When Castor learned of this, he vehemently opposed the marriage. His point that if Rashid married the imperial princess, his children would also have rights to the imperial succession, which could become a threat to the imperial family, was persuasive.

Castor regarded Rashid as a thorn in his side even more than his father, the Emperor. A young duke who would live in the same era as him was a very dangerous figure in solidifying imperial power.

If he could be fully brought to their side, it would be reassuring, but how could one trust someone who had already killed his own siblings? A fire that cannot be contained might accidentally burn down the entire castle.

“I wonder if you realize that you’re more concerned about Penvernon than I am. I’ve never seen you tease someone so mischievously before.”

Jeanne was bothered by the interest Castor had shown in the Duchess. Had he ever initiated a conversation with a noble lady or lady before? As far as she knew, it was an extremely rare occurrence.

Her brother was born to become the Emperor, and as he grew up to be the heir apparent, he had a gentle and beautiful face with iron blood flowing beneath.

He prioritized state affairs above all else and was devoted to them. So much so that at twenty-six, he hadn’t even married yet.

Castor’s attitude today was strange, considering how he had been swaying various nobles while weighing the position of the Crown Princess.

“I don’t know what kind of imagination my sister is indulging in.”

Castor dismissed her concerns.

“I hope you won’t misinterpret the interest and affection the Imperial Crown Prince shows towards the ducal family.”

He laughed silently.

Yet, Castor was thinking of a woman. A woman with pale rose-colored hair fluttering in the breeze, a woman who didn’t know him, a woman who treated him, the Crown Prince of a nation, without reserve, a woman who smiled brightly, a woman in the library holding books, the wife of Rashid Penvernon.

* * *

Two days after the ball.

I visited the grand theater with Princess Jeanne to watch an opera performance.

“Thank you for coming, Lady Penvernon.”

“I’m honored by your invitation, Your Highness.”

Jeanne greeted me with a fresh smile. Her face, devoid of any pretense, was somehow reassuring.

Yet, in a corner of my mind, a concern arose whether Jeanne, like Scarlet, might have feelings for Rashid. After all, it’s hard to know what lies behind the smiling faces of royalty and nobility.

‘No, let’s not overthink this.’

If I start doubting, there’s no end to it.

“It sounds like it will be fun.”

I expressed my anticipation for the opera.

Although I’ve been in this world for several months now, I’ve never seen an opera before.

‘It’s the same in reality.’

Alisa has never seen an opera either. It was impossible to have an indirect experience through her memories.

So my heart fluttered at this truly first-time experience.

The grand theater of the imperial palace was incredibly splendid. A massive chandelier hung from the round ceiling decorated with intricate paintings. The tiered seating covered in red cloth exuded an elegant atmosphere.

My seat was in the lavish center of the second floor. Since it was prepared for the imperial family including the Emperor, it offered a clear view of the stage, giving a sense of grandeur even before the start.

“It’s really amazing. This is my first time in a place like this.”

“Haven’t you been here with Duke Penvernon?”

“No. He’s such a busy person.”

I just smiled slightly. I couldn’t help but feel a bit tense when she brought up Rashid.

It would be unfair to become a target of the princess’s wariness when neither she nor I would end up with Rashid.

No. It doesn’t matter anyway since she’s destined to die soon.

Thinking that made my heart heavy again. Why would she, born as an imperial princess from the source of light, adorned with gold and silver all her life, be destined for a short life? So young, so beautiful, seeming to have only happiness ahead of her, why?

I couldn’t understand that ‘why’. The original novel didn’t mention the cause of Jeanne’s death. I’m not sure if I’ll ever know, even with my ability to read sentences about this world.

“You don’t think I called you because of Duke Penvernon, do you, Madam?”

Perhaps she thought I was worried. When I was momentarily lost in thought, Jeanne spoke up.

“It would be troublesome if you thought I invited you out of jealousy.”

“I apologize.”

My eyes wavered at the sharp, direct question. The words of someone who doesn’t need to consider others’ feelings were like arrows. Clear and straightforward, flying swiftly and striking deep.

“I have no such intention, so please enjoy this time, Madam. Right now, I’m more interested in you than in Duke Penvernon.”

The princess says she has no intention of being wary of me. I’m not sure how sincere she is, but I feel relieved for now.

‘Even if she was wary… it would all be pointless once Priscilla appears anyway.’

I decided not to think too deeply about the time that hasn’t come yet. Dwelling on such issues only leads to exhaustion.

What I needed to do now was focus on the stage before me.

The curtain rose. The orchestra began to play. Actors in elegant costumes appeared. They sang. Beautiful arias filled the theater, resonating throughout.

The play was about the first Emperor and five heroes defeating the last Dragon King.

I was completely absorbed in the content of the play. It was a couple of hours that passed without me realizing how.

“How was it, Madam?”

“It was a very enjoyable time.”

After the performance, Jeanne asked for my thoughts. I answered with my hands clasped over my chest. It was very fun and moving.

When I lived as Kim Yeri, I was only slightly interested but never thought of actually seeing it, to think such a day would come. My father passed away when I was young, and my mother left the world after I became an adult, so I didn’t have the mind or time for such things.

“I’m glad you found it interesting.”

“I’m really curious about what the dragon’s last words were.”

At the end of the play, the dragon whispered to the first Emperor, and the first Emperor shed tears upon hearing it. This was a well-known fact in Grandia.

The content of what the Dragon King said wasn’t revealed. What could he have said? I was so curious.

To my question, Jeanne answered as if she had expected it.

“It’s not publicly known. It’s written in the ancient mythology collection in the library.”

“Really? Would I be able to see it if I go there?”

“It’s a very old book, so it would be in the rare book room. It’s a restricted area.”

“Ah, then it would be difficult for me to see it…”

When I looked dejected, Jeanne whispered secretly.

“They’ll open it if you’re with me. Shall we go together?”

“Oh my! Thank you, Your Highness. I’m delighted.”

I nodded. I was curious, and it seemed nice to spend a bit more time with her.

It was quite a walk from the Grand Theater to the Imperial Library on the outskirts of the palace. As we passed through the long corridor, Jeanne and I had many conversations.

She was cheerful and bright. While speaking elegantly, she was honest about her feelings, and knowing many things made the conversation enjoyable.

To think such a vibrant woman was destined to die…

‘I wish I didn’t know.’

It was a moment when I felt a bit resentful towards the author.

At last we reached the Imperial Library, and Jeanne was still cheerful. She looked at the numerous books with sparkling eyes.

“The Fifth Emperor valued the accumulation of knowledge. Since then, all of humanity’s assets have been concentrated here. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Yes. I’ve been here before, and I think it’s really an amazing place.”

Having visited once before, the scenery of the library was familiar to my eyes. Looking around again, from the magnificent paintings adorning the ceiling to the endless bookshelves, it was a place that naturally evoked exclamations.

“During my last visit, I met His Highness the Crown Prince here.”

I added, suddenly remembering that encounter.

“My brother?”

Jeanne raised her voice in surprise.

Come to think of it, someone of the Crown Prince’s status wouldn’t need to search for books himself; teachers would probably bring them to him. It seems his personal visits to the library are indeed rare.

“Yes. He helped me find a book.”

“My brother likes books. I heard he occasionally visits here, seems you were lucky with the timing, Madam.”