Celine began to look around the mansion casually, as if she were visiting a close friend's house.
"You've decorated your new home beautifully. Medea is famous for its furniture exports, after all."
I stood with my arms crossed, my cold gaze doggedly following her movements as I questioned her.
"You didn't come here purely to congratulate me, did you? What are your intentions?"
“Would you like to talk to me alone?”
Celine, who was bending over with her back to the ground, looking at the strange object of Noah's taste, turned to me and smiled.
“Are you saying it’s just the lieutenant colonel and me?”
Noah asked with a very unpleasant expression.
"You can have a conversation between men, right? You two are brothers-in-law now."
Celine, who had answered with a brazenly innocent expression, grabbed my hand. I slapped her soft, white hand away, feeling aggravated. Her velvety palm felt so moist and soft that it was almost unsettling.
"Get out."
“Diana.”
Celine, oblivious to my cold voice, took my hand again and called my name, looking at me with a sorrowful expression. I didn't really want to meet those grass-like eyes.
“I told you to get out.”
"I didn't come to disturb you, Diana. I just have something to tell you."
"We've had plenty of opportunities before, haven't we? Celine, have you forgotten that we're worse off than anyone else? You threw me in jail and even framed me for leaking confidential information."
When I shot her a sharp look, Celine sighed and rubbed her forehead, her smile fading away.
"I didn't leak the information. My testimony has already cleared you of charges. Your warrant has been lifted."
“You must have done well. Your hypocrisy is truly disgusting.”
“I know. Is that bad?”
Celine, who had been resting her hand on her forehead, shrugged her shoulders and smiled, whispering in my ear.
"Where are enemies and allies in human life? Everyone moves for their own gain, changing their faces like masks to suit their own purposes. It's in my interest to cooperate with you now."
Oh, right. You're probably a bit like me. Deciding to listen to her rambling a little longer, I gestured toward the living room, signaling for her to follow.
Noah looked coolly at us as we headed to our room. The lieutenant colonel was leisurely sitting on the sofa, drinking tea.
Entering the room, I leaned back on the velvet sofa and raised my chin proudly toward Celine, who was sitting quietly across from me.
“Speak. I’ll listen.”
She had a beautiful deer-like figure, with her back straight and her long, slender neck stretched out, but there was a cold tension hanging over her somewhere.
"Pretending to be nice and talking about family love won't work on you. You're as wicked as the devil. First, to gain your trust, I'll reveal my weaknesses."
She slowly leaned forward, smiling kindly while spitting out a spiteful remark.
"The lives of the Lieutenant Colonel and me are in your hands. You already know you're a Princess, right?"
"So?"
"Your and your husband's future weaknesses are in my hands. We're practically pointing swords at each other."
I chuckled and twirled the strand of hair next to my ear with my finger.
“That can’t be right. You can never beat me.”
Realistically, it is difficult for people of the past to overcome the intellectual ability and thinking of modern people (Noah is an exception).
This is probably why the protagonists of ordinary fantasy novels become the main characters who solve cases with extraordinary talents. They are also diligent.
Aside from being able to predict the cause and effect of the original work, you possess knowledge that spans the ages through modern common sense, acquisition through media, compulsory education, and a long academic history.
Of course, you would defeat the villain and overwhelm the flying and crawling people of that era.
Just approach a medieval Emperor and offer you a common-sense proposition, like "Iron floats on water," and you'll find yourself on a red carpet. If you have a background in science and engineering, even better. You could even achieve world conquest with a Munchkin-level skill.
Celine let out a faint sigh, a hollow laugh.
"I know, I can't beat you. But I can be a nuisance. You'll always have to be on your toes and use your brain."
Wow. Just thinking about it makes me tired. Even if it's a dull knife pointed at me, it still hurts when it hits. Seeing my disgusted face, she dropped a sugar cube into her teacup and continued speaking.
"Let's not tire each other out. Why would nations form alliances? Their goals are all the same."
"So, what do you want me to do? Just don't show up."
"Even if you don't reveal it, it might come to light some other way. If that happens, I'll die. The family itself will disappear."
