If anyone noticed that Pierre had accompanied Sisana, it could put him at a disadvantage.

Crown Princess Pasiphae was always eager to expose Pierre’s weaknesses.

The more Medeia thought about it, the stranger Pierre’s actions seemed.

Despite risking a visit to the estate of the Crown Princess’s maternal family, Pierre ultimately left without meeting her.

He could not have come merely to see her.

Medeia carefully considered what connection might exist between her and Pierre.

Then she remembered something she had forgotten.

‘……Her Highness Princess Charlotte was his aunt.’

Medeia lowered her gaze and touched the ruby necklace.

‘She gave it to me before I left Aragon, saying it was a keepsake from Queen Greta.’

Medeia had previously argued with Princess Charlotte about her decision to return to Serenier.

Upset by the princess’s words, Medeia took off the ruby necklace just before they arrived at the Heidel estate.

Was Pierre disappointed to see that she was not wearing his mother’s keepsake?

Since he would later secure Aragon’s military support with the princess’s help, the two of them must have remained in contact.

After leaving Aragon, Medeia did not even exchange letters with Princess Charlotte.

Furthermore, since she was not wearing the ruby necklace, Pierre must have concluded that she was not Princess Charlotte’s ally.

‘……In the past, I thought there was no reason to grow close to him.’

As Prince Lorenz was her cousin, Medeia had always kept Pierre at a distance.

Therefore, even when they encountered each other at royal banquets, she only spoke to him when necessary.

In a year’s time, Pierre would successfully seize the throne.

He had been ruthless enough to feign lameness for ten years and had clearly spent a long time preparing, so there was nothing she could do to stop him.

Even after becoming king, Pierre spared the members of the House of Heidel, despite their belonging to the opposing faction.

Consequently, the House of Heidel declined, and its ceremonial standing was reduced to that of a marquisate.

‘They refused to believe me and even threatened to disown me…… then tried to sell me off to Prince Sanche, who already had three illegitimate children.’

Her fingers tightened and the ruby dug into her palm.

She had no intention of sharing the same fate as the Duke and Duchess of Heidel, who had abandoned her.

If that was her future, it would be better to capture Pierre’s interest and earn his trust now.

Then, once he became king, she could ask him to grant her a new surname and title.

This would allow her to stop using the Heidel name without waiting for them to disown her.

If she did not want to be abandoned, she had to abandon them first.

Having made her decision, Medeia did not remove the ruby necklace this time.

Instead, she looked in the mirror and adjusted it carefully until it rested neatly around her neck.

“……Medeia? Madame Sisana has arrived.”

Daphne’s impatient voice came from outside. Medeia calmly walked over and opened the door.

“You didn’t answer, so I thought you didn’t want to see her. Does my coming here make you uncomfortable?”

“……I had a headache and briefly dozed off, so I didn’t hear you. Don’t misunderstand.”

It seemed Medeia would have to be more careful from now on. Daphne had a habit of phrasing everything in a way that made the other person seem like the aggressor.

“I see. I thought you might dislike me. Madame Sisana, please come in.”

Daphne smiled brightly and glanced behind her, prompting Sisana to enter.

“Greetings, Lady Medeia and Lady Daphne of the House of Heidel. I am Sisana of Delphium Atelier.”

As Sisana neatly clasped her hands and bowed, her gaze immediately settled on the ruby necklace.

‘……Just as I thought. He must have told her to check whether I was wearing the ruby necklace.’

Now that events had unfolded differently from the past, what would Pierre choose to do?

Would he ask to meet her this time, or would he continue observing her a little longer?

For the moment, Medeia addressed Sisana in a warm tone.

“You may dispense with the formalities. I could have visited Delphium Atelier myself, so you must have gone to a great deal of trouble to come all the way here.”

Daphne raised her eyebrows, seemingly puzzled by Medeia’s kindness towards Sisana.

The faint sneer on her lips suggested that she thought Medeia’s behavior was ridiculous. However, Medeia had a reason for speaking with what might seem like excessive courtesy.

Sisana was practically Pierre’s chief strategist.

She had stood close beside him during his coronation.

‘Later, she’ll become Countess Lema, effectively serving as the king’s mistress.’

Since they would frequently cross paths in the future, it was better to leave Sisana with the impression that Medeia was courteous and treated her with respect.

“Not at all, my lady. If you don’t mind, may I take your measurements?”

Medeia nodded and spread her arms. Daphne remained in the room, blinking as she watched them.

“Daphne, I’ll need to remove my corset so she can take my measurements, and I’m embarrassed to be seen undressed. Would you mind leaving?”

“……Ah. I didn’t realize you would feel that way. All right. Then I’ll go see Mother.”

Once Daphne left, Medeia and Sisana were alone.

“The ruby necklace suits you very well, my lady.”

Sisana’s violet eyes remained fixed on the ruby necklace, as though she were confirming that Princess Charlotte had truly given it to Medeia.

“Princess Charlotte, who grew up with me like a sister, gave it to me. I have always admired the dignity of the late Queen Greta, so I wear it all the time.”

Medeia deliberately added that explanation to make her words sound natural.

Sisana took a small step back, lowered her head, and spoke.

“My lady, I apologize, but would you be willing to accompany me to the atelier?”

“Would it be difficult to take my measurements here?”

“I believe it would be better for you to browse the catalog and try on the dresses at the atelier yourself. I apologize for adding to your fatigue, my lady.”

This was not originally the case.

This had not happened before.

In the past, Sisana would simply take Medeia’s measurements and leave. Asking her to accompany her to the Delphium Atelier was clearly just an excuse; it seemed that her true intention was to arrange a meeting with Pierre.

“The truth is, there is a distinguished person who wishes to meet you, my lady.”

“……A distinguished person?”

Since Sisana was behaving differently from the past, Medeia’s prediction appeared to be correct.

She was particularly certain that the distinguished person Sisana mentioned was Pierre.

“My apologies, but would you please understand that I cannot reveal anything more about that person?”

“…….”

“I was ordered to bring you, so I must be cautious about saying anything further.”

Perhaps intending to conceal the person’s identity unless Medeia agreed to the meeting, Sisana maintained a firm attitude.

It did not matter, as Medeia had intended to meet him anyway.

“Very well. Thank you for being so considerate.”

Medeia smiled at Sisana and began walking.

She stepped into the corridor with her. Through a partially open door, she saw the Duchess of Heidel lying in bed with Daphne standing beside her.

“Daphne, were you hurt because I scolded you earlier?”

The Duchess of Heidel extended both arms and drew Daphne into her embrace.

“No. You were right. Medeia is your daughter, and…….”

“My goodness, Daphne, you’re my daughter too. I may not have given birth to you, but I took you in and raised you myself.”

“Mother… Thank you for saying that. If you hadn’t taken me in, I’d probably still be homeless.”

“Could you let her have her way for the time being?” She seems quite sensitive. Please try to understand why she doesn’t want to call you her older sister. Maybe she doesn’t seem entirely gentle because she suffered so much while living away from home.”

At that moment.

The Duchess of Heidel raised her head, and their eyes met.