Chapter 29

Under the sky where the sunset was fading, her carriage stopped in front of the mansion. As a noblewoman descended from the carriage, exuding grace, the numerous servants waiting bowed respectfully.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“There was quite a stubborn one this time.”

Viviana naturally handed her coat to the old man. The old man received the coat with a respectful smile and replied.

“Still, they were no match for you, Princess.”

“Well, that’s obvious.”

Viviana let out a light laugh and walked with a dignified step. Despite having just returned from the battlefield, she showed no signs of fatigue as she headed towards her office, as always.

Head Butler Alphonse silently followed her. Upon arriving at the office, the same scene greeted them. A pile of documents was neatly stacked on the luxurious desk. ‘As always, she sat in her chair with an indifferent expression, pulling out a cigarette from its usual spot and placing it in her mouth.

A monotonously repetitive routine. Just as always, as Viviana was about to light her cigarette without hesitation.

[Cough! Cough..!]

In the midst of the same daily routine, the image of a woman’s suffering came to mind. Viviana paused for a moment, holding the cigarette, then clicked her tongue and finally lit it.

“Still no word?”

At Viviana’s question, the old man let out a short sigh.

“No, not even a letter.”

“Hah.”

The old man couldn’t understand. Why was she, who always stood so proudly, waiting so anxiously for a letter from just one young lady? He wondered if perhaps the Merdelia Ducal Family had some weakness related to this.

“It’s unlike you, Princess. She’s just a young lady from a declining family, after all.”

“I know.”

Seeing Viviana’s discomfort, the old man refrained from scolding her further. As a brief silence filled the office, the old man stroked his chin as if something had come to mind and brought up a topic.

“Speaking of which, I heard there’s a small banquet at the Blanchard Family’s Mansion next week.”

“What?”

“I heard it’s for that young lady’s birthday.”

Viviana’s eyes widened, and she let out a puff of cigarette smoke with a disbelieving smile. Her violet eyes, visible through the haze, emitted a faint yet ominous glow.

“So, they didn’t invite me?”

With that, Viviana rose from her chair and left the office. Leaving the head butler behind, she headed to a secluded part of the mansion, to a hidden secret room.

The secret room was covered in pure white marble, with a luxurious piano placed under a large window. Viviana calmly sat at the piano, let out a sigh, and slowly placed her fingers on the keys.

Soon, the notes flowing from her fingertips filled the air with a deep, resonant fragrance. The piano sound, carrying her deep emotions and noble grace, enveloped the room. Every small movement of her wrist exuded elegance, as if she were dancing.

“….”

[I think I’ve fallen for Lady Viviana.]

[It was truly beautiful. The most beautiful performance I’ve ever heard. This is no lie, but my true feelings.]

[I’ll always be cheering for you.]

It’s unlike you, Princess.

Clang-!

As Viviana pressed the keys forcefully, a jarring sound emanated from the instrument. She tapped the piano keys, closed her eyes slightly, and let out a light laugh.

“Pfft, what am I even doing?”

Alphonse was right. To be so mentally drained over a powerless young lady was a pitiful situation, unbecoming of her.

She had only met the young lady a few times. Investing time in such a person was unnecessary when she had so much ahead of her.

If the Blanchard young lady was avoiding her, then perhaps it was for the best. She had no reason to seek out such a person herself.

With a clear answer, Viviana’s eyes regained their clarity. The suffocating frustration that had plagued her chest disappeared, leaving only a sense of relief without any lingering regrets.

“However, there’s one thing I must do.”

She tried to manipulate me with sweet, deceitful words. To think she dared to play with me, the princess of the Merdelia Ducal Family, on her little white palm.

She tempted me with false words and ultimately betrayed me. This was a grave insult to the Merdelia Ducal Family. And my nature is not so forgiving as to let this slide.

“I’m the type who must always return any insult, Blanchard Young Lady.”

You were the one who wronged me first, young lady.

So, I hope you’ll understand if I cause a bit of trouble.

*

It was an unusually bright and sunny morning. The sunlight wrapped the earth more warmly than before, and the birds’ chirping sounded even more harmonious.

Today, the pain of her period was absent. With lighter steps, she left her room and hurried to the kitchen, where a woman was enjoying tea in an elegant atmosphere.

The woman who loved ‘me’ the most in this world. Her blue eyes, like a beautiful crescent moon, welcomed me.

“Happy birthday, my daughter.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Without hesitation, I ran into her embrace. Her ample bosom always enveloped my face. As I nuzzled into her chest, something heavy was placed in my hand.

“It’s your birthday gift.”

“Wow! Can I open it?”

Mother nodded with a faint smile. As I carefully unwrapped the gift box, inside was an amulet with a small blue gem.

I stared blankly at the amulet. Though it lacked ornate decorations and was rather plain, it accentuated the beauty of the blue gem at its center.

The jewels given by other noble ladies were surely more expensive. Yet, for some reason, even if I sold all the other gifts, I could never part with this amulet.

“Don’t misunderstand, Tina. The gem in the center is a Magic Resonance Stone.”

“A Magic Resonance Stone?”

“Yes, it vibrates when near another stone with the same resonance frequency.”

Mother carefully showed me her hand. On her slender finger was a ring with a gem of the same color as the amulet.

As Mother tapped the gem on the amulet twice, both the amulet and her ring began to vibrate strongly.

“Lately, I’ve been worried about you, Tina. I fear something might happen to you. That’s why I prepared this gift.”

“Kinda feels like a tracking device, huh?”

“…Yes. If you feel uncomfortable, you don’t have to wear it. Or you can sell it at the market and buy something you want. It should fetch a good price.”

Considering Mother’s personality, she must have thought deeply and chosen this gift with care. Yet, her suggestion to sell it made me look at her with a blank expression.

Silly Mother,

You still don’t understand me.

I silently handed the amulet back to Mother and turned around, lifting my long hair to show her the back of my neck.

“…Mother, please put it on for me.”

Mother silently looked at me for a moment, then carefully placed the amulet around my neck. The thin silver chain and the sparkling blue gem rested just below my neck.

I spun around to face Mother and smiled brightly. Then, as always, I threw myself into her embrace.

“This is my favorite gift of all the ones I’ll receive today. Thank you, Mother.”

“Haha, you say that before even receiving the others.”

“No, I’m sure.”

How could I dislike something that so clearly carries Mother’s concern for me? And since I’ll sell all the other gifts anyway, this one will remain my precious treasure.

“I love you, Mother. I’ll take good care of it.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Hehe…of course.”

After that, we shared a pleasant meal together, chatting about trivial matters. Then, I had to move quickly. I thoroughly checked to ensure nothing was missing for the upcoming tea party to entertain the young ladies.

As I busily rushed about, time flew by, and soon, luxurious carriages began to line up in front of the Blanchard Family’s Mansion.

As I watched the young ladies gather in the garden through the window, I felt a familiar presence behind me.

“Young Lady, it seems we’re just waiting for you now.”

“Lenahel.”

I turned away from the window and looked at her. Lenahel’s eyes widened as she looked at me, and she smiled warmly, placing her hand over her chest.

“I thought the ladies outside were beautiful, but you are undoubtedly today’s star, Young Lady.”

“Haha…thank you. Then, I’ll go out now.”

I bid farewell to Lenahel and descended the stairs with excited steps. With each step closer to the garden, the harmonious laughter of the young ladies grew louder.

I paused for a moment, using two fingers to form a wide smile on my face. After confirming my smile in the mirror, I hurried outside.

To the young ladies waiting for me.

Towards the gifts they had prepared.