Celine maintained her noble demeanor, stirring the sugar cubes dissolving into the tea with a teaspoon. I fidgeted with my fingers on the table, grumbling.
“I know you well.”
"I've decided not to reveal it because neither you nor your future husband wants it. I came to negotiate for our shared goal, but with different interests."
“Did your father agree?”
At my question, Celine's green eyes rolled slightly to the right.
"As you know, my father has a huge lust for power and ambition. He wanted to make me Queen. To be honest, that became impossible the moment Belford lost the war for supremacy."
“So you got hooked on Frogen?”
"The moment Emperor Frogen launches a war against Medea, he might join the bastard's plans. A Prince of Frogen, with his good nature, would not survive in this era. He is a wise ruler only in times of peace."
Celine surprisingly provided accurate information. It was obvious that Frogen was targeting Medea's colonies. Therefore, Noah and the Queen must be working together to develop and manufacture military weapons.
She sighed and continued speaking.
"The fake princess is so stupid. It's annoying when a stupid person has convictions. I think I'd like to get rid of her."
“I want to get her out of my sight, too.”
"There's nothing I can't say to my sister. You see, even my nanny knows this. I treated her like a mother, and she was the one who stayed at the mansion the longest, so Dad trusts her considerably."
I could tell if it was true or not because she kept telling me the same old story, but I got a little bored and stretched out.
"So."
"They say my nanny accidentally witnessed my mother's death. She said I was a baby when my mother received divorce papers and, in shock, jumped from the bell tower. That's when my nanny and I first met."
“She was trying to die with you, wasn’t she?”
It must have been quite an uncomfortable story for Celine, as her brow furrowed darkly.
"Yes, perhaps. A nanny happened to be passing by and found me and saved my life. From that day on, I had a fever and wouldn't stop crying. The doctors even told them to give up. But, miraculously, as soon as the nanny came to the mansion to see me, my fever went down, and my crying stopped. That's why they hired her as my nanny."
“I don’t care about your tearful past.”
At my firm words, Celine laughed with a snicker.
"No, listen. The day my mother died was Christmas. The day the Princess was born."
Celine's green eyes shone ominously like a snake's.
“What are the chances of you being outside alone on Christmas morning, well past curfew, and witnessing a woman jumping from a bell tower?”
I looked at Celine and opened my mouth slightly.
"My nanny must have been watching everything, right up until your arrival at the mansion. And she seems to have been using a method similar to yours. It's obvious, since the Duke came to visit after you submitted your drawing to the newspaper."
Her words were closer to confirmation than doctrine. Celine knew that her nanny, Janet, was a spy. Was this woman really this extraordinary? A hint of intoxication graced her lips as she saw my agitated face.
"You'd be worried about losing a crucial source of information. Even if our nanny testified and revealed the whole truth, it wouldn't be easy for us. What should we do?"
“Informant?”
I smiled leisurely and took a sip of lukewarm tea.
“What’s the problem with you claiming to be a great informant?”
At my words, Celine covered her mouth and burst out laughing.
"Yes. I will do everything in my power to help you have a smooth married life."
“Are you betraying your father?”
"No, I love my father. Even if he's a terrible person to Mom, you, or the Queen, he's good to me. I do my best for my people. Perhaps my nanny is mine, too. She truly cares for me. She even said she'd write a happy book with me as the beloved protagonist. That's why I didn't reveal the fact that she was a spy."
Did Janet develop any affection for Celine during her time as a spy? Well, having seen everything, she might have felt pity and compassion for her. She undoubtedly showered her with parental affection. Even as Noah's spy, she was so oblivious to the original Diana's death.
I stroked the rim of my teacup and paused for a moment, lost in thought. She had clearly revealed her intentions, but it was difficult to make a hasty judgment. So, I decided to reveal my purpose first.
"I just want to live comfortably. Without worries, without hassles. That's why I don't want to be Queen."
"Is that your goal? Don't be so squeamish. My goal is to marry Lieutenant Colonel and spend the rest of my life with him."
