TOOCM | 010

Episode 10

Gifts and invitations flooded in for Reina daily.

Most were driven by curiosity.

Information about her was scarce.

Not all reactions were positive.

Her sudden rise drew suspicion from many.

Isabelle’s clique was the most conspicuous.

Living in the same princess palace, their subtle disdain turned to overt displeasure at her elevation.

Yet Isabelle, their leader, showed no notable reaction.

Reina decided to ignore her.

They shared no fond memories, and she’d soon leave for the North.

Time passed, and the farewell party arrived.

Reina stared dazedly at her reflection.

The Emperor’s gifted white dress rivaled a wedding gown in splendor.

It had been ages since she dressed up like this.

Feeling like she wore someone else’s clothes, Reina stood awkwardly as Kaiden approached.

“Ready?”

“Kaiden.”

Turning, Reina caught her breath.

His exposed forehead highlighted his sharp features.

Deep purple attire, matching his eyes, shimmered, accentuating his face.

His outfit screamed protagonist, making Reina blush.

“You look very handsome today.”

“You stole my line.”

Kaiden replied lightly, kissing the back of her hand.

Even through lace gloves, the sensation was vivid, making her flinch.

“You look lovely too, Reina.”

His casual compliment heated her face.

“Let’s go.”

Kaiden skillfully escorted the flustered Reina.

As they entered the hall, the chatter quieted.

Overwhelmed by the crowd, Reina froze, and Kaiden whispered,

“Lean on me if you’re nervous.”

He smiled, placing her hand on his arm.

His ease at such events helped her relax.

“The stars of the night have arrived!”

The Emperor, chatting with nobles alongside Siegfried, led Reina and Kaiden to the stage.

“As you know, this farewell celebrates Princess Reina and Duke Crencia’s marriage as they depart for the North. I’m delighted that Mernie and Crencia, old allies, are forging a deep bond again. Enjoy the party.”

After the Emperor’s toast, nobles swarmed to congratulate them.

“I never imagined you two would wed.”

“Leaving for the North so soon? I wish I’d visited more.”

“I have kin in the North. May I call on you?”

Young ladies, some strangers, approached warmly, expressing regret, leaving Reina dazed.

She smiled and responded to each.

Her cheeks ached from the effort.

Touching them, Kaiden whispered,

“Rest if you’re tired.”

“Is that okay?”

“They decorated the fountain area nicely. Shall we go?”

“No, I’ll go alone. If we go together, they might follow.”

Reina glanced at onlookers, continuing,

“I know they’re really trying to impress you, not me.”

Kaiden looked surprised.

“And you still indulged them?”

“They might become connections. No need to make enemies.”

“Very duchess-like thinking.”

Kaiden, pleased, draped his jacket over her shoulders.

“The night air’s chilly.”

“Thank you.”

Reina curtsied lightly and headed to the fountain, lantern in hand.

The garden was bright with pre-lit lamps.

As Kaiden said, colorful candles adorned the fountain.

Reflected in the water, they sparkled like stars.

Glass-encased candles burned safely.

As Reina neared the fountain, a voice called.

“Hello, Reina?”

Isabelle and her followers surrounded her with cheery tones.

Having seen them whispering at a distance during the party, Reina’s expression hardened.

They’d clearly waited for her to be alone.

Wendy, auburn-haired, crossed her arms and sneered.

“Alone, huh? Seems the Duke doesn’t care much. A romantic spot like this, you’d expect him to join. Poor Reina.”

Her words prompted mock sympathy, followed by cackling ridicule.

Their feigned concern dripped with malice.

The old Reina might’ve been hurt, but not now.

Annoyed, she spoke.

“I wanted to be alone.”

So, can you leave?

Wendy scoffed.

“Pfft, liar!”

“Why would I lie to you? Even if, as you say, the Duke didn’t care, he wouldn’t have given me his jacket.”

Giving one’s coat signified affection.

Knowing this, she hadn’t refused his gesture.

Wendy, unprepared for Reina’s logical retort, stiffened.

Still dismissing Reina, she sneered harder.

“Oh, really? Clinging to pride with pathetic excuses. No shame, huh? …Well, you shamelessly stole Isabelle’s place, so maybe it’s expected.”

Stole her place? Reina let out a hollow laugh.

She’d anticipated this since learning the Emperor considered Isabelle for Kaiden.

Proud and arrogant, Isabelle wouldn’t let this slide.

It was so predictable, it was almost funny.

She pitied her past self, hurt by such people.

Reina, about to walk away, reconsidered and said clearly,

“I didn’t steal Isabelle’s place. The Duke and I have known each other for a long time.”

“Liar! How could someone like you snag the North’s Guardian? Oh, did you crawl into his bed? Seduced him with your body, right?”

“Ha, your mind’s full of filth. I can’t even imagine thinking like that.”

“What? Filth? Who’s filthy here…!”

Wendy’s face flushed as Reina raised her voice.

Against loud opponents, shouting louder was best.

“Aren’t you the shameless ones? Ambushing me when I’m alone shows you’re scared of the Duke. You wouldn’t dare say a word in front of Kaiden, would you? In the past, you’d have mocked me openly by now.”

“That’s…!”

“Your actions are as vile as your filthy thoughts.”

“What? You done talking?! Acting like a duchess already?!”

Outmatched, Wendy lunged, closing the distance.

Isabelle, silent until now, called her name.