But… Paul was supposed to be dead.
“You… you’re alive…?”
Tears nearly welled in her eyes from overwhelming emotion, but the boy frowned at her in puzzlement.
“Hah? What are you talking about? Who died?”
With effortless grace, he took a seat and crossed his legs.
“The fact that you were summoned here means you’ve caught Father’s interest. The timing’s earlier than usual, too. You’re the adopted daughter of the Duke of Arens, aren’t you? I’ve heard that family produces many beauties.”
He cast a cool, assessing gaze upon her—like someone meeting her for the first time.
“…You don’t recognize me?”
“? What are you going on about?”
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“You’ve got nerve, standing over me while we speak. Sit down.”
Startled, Leah quickly sat again.
“Why are you here…?”
“Because Father ordered it.”
He lifted his teacup and took a sip.
“You seem like a strange woman. What about you caught Father’s attention? Your looks?”
He examined her as though appraising an object.
(He looks exactly the same… but he isn’t Paul…?)
“…May I ask who you are?”
She forced the question past her throat.
The boy curved his lips into a sardonic smile.
“You expect me to introduce myself first? You really are odd.”
Resting one hand on the back of his chair, he let out a faint sigh.
“I am Sieghardt Gielz.”
Leah stared at him, stunned.
(Sieghardt Gielz…? That’s the name of the Crown Prince…)
“Aren’t you going to give your name?”
She swallowed.
If he were Paul, there was no way he wouldn’t recognize her.
He was someone else.
They said there were three people in the world who resembled one another—but…
“…Leah Arens.”
Even so, he looked so alike that she couldn’t help asking:
“Um… have you lived in the palace all your life?”
He regarded her curiously.
“Why would that concern you? I’ve lived here since birth. Aside from accompanying Father on inspections, I’ve never left the capital.”
He addressed the guard standing at a distance.
“That’s correct, isn’t it?”
Lorenz nodded.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Leah felt her heart sink.
(He truly is someone else…)
“And why do you ask?”
She had allowed herself a fleeting hope, and now the disappointment struck even harder.
“…I was raised in a village until I was eight. In the west of the Empire. I was wondering what your childhood was like, Lord Sieghardt…”
He lifted one corner of his mouth.
“I’ve heard you’re the daughter born of the duke’s sister who eloped. …Ah. That must be the real reason Father sent you here. Perhaps he wanted to pair his son with the daughter of the woman he once wished to marry.”
“Eh…?”
He seemed to reach his own conclusion and gave a bitter smile.
“Father has likely already made you his top candidate. I have no desire to be subjected to this over and over again. Leah Arens. You will do. Tell Father that. Understood?”
(…)
Having declared that unilaterally, he turned on his heel and departed like the wind.
Leah watched his retreating back in a daze.
Even his back resembled Paul’s. His hair was longer, and he was taller than Paul had been—but still…
Lorenz approached her, visibly excited.
“Congratulations, Lady Leah!”
“Eh?”
What exactly was she being congratulated for?
“We must report to His Majesty.”
“Y-Yes…”
She had no idea what had just transpired, but it seemed her part was finished.
Relieved, she allowed herself to be led back to the audience chamber.
The Emperor and the duke both fixed their gazes upon her.
“Well? What did Sieghardt say?”
“His Highness is pleased with Lady Leah. He has chosen her!”
At those words, Leah frowned slightly.
(It certainly didn’t look as though he was pleased with me…)
“I see.”
The Emperor nodded with composure.
“Then it is settled. Leah Arens— you shall be betrothed to my son.”
