~Chapter 15~
But her hands were honestly doing their job.
“This time, make sure you reply, Rose. I’m always waiting. Stay healthy today too!
From. Your Elchevita.”
“Ugh, it’s done. Really finished!”
“…Princess.”
“Mm. Hello, Anna.”
The maid finally stepped into the room, still wiping sweat from her forehead. She had apparently been running around looking for her suddenly missing mistress, leaving her in a flustered, sweaty state. Poor thing.
Elchevita regarded her with a hint of pity, silently chastising herself. Maybe she should have just told her she was going to write a letter.
“Anna, are you okay? Do you want some water?”
“Huff… I’m fine. Really.”
The maid waved her hand lightly, leaning on her hips as she caught her breath.
Now, the second war could begin.
“Princess.”
“Yes, Anna?”
“Give me that already.”
“…Huh?”
Elchevita’s cheerful smile instantly froze. She had expected Anna to come for the letter, but each time her carefully prepared letter was about to be snatched away, her chest ached as if physically squeezed.
She lifted the letter high above her head with all the strength she could muster, her silver hair tied up in a high ponytail quivering like her determination.
“No! I won’t! I refuse!”
“Tsk. Give it here, now.”
“It’s been a while, so I’ll make sure it reaches Rose. I’m serious!”
“Princess, your seriousness is always assumed… but honestly, you’re not that close with that girl.”
What? Don’t hit me with words like that!
Elchevita pouted, upset.
“No! We’re close.”
Ah, probably.
“Close, but no reply in three years?”
“…She must be busy.”
“According to my little investigation, she’s living a perfectly normal life, well-fed and settled. She even got a job recently and is doing very well.”
The maid’s expression hardened as she continued, sincerely pitying Elchevita.
“Honestly, it’s time to accept it. This… is just a friendship you’re maintaining with a wall in front of you.”
“A wall? That’s too cruel…”
Elchevita hugged the letter tightly, tears welling in her eyes. Anna’s words were entirely accurate. But Elchevita had her own trust—her belief that she and Rose could never truly forget the bond they had shared.
Rose Lutiens. She had been Elchevita’s first true friend at the international academy where nobles from ten kingdoms studied. A friend she had been certain was her kindred spirit.
Rose had been slightly timid and quiet at first, but they had shared countless memories of laughter and conversation. Even when Rose had fallen ill and returned home during graduation, they had kept up correspondence—until the letters suddenly stopped.
Elchevita had tried to understand. Just as she had grown busy and changed over time, surely Rose had her own reasons.
Yet hearing Anna’s words drained all her energy. She slumped onto the desk, lips protruding.
“I still want to send it, though.”
“Do you know how many letters that makes, Princess? Sixty-six already.”
“If I just reach a hundred, would that make you angry?”
“….”
“Fine. I’ll send this one and then stop. Really.”
The maid nodded silently. Enough generosity had been shown.
“Give me the letter. I’ll make sure it reaches the Lutiens family.”
“Thank you, Anna.”
“Please, stop obsessing over it so much this year and try making some new friends. Watching you like this is killing me.”
The maid continued grumbling, but Elchevita said nothing. She simply stared out the window, where light as delicate as her own eyes shimmered.
The weather was pleasant today.
But her friendship was gradually overshadowed by clouds.
I don’t want to give up like this… How are you, Rose? I have so much to tell you.
She murmured to her lost destination, hoping this time she would finally get a reply.
“My powers… why didn’t they work on you?”
She frowned. Honestly, she was the one who wanted to ask that.
She had considered the possibilities countless times: either Carlos was unusually weak, or her abilities were extraordinarily strong, on par with his.
Neither option seemed likely.
The likelihood of the novel having a miscalculated rank for Carlos was slim.
So… was she really an S-rank talent? But having been constantly rated F for three years, she couldn’t estimate her strength carelessly.
There was no clear answer.
“Well… I don’t know either. Shall we go outside?”
She sighed, pushing Carlos’s body away.
“Too heavy to speak properly.”
“…Do you mean your silence is because of me?”
“You could think that if you want.”
With a brief answer, she reached out, returning them to their proper positions—first covering her eyes, then leaning on his shoulder to stop his pitiful face from collapsing.
When their eyes met, she flinched but forced herself to maintain composure. His handsome features were lethal, but her internal chaos was far deadlier.
She needed to regain control before addressing the main point.
“If you want an answer about whether I remember you as my team leader, I can give it.”
Carlos’s violet eyes twisted noticeably.
“Really? You’ll admit you remember me?”
“Yes. But first, there’s something we need to clarify.”
“What’s that?”
“Wait. I’ll explain now.”
She rubbed her nape irritably and exhaled. Every time she spoke, he came closer, leaned on her, pressed against her—his sudden proximity was overwhelming!
Still, he nodded obediently, straightening up. Gone was the growling chaos from before; now he seemed remarkably orderly.
Her mind reeled. After three peaceful years, she was suddenly entangled with the male lead.
‘I’m doomed…’
She bit her lip. At least she took comfort knowing Carlos’s memories weren’t extensive. Judging by his words, he only remembered the ride in the carriage before his rampage.
Relieved, she finally formulated a response.
“Ha… yes. I do remember you as my team leader.”
Thanks to yesterday’s events, she no longer had to try to impress him. That alone was a relief.
“Honestly, do you think you can just barge in and push me around?”
“…?”
“I’m astonished. You try erasing someone’s memories one day, and now you come here, acting as if I’d immediately play along? Do you think I’d fall for that?”
Her S-rank abilities were useless against him anyway. If she got reprimanded at work, it would be her own fault.
She decided to be brutally honest.
“Apologize. To me. Now.”
“….”
“You made the mistake! Don’t try to dodge responsibility!”
She stared up at him, unwavering.
Carlos’s expression slowly shifted from surprise to embarrassment.
“Y-You…”
“Don’t you think this is ridiculous? You decided to erase my memories in a single day, and now you come here acting so boldly? And speak respectfully! I don’t like being spoken to like a subordinate!”
She glared. He meekly responded.
“…I apologize, Miss Lutiens.”
“Yes. And reflect on your actions.”
His head sank in defeat, a heavy sigh lingering.
“…Honestly, your boldness is unfamiliar. I’ve never seen anything like it in someone like you.”
“Oh, I was surprised too. You tried erasing my memories, and yet here you are, shamelessly bold.”
She pouted, and Carlos quietly brushed back his bangs, offering no excuses. He had acknowledged it.
Now, all that remained was for him to truly reflect, male lead.
