My mind was in turmoil and refused to settle. I hoped my suspicions were unfounded.

I forced myself to look away from the book, repeatedly convincing myself that Leopold couldn’t possibly be the caster.

He was someone who handled everything perfectly, not the type to make mistakes. If he needed to turn back time, he would have done so before marrying me. Besides, the examination of Leopold’s physical condition showed no abnormalities.

Only after convincing myself of this was I able to push thoughts of him out of my mind.

Just as I stood up to take a brief break, I heard the announcement of Raphael’s arrival from outside the door.

Though my mind was too unsettled to converse with anyone, sending Raphael away might lead him to misunderstand and think I was deliberately avoiding him. Ignoring the slight headache that was forming, I opened the door.

“Hazel!”

Raphael appeared before me, smiling brightly as usual. Despite the awkwardness that might have been expected after his confession, he seemed unfazed. Feeling awkward myself, I forced a smile and asked,

“What’s going on?”

“I brought an invitation from the Marquis. I didn’t think they’d actually send one.”

“You must be busy adjusting to the palace. You could have sent someone else.”

“Everyone’s busy except me. Maybe it’s because I don’t know much, but they all just tell me to stay put. But—”

Raphael started to hand me the letter, then pulled it back, mumbling, “I don’t know why they’re in such a rush to invite us already.”

He clicked his tongue briefly. It seemed he wasn’t fond of his uncle, given their positions as rivals.

“Perhaps it’s because you helped his wife. Come on, hand it over. You said it’s for me.”

With a slightly sulky expression, Raphael handed me the invitation. I pretended not to notice his mood as I opened the envelope.

“It’s for tonight. They’re preparing a meal.”

“Inviting us after making all the decisions themselves—isn’t that against etiquette?”

He raised his voice slightly.

“It does seem a bit rushed, but I don’t really have anything else to do.”

“I wish I could tell you not to go, but I can’t think of an excuse to stop you.”

“There are more reasons to go than not.”

Teasing him as he sighed and muttered to himself, Raphael replied with a shocked expression.

“Uh… That kind of stings a bit. You’re going because you want to avoid me, right?”

“Don’t take it seriously. I’m just joking.”

“But isn’t there always a bit of truth in a joke?”

“Would you like it if I were completely honest? That I’m going to the Marquis’ to avoid you?”

He still looked unconvinced by my playful response. Sensing that it could become serious if I left it at that, I quickly reassured him.

“Feelings aren’t easy to sort out, you know. But it’ll be easier if the person isn’t right in front of me.”

“What are you talking about, Hazel? I’ve already sorted everything out.”

This time, Raphael replied seriously, leaving me startled with wide eyes.

“Seeing you doesn’t make me uncomfortable or difficult at all.”

“…Really? It feels like it hasn’t even been a full day yet…”

Of course, Raphael and I hadn’t known each other for very long, and it wouldn’t be right for him to hold onto feelings for me indefinitely…

“Hmm? Do you want me to keep liking you, Hazel?”

“No, that’s not it… I just didn’t realize feelings could change so quickly…”

Embarrassment caused my voice to grow quieter. Raphael chuckled softly and said in a low voice,

“Trust me. I don’t want things to become awkward between us.”

His calm voice continued, “So feel free to stay in the principality as long as you like, and let me know whenever you want to return. I’ll make sure to take care of everything. Enjoy your dinner.”

He gave me a quick smile, seeing that I remained silent, and then left the room.

It was a strange feeling that was hard to describe. I had been tormented for so long by unrequited feelings, yet Raphael seemed completely unaffected. Or was he just hiding his true feelings from me?

Either way, Raphael’s attitude reminded me of my past life, where I had chosen to be weak. Perhaps I could have left back then too, accepting and coming to terms with the fact that Leopold’s feelings weren’t the same as mine, and escaped from death.

Once again, meaningless regrets stirred my mind.

***

The Marquis’ residence bustled with activity from the morning. News that the renowned healer who had saved the lady of the house was visiting for dinner had spread.

All the staff scurried around all day, with the Marchioness at the center of it all.

