ITMFYWCLBU 18

The following day, Alexis arrived at the villa alongside Gracian.

The room Félicité had prepared with such care seemed to delight Matilda. Watching her face light up with joy as she thanked Félicité for the charming décor, Clarisse felt a quiet sense of relief.

Even two years in the future, Félicité and Matilda had shared a warm relationship. That, at least, had not changed after time rewound.

Clarisse’s schedule for the day was simple: duties as Félicité’s lady-in-waiting in the morning, and the afternoon free.

Jeanne had apparently gone out early with her attendants to a town at the foot of the mountain and would not return until evening.

Félicité planned to spend the afternoon with Gracian and Matilda.

As for His Majesty, he had gone out to inspect nearby towns at Wiejeny’s invitation. The princess had taken a keen interest in medical reform and was reportedly working to establish a new hospital in the capital.

She was pushing forward a proposal to build comprehensive medical facilities across the country.

In the future, there was already one hospital in the capital, wasn’t there? It had only been a renovated old building, but still…

Constructing a new general hospital would take time, so Wiejeny, eager to move quickly, had chosen to renovate an existing structure as a temporary facility until proper construction could begin.

At first, the proposal for a general hospital had struggled to gain support. Yet within less than six months of opening, public opinion had completely reversed.

Wiejeny moved so aggressively and effectively that it almost seemed as though she wished to challenge Crown Prince Gracian’s position. Her reputation had soared.

Clarisse could not feel kindly toward the Wiejeny who had ordered her death. And yet, there was no denying the princess’s brilliance. What she accomplished truly benefited the nation and its people.

It’s complicated… but people were saved because of Princess Wiejeny…

And yet, when it came to things she deemed obstacles—such as Clarisse’s very life—Wiejeny had shown no hesitation in discarding them. That, Clarisse could not understand at all. Did she value life, or treat it lightly?

Perhaps that was why Clarisse found herself looking at her with suspicion.

Was Wiejeny’s devotion to medical advancement truly for the people’s sake?

No… I mustn’t think like that.

If she indulged such thoughts, she might inadvertently show disrespect when facing the princess. Wiejeny was royalty. Should Clarisse behave improperly, the consequences could extend to the Brantôme family. She had to be careful.

After finishing her morning duties, Clarisse walked down the corridor toward her assigned room—only to spot Alexis approaching from the opposite direction.

“Ah, Clarisse. Perfect timing. I was just on my way to see you.”

Since the day of the Flower Appreciation Gathering, Alexis had stopped showing that faintly dark expression. Now he smiled openly as he approached her.

“I’ve been given the afternoon off. You’re free as well, aren’t you? Would you like to go to the nearby river? It’s cool and refreshing there.”

How convenient that our free time overlaps… Did Her Majesty and His Highness arrange this?

Those two worried about the strain between Clarisse and Alexis and seemed intent on creating opportunities for them to spend time together. She knew their intentions were kind—but excessive consideration could be troublesome.

But… if we’re going to part, then the only time I have left with Alexis is while we’re here.

Her heart still wavered, but if she did not break things off, she might be walking straight toward the same future. She could not allow herself to be swept away by faint hopes that things might turn out differently.

In this one month, I have to bring this indecision to an end.

She had once tried to figure out how to make herself hate him—but that felt impossible now. If so, then fine. She could carry her love quietly within her. As long as she drew a firm line inside herself, someday that love would become only a memory.

“I don’t have any plans, so… yes, that sounds nice.”

“Then let’s meet at the entrance after lunch. Wear something easy to walk in. If you come in a dress, you might snag the lace on branches.”

“That’s true.”

While on duty she did not wear extravagant gowns, but she still dressed appropriately for a count’s daughter. There were ribbons and lace enough to risk catching on twigs.

I have that simple one-piece dress for lounging. That should be fine.

She should probably change into flat shoes as well.

As she glanced down at her heels, thinking this over, Alexis bent slightly and murmured near her ear—

“Well, I wouldn’t mind carrying you.”

His low, teasing voice sent heat rushing to her face.

Startled and flustered, she instinctively pulled back and covered her ear—only for the tip of her heel to catch in the carpet. Her body tilted dangerously.

“Careful.”

In an instant, Alexis wrapped an arm around her waist and steadied her.

“If you move backward so suddenly, you’ll get hurt.”

He narrowed his eyes playfully and whispered again at close range.

He’s absolutely doing this on purpose! How mean!

He was enjoying her reactions. When Clarisse puffed her cheeks in irritation, he stepped back slightly.

“Well then, see you later.”

Sensing she was about to scold him, Alexis retreated swiftly before she could. After all these years, he knew exactly when she would begin to sulk.

Honestly!

He had always been like this. Even in the future, he had been like this.

Running away before I can complain—how unfair!

Clarisse pursed her lips and cast a small glare at his retreating back—though his steps seemed almost lighthearted.

She let out a quiet breath.

She had been a little annoyed—but she did not dislike these exchanges.

He’s so unfair…

Even in such small, trivial moments, Alexis captured her heart—and refused to let it go.