Do Your Best and Regret

Chapter 4

Won't you come today?

I swallowed my sigh. The tea had long since cooled down. It was already half past three. A cup of tea at 2pm on Wednesday in the outdoor garden of the Crown Princess Palace. Even though it was designated as an official appointment three years ago, I only see Leopold's face a handful of times a year.

On days when he broke our promise, all he had to do was send a gorgeous bouquet of flowers or jewels a day or two later. A few weeks ago, a card was also added to the bouquet.

"I'm sorry, princess. Because of a sudden meeting."

"I haven't had a long conversation with a friend I haven't seen in a long time."

"It's a pity I couldn't see you because my head hurt."

I shrugged. But my disappointment did not disappear. Leopold was like this every time. I expect alone and disappoint alone. I hope again, and again, and disappointed.

At a distance, the ladies-in-waiting pricked their eyes. Even if I pretended to be unconcerned and captured my expression, I couldn't avoid the sharp gaze as if they were looking at the prey. In particular, the gaze of Countess Chase, who had become the Empress' new chess piece two months ago, was like that. Last time, I was criticized by the Empress for failing to capture the Crown Prince's heart.

I couldn't hold it anymore. I really missed Leopard today. My fiancé, who has a very cool smile. Even though I hated him, I wanted to see him again. Well, no matter how much Leopold made me wait, I would never hate him.

Because I loved Leofold from the first time I saw him when I was 9 years old.

"Become a Princess."

It was Leopard's eleventh birthday that day. The Duke said to young me like a knife.

"No matter how stupid you are, you won't be able to do even one of them."

The Duke's eyes narrowed. It was an eye that judged its usefulness, just like my mother used to look at meat at the market. My heart dropped.

"Well, I can!"

Although I did not understand the Duke's words, I answered vigorously. It was the first time the Duke spoke first. If I did well, I had high expectations that my father would continue to talk to me in the future.

However, that expectation was shattered when they entered the fancy banquet hall.

"Are you the illegitimate daughter of the Madeleine family?"

My mind went blank. The cruel words of the children continued.

"I heard the Duchess died because of her?"

"That's right! So did her mother."

"Why did you come here if you're not an enemy?"

I decided not to remember how that moment passed. That painful scene was saved by the words of Leopold, who was as beautiful as an angel.

"It's a pretty name. Olivia."

Even now, at the age of twenty, Olivia clearly remembered Eleven-year-old Leopold's kind smile. He is a real angel who appeared in a place where no one helped me. From then on, I had a crush on Leopold. It was a long eleven years. So, even if he made me wait like this, I held back. Someday, very soon.

Because I believed that if I did my best, Leopold would look after me again.

My vague old memories were still pretty. I smiled and rose from my seat.

The ladies-in-waiting came around  Countess Chase who was at the forefront, said to me.

"Are you going to leave the palace? Her Highness the Princess is calling, so you'd better go quickly."