IPWDP 22

Chapter 22

“Lady, I’ll carry it.”

Watching Ephelia take the water glass from the attendant, Tail spoke. It was far too trivial a task for a princess and future crown princess to be doing.

“It’s okay, Tail. He asked me.”

He only meant that he wanted everyone to leave, not that Ephelia personally should bring him water. But as if afraid that even the smallest mistake in carrying out the crown prince’s request would be used against her, the poor young lady held the glass herself.

“How could I let you carry something like this, my lady? Please, give it to me.”

“Then hold this for me instead.”

Ephelia handed him the tiny fan she’d been holding. For a large, sturdy knight like Tail, the delicate and decorative fan was absurdly dainty.

“Uh—this is…”

“Thank you.”

She even thanked him. Tail ultimately took the fan into his huge hand. Maybe because she was holding the glass, Ephelia walked extremely carefully. Or maybe she was delaying on purpose—giving Regios and Hailan more time to talk.

Even at her slow pace, they eventually reached the tent. Ephelia hesitated outside, unable to enter with the water glass. She was clearly afraid she would interrupt if the two were still talking. Tail swallowed a sigh and spoke.

“Your Highness, the young lady has arrived.”

“Come in.”

Fortunately, Regios’s voice inside suggested their conversation had ended.

“Thank you, Tail.”

“It’s only my duty. Please go in.”

He lifted the entrance flap, and Ephelia stepped inside. Only Regios was present. Ephelia looked around.

“What about Hailan?”

“He left. Said he had something to do.”

“Something to do?”

Leaving the hunting competition—organized for his brother’s birthday—before it even started was unthinkable.

What on earth did they talk about? Ephelia looked out in the direction Hailan had disappeared, worry clouding her face. Regios tilted his head toward the entrance. Catching the signal, Tail looked at Ephelia. Whatever was about to be discussed didn’t seem pleasant.

He didn’t like leaving this quiet, timid young lady alone with the crown prince.

But disobeying his lord was impossible. Tail stepped outside silently, casting a worried glance at Ephelia who was lost in thought.

“Did you want to see him that badly?”

“Wh—what?”

“You wanted to see Hailan that much. For a moment I thought today was his birthday, not mine.”

“That’s not it.”

“Then why are you so concerned?”

“Because today is your birthday, Your Highness, and for him, your younger brother, to disappear from the event—it’s strange.”

“Isn’t it proper to address him as His Highness, not by his name?”

Formally, they were crown prince and noble lady. But they were also childhood friends. Calling him by name in private wasn’t odd. Yet, if Regios wanted to pick on it, he absolutely could. And by mentioning it, he was warning her to be careful.

“…I made a mistake.”

“If you brought it, give it to me.”

“Oh—here.”

Ephelia handed him the water glass she’d been holding. He drank half, passed the empty glass to an attendant, and stood.

“It’s about time.”

Time to leave for the hunt. Ephelia stood as well, intending to see him off.

She had so much she wanted to say—I know you’ll win, or Today, you’re the star. But the only thing she could bring herself to say was:

“I… wish you victory.”

Even saying that made her nervous—what if it sounded like she wished for his victory for her own sake? Afraid of how her words could be twisted, she hesitated before speaking.

“Is there something you want?”

“…What?”

Ephelia blinked up at him at the unexpected question.

“Do you want anything? Any particular prey you’d like me to bring back?”

“No.”

It wasn’t that she wanted nothing. It was just that what she wanted wasn’t something material.

Could you just… be a little kinder to me?

But she must never say that aloud.

“…Thank you for asking.”

“Then, I’ll be going.”

Just then—

“Hi, Ephelia. I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever—how have you been?”

Celuna greeted her. Her gaze kept drifting toward Regios, but she could not dare address him first. So she addressed Ephelia instead.

“Yeah. Have you been well?”

“Of course. …Good day to you, Your Highness.”

Celuna looked at Regios with dreamy eyes. He was beautiful today again. His blond hair shone in the sun, and his violet eyes looked almost mystical.

He was still young, but tall and strong—just standing there looked like a masterpiece painting. His beauty stole the hearts of girls, and Celuna was one of them.

Why am I not his destiny? I love him more than anyone.

She was a noble lady now. The same standing as Ephelia. No—after her uncle’s death, her father Denold inherited the title, making her claim even more legitimate.

Unlike Ephelia, who was taken in as a matter of obligation, she was the daughter of the current duke. She was better suited to be with the crown prince. Yet because of something as foolish as destiny, Ephelia stood beside him.

If not for fate, that place—beside that shining, beautiful man—would be hers. It was unfair.

“Happy birthday, Your Highness.”

Her tone was formal, but her expression was full of excitement. Her flushed cheeks said everything—anyone could tell she had feelings for him.

“Thank you for attending, Lady.”

“Of course. I must attend. It’s your birthday. You look wonderful today.”

Regios wasn’t unaware of her feelings. But he felt nothing. Not a flicker.

But Ephelia… was different.

It wasn’t that Ephelia wasn’t lovely. She was unbearably lovely. But those emotions were nothing more than a false feeling created by destiny.

“You look beautiful as well, my lady.”

To anyone listening, it was a polite, neutral response. But Celuna heard it differently.

“I’m sure you’ll win the hunting contest today.”

Ephelia bit her lip. She envied Celuna—she could say whatever she wanted.

“It’s my birthday—if I win, wouldn’t that be ridiculous?”

“No one would think so. The real envy is for the one who receives the trophy.”

The prize was traditionally given to the winner’s most precious lady. If unmarried, it usually went to a mother or sister. But Regios had a fiancée. Which meant the trophy would go to Ephelia.

“Then I’ll be off.”

“Come back safely.”

“Wishing you success, Your Highness.”

As soon as Regios disappeared, Celuna’s expression shifted. Gone was the girl overwhelmed by love—what remained was someone staring at an enemy.

“You look well. Your complexion is good. Must’ve been cozy, huh? Ephelia.”

“I just… rested comfortably.”

“So our house is uncomfortable?”

“That’s not what I—”

“Was the Crown Prince’s palace comfortable? Others must’ve been miserable. As long as you’re comfortable, that’s all that matters, right? Innocent face, but surprisingly selfish.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Pretending not to know? How shameless.”

“What?”

“You know he hates you. Yet you cling to him anyway?”

Those words stabbed her heart. Regios hated Ephelia. Everyone knew, but no one dared say it aloud.

“If it were me, I’d be too ashamed to stay in his tent. You know he dislikes you, yet you stay.”

“That’s not…”

Celuna leaned in close, whispering into her ear.

“Don’t you think it’s time you got out of the way?”

Thud.

Her heart sank and pounded painfully.

“We…”

“You’re grouping yourself and His Highness together as we? Imagine how horrified he’d be if he heard that.”

Ephelia couldn’t deny it.

“You know he wants to end this, yet you use that excuse to cling to him.”

Was that true? She couldn’t deny it.

Frozen, unable to breathe, Ephelia heard Celuna’s soft whisper.

“Like a leech.”