Side Story 22
(Alice’s Story 10 Years Later)

A week had passed since receiving Robert’s proposal. While time flowed as swiftly as ever, Alice’s dilemma showed no signs of resolution.

Her mind was so preoccupied that she felt nothing even upon hearing that Matthew had failed his interview. Usually, she would have laughed mockingly at such news.

Thinking about it, there was no reason to refuse the proposal. She didn’t want to come to the Imperial Palace in the first place. So why was she acting as if she couldn’t let go? What was holding her back?

Alice, who had unconsciously thought of Antias, let out a deep sigh.

“If I’d known it would be like this, I should have just taken etiquette classes or something.”

Though that probably wouldn’t have erased her reputation as the sharp-tongued noble lady.

Whoever came up with that nickname, thanks to it, her family was endlessly worried about her marriage prospects being blocked.

Regardless of her concerns, red roses bloomed beautifully in the Imperial Palace garden. The sunshine was so pleasant it seemed perfect for having tea with the Duchess.

‘Maybe I should go for some advice.’

Though it was a vague thought, she felt like Ravenne would tell her what the right answer was. Just like back then.

“You seem to have many worries.”

She turned her head at the sudden voice. Alice unconsciously furrowed her brow slightly upon seeing his face.

“Grand Duke… Perna.”

“Are you so displeased to see me again?”

His green eyes, which matched well with his light brown hair, curved slightly in a smile. He looked as if he had stepped out of a painting.

To Alice, he was just one of many who had dismissed her.

“Of course not. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Your expression doesn’t seem very pleased though.”

If he knows, he should just stop talking and go his way. She regretted not learning how to curse while smiling.

“What brings you back to the Imperial Palace?”

“To attend His Majesty’s birthday banquet.”

Though she subtly implied she hadn’t forgotten the unpleasant incident from before, Perna calmly answered, seemingly ignoring her intention.

“I see. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. I should…”

Alice tried to excuse herself saying she had work to do. If he wouldn’t take the hint, she’d have to leave first. However, Perna, oblivious to Alice’s feelings, stopped her. Quite blatantly.

“If you don’t mind, could you spare a moment?”

The Grand Duke was unnecessarily courteous to Alice. She looked at him with slight wariness. He still wore that seemingly kind smile.

“Just a very brief moment.”

* * *

“What are you doing here, Your Majesty?”

Ravenne looked at Antias with eyes full of curiosity. He turned around startled, as if he was caught doing something wrong.

“Du-Duchess.”

What was he watching so intently?

Ravenne peeked out with a smile on her lips. In the direction Antias had been looking stood Alice with an unfamiliar man.

Had there been such a handsome man in the Imperial Palace? She would have known if there was.

After briefly wondering about the unfamiliar man’s identity, Ravenne scolded Antias with a deliberately stern face.

“Your Majesty. Spying is wrong.”

“Sp-spying? What do you mean?”

He shook his head in shock.

Perhaps because they had known each other since he was a child, Ravenne often teased him as if he were a child. The problem was that even after more than 10 years, he still fell for her tricks. Like now.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Something was bothering me…”

“Alice? Or that gentleman?”

Antias’s expression grew increasingly troubled at Ravenne’s questions.

Though he appeared cold and unshakeable when dealing with nobles, there were a few things that could disturb his composure. And Ravenne had an uncanny ability to strike at those weaknesses.

He knew this, but what could he do? He could only blame his unlucky self for being caught by her.

Antias gave up hiding and smiled awkwardly.

“I’m a bit worried because Miss Alice hasn’t been looking well lately.”

“Then why don’t you ask her directly?”

Antias recalled Alice complaining alone about regretting coming to the Imperial Palace. Since he was the one who had recommended Alice to Robert, without needing to look for other reasons, he was the cause. But how could he face her and ask?

When he explained his situation to Ravenne, she tilted her head.

“Is that really all?”

“What?”

“That seems like a weak reason for spying.”

