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“Then, let the games begin.”

Quoting a famous line from a movie I loved in my previous life, I signaled the beginning of the changes to come. In front of Alicia stood the reinforcements who would help her today, lined up and ready. I introduced them with a pleased smile.

“From here, we have Ash, Merte, and Kaliya.”

To briefly explain, these women are miracle workers who always optimize my appearance. They handle hair, makeup, and clothing, respectively.

Even though I’ve grown accustomed to their skills, I can’t help but marvel at how they transform me from a morning mess into a new person. Their abilities rival those of the palace maids. Today, I borrowed their talents to help Alicia look her best.

“P-please take care of me,”

Alicia said shyly, greeting them. Initially, it took some convincing to get Alicia to agree, as she felt it was unnecessary. However, seeing her slightly flushed face, I could tell she was a bit excited. The thought of dressing up for her crush made her happy.

“Yes, My Lady.”

“Girls, think of this as if you’re showing up in front of an ex-boyfriend, got it?”

“An ex-boyfriend…?”

The maids tilted their heads in confusion.

Right, I should explain it more clearly.

“Ah, someone you ‘used to’ date.”

I emphasized the past tense. The maids’ eyes suddenly lit up with a fiery determination. It seems talking about ex-boyfriends brings a sense of camaraderie among women everywhere.

Their expressions turned serious, as if imagining Alicia as the heroine of a tragic love story. They seemed to be thinking of their own melodramatic stories.

“We’ll make you as beautiful as when we dress up Her Grace.”

“If we were to do it properly, you’d need a few days of preparation.”

“We don’t have time. Hurry!”

The maids’ enthusiasm dragged Alicia along like a paper doll. Ha, I remember being like that too. Now I’m used to it, but back then…

A little while later.

“Is this… me?”

“Yes, it is, My Lady.”

The maids straightened their shoulders proudly.

“Wow…”

Even though I’ve seen myself transformed like this before, it was still astonishing. Alicia’s appearance had changed drastically.

While Delis had a naturally glamorous face that was enhanced with makeup, Alicia’s relatively plain features had transformed into something that would make anyone do a double take. Seeing her like this, Alicia was just as beautiful as Delis, or even Grace.

“Alicia, you look stunning!”

Beautiful! I couldn’t stop praising her, and Alicia smiled bashfully.

“Hehehe.”

You will definitely see Alicia in a new light. I chuckled mischievously.

“At this level, it’s definitely possible.”

Alicia waved her hand dismissively at my whisper.

“His Highness is not someone who would be swayed by such things.”

He absolutely is. I could tell from Grace, but Alicia firmly believed otherwise. I decided to let her keep her illusion.

“Really…?”

“Yes! Besides, Princess Grace is there too. Even if I do this, he might not notice…”

I quickly stopped Alicia from digging herself into a metaphorical hole again.

“Don’t think like that. Now, let’s go.”

And so, with a mix of excitement and anticipation, we set off for the palace.

I never imagined how that anticipation would play out.

“Duchess. Lady Berkeley. Nice to see you.”

This was not the kind of confrontation I had in mind. Not at all.

***

I glared at Cameron with resentment. Why did he have to be with Grace at this moment?

“My Lady, you look stunning today. Don’t you agree, Your Highness?”

From the way things appeared, Grace and Cameron had grown quite close. Grace seemed more at ease beside the Crown Prince, speaking with a familiarity that hadn’t been there before.

“Indeed, she does. You look beautiful, My Lady.”

I glanced at Alicia. She seemed a bit deflated by the fact that Grace was with the Crown Prince. After all, who would like to see their crush with someone else? Especially when you had informed them you were coming to see them.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Alicia smiled at Grace and the Crown Prince as she usually did. I was quite surprised to see that the bitterness in her smile had completely vanished.

“You two look great together.”

Alicia’s next words shook me. I hadn’t expected her to say that.

Cameron seemed taken aback as well, looking slightly surprised at Alicia.

“No, Lady Berkeley.”

Grace shook her head, but it felt like a polite gesture to me. Was it inevitable? Was it really that difficult to go against the original story?

“The Duchess has been very concerned about the Duke’s whereabouts.”

Alicia seemed to want to change the topic. Cameron smoothly transitioned to the next subject. Oh, that perceptiveness of his…

“Ah, right. I need to inform you about that.”

Cameron’s expression turned serious.

“As expected, the Kingdom of Carlin has allied with the Misban tribe. You’ve heard about that, right?”

The Misban tribe was the barbarian tribe that had allied with the Kingdom of Carlin. I hadn’t known their name until recently. My fault for not paying close attention to the novel.

“Yes.”

“I must thank you again, Duchess, for helping us avoid a great disaster.”

“It’s nothing. So, what’s the current situation?”

“There hasn’t been a direct confrontation yet. Both sides are still gauging each other. However, the reasons for our hesitation are different. Although the Empire’s forces are superior, we can’t make a move easily.”

“Why?”

“They cleverly took civilians hostage in advance.”

“They took hostages?”

“Yes.”

I hadn’t read about that in the original story. Did the author leave it out?

A cold chill ran down my spine.

“How could they? Taking innocent people as hostages.”

