Chapter 56…
The Princess of Mirage Opens the Door to the Underworld Once More.
“Lord Alexis, please excuse me for today!”
Céline gave Alexis only the briefest of farewells before spinning on her heel.
“Céline? Aren’t you going to see Felicia? What about your lessons in queenly etiquette?”
“Ah—yes, well, I’m not feeling quite well… so, if you’ll excuse me.”
“You’re unwell? Are you all right?”
Ignoring Alexis’s words of concern, Céline hurried home as fast as she could.
“Mother!”
The moment she arrived at the Duprat estate, Céline burst into tears and threw herself at Yvette.
“Sister-in-law is alive! She came to the royal castle today to have an audience with His Majesty! Lord Alexis saw her, too! He was gazing at her with that dreamy look again! And just when I finally became Lord Alexis’s fiancée! On top of that, she had this stunningly handsome attendant with her! It’s always her—always Felicia—who gets everything! Born into a marquis’ family, never having to struggle, always getting whatever she wants! It’s not fair—it’s not fair, it’s not fair! I thought she was finally gone for good! Mother, please—do something about her! I want that attendant for myself too!”
“Oh, my poor Céline. Don’t worry, my dear. Mother will make sure you’re happy—absolutely.”
Yvette embraced her daughter, soothing her as she stroked her back.
Hearing the commotion, Maxim burst out of his room, his voice bright with curiosity.
“Big Sister Céline, you saw Big Sister Felicia? Lucky! I want to see her too. Where is she? Is she back home?”
To Maxim, Felicia was the beautiful and kind elder sister who had always cared for him. She had been married off to a neighboring kingdom without even a proper farewell, and he had missed her dearly ever since.
“No, Maxim. Felicia isn’t here. Now, it’s time for your lessons, isn’t it?”
Yvette smiled sweetly—but her smile carried an unmistakable, intimidating edge that brooked no argument.
“Aw, Felicia’s not here…?”
Maxim was reluctantly led back to his room by his flustered tutor, who had hurried after him.
“You need to keep a closer eye on him. Or shall I dismiss you right now?”
“Y-yes, ma’am! I’m terribly sorry!”
Yvette glared daggers at the terrified tutor until they were gone, then turned back to Céline with a gentle smile.
“Now then, Céline, tell me everything in detail. Leave it all to me. Everything will work out perfectly.”
