Chapter 13

“Ian!”

“How have you been?”

Ian returned to the ducal manor with the start of vacation. His figure, gently pushing back his hair fluttering in the breeze and offering a faint smile, was nothing short of an angel personified. Of course, when expressionless, he had a sