TFLMLD 60

Chapter 60

Evelyn’s Provocation

“You must have heard rumors about the situation in the mansion, so it’s surprising that you came all the way here without requesting a visit, seeking His Highness.”

A sharp scent lingered through the hall, and tension floated in the space.

“I didn’t come as the head of Riflère, but as someone who had a special relationship with Macaron.”

A special relationship… Normally, even if that were true, wouldn’t one speak carefully in front of a lady? I had heard this phrase countless times at the birthday banquet, but hearing it directly from Evelyn didn’t feel pleasant. At the same time, it raised questions. If, as Evelyn said, they had a close relationship, there should be some trace of it somewhere in the mansion… yet there was none. Furthermore, the way she deliberately displayed it felt almost like showing off.

“Could it really be true that they were close?”

Many questions arose, but I set them aside for now. The priority was to understand why Evelyn had come to the mansion. She claimed to know the situation, so it didn’t seem like she was completely in the dark…

“Could she actually know that Macaron is alive? If so, how did she find out?”

I was inwardly tense but kept my voice as calm as possible.

“You must have heard the rumors. In a few days, the Craide family will make an official announcement, so I cannot give you any answers at this time.”

Evelyn’s gaze swept across the room like a predator casually surveying its own territory.

“It doesn’t seem like this is a funeral, and the knights are in training formation rather than on alert. If you were trying to deceive, you should have done it properly.”

“……”

This person was on a completely different level from Lael, who relied on subtle tricks. Evelyn, once a strategist of some renown, was skilled in manipulation and cunning. Her insight seemed sharper than I had expected. Crossing one leg, she looked at me with a composed expression.

“Since this is urgent, let’s stop beating around the bush. I came to save Macaron.”

“Save him?”

“Since I came knowing that Macaron is alive, you can stop pretending now.”

“Pretending? That’s extremely rude.”

Evelyn ignored my protest and continued speaking.

“I don’t know why you’re doing this, but if it’s Lord Dior, he can definitely help Macaron recover.”

Now I understood why she had brought Lord Dior. Dior was known as one of the few exceptional clerics with remarkable healing abilities. The way Evelyn spoke as if certain Macaron was alive made it easy to guess that Dior’s foresight supported her claim. But having her state it aloud in my presence was a different matter entirely. Once one person knows, two will, and the rumors could spiral further.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t think we need your help.”

Evelyn flinched slightly, as if she hadn’t expected this response. Soon, she masked it with a neutral expression, then let out a scoffing laugh, curling one side of her lips. Her oddly sarcastic expression felt condescending.

“Am I overreacting?”

Then Evelyn gently placed her teacup on the table.

“Is it His Highness’s will or yours to stop me this much?”

“What do you mean?”

Through her fingers, Evelyn’s violet hair shimmered as she swept it back. Her pale face contrasted sharply with her white fingers, making it appear even redder.

“You’re offering to save a dying husband, without any conditions. Shouldn’t one be grateful in a situation like this?”

There was a thorn in Evelyn’s words, but her anxious demeanor revealed that her concern for Macaron was genuine. Yet, regardless of intent, forcing unwanted help was not kindness—it was meddling.

“You make conclusions all on your own. Even if you say more, my answer won’t change.”

Perhaps because it was Evelyn, I was unusually alert. I wondered if I was overreacting to the brief silence. But her next words erased that thought.

“When I heard rumors that you killed Macaron, I didn’t believe it. But now, I’m beginning to think I might have been wrong.”

It wasn’t unexpected that rumors would spread following the death of a prince. Some must have involved me. Evelyn’s words reflected a predictable rumor. Yet confirming that the rumors might be true left me feeling low.

“Are you saying I attempted to assassinate His Highness?”

“Who would benefit most if Macaron died? Wouldn’t it be you?”

She likely aimed to gauge my reaction, letting events unfold to her advantage. Evelyn, as I’d heard, had a way of speaking that could manipulate her opponent. The best strategy against her was to ignore her—there was no point in persuasion, nor could she be persuaded.

