TMM 20

Mariabelle flushed, putting on an apologetic expression.

“I’ve gone too far… Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

She dipped her head lightly—so lightly that it barely qualified as an apology.

“How astonishing,” the queen said coolly. “Has Lord Wellston not even taught his own daughter basic decorum?”

“That’s not true! Father is a most generous and kind man,” Mariabelle protested at once.

“By the way, Mariabelle—how many languages do you speak?”

The queen’s sudden question made Mariabelle glance toward Alicia, as though seeking help.

But Alicia had not been granted permission to speak. She could not answer.

“I am currently studying the language of a neighboring country at the academy. Of course, I also interact with exchange students. We are cultivating friendships,” Mariabelle replied confidently.

The queen looked at her with faint disappointment.

“I had hoped you might spur Alicia on, but it seems I was mistaken.”

Mariabelle blinked in confusion.

“W-what do you mean? Did I say something wrong? Sister, why are you silent? Why won’t you help me?”

Alicia looked quietly at the queen. The queen shook her head.

“That’s cruel, Sister. Why are you ignoring me? I’ll report this to Father and Mother,” Mariabelle said, on the verge of tears.

Joshua, meanwhile, remained silent.

“Alicia, you may speak now,” the queen said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Mariabelle stared at Alicia, startled.

“Mariabelle, the palace has its own etiquette,” Alicia said calmly.

“That’s awful, Sister. Then why didn’t you teach me?”

Mariabelle’s large eyes shimmered with tears, but Alicia did not waver.

“Is that not what your tutors and the academy are for?”

“I’m not good at studying. Just like you’re bad at socializing and can’t make friends.”

She sounded petulant, like a child. Alicia found herself wondering whether Mariabelle was emotionally younger than her years.

“That may be so. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.”

“Then you should have helped me. Why were you being mean?”

“I had no intention of being mean.”

“Father and Mother not loving you isn’t my fault,” Mariabelle said, clutching her handkerchief, her voice trembling to invite sympathy.

“That is true. It is not your fault.”

“Then you were jealous and took it out on me, weren’t you?”

Alicia tilted her head slightly.

“Jealousy… I wonder. I have felt envy at times. But strangely enough, I have never wished to become you.”

That part puzzled Alicia herself. Mariabelle was bright and sociable, yet she had never wanted to be her.

So when accused of envy, it felt wrong.

(I want to be accepted as who I am.)

At that instant, a sharp sound cracked through the air, and heat flared across Alicia’s cheek.

She realized Mariabelle had slapped her.