When you think about it, both of them have truly ordinary, unremarkable goals. It seems that pursuing the ordinary path leads to a thorny path of hardship far more distant and distant than becoming Queen of a nation.
“You asked him to marry you in exchange for stopping the Admiral’s plans and promising my safety, correct?”
At my question, Celine smiled slyly, stroking her flowing platinum hair.
"That's right, the Colonel wishes for your happiness, as per the Duchess's will. So I have no choice but to do the same. If you're happy, I'll be happy too. Isn't that strange?"
It's a rather comical situation. Our interests and perspectives clash wildly, creating gaps and fragments. Our shapes fit perfectly together, so on the surface, we support each other like close sisters.
It's so disgusting. What can I do? Yesterday's enemy can become today's ally because of its utility.
“Yes. If you’re done talking, then you can go now.”
“I plan to stay here until your wedding day.”
Oh, this is really annoying. She snickered as I glared at her with nervous eyes.
“That day, when I found out that my father was planning to kill you in prison, I felt a little uneasy.”
"Whatever?"
After standing by and watching all this time. Would I have done the same if I'd been in her shoes? If Diana—the one who provoked me, exploited my weakness, and manipulated me to steal the man I loved—had been her, what would I have done?
"You've decorated your new home beautifully. Medea is famous for its furniture exports, after all."
I stood with my arms crossed, my cold gaze doggedly following her movements as I questioned her.
"You didn't come here purely to congratulate me, did you? What are your intentions?"
“Would you like to talk to me alone?”
Celine, who was bending over with her back to the ground, looking at the strange object of Noah's taste, turned to me and smiled.
“Are you saying it’s just the lieutenant colonel and me?”
Noah asked with a very unpleasant expression.
"You can have a conversation between men, right? You two are brothers-in-law now."
Celine, who had answered with a brazenly innocent expression, grabbed my hand. I slapped her soft, white hand away, feeling aggravated. Her velvety palm felt so moist and soft that it was almost unsettling.
"Get out."
“Diana.”
Celine, oblivious to my cold voice, took my hand again and called my name, looking at me with a sorrowful expression. I didn't really want to meet those grass-like eyes.
“I told you to get out.”
"I didn't come to disturb you, Diana. I just have something to tell you."
"We've had plenty of opportunities before, haven't we? Celine, have you forgotten that we're worse off than anyone else? You threw me in jail and even framed me for leaking confidential information."
When I shot her a sharp look, Celine sighed and rubbed her forehead, her smile fading away.
"I didn't leak the information. My testimony has already cleared you of charges. Your warrant has been lifted."
“You must have done well. Your hypocrisy is truly disgusting.”
“I know. Is that bad?”
Celine, who had been resting her hand on her forehead, shrugged her shoulders and smiled, whispering in my ear.
"Where are enemies and allies in human life? Everyone moves for their own gain, changing their faces like masks to suit their own purposes. It's in my interest to cooperate with you now."
Oh, right. You're probably a bit like me. Deciding to listen to her rambling a little longer, I gestured toward the living room, signaling for her to follow.
Noah looked coolly at us as we headed to our room. The lieutenant colonel was leisurely sitting on the sofa, drinking tea.
Entering the room, I leaned back on the velvet sofa and raised my chin proudly toward Celine, who was sitting quietly across from me.
“Speak. I’ll listen.”
She had a beautiful deer-like figure, with her back straight and her long, slender neck stretched out, but there was a cold tension hanging over her somewhere.
"Pretending to be nice and talking about family love won't work on you. You're as wicked as the devil. First, to gain your trust, I'll reveal my weaknesses."
She slowly leaned forward, smiling kindly while spitting out a spiteful remark.
"The lives of the Lieutenant Colonel and me are in your hands. You already know you're a Princess, right?"
"So?"
"Your and your husband's future weaknesses are in my hands. We're practically pointing swords at each other."
I chuckled and twirled the strand of hair next to my ear with my finger.
“That can’t be right. You can never beat me.”
Realistically, it is difficult for people of the past to overcome the intellectual ability and thinking of modern people (Noah is an exception).
This is probably why the protagonists of ordinary fantasy novels become the main characters who solve cases with extraordinary talents. They are also diligent.
Aside from being able to predict the cause and effect of the original work, you possess knowledge that spans the ages through modern common sense, acquisition through media, compulsory education, and a long academic history.
Of course, you would defeat the villain and overwhelm the flying and crawling people of that era.
Just approach a medieval Emperor and offer you a common-sense proposition, like "Iron floats on water," and you'll find yourself on a red carpet. If you have a background in science and engineering, even better. You could even achieve world conquest with a Munchkin-level skill.
Celine let out a faint sigh, a hollow laugh.
"I know, I can't beat you. But I can be a nuisance. You'll always have to be on your toes and use your brain."
Wow. Just thinking about it makes me tired. Even if it's a dull knife pointed at me, it still hurts when it hits. Seeing my disgusted face, she dropped a sugar cube into her teacup and continued speaking.
"Let's not tire each other out. Why would nations form alliances? Their goals are all the same."
"So, what do you want me to do? Just don't show up."
"Even if you don't reveal it, it might come to light some other way. If that happens, I'll die. The family itself will disappear."
Celine maintained her noble demeanor, stirring the sugar cubes dissolving into the tea with a teaspoon. I fidgeted with my fingers on the table, grumbling.
“I know you well.”
"I've decided not to reveal it because neither you nor your future husband wants it. I came to negotiate for our shared goal, but with different interests."
“Did your father agree?”
At my question, Celine's green eyes rolled slightly to the right.
"As you know, my father has a huge lust for power and ambition. He wanted to make me Queen. To be honest, that became impossible the moment Belford lost the war for supremacy."
“So you got hooked on Frogen?”
"The moment Emperor Frogen launches a war against Medea, he might join the bastard's plans. A Prince of Frogen, with his good nature, would not survive in this era. He is a wise ruler only in times of peace."
Celine surprisingly provided accurate information. It was obvious that Frogen was targeting Medea's colonies. Therefore, Noah and the Queen must be working together to develop and manufacture military weapons.
She sighed and continued speaking.
"The fake princess is so stupid. It's annoying when a stupid person has convictions. I think I'd like to get rid of her."
“I want to get her out of my sight, too.”
"There's nothing I can't say to my sister. You see, even my nanny knows this. I treated her like a mother, and she was the one who stayed at the mansion the longest, so Dad trusts her considerably."
I could tell if it was true or not because she kept telling me the same old story, but I got a little bored and stretched out.
"So."
"They say my nanny accidentally witnessed my mother's death. She said I was a baby when my mother received divorce papers and, in shock, jumped from the bell tower. That's when my nanny and I first met."
“She was trying to die with you, wasn’t she?”
It must have been quite an uncomfortable story for Celine, as her brow furrowed darkly.
"Yes, perhaps. A nanny happened to be passing by and found me and saved my life. From that day on, I had a fever and wouldn't stop crying. The doctors even told them to give up. But, miraculously, as soon as the nanny came to the mansion to see me, my fever went down, and my crying stopped. That's why they hired her as my nanny."
“I don’t care about your tearful past.”
At my firm words, Celine laughed with a snicker.
"No, listen. The day my mother died was Christmas. The day the Princess was born."
Celine's green eyes shone ominously like a snake's.
“What are the chances of you being outside alone on Christmas morning, well past curfew, and witnessing a woman jumping from a bell tower?”
I looked at Celine and opened my mouth slightly.
"My nanny must have been watching everything, right up until your arrival at the mansion. And she seems to have been using a method similar to yours. It's obvious, since the Duke came to visit after you submitted your drawing to the newspaper."
Her words were closer to confirmation than doctrine. Celine knew that her nanny, Janet, was a spy. Was this woman really this extraordinary? A hint of intoxication graced her lips as she saw my agitated face.
"You'd be worried about losing a crucial source of information. Even if our nanny testified and revealed the whole truth, it wouldn't be easy for us. What should we do?"
“Informant?”
I smiled leisurely and took a sip of lukewarm tea.
“What’s the problem with you claiming to be a great informant?”