The carriage that arrived precisely at the scheduled dinner time was nothing short of extravagant. The staff gathered around to observe the person stepping out of the splendid carriage.

In the tense silence, the carriage door opened, and someone was escorted out. Small gasps of admiration arose here and there.

The woman with a kind demeanor was of average height and boasted a slender figure. Her long silver hair and clear, white skin enhanced her dazzling appearance, while her striking violet eyes seemed almost otherworldly, adding to her mystique.

Moreover, the opaque long blouse and wide skirt, typical of the Empire, added an exotic flair, and her reputation as the best healer captivated everyone’s attention.

The Marquis and his wife received their guest with courtesy. The guest also behaved with great politeness. It was evident from her speech that she was of a different caliber than the nobility of the principality. She even initiated eye contact with those she met.

As the guest was led to the dining room, the staff watched the situation with interest. Why had the Marquis ordered such a remarkable woman to be kept within the mansion, even telling them to use any means necessary?

Though his intentions were unclear, following the orders seemed easy enough. The vast mansion was filled with people skilled at winning others’ sympathy and favor, and the Marchioness was the best among them.

***

As soon as I carefully set down the intricately patterned fork, Marquis Aaron eagerly asked me, “How was the meal? Was it comparable to what you’re used to?”

He spoke with considerable confidence, and rightly so, as the dinner was almost as good as the meals at the Lawrence Duchy.

“I thought all southern food was strongly flavored, but I guess I was mistaken. It was really delicious.”

“We made some special efforts. After all, I would know the taste preferences of people from the same region better.”

The Marchioness, who had been tidying her mouth with a napkin, smiled as she spoke. Not being confident in my own cooking, I couldn’t hide my admiration.

“Did you assist personally, Madam? No wonder, it felt like tasting food from home.”

“I’m glad to hear that. By the way, where exactly is your hometown? The Empire is so vast, after all.”

An orphan like me had no physical place to call home. In my heart, perhaps the capital Terea, where the academy was located, felt like home. But if I included the time before my death, I had spent more time living and sleeping in the Lawrence estate. After a brief contemplation over a trivial question, I replied,

“Northeast, in the Lawrence estate.”

“If the Duchess of Lawrence is from the same region as the estate’s residents, you must be well acquainted with its affairs.”

It was an unexpected comment.

“How did you know…?”

Surprised, I trailed off. She looked even more startled than I was and covered her mouth with one hand.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I just happened to overhear while strolling by. I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“No, there’s no need to apologize. It’s not something I need to hide.”

I wasn’t sure where or how to correct her. I wouldn’t have brought up the topic if it hadn’t been for Raphael. I hurried to change the subject, but Marquis Aaron was quicker.

“By the way, what is your husband really like? There are so many rumors about him.”

Though it seemed like a casual question, his tone was probing.

The comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere suddenly felt burdensome. Fortunately, the meal had ended; otherwise, I might have lost my appetite.

“Well, he’s intelligent… and composed?”

“Why did your voice rise at the end?”

“Maybe it’s because we’re newlyweds, and I’m not entirely sure yet. I thought he was cold, but now I’m not so sure.”

The Leopold I met after returning seemed far from cold. If he acted that way toward me, whom he disliked, he might be even warmer to others.

The Marquis laughed heartily.

“Indeed, if you’ve only been married a short time, you might not know him well. Even after more than ten years of marriage, there are countless times when my wife and I don’t understand each other.”

His gaze naturally shifted to his wife. The warm, gentle look in his eyes belied his reputation as a fearsome and ruthless man.

“I know everything, though? So you should pay more attention to me too.”

“Who else is as devoted to you as I am?”

A satisfied smile appeared on the Marchioness’s face.

I didn’t expect such warmth. Following her lead, I smiled, suppressing the bitterness that crept out from the depths of my heart.

“Oh my, we’re being silly in front of our guest. Now, healer, if you’ve finished your meal, shall we have a ladies’ dessert time? Let’s go to the tea room. The floral decorations make it smell wonderful.”

She rose from her seat and naturally took my wrist, leading me away.