If the empress hadn’t had a miscarriage and given birth to a prince my age, I would have been nominated as a potential next generation’s Empress.
It was because my household was the only one with a daughter among two dukedoms and two marquisates. Just because of that, I had the greatest chance of being appointed as the next Empress.
However, the empress lost her first child and was suspected of being unable to have any more children due to his weak body. After many years, she barely managed to give birth to a princess.
The birth of an Imperial Princess marked a change in rank. First, it meant that I no longer had to be engulfed in useless political strife in order to choose a marriage partner, and second, it meant that there was a new authority over Emil.
“You don’t look pleased, huh?” Rastine said to me, taking turns looking at Hill and me.
“It’s not that, I’m just surprised.”
“I’ve never done anything surprising.”
“She means your appearance itself is astonishing.” Hill interrupted me and added, “She hasn’t seen your face in the last two years.
“I haven’t had a chance to come to the capital, but now it will be different with my admission to the academy.”
‘I remember now.’ I was going to send him an invitation for my tenth birthday, but canceled it after news that he had gone to the estate.
“Then why in the capital…”
“Do I have to tell you?”
“Haha.” I laughed sourly at that arrogant tone.
‘Don’t say anything if you don’t want to.’
Emil, who might have seen my reaction while being nearby, approached me when Rastine appeared. Behind him, Blensia chased him up close.
“Vel.”
“Emil, sorry. I said I’d be back soon, but…”
“It’s fine. I came because I thought something was going on.”
Restless, Blensia peeked at Rastine’s reactions. As I was about to return to my original seat, I heard Rastine’s sneering behind me.
“I heard you live as an attendant in Lankester, it seems your master likes you quite a lot. Your face has become quite shiny.”
“. . .”
Emil, who looked back at him, turned without giving him much attention.
But not me.
‘I was trying not to go through such a humiliation.’
Hildred was cleverly rude and bothersome, but never spoke so directly as Rastine. When a powerful person speaks, people below them will naturally agree. As I paused my steps, Emil turned to look at me in wonder.
“You’re being rude.”
“Am I? Was there anything wrong with my words?”
“Young Duke Calixst is not staying in the Lankester mansion to play a role as a servant whatsoever. I have invited him as a guest and friend. He’s Lankester’s distinguished guest.”
My rebuttal left him speechless. However, soon after, he asked as if wondering if I meant it.
“Why take the trouble?”
