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Are you guys going to keep doing this?¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s cool voice calmed the atmosphere down heavily. Most of the time she didn¡¯t show her feelings, so they lowered their heads and looked at each other.


    ¡°I must have warned you. As this project is risky for our high price, be careful about security. Did I sound ridiculous?¡±


    The aids made excuses without even raising their heads.


    ¡°No. We took note and took note of it, but¡­ so we are also in trouble.¡±


    ¡°It may sound like an excuse, but there is no trace of information leaking.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going crazy, too. It¡¯s all the more so because we¡¯ve done enough to figure out the poor.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s eyes narrowed. She took turns peeping at them.


    ¡°That sounds like a saying that one in five people here bought the land under the pseudonym L.¡±


    ¡°V-Viscountess!¡±


    When what she said came back as an arrow, the four of them sat down and got down to their knees as if they had promised.


    ¡°Please, clear your doubts.¡±


    ¡°G-give me time, and I¡¯ll find out where the information came from.¡±


    ¡°One more chance.¡±


    The four of them begged Leabrick with their heads down. They were the lives worth flies enough to depend on the words of Leabrick. This is because Grand Duke Friedrich gave Leabrick that much power.


    ¡°Do you know how much damage we¡¯ve suffered in this case?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°If you think your life is worth more than that, you¡¯re mistaken.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s tone was decent, but if you look at the dragon, it was a bloody threat. The combined lives of those four were nothing short of money. It also meant that she would not let them live if they could not make up for the amount of damage.


    ¡°Take any means to buy the land from the slums. Threaten or take it from them if you need to.¡±


    ¡°B-but then the back statement¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your job to keep it out.¡±


    Leabrick warned coldly and informally.


    The mustache-bearing aid sensed the danger of that statement. If there is gossip, she would blame them for everything, so they will be responsible for handling things.


    ¡°U-understood.¡±


    Even though they knew that the risk was high, they had no choice but to follow. They have to live and see.


    ¡°Find L, too. Don¡¯t forget who they are, where they live, and how old they are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already asking for it. We¡¯ve already figured out what they look like from the people who sold the land.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to be briefed on that?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    In Leabrick¡¯s eyes, the aids bowed and waited for the next word.


    ¡°All I want you to do is to take ownership of the land to our Grand Duke. I don¡¯t care how. What I want is the result.¡±


    ¡°U-understood.¡±


    Leabrick waved her hand and told them to go out. They left the office with a blue face. As things didn¡¯t go as she wanted, Leabrick stood up from the chair and stood in front of the window.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t. They¡¯re blinded by a few pennies, so they don¡¯t have low loyalty, and they have no guts to spill information.¡±


    Although Leabrick has just shifted responsibility and pressured the aids, in fact, there is no doubt that their loyalty to the great house is as good as their faith. They were also so perfect that they were in charge of the work of the Grand Duke for more than a decade.


    Nevertheless, information was leaked.

 Chapter 60

    As if they saw through the redevelopment project of the slums, she was convinced that they chose the key location of the new Noblesse street and bought the land.


    ¡°We need to crack down on the inside.¡±


    Leabrick¡¯s eyes were bitter. As Elena came to the Grand Duchy, she struck out people who remembered Princess Veronica. There was a high possibility that impure people mixed in the process. Leabrick quietly summoned the Knight Lorentz.


    ¡°Did you find it?¡±


    ¡°I have a secret favor to ask of you.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    Lorentz stood there in a dignified manner and waited for her words.


    ¡°Follow after them. If you have a different mind, or if you feel something strange, please let me know immediately.¡±


    ¡°You think there¡¯s a traitor?¡±


    ¡°No, but I think I¡¯ll have to check it out. Please, Sir.¡±


    Lorentz nodded and left the office. Leabrick, who was left alone again, turned out of the window. The gaze touched the garden, but her mind was filled with someone else.


    ¡°L. Who the hell are you?¡±


    ***


    Central library. Elena, disguised as Lucia, was being scolded by Khalif.


    ¡°You said the slum land is for charity!¡±


    ¡°I did. What about it?¡±


    ¡°Why? Why? Why are you saying that now? They¡¯re looking for you in the Grand House. They¡¯ll buy back the land you bought.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes were calm. Even though she knew this would happen, she didn¡¯t care about the feelings of Khalif, who was upset because she didn¡¯t give him a word.


    ¡°The Grand House has started to develop the slums in earnest.¡±


    ¡°I knew this would happen. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Elena apologized briefly. But she didn¡¯t really feel sorry.


    ¡°Look, you¡¯re not even sincere about the apology.¡±


    ¡°Please tell me more about the direction of the Grand Duchy.¡±


    Khalif talked about the situation in which he went back to swallowing his disappointment.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I said earlier. They don¡¯t know you¡¯re L. They¡¯re even searching for the montage of the agent who bought the land.¡±


    Elena¡¯s eyes deepened. That¡¯s as good as saying that Leabrick is looking for L.


    ¡®It¡¯s just beginning. The invisible fight between you and me.¡¯


    She thought she¡¯d be excited to run into Leabrick, but Elena was frighteningly calm. Her head and heart cooled down colder.


    ¡°Did you hear about the agent who sold the land?¡±


    ¡°Emilio told me to let you know that they crossed the border and arrived at the Duchy. So you can be relieved. They¡¯re going to spend a lot of money by now.¡±


    ¡°If my father did that, I won¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Elena, well aware of Leabrick¡¯s tenacity, exiled her agent to another country when she traded land. They would be sent to the duchy located on the opposite side of the empire, so that even the Grand Duke could never find them.


    ¡°But you¡¯re close to Princess Veronica.¡±


    ¡°Why is that coming out now?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the subject that would come out at this timing, so Elena questioned.


    ¡°No, if she hears about L from the Great House, you¡¯re known to be L. You and Her Highness could be estranged from each other.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying? That won¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°Really? If you say so, I suppose, but Princess Veronica is a big customer, and it¡¯s a little difficult without her. I hope she¡¯s doing well.¡±


    Khalif scratched his cheek. He was embarrassed that he seemed a bit snobbish even though he said it. Elena, however, was rather proud of Khalif. He judged the value of his customers and tried not to lose them. Whether he was an art broker or an art dealer, it was a necessary posture for success.


    ¡°Rather than that, shouldn¡¯t we have to negotiate with the Grand Duke at this point? Even if you¡¯re at the verge, you can negotiate the slum lands at an expensive price.¡±


    ¡°There will be no negotiation.¡±


    Unlike Khalif, who wanted to contact the Grand Duke and redeem the price of the land she had bought in the slum, Elena thought it was too early.


    ¡°No negotiations? Are you saying you won¡¯t bargain?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena answered firmly.


    ¡°What are you thinking? You won¡¯t negotiate, you won¡¯t bargain. Are you willing to trade?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sell it. When I want to sell it. At the price I want.¡±


    From the beginning, Elena had no intention of bargaining with Leabrick over the land she bought in the slum.


    ¡®I don¡¯t care if I have the land I bargained for nothing, I don¡¯t need it. But you¡¯re not. Isn¡¯t that right, Leabrick?¡¯


    There were a lot of expectations for the Grand Duke on Noblesse Street, which Leabrick is now pushing. The empire was a nation of noblemen to the extent that it could be regarded as a union of noblemen. And the place for such nobles is Noblesse Street.


    Those who are not aristocrats are not allowed to enter, and the luxurious shops that the aristocrats want are located in the area, the Opera Theater that the aristocrats love, and the master¡¯s works can be bought. In addition, the privileges for aristocrats were concentrated in the streets of Noblesse. The streets, which were built with the finest marble, were ecstatic just to step in. This word of mouth had spread, and the number of nobles visiting Noblesse Street had increased throughout the continent. The amount of income earned has increased. The aristocrats wanted to be different, and they filled their vanity by spending money like water on the streets of Noblesse, which met the difference.


