Usually, daughters from wealthy families hold their debutante ceremonies in whatever way they prefer. But ladies without money often miss their debut and consequently their chance at marriage. So the imperial family holds debutante balls to encourage marriages among the nobility.

I was going to supply dresses for that event.

Of course, these weren’t dresses for high-ranking noble ladies, but I’m making progress step by step.

I really hadn’t planned on returning, but what can I do when the world wants me?

I truly had no choice but to sign a contract for a new shop in the capital. Today I came to the capital to make the final payment.

“Maybe I’ll have a cup of coffee before I go.”

There was only one thing I missed after leaving the capital. Coffee.

It was a famous coffee spot in the capital, and no one could replicate that taste. My mouth watered. I headed toward the coffee house with excited steps.

Just in case, I secured the veil on my hat firmly.

Although I had been declared dead, who knows if someone might recognize me?

“It’s been so long.”

That rich aroma with a slight acidity.

With an excited heart, I bought my coffee and found a seat. I’ll drink this coffee every single day while I’m in the capital. Every day, without fail.

As I was humming and sipping my coffee, I overheard people talking nearby.

“So…… what did His Highness the Crown Prince say, Rozenne?”

Rozenne? The Rozenne I know?

I unconsciously lowered my head. Shifting my eyes slightly, I could see Rozenne’s face. With her gentle smile, she was the very image of a noble lady. I swallowed hard and hunched down further.

Seriously, stepping on a landmine as soon as I arrive?

She must know I’m alive, right? In the original story, Rozenne’s character was calm, diligent, and kind. She was like the epitome of a healing character.

But what bothers me was that last time I saw her.

As if she knew this would happen…… and that mouth shape I still can’t forget.

‘Live within your means.’

I’m still not sure if I saw correctly.

“Well, I did receive this gift.”

“Wow…… something so precious? That’s the purple diamond that only the imperial family can possess……”

His Highness the Crown Prince. They must be talking about Vairen. I’ve deliberately closed my eyes and ears to news about the imperial family and the Liberk family.

Mentioning Vairen reminds me of the past.

Since I knew the original story, I remembered that Vairen had a tough childhood. Being born to an imperial consort rather than the Empress meant he faced a lot of opposition.

The Empress wanted to make her one-year-old child the crown prince. So I helped Vairen a little, just a little.

It felt wrong to know what would happen and do nothing.

〈Oops, I accidentally dropped my ring.〉

Like accidentally dropping a silver ring into a poisoned teacup.

Or sabotaging the wheels of a carriage that Vairen was about to board when an attack was planned. Just little things like that.

He must be doing well now. By this time, he should be lovey-dovey with Rozenne.

No wonder she’s showing off jewelry.

I was about to stop paying attention when I caught more of their conversation.

“……so when will His Highness the Crown Prince finally choose a new crown princess? It’s been three years already. I think it’s time for a new crown princess.”

A new crown princess? Wait, what does that mean?

Was there a crown princess for the male lead before Rozenne? I don’t remember reading that. Could Vairen have had a woman? How is that even possible?

While I was confused, I caught the next part of their conversation.

I found myself unconsciously leaning toward them to listen.

“Well. I’m grateful that His Highness the Crown Prince still remembers. She was my sister after all.”

Sister? The only person Rozenne would call sister is me. Is there someone else?

“True. Crown Princess Ires was pitiful too. If she hadn’t passed away, by now…… no, Rozenne. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Cough! Cough, cough.”

Surprised, I burst into a coughing fit and barely managed to cover my mouth.

What are they talking about? What on earth is going on?

I wanted to confront them right away, but since I was hiding my identity, I couldn’t step forward. If I appeared now, they’d probably faint thinking a ghost had appeared.

But I need someone to explain this to me.

……I’m the crown princess……?

I’ve never been married…… This is too much for this pitiful young woman who’s been too busy even for a boyfriend.

※※※

As soon as I confirmed Rozenne had left, I jumped up from my seat. Suppressing my curiosity, I paid the remaining balance at the bank and headed toward the building that would become my dress shop.

My heart was pounding and my hands were trembling, but I had things to take care of within business hours today.

Today was the day the remodeling of the building for my dress shop would be completed. I needed to check if it was done according to my request and fix any defects before opening.

It was an old but well-maintained building.

And it was located on a street with many other dress shops.

I checked the construction status and quickly left. Fortunately, the construction was well done.

Then I hurriedly visited the information guild I used to frequent when I lived in the capital.

I thought that after I left, Rozenne and Vairen would be lovey-dovey as in the original story, but that wasn’t the case.

And somehow I, who was reported dead, had become the crown princess.

I need to know what’s going on.

If I’m not careful, my business could be completely ruined!

“It’s been a while, Owl.”

Owl was my code name. You couldn’t use your real name here. These people had helped me settle in the Lorentz region after I left the capital. The person greeting me was one of the few who knew Ires wasn’t dead.

“It’s been a while, Cappuccino. Have you been well?”

“Of course. You seem to be doing well too.”

“Thanks to you.”

I sat at the bar and ordered the butter beer I used to drink often. I crunched on the peanuts that came with the beer.

What should I ask first?

I have so many questions, but it’s so absurd that I don’t know where to start. Should I just bluntly ask why I’m the crown princess?

Maybe I’m hearing things?

While I was pondering, Cappuccino asked me first. The handsome man’s eyes curved gently.

“Are you returning to the capital permanently now?”

“……I was planning to for a while, but there’s been a complication.”

“Complication? The building was definitely problem-free. Did something go wrong with the construction?”

Cappuccino had been overseeing the construction on my behalf. I hadn’t expected him to go that far.

〈I’ll do anything that makes money. If you’re paying, why would I be picky?〉

He was an honest materialist. That was fortunate for me.

“Not that kind of complication. Cappuccino, do you know anything about the VIP having a wife I don’t know about?”

VIP referred to the Crown Prince. Cappuccino made an “ah” expression. Of course he would know.

“Well, there are strong rumors that the VIP has gone mad.”

“Gone mad?”

“Yes. The VIP made a dead lady his wife. According to what the VIP claims, his soul already belongs to the dead lady, and the two of them are practically married. But really, is there anything the imperial family can’t do?”

What nonsense is that?

None of this makes any sense.

“Why are the dead lady and the VIP legally married……?”

“Well.”

Cappuccino tilted his head.

“Only the VIP, Owl, and God would know that, I suppose?”

He pointed his index finger toward the sky. So there are things even Cappuccino the information merchant doesn’t know. Well, since I don’t know either, it seems only the Crown Prince and God know.

God, are you there to answer me?

At least I confirmed the fact. “Ires Liberk” is indeed the crown princess. Whether she’s dead or alive.

A chill ran down my spine.

Duke Liberk would want to make Rozenne the crown princess. But right now, I’m basically an obstacle, and the Duke knows I’m alive.

I swallowed hard and asked.

This looks like I need to run away……?

“……So how are the new lady and the ducal family now?”

“Hmm, in what way?”

“They know the dead lady isn’t actually dead.”

Cappuccino leaned against the bar.

His face came close to mine with a decadent smile. Is he using his face for business? He’s unnecessarily handsome. I leaned back.

Cappuccino smiled languidly.

“There was a funeral the day you left. They say the VIP visited that funeral. And he came out looking like he had made some decision. After that, the VIP turned the ducal family upside down. He seemed to be searching for something, but found nothing.”

“And?”