“No matter how important personal feelings are, this engagement was arranged by the imperial family. Seeing how His Majesty ‘commanded’ rather than proposed to my parents, his will is clearly firm, so a few words from me won’t overturn it. In that case, rather than immediately refusing, shouldn’t we at least show some sincerity?”

“…”

“Most importantly, it’s not like I dislike you, Young Duke.”

She actually wanted to say she liked him very much, but since they’d only just met, a hasty confession seemed like it would backfire, so she swallowed the words with effort.

“So I hope this engagement goes through smoothly. Of course, only if you don’t have a lover or someone you’ve set your heart on.”

Perhaps the consideration he’d shown wasn’t a simple consideration but a roundabout rejection. Though she didn’t want to think about it, she added that qualifier.

‘Maybe he’s already met Rosenia.’

While she’d been receiving devoted care from the maids, he might have coincidentally encountered Rosenia in the mansion.

“…”

She’d hoped he would refute it immediately, but Julian stared at Chartia for quite a while with a strange look that was hard to name. Then, just when her anxiety reached its peak, he shook his head.

“There’s no such person.”

Stillness settled over his blue eyes. It meant he wasn’t lying.

Only then did Chartia feel relieved and inwardly patted her chest.

“Then let’s consider this engagement positively.”

“…Yes.”

He nodded slightly. Only after receiving his confirmation did she finally shed her tension and anxiety.

‘Actually, I wanted to get him to sign the engagement papers today.’

Right up until she left her room, that had definitely been her plan. She’d nearly ruined everything, let alone gotten a signature.

Still, she decided not to be disappointed. This was just one step back for two steps forward.

She’d retreated momentarily—now it was time to cast bait for advancing.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t mention the most important thing. Yesterday was so chaotic I couldn’t tell you, but thank you so much for saving me.”

She bowed her head in thanks. He seemed embarrassed by the overly formal gratitude and quietly lowered his eyes while denying credit.

“Not at all. I was right there but couldn’t catch you properly, so I’m rather sorry.”

She’d heard yesterday’s incident was an accident that occurred while riding a boat with Julian. The boat capsized because Chartia suddenly stood up.

She didn’t know why she had no memory of that moment, but the accident was entirely her fault. There was absolutely no reason for him to feel so apologetic.

Chartia corrected the facts with a rather firm attitude.

“No, Young Duke, you’re my life’s savior. So I definitely want to repay you. No, please let me repay you!”

“Repay…”

“So, if it’s all right with you, would you spare me some time to show my gratitude?”

In truth, this was a grand scheme to ask him on a date.

Chartia roughly kicked her ulterior motives out of sight and put on an innocent expression. Acting like she had no other intentions whatsoever and simply wanted to express her thanks.

Julian seemed somewhat troubled by the ‘repayment.’ However, kind and good-natured, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse in the face of her earnest gaze.

In the end, completely taken in by her act, Julian obediently nodded again.

“Though it wasn’t something deserving of repayment, if it makes you feel better, I’d be happy to.”

Chartia desperately suppressed the sinister smile trying to slip out.

Though things had flowed differently from her plan, this was a sufficiently satisfying result.

* * *

On the way back after insisting on seeing Julian off to the front gate. Chartia, trailing attendants and knights, leisurely crossed the garden.

The distance from the mansion to the front gate was far enough to warrant a carriage, but she deliberately insisted on walking. The weather was perfect for a stroll, and she wanted to savor this sense of fulfillment a little longer.

Everything really was perfect!

The beautifully maintained mansion garden, this healthy body that didn’t get winded despite walking quite a bit, and most of all, the circumstances given to her.

Of course, problems were piled up like a mountain to solve.

[Then I’ll see you in four days.]

Julian, who’d promised their next meeting while boarding the carriage, was courteous and polite to the end. Put differently, it meant he hadn’t opened his heart even a little.

Most importantly, during today’s conversation, he never smiled sincerely. Moreover, even when walking side by side, he maintained a certain distance.

