Chapter 34
Perhaps it was only natural. From the moment he forced her to come with him, Regios’ heart had already been set.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince, this is the Duke’s household…”
Even if he was the Crown Prince, Regios’ attitude was rude. Yurina couldn’t hold back and opened her mouth, but Denold subtly shook his head. He too was furious, but he suppressed it. There was nothing to gain from opposing the Crown Prince.
“Since Ephelia has returned after so long, she must feel unfamiliar. It would be best if Celuna went with her. Celuna is already prepared, so she can leave with the maids.”
Denold wasn’t a foolish man. If he got angry now and Regios said something unnecessary—such as claiming he was here to take his Crown Princess—all would be decided at that moment.
Even if it wasn’t confirmed, things would definitely become more difficult. No one could deny that Ephelia was Regios’ destiny.
“We don’t have accommodations prepared yet. That will be difficult.”
Regios rejected it naturally. But Denold had a card to play. His gaze shifted to Ephelia, and for a moment, his eyes appeared warm and gentle.
The duchess was not a frightening opponent—not deep in thought, easily handled. The truly frightening one was her uncle, Denold.
“Ephelia, what do you think?”
That gentle tone made her skin crawl. Ephelia had no answer except agreement.
“…Yes, I think that would be best.”
No one misunderstood what that meant. Taking both women meant it was worse than not taking Ephelia at all. It implied both women were candidates for Crown Princess, and that Regios acknowledged this. That was not what Regios wanted. He frowned.
“I don’t want that.”
“I’m going to feel awkward since it’s been a while. It’d be nice if Celuna could help me.”
“Ephelia.”
“Please.”
Because she said it with such sincerity, Regios had no choice. He gritted his teeth and sighed.
“…Fine.”
Celuna wasn’t oblivious. She realized it was better to use Ephelia for her benefit. Though it seemed like her opinion was asked, it was essentially coercion.
“I think it’s best if the maids take a separate carriage and the three of us ride together. What do you think, sister?”
“Yes, that sounds good. I’m glad you’re here.”
Regios clearly disliked how things were deviating from his plan.
“Then both of you should prepare before departure. In the meantime, please wait in the reception room, Your Highness.”
Before Regios could say anything else, Denold wrapped up the situation. Preparation wouldn’t take long—the maids could come later, and once Ephelia and Celuna were ready, they could leave. That meant Denold was stalling on purpose.
Ephelia understood why. He wanted to speak to her alone. As expected, Denold followed her while he was supposed to entertain the Crown Prince.
“You may speak.”
“You know this, don’t you? The Crown Prince intends to take you as his Crown Princess.”
“Yes. I know.”
“If you truly have no desire for that position, then help Celuna.”
“I will.”
Her immediate, firm answer made Denold’s face briefly contort. He seemed displeased, but Ephelia could not read his true intentions. That was what terrified her.
“Very well. Let’s go.”
Once preparations were done, the three rode Regios’ carriage. It was a strange scene. Celuna looked at Regios, Regios looked at Ephelia, and Ephelia stared out the window—just like their tangled relationships.
“Thank you so much.”
Celuna broke the silence.
“What are you thanking me for?”
“For bringing my sister back. I’m so happy she returned. It’s all thanks to you, Your Highness.”
“You truly think so?”
“Of course. She and I are like real sisters.”
“I thought Lady Celuna wouldn’t be pleased by this situation. Unexpected.”
“That’s not true.”
“Thank you, then.”
Regios smiled, but he didn’t hide the chill beneath it.
“Then you have no objections to Ephelia becoming the Crown Princess?”
Celuna hadn’t expected that. She faltered for a moment, but quickly recovered.
“Even if my sister becomes the Crown Princess, I could congratulate her wholeheartedly.”
“Is that so?”
Regios smiled beautifully at Celuna—cold and cutting.
“Regios.”
Ephelia called him, and his gaze shifted to her. His expression softened instantly, shedding the iciness. Ephelia felt both unfamiliarity and a strange nostalgia.
Why does that face seem familiar? Why does it ache with longing? Was he ever like that?
“Ephelia?”
He called her when she didn’t say anything. She realized where that warmth came from—long ago, before fate had chained them together, he had been gentle.
“Where should I stay?”
“Use the room you always used. Familiarity will help.”
Whenever she visited the palace, she stayed in the same room in the Crown Prince’s residence. It was the Crown Princess’ room. Yet Regios said nothing about Celuna’s accommodations. He clearly intended for her to stay elsewhere.
“You’ll stay in the Iris Palace.”
The Iris Palace was where foreign guests resided. If Ephelia had come alone, she would have stayed in the Crown Prince’s residence. But two noblewomen both once declared future Crown Princesses had arrived.
Letting both stay together—or choosing only one—was strange. Ephelia’s choice had been correct, but not for everyone.
“Celuna should stay in the same palace and help me. Would that inconvenience you?”
“No, I’d love to stay with you.”
Celuna agreed, though confused. Why was Ephelia helping her? It sounded like Ephelia was asking for Celuna’s help, but the one actually receiving help was Celuna.
Ephelia was placing herself and Celuna on equal footing. Such a thing would not go unnoticed in the palace.
Anyone would assume there were two Crown Princess candidates.
Regios may have intended to bring Ephelia early to secure her, but Ephelia had no intention of cooperating. She planned to continue like this. It was the best she could do.
“Fine. Do as you wish.”
“Thank you.”
The carriage arrived at the Iris Palace. Regios stepped down first and offered his hand.
“Have a comfortable stay, Lady Celuna.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
He even greeted Celuna first. Her cheeks flushed—then froze at his next words.
“Ephelia, let’s talk. Just the two of us.”
He was clearly trying to eliminate any chance of refusal. Celuna, who always interrupted, was excluded. His intent was blatant, and it weighed on Ephelia.
“Can we not do this later? I’m tired from the sudden trip.”
“It’ll only take a moment.”
“I’m really tired, Regios.”
Seeing the exhaustion clouding her face, he backed down.
“Rest. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“I’ll escort you.”
He extended his hand again. Unnecessary kindness.
“Take it. You said you’re tired.”
If she rejected him, it would contradict her words. Ephelia reluctantly took his hand. She glanced at Celuna—her expression was gentle, but her eyes were cold enough to kill.
Ephelia quietly laughed inside.
To Celuna, she must look unbearably sly.
Pretending to care for Celuna while claiming she had no interest—yet receiving Regios’ concern. How arrogant it must seem.
As if boasting: I am loved by him, unlike you.
A terrible misunderstanding.
“Rest well.”
“Thank you.”
“You as well, Lady Celuna.”
Everyone knew what that meant. The rooms were separated, and Regios had no intention of escorting Celuna.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”
Celuna smiled radiantly, acting completely unaffected. Ephelia closed her door and sighed, her chest tight.
If Regios had gotten his way, Ephelia would have stayed in the Crown Princess’ room.
Even though the preparation was sudden, it was luxurious, befitting a royal guest suite. Fresh flowers were everywhere—as if declaring the room was meant for her.
But Ephelia could not rest.
Not because the place was unfamiliar.
There was nowhere she could rest.
There was only one place in the world where she could breathe—the forest she could never return to.
