Chapter 4.10

The strong sunlight streaming through the curtains woke her up. The sun of Anes Island rose earlier than that of Castia.  

She had slept well. Very well, in fact.  

Contrary to her concerns that she wouldn’t be able to sleep, she had woken up after a sweet, restful slumber.  

‘It’s not that I’m simple-minded. It’s just that mental fatigue can’t overcome physical exhaustion. Probably.’  

Looking out at the vast ocean beyond the window, the gloom from the previous day seemed to dissipate. No wonder people sought vacations to places like this.  

After briefly reflecting yesterday, she had decided to fully accept the ugly feelings within herself.  

The more she liked the Grand Duke, the bigger these feelings would grow—they weren’t going to disappear.  

She resolved to embrace and love “herself who liked the Grand Duke.” Just as she was ready to love every side of him, she would acknowledge and love her flawed self.

Once she made up her mind, she felt incredibly relieved.  

Perhaps because she had gazed upon the vast ocean.  

“Alright! Today is going to be a great day!”  

She shouted with all her might toward the window.  

At that moment, the servants hanging laundry below paused and looked up at her in bewilderment, but it didn’t matter. Today, she was more generous than anyone else.  

When a day starts off well, everything else tends to follow suit. Mornings should always begin with energy and enthusiasm.  

***

[4. The Rule of Gaps 

Show a side of yourself that you don’t normally reveal to create a charming contrast.  

However, the important thing to remember is to avoid making the contrast uncomfortable for the other person.  

Always keep in mind that the goal of all of this is to win the other person’s favor.]  

Some might have forgotten, but her unrequited love project was still only halfway through.  

What kind of place was Anes Island?  

The ultimate vacation spot, boasting a dazzling sapphire-blue sea!  

One of the top 3 honeymoon destinations beloved by citizens of the Empire!  

A paradise on earth brimming with romance!  

A place where even nonexistent love could be whispered under its magical sunset!  

This island was the perfect stage to showcase her charm. She had made sure to bring this book specifically for today.  

[Key Point: Become a Chameleon. Dive into an irresistible charm!]  

She quietly closed the book. She hadn’t seen that strange “Key Point” section. This was something she could just overlook. Why? Because today, she was feeling generous.  

The real issue was how to showcase her contrasting charm… To do that, she first needed to figure out how others typically perceived her.  

***

“What’s my usual image?”

“Your usual image?”

“Yes, like my charm points or something like that.”

The first person she decided to ask was Anne.  

“Charm… points…”  

Was it something that required this much thought?  

“Perhaps it’s your bright and cute personality?”  

“Bright and cute… Thank you!”  

She made a quick note in her journal.  

***

“Elena, your image?”  

“Yes. Just tell me honestly what impression I usually give you.”  

The second person she asked was Dean.  

“Hmm. You’re optimistic and positive.”  

“Aren’t those basically the same thing?”  

“They may sound similar, but they’re distinctly different.”  

Optimistic and positive, huh. 

No matter how much she wanted to show contrasting charm, being pessimistic and cynical was definitely not the way to go.  

“And what else?”  

“More? Hmm, you’re hardworking and persistent. Though sometimes you’re a bit quirky and clueless. Oh, right, not just clueless—also broke.”  

“Wait a second. You’re starting to sound like you’re listing complaints!”  

“Oh, was I?”  

Feigning innocence, Dean quickly excused himself, claiming he was busy. She had no idea what could be keeping him so occupied on a vacation.  

***

“Your usual image?”  

The third person she turned to was Adelina. Asking Diana was out of the question—she’d only shower her with exaggerated compliments. For a more objective evaluation, she decided to ask Adelina instead.  

“Why are you asking me that? You should figure out your own strengths. My strength is obviously my pure and innocent beauty. But for you, Elena… it might be a bit harder to pinpoint.”  

To her surprise, Adelina outright refused to answer. Assuming Elena was trying to find traits to appeal to the Grand Duke, Adelina withheld her response.

In the end, the only usable feedback she had gathered was Anne’s comment about being bright and cute.  

If that was the case, the strategy she needed to employ was practically decided.  

‘Appeal with sensuality.’  

The timing and location couldn’t have been better. After all, this was a hot island surrounded by the sea.  

* * *  

Right after breakfast, the Lord’s son, Pharone, guided everyone to the beach.  

“This spot is a bit farther from the main beach, but it’s much better for enjoying some quiet time.”  

“This place is just as beautiful as the main beach.”  

“Is that so? Haha. To be honest, there’s no place on Anes Island that isn’t beautiful.”  

Anyone would think Pharone was Diana’s personal guide. His gaze was fixed solely on her, filled with admiration and awe.  

Elena glanced over at Dean.  

‘Dean definitely seems interested in Diana too.’  

Sure enough, his expression was slightly strained, his glasses resting on a nose that was faintly furrowed in displeasure.  

“Ah, be careful. The sand here sinks quite a bit.”  

As if the sand on a beach wouldn’t naturally sink, Pharone exaggerated the situation as though they were walking through some treacherous desert, extending his hand dramatically.  

Dean flinched at the sight and took a step forward.  

“Thank you, but I’m fine. The soft sand actually feels quite pleasant.”  

Diana politely declined. At that moment, Dean’s tense expression softened, and he let out a small sigh of relief.  

Elena was now certain.  

Poor Dean. Of all people, he had to fall for Diana.  

It wasn’t that Dean lacked anything. Diana simply didn’t seem to understand what it meant to have feelings for someone.  

Even the Grand Duke hadn’t managed to capture her heart…  

The outcome was obvious without needing to see it. 

Was this how I ended up with more comrades in unrequited love?  

As Elena looked at Dean with pity, the Grand Duke’s voice came from right beside her.  

“What are you staring at so intently? What’s over there?”  

“Oh, nothing. I just thought that hammock over there looked fun.”  

She couldn’t very well admit she’d been pitying Dean, so she pointed at the hammock in the background instead.  

“Are you a child?”  

“That’s not a toy for kids! Hammocks are so comfortable and relaxing. Your Grace, you’ve never tried lying in one, have you?”  

“…I don’t think I have.”  

“See? That’s why you don’t know. Let’s go right now.”  

Looking back, introducing the Grand Duke to the hammock might have been a mistake.