“If that’s what you think, there’s nothing I can do. I have no more to say; please leave.”

I wanted her out of this house as quickly as possible. A surge of anger flickered in Evelyn’s eyes as she glared at me.

Evelyn clenched her fists, staring at Calypse. Just a divorced woman with a child, from a minor noble house.

“She must have just been lucky, floating around with her mediocre looks until she landed here.”

Among Lael’s countless reports, Calypse had been called a “brainless parasite” most often. When Evelyn realized someone like that had taken Macaron from her, it would drive her nearly insane with frustration. Yet Evelyn soon discovered something intriguing from Lael: a marriage proposal timed with the crown prince selection, sent to numerous candidates—including Calypse Patuang.

“There’s no way that was a love-based relationship with Macaron. Just give a little carrot and stick, and they’ll fall into place.”

Even noblewomen who offended Evelyn often knelt. Removing someone like Calypse was nothing. Evelyn was confident that the apparent closeness between Macaron and Calypse was just an act. She knew Macaron too well to believe he could deeply love anyone. Yet Calypse herself defied Evelyn’s expectations. Contrary to Evelyn’s assumption that even servants would ignore her, everyone followed Calypse. This further twisted Evelyn’s mood—but she remained certain that the relationship would soon shatter. Evelyn believed no one knew Macaron as well as she did.

“Don’t be mistaken.”

“……”

“Just because you hear the title of Crown Princess doesn’t mean you truly are one. People are born knowing their place in life.”

Her cold voice settled low in the space.

“Wouldn’t it be less humiliating to walk away on your own before falling from a high place?”

Evelyn stepped closer, stopping just a pace away.

“I’ve seen many people get hurt because of greed.”

A thin smile traced her lips. Looking at Calypse with her head bowed, Evelyn felt a deep sense of victory.

“Don’t take it too badly. It’s sincere advice because I care.”

At that moment, Calypse slowly raised her head, a relaxed smile appearing—completely contrary to Evelyn’s expectation that she’d be intimidated.

“Save your advice for your servant. I, however, cannot keep my thoughts bottled up, so I must speak.”

“……”

“Stop clinging to another person’s husband.”

“……!”

Evelyn flinched as if she hadn’t expected this at all.

“And, it’s been bothering me—how can you casually call another person’s husband by name without any honorific?”

“During our time at the academy, Macaron and I… oh, you didn’t attend the academy, so I guess you wouldn’t know.”

Even now, she refused to lower her pride, using a condescending tone that was almost commendable. Bringing up the past to mock was nauseating.

“You still haven’t moved past the academy days, it seems. From now on, when you visit, I wish to see you only as the head of Riflère.”

By drawing a clear boundary, Craide’s lady effectively blocked Evelyn’s future visits. For the first time, Evelyn seemed to lower her guard.

“It seems there’s some misunderstanding. I only meant to help.”

Her feigned benevolence angered me. But if I lost my temper, I’d seem petty. I calmly returned her words.

“Honestly, I’m not pleased. Suddenly showing up just because you were infatuated with His Highness. Insisting on giving unwanted help.”

Hearing “infatuation,” Evelyn flushed in anger. Regardless, I continued calmly, as if to say: “Why get worked up over this?”

“This is my response to your advice. Don’t take it too badly.”

When I narrowed my eyes, Evelyn blushed furiously and shouted.

“Turning kindness into malice and slandering someone—does Macaron know you are this kind of woman?”

Evelyn slammed the teacup down, expressing her displeasure.

“Why do you care?”

“Don’t act so arrogantly just because you spent a year together. It’s disgusting.”

At first, I had kept my words measured, aware that Evelyn came to see Macaron. But now, claiming her relationship with him was more than friendship, her rudeness could no longer be tolerated.

“You crossed the line first.”

I should have been incredulous, yet Evelyn was the one clenching her fists, staring at me as if she were the victim. It almost made me feel like the villainess—but if this is what being the villainess is, I’d do it a thousand, ten thousand times over.

“This is the last ‘pity’ I will extend to you.”