At my words, Celine covered her mouth and burst out laughing.
"Yes. I will do everything in my power to help you have a smooth married life."
“Are you betraying your father?”
"No, I love my father. Even if he's a terrible person to Mom, you, or the Queen, he's good to me. I do my best for my people. Perhaps my nanny is mine, too. She truly cares for me. She even said she'd write a happy book with me as the beloved protagonist. That's why I didn't reveal the fact that she was a spy."
Did Janet develop any affection for Celine during her time as a spy? Well, having seen everything, she might have felt pity and compassion for her. She undoubtedly showered her with parental affection. Even as Noah's spy, she was so oblivious to the original Diana's death.
I stroked the rim of my teacup and paused for a moment, lost in thought. She had clearly revealed her intentions, but it was difficult to make a hasty judgment. So, I decided to reveal my purpose first.
"I just want to live comfortably. Without worries, without hassles. That's why I don't want to be Queen."
"Is that your goal? Don't be so squeamish. My goal is to marry Lieutenant Colonel and spend the rest of my life with him."
When you think about it, both of them have truly ordinary, unremarkable goals. It seems that pursuing the ordinary path leads to a thorny path of hardship far more distant and distant than becoming Queen of a nation.
“You asked him to marry you in exchange for stopping the Admiral’s plans and promising my safety, correct?”
At my question, Celine smiled slyly, stroking her flowing platinum hair.
"That's right, the Colonel wishes for your happiness, as per the Duchess's will. So I have no choice but to do the same. If you're happy, I'll be happy too. Isn't that strange?"
It's a rather comical situation. Our interests and perspectives clash wildly, creating gaps and fragments. Our shapes fit perfectly together, so on the surface, we support each other like close sisters.
It's so disgusting. What can I do? Yesterday's enemy can become today's ally because of its utility.
“Yes. If you’re done talking, then you can go now.”
“I plan to stay here until your wedding day.”
Oh, this is really annoying. She snickered as I glared at her with nervous eyes.
“That day, when I found out that my father was planning to kill you in prison, I felt a little uneasy.”
"Whatever?"
After standing by and watching all this time. Would I have done the same if I'd been in her shoes? If Diana—the one who provoked me, exploited my weakness, and manipulated me to steal the man I loved—had been her, what would I have done?
By the way, Celine's condition was this: she wouldn't expect any guarantees of future safety, so she had to appear to be a friendly sister.
It seemed like she was preparing a plan to safely navigate any unforeseen circumstances. She was already busy with her wedding just around the corner, and she even demanded that I take her to the royal palace's social season masquerade ball tomorrow to emphasize their friendship.
“Diana, would you like her to come and cause trouble on your wedding day?”
“What does that mean?”
"I'm saying he'd try anything. He'd probably be desperate to stop the marriage. I wouldn't mind seeing your marriage prevented either."
The meaning is that since Erita is determined to do something, it would be better to make it happen on the day of the masquerade ball.
She, who always pretended to be nice and stood in the position of a thorough bystander, seemed to have a great ability to step back and look at things with an analytical perspective.
So, even though you knew everything, you pretended not to know anything, figured out in advance things that could harm you, avoided them all, and lived well, taking only the advantages and benefits.
I thought it would be better to just face it head-on since I didn't know what she would do, just like she said.
“Yeah, I’m sure my sister will take care of it. You're my only sister.”
Celine's lips curved slightly at my expectant voice. I leaned closer to her and smiled.
“If it was a trick or a trap, you will be executed right here.”
“That won’t happen. Why would I tell you everything for nothing?”
"There's that 'what if' thing, right? I should reveal the truth, leave for Frogen, and join the illegitimate side. I have a vested interest in that side, too. There are countless ways not to become Queen. It's just annoying."
Celine's green eyes froze coldly at my calm explanation.
"Have you changed, or have you always been like that? I don't really know you."
"What are you going to do? Just do your best and do what I want, my sister."
The person I'm most sorry about right now is you, who came to me first. I decided to make the most of Celine, who was like a burden to me. I smiled kindly at her.
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