“I told you it’s not spying…”

Antias scratched his face.

It seemed impossible to deceive Ravenne’s eyes.

“I was concerned that Grand Duke Perna sought out Miss Alice as soon as he arrived.”

Only after revealing everything completely did Ravenne nod in understanding.

“Your Majesty, you once said that Miss Alice was like a precious sister to you.”

“Of course.”

“Then why are you so concerned?”

“……”

“Do you hate the idea of a man being interested in your sister?”

To Ravenne’s question, Antias responded as if it was obvious.

“Isn’t it natural to worry as family?”

“I wonder. If you’re family, shouldn’t you respect Alice’s opinion? What if Alice likes that man too?”

“That won’t…”

He’s about to say that won’t happen, but Antias unconsciously covered his mouth with his hand.

“You just thought ‘that won’t happen,’ didn’t you?”

His blue eyes wavered slightly at Ravenne’s question.

“Why do you think that?”

“Well…”

Antias hesitated and struggled to answer. His blue eyes stared into space, unable to meet Ravenne’s gaze.

Alice was his precious sister. He never doubted that thought.

Though 10 years had passed since they parted, he had always watched her from afar.

Alice, who boldly walked a path others wouldn’t take, was someone he admired and was proud of. Those feelings hadn’t changed.

However, Antias was confused by the inexplicable greed that suddenly raised its head.

Ravenne watched Antias as he hesitated to answer. Though it seemed like pushing a little more might yield something, she felt that Alice wouldn’t be happy if she tormented him further.

Moreover, watching him struggle would be more entertaining than giving him the answer right away.

“You should think about why you thought that way, Your Majesty.”

With that, Ravenne threw a large stone into Antias’s heart and vanished.

* * *

In the middle of the banquet hall filled with cheerful music, one person sat out of place with the atmosphere. Though nobles occasionally glanced his way as they came to offer congratulations, Antias, the protagonist of the banquet, was too lost in thought to notice.

“Do you have something troubling you, Your Majesty?”

“Ah, Duchess.”

Ravenne approached and asked, worried about him.

Though she couldn’t complain after causing the trouble herself, at this rate, he might be criticized for showing a lack of sincerity even to the guests from the kingdom.

Of course, she believed he wouldn’t make such a mistake…

“Have you sorted out your thoughts?”

“Of course.”

Whatever sorting he had done was questionable, but one thing was clear — his words were hard to trust.

Ravenne decided to test him lightly.

“Ah, by the way, I saw Grand Duke Perna heading toward the infirmary earlier.”

Before she finished speaking, hesitation settled in his blue eyes. To be swayed by such words…

“He was carrying flowers, I think…?”

Ravenne deliberately left her words hanging as she observed Antias’s reaction.

It wasn’t a lie. She had actually seen Perna going toward the infirmary. As for the flowers, well, maybe he had them, maybe not.

“Your Majesty, shouldn’t you support them if… Oh my, he’s already gone.”

Ravenne muttered to herself as she looked at the space where he had been.

Though the rule against using magic in the Imperial Palace didn’t actually apply to the Emperor, Antias had tried his best to refrain from using magic in front of people. For him to use magic so openly in such a crowded place, it must have meant he was in quite a hurry.

“Some sister…”

Regret flickered in her green eyes, thinking she should have teased him more.

“Where is His Majesty?”

Just then, Ilion approached and asked Ravenne.

“He said he had an urgent matter and stepped out for a moment.”

Ravenne’s lips twitched as if she was itching to say more.

“What’s making you so amused?”

“I’ll tell you later. More importantly, what should we do now that the protagonist has disappeared?”

Judging by her face, it wasn’t a question she asked out of genuine concern. The banquet wouldn’t stop just because the protagonist was absent.

She was just saying she was bored with nothing to do. Ilion noticed Ravenne’s mood and bowed while extending his hand.

“Shall we dance then?”

At his suggestion, Ravenne smiled coyly and took Ilion’s hand.

“Well, if you insist.”