Alicia spoke with a face full of sympathy.

“They truly live up to the name of barbarians, and the soldiers of the Kingdom of Carlin too.”

Grace uncharacteristically commented harshly. Cameron’s face darkened at their words.

“Though they were following orders from above, they indeed committed a grave sin. The Duke must be in deep thought.”

“The Duke?”

“We can’t stay in this stalemate. The current situation with food distribution and the morale of the soldiers is deteriorating. If this continues, the troops’ morale will drop… The Duke will have to make a choice.”

“A choice…”

I shivered at the thought that crossed my mind.

“Yes. Between engaging in battle or saving the hostages. If he chooses to fight…”

Cameron looked as if he was forcing down something distasteful.

“The hostages will die. The Misban tribe is known for their vengefulness. We can’t expect any mercy from the Kingdom of Carlin either.”

“And if he chooses to save the hostages?”

“The army will suffer. From their perspective, the hostages are their only hope. They must have some plan in place. Not knowing what that is means the risk is too high. That’s why we can’t make a move.”

“He will consult with his advisors, but as the Military Commander, the final decision lies with him.”

No matter which path he chooses, people will die. Such a brutal decision. It’s too cruel.

I couldn’t imagine the weight of the burden and responsibility he must be feeling. Knowing that he was tormented by this even now, and being unable to help him, made me feel even more helpless.

As we left the palace, the atmosphere was markedly different from when we arrived. Both Alicia and I were lost in our own thoughts.

Alicia spoke first, trying to comfort me.

“Delis, are you okay?”

“…I’m not sure. But I know Roan is going through something far more difficult.”

“The Duke will surely make the best choice.”

“Yes, there might not be a right choice…”

I felt grateful that she was trying to comfort me despite her own complicated feelings. I sighed and looked up at the sky. Roan must be looking at the same sky.

I wanted to be with him.

I knew he wasn’t the type to show his worries openly, so he must be silently struggling with this decision. I knew he didn’t see lives as mere pawns in a game of war. He must be agonizing over the reality that he might have to kill someone. He would be bearing the weight of this immense pressure quietly.

Pain isn’t always physical. I felt foolish for thinking that I had no need to worry just because he wouldn’t be physically hurt.

I accompanied Alicia to the carriage.

“Alicia, take care. Today… you were disappointed, weren’t you? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have insisted on dressing up and going.”

“No, Delis.”

Alicia smiled warmly at me.

“Rather, I’m grateful. You went out of your way to help me.”

Her face, adorned with a gentle smile, carried a hint of resignation and relief.

“I understand now. As long as he is happy, that’s enough for me.”

My heart ached. Perhaps because I knew the sorrow of not being noticed by someone you love.

“I’m okay. I might have known all along that it couldn’t happen… After all, there is already someone by his side.”

“Alicia…”

Her acceptance couldn’t have come in an instant. It must have followed countless moments of hope and expectation being let go.

“I have cherished memories, so I won’t hold on any longer.”

Alicia’s resolve gave off a maturity I hadn’t seen before.

We exchanged a light embrace, holding each other’s shoulders for a few seconds.

“Let’s stay strong together, Delis.”

I nodded with a bit more strength.

***

Back at the mansion, I found myself drawn to the garden. As expected, I saw a familiar figure standing quietly, looking at the plants with her back turned.

Without a word, I approached and stood a little apart from her, staring into space just as she did.

“What’s the matter? Not saying anything.”

Alexandra glanced at me and asked.

“I was wondering if standing like this, like you do, would make my worries disappear.”

She let out a short, incredulous laugh at my words.

“Why are you always here, Mother?”

“Who knows.”

She didn’t seem inclined to answer. I gave up on getting a straightforward reply.

“You certainly look worried. Did you say you visited the Crown Prince?”

“Did you hear about it too, Mother?”

“Hear about what?”

“About the situation the military is in right now.”

“You mean the hostage situation?”

Alexandra sighed after a brief pause.

“Ah, that child must be facing a difficult decision by now. That’s why you look so troubled.”

I was a little surprised at how much she had deduced.

“How did you know?”

“Of course I would know. It’s something anyone could guess. Besides, your emotions are easy to read, especially when it involves someone you care about.”

“Is that so?”

Feeling exposed, I responded in confusion.

“…Will it be alright?”

I spoke, but my words were almost drowned out by the wind.

“It has to be.”

Her response was cold, almost indifferent, which made me feel a surge of emotion.

“Why does it have to be? Why is it so important for him to be alright?”

“That’s the responsibility of a ruler.”

At my barrage of words, Alexandra continued looking into the distance, her tone still calm.

“There is a clear line between a soldier and a commander. Everyone strives to reach the top, but once there, they must bear the responsibility that comes with the power.”

“…”

“He can never completely blend with his soldiers. Even if it’s not visible, he’s always surrounded by an invisible wall. He must make decisions, give orders, and bear the consequences alone. It’s different from those who live under governance and protection, thinking only of themselves.”

Alexandra turned to meet my gaze directly. Her words were realistic, leaving me speechless.

“So, he has to be alright.”

Her final words sounded almost as if she was assuring me he would be.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories