Chapter 13
“…Do you need something from me?”
The former stepmother, still brimming with anger, glared at Natalie as she spoke. When Natalie glanced around, she realized Julius was nowhere in sight within the hall. Perhaps that was what emboldened the former stepmother to act so boldly. Though, even if he had been present… it was unclear whether his presence would have stopped her.
She went on: “This young lady ruined my dress! That’s what we were discussing, so don’t interfere, will you?”
The lady being accused shrank back, clearly intimidated by the stepmother’s behavior.
“…I simply thought such anger is not appropriate for this setting,” Natalie replied.
“…W-what did you just say?”
The woman faltered, visibly shaken. She had never imagined that Natalie would actually talk back to her. Natalie then let her gaze drift toward something different from her past memories—toward what lay beneath the woman’s overflowing chiffon skirt.
“Meow.”
“The royal family’s symbol—the sacred lion is having quite a bit of fun, isn’t he? This incident may very well be largely due to his playfulness,” Natalie said.
Indeed, beneath the dress crouched a young lion cub, the national beast and emblem of the kingdom. Once grown, it would be transferred to a royal preserve, but as a cub, it roamed freely around the palace. As the symbol of prosperity, many kingdoms allowed their royal beasts to wander within the castle halls.
Rrrippp!
The golden-furred cub clearly adored the stepmother’s dress and was tearing into it with gusto. The woman could only gasp, “Wha—!” in shock.
Because the national beast was sacred, any of its actions were to be considered fortunate and praiseworthy. Unless it endangered a person’s life, any destruction it caused in play was simply accepted.
In fact, to be approached by one was considered a blessing.
Thus, the stains and tears in the dress likely came not only from the earlier collision but also from the cub’s claws—and its strength was enough to knock the woman off balance.
“Therefore, might I suggest you calm your anger, and take this as the blessing of the lion?” Natalie whispered.
“Y-you…”
And then, leaning closer, she added softly into her ear, “Any further outburst will only reveal how narrow-hearted you are.”
At those words, the woman’s face flushed crimson. The lion—something Natalie had never encountered in her past memories—had, in a way, brought her unexpected good fortune.
(Does this mean… the future truly is changing?)
When she finally looked away from the cub, Natalie noticed Edward watching her from a short distance away, smiling with amusement. Perhaps her actions had drawn more attention than she intended. Still, the young lady who had been scolded now seemed relieved.
Before things escalated further, Natalie bowed and said, “I am grateful for your magnanimity,” and tried to leave—
But the stepmother suddenly cried out:
“You… how dare you… humiliate me—ME of all people!”
“…What?”
“I won’t forgive you!”
Her face burned red, her reason seemingly shattered. She stretched out her hand toward the shards of broken glass on the floor. At her gesture, a large shard suddenly lifted as though with a will of its own—clearly manipulated by magic.
With frightening speed, it shot toward Natalie. The attack came too suddenly for her to react or dodge. She shut her eyes, bracing for the end—
But instead, a dull thud sounded before her.
(…But… there’s no pain?)
When she opened her eyes fearfully, she saw a strong hand gripping the shard. The sharp edge had sunk deeply into the flesh, blood dripping down in scarlet streams.
“No…!”
“…Are you hurt?”
Breathless, holding the shard, was Julius. Gasps and screams erupted around the hall as everyone realized what had happened. Regaining his posture, Julius fixed his gaze on his mother.
“…Mother, this cannot be tolerated. Do you understand what you’ve done?”
“J-Julius! Your hand—your hand is—!”
The woman’s face drained of all color as she collapsed to the floor in shock. Startled by the commotion, the lion bolted away. Amid the chaos, the stepmother fainted outright.
“…Really. Marc! Take Mother to the carriage,” Julius ordered.
“Eh? Oh my, oh my! This is quite a mess. Excuse me, Lady Julius’s mother~” Marc hurried over, lifting the unconscious woman to carry her out.
Julius quickly concealed his injured hand. Turning to the young lady who had been accused, he said, “It seems Mother caused you trouble. I will send an apology.”
The girl shook her head rapidly and replied, “It’s fine,” before fleeing in haste, her fear plain on her face.
Watching her retreating figure, Natalie thought she must have been utterly terrified. Julius then turned back toward her.
“…Forgive me. Are you unharmed?”
“…Eh? Yes. But your hand—”
“That’s all that matters. I’ll send a formal apology to her family residence…”
“N-no, there’s no need…”
At her words, Julius frowned, his expression twisted as though suppressing pain. Then he raised his voice to the room.
“…We have caused a disturbance. My apologies. Excuse us.”
With that, he strode out of the ballroom.
The King immediately stepped forward, declaring, “It seems our sacred lion was merely in high spirits. Everyone, please continue enjoying the ball.”
And so, the nobles resumed their refined chatter in the glittering hall.
As servants swept away shards of glass and scraps of torn fabric, Natalie fixed her gaze on the door Julius had exited.
This was a ball—there were hardly any physicians present. The royal doctors were already occupied with the First Prince.
So then, how did he intend to treat such a severe wound?
Would he simply staunch the bleeding and wait until he returned home for proper care?
As these thoughts raced through her mind, Natalie impulsively lifted her gown with both hands and dashed toward the door where Julius had disappeared.