She was someone full of notoriety and infamy, and her first impression hadn’t been good either. Naturally, he’d feel more discomfort than favor.

However, she had plenty of opportunities to make up for it.

She’d read the original story countless times. She knew not only what he liked and disliked, but also in which scenes and at which lines he’d felt his heart flutter for the female protagonist, when he’d fallen in love. That’s why she was confident she could make him hers.

That was entirely why she’d confidently said she’d ‘repay’ him.

“Sir Aaron.”

“Yes.”

Chartia called the knight who’d been silently following behind. He was a knight of the Blanche family and her direct guard. Though quite skilled, unfortunately he’d had no opportunity to demonstrate his abilities because she’d been practically secluded.

Until now.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Please speak.”

“I want to know the exact location of this place.”

Chartia handed over a small piece of paper folded in half from her pocket. The knight bowed without showing any surprise at her first command.

“Yes. I’ll find out as quickly as possible.”

The paper only had a single shop name written on it, but this capable knight would find the specific location soon.

And ‘that place’ would not only be sufficient repayment to Julian but could also break down his wariness.

Just when she was feeling satisfied with her perfect plan, a small woman appeared from behind the knight. It was Marie, who’d been by her side since morning.

Marie, who had something to say, took another step closer and promptly spoke.

“Um, Lady Chartia. It’s almost time for your appointment with your physician.”

“Ah. Right, that’s true.”

She didn’t feel sick at all and wondered if it was really necessary, but Olivia had been so insistent that she’d agreed to be examined again today.

“All right, let’s go back.”

Just when she was about to end her short walk and return to the mansion, Chartia spotted someone familiar on the opposite side of the path and stopped abruptly.

She stared blankly at the figure gradually approaching with graceful steps like a butterfly’s wingbeats.

Brilliant red hair as radiant as roses blooming throughout the garden, vivid green eyes seemingly containing fresh foliage itself, and a beautiful face that made one wonder if she really could shake a nation.

It was Rosenia Blanche, the original story’s female protagonist and her younger sister.

The other person must have spotted Chartia a beat late too, because her steps subtly slowed. 

Finally, when they reached a distance where they could see each other’s expressions, Chartia closed her slightly parted mouth.

She was surprised by the sudden meeting, but more than anything, she was amazed by her dazzling appearance. The Rosenia in Chartia’s faint memories was beautiful too, but seeing her in person was on another level.

‘Even in the book, she was described as one of the world’s greatest beauties alongside Julian.’

Rosenia stopped in front of Chartia, who couldn’t take her eyes off her, and lightly curtsied first.

“Good afternoon.”

Her bearing was like the very model of a noble lady. She was a lady befitting someone who’d become the center of high society in just two years after successfully completing her debutante ball at eighteen.

And that wasn’t all. She was not only skilled in etiquette but also a talent who’d entered the Royal Academy at the top of her class and graduated early.

‘To think such an amazing child is my younger sister.’

Suppressing the pride trying to well up, Chartia smiled slightly and replied.

“Yes, it’s a nice day for a walk.”

It was just an ordinary greeting, but the moment her words ended, Rosenia’s eyes widened dramatically.

“…So it was true?”

The murmuring Rosenia seemed both surprised and confused.

‘Oops.’

She’d momentarily forgotten that the sudden change in her doll-like older sister might be bewildering. Acknowledging her mistake, Chartia cautiously called to her.

“Rosenia?”

The person called flinched. And the face she met was very… peculiar. A subtle expression like she’d heard an insult.

‘I guess the nickname was a bit much.’

Since all the characters in the book called her ‘Rosenia,’ that felt more familiar, so she’d unconsciously used the nickname.

‘How did I used to address Rosenia before?’

Hastily chewing over her hazy memories was useless. Because Chartia had never once initiated conversation before. They’d barely even had conversations together—you could count them on one hand.

‘In short, we were practically strangers, but still, we’re family, so what does it matter?’