    Just a year. It took only half a year to recover the investment that the Grand Duke had poured in, and in the remaining half a year, the return was nearly double the investment. Even the land prices of slums bought at bargain prices had risen more than a hundred times.


    Space for the building was limited, and merchants, of course, wanted to open stores on Noblesse Street. As a result, competition for entry naturally intensified and the rent was forced to rise.


    Elena didn¡¯t value the land she bought at a bargain price. Considering the years after the Noblesse Street will be completed, she was thinking of buying and selling only at that price. And.


    ¡®I¡¯m going to take down Noblesse Street.¡¯


    There will never be an astronomical amount of money that the Grand Duke will make on the streets of Noblesse. Elena will stop it by all means. Khalif didn¡¯t know what Elena was thinking, so he felt frustrated not to bargain in negotiations.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking.¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to know if it¡¯s bothering you? You¡¯ll know when the time comes. I¡¯m firm, so please hold off contact with the Grand Duke.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    After the confidential conversation, Khalifa and Elena left the library with a time difference. Khalif had a lot of work to do outside the academy as he also served as an art broker. These days, he often slept outside the academy without entering the dormitory as if he had given up his diploma.


    Elena¡¯s footsteps were directed to the western annex. As she promised to be a model for Raphael¡¯s portrait, she visited the studio regularly.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little early today.¡±


    Somehow, the secret meeting with Khalif ended earlier than usual, so she arrived faster than usual.


    ¡°Who¡¯s here?¡±


    At the end of the corridor, when a speech was heard in the studio, Elena stopped at the door. The voices of a man and women who were talking was leaking out through the slanted wooden door.


    ¡°You still don¡¯t give me an answer.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Elena¡¯s movement to open the door stopped. The owner of the voice heard from beyond the wooden door was none other than Prince Sian.


    ¡®Why are you here?¡¯


    She thought that he might have come to see her as he did at that time, but that thought quickly disappeared with another voice coming from the studio.


    ¡°I gave you an answer. Your Highness just ignored my answer.¡±


    ¡®Empress.¡¯


    This calm voice was Cecilia. Two people were talking in the studio. Based on the level and theme of the conversation, Raphael seemed to have stayed away.


    ¡°Is that your answer?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Elena was about to turn around because she thought it was rude to eavesdrop.


    ¡°Do you really refuse to stand as the Crown Princess?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    For a moment, Elena¡¯s expression darkened as she was surprised by the word ¡°Princess¡± that came out of Sian¡¯s mouth.


    ¡®In my past life, even now, you only want the empress.¡¯


    Sian wanted to marry Cecilia, the daughter of Count Lyndon, a neutral nobleman. If one of the daughters from the four great families were to serve as empress, they would become enemies of the imperial family and become the outcasts of the imperial family. Politically, Cecilia must be the best of the Crown Princess.


    ¡°¡­ I¡¯d prefer to do it to the end if I could. But it doesn¡¯t mean anything. My will doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s voice, which was speaking in a complicated way, was weak. Although the Empire has a high level of women¡¯s human rights, aristocratic leisure has often been used as a political tool. If her father Count Paul and Sian agree, her will would be completely ignored.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to be the Crown Princess?¡±


    ¡°You know what?¡±


    Cecilia¡¯s voice, which was repeatedly asked, contained sadness.


    ¡°I know that Your Majesty has only recommended the position of Crown Princess from the beginning until now. You never wanted me for a moment.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to live like a doll.¡±


    Elena¡¯s expression hardened to Cecilia¡¯s voice, which gradually blurred her words.


    ¡®A doll?¡¯


    Although it was a political marriage, Sian cherished Cecilia dearly. She thought she was given the affection that he never gave to Elena. But if you take that into account, doesn¡¯t it mean Cecilia was no different from Elena? She even felt sorry that she might be more miserable than Elena, who voluntarily became the empress.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know. I made you so tired.¡±


    Sian calmly brooded with a voice that did not feel high or low.


    ¡°I promise, from today I will no longer offer you the consolation of the Crown Princess.¡±


    ¡°Y-Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°I will withdraw political marriages through Count Lyndon. I promise under the honor of the family.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±