An expressionless face turned to Ernst. There was no affection on his face.
“There’s nothing good that would come out if you touch the Leander. Oh, is this also God’s will?” The Emperor grumbled.
“Yes, it is, because God wants me to,” Ernst answered calmly.
The Emperor’s mood was sharp as the throne exchange was coming near. He said that there were more days to drink than days when he didn’t
“What is the power?” Ernst laughed.
[Power? It’s because of this power that you can laugh while being proud.]
The White Uroboros gave the answer. In the end, Ernst was also clinging to the weight of power.
[It’s because of this power that you can have Louella. And yet you pretend you don’t know.]
There was no denying it. Ernst was able to draw attention from Louella, who was already mentioned to be Logan’s fiance. All because he was the Crown Prince, as the white snake said.
The white snake was right. Ernst was also a slave to power beyond reproach.
“Do as you please.” The emperor waved and turned his head as if he was annoyed. Ernst bowed and nodded.
It was the next day. The gift will be delivered to Louella along with the proposal.
* * *
A deep sigh could be heard as Louella touched her forehead. Crown Prince, why are you doing this to me? I really don’t understand. It is true that the Crown Prince has a goodwill for me. But it’s all just nostalgia from the past that comes from Philia.
It wasn’t about love or affection. Louella wasn’t stupid enough not to notice someone’s feelings.
“We’ll have to send an answer first.” Her mother looked back at her. It was full of affection and concern.
“I may have to climb the scale, Louella.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“Your reputation could be damaged.”
“Mom, even if it’s a verbal engagement, a promise is a promise. And in this day and age, he can’t just ignore that fact.”
Smiling, my mother sighed one more time. “I’ll write this as an answer then.”
“Sure. I’ll have to send all of this back, too. Maid, don’t untie it and leave it as it is. We have to send it back without any scratches.”
“Yes, Duchess.” The words that she wanted to write in the letter were already finished.
She was grateful for her heart, but she was not qualified to be the Crown Princess, and she wanted him to take it back. But Ernst ignored her words.
He didn’t send the gift she sent back again, but he set a date to determine if she was eligible to be the Crown Princess. March 12th. That was the day she was supposed to climb the scale. And March 3rd was Gerald’s graduation.
* * *
“Oh, Mercé! Thank you for coming.”
“No, I should thank you for accepting our offer.” Louella’s mother and mother-in-law exchanged greetings. The two of them seemed to lean on each other at times like this.
Her mother told Duchess Logan that she was verbally sure of
Gerald’s engagement with Louella and that she would like to spread the word to others as well. It was the best thing they could do to counter the Crown Prince’s sly act.
She was asking others to introduce Louella as Gerald’s fiance. Louella’s mother-in-law agreed to it when she heard that the Crown Prince was throwing an attack directed at her.
Thanks to that, they were able to attend Logan’s event today.
It was Gerald’s graduation. This was kept as a secret to Gerald. Louella wanted to surprise him.
Flora was clinging to her side. It seemed like she came to see Billiers while pretending that she was attending Gerald’s graduation. Such a great friend.
She cleared her throat. Flora looked around and whispered to Louella, “Why don’t I see Billiers around?”
“He must be preparing for the graduation ceremony. Aren’t the
two of you seeing each other well?” Flora nodded shyly.
Fortunately, Flora looked happy. Unlike the Flora she had seen in her previous life. At that time, Flora devoted her life to resenting and hating Louella. Was the feeling she had for Gerald love?
Louella thought it might have been just an obsession that was filled with lingering feelings she had. Flora didn’t look happy at all at the time, but Flora now was someone she liked. There were times that she was unhappy but she was mostly happy all the time.
The unhappiness she experienced was probably caused by anxiety from love, not by pain. It was one of the things she really wanted to change as well. It was a real relief to see how things ended up like this.
“Oh, there. I see Gerald.” Flora waved Louella’s arm.
As Flora said, Gerald was coming out among the crowded students. Gerald, who was in his graduation gown at the academy, shone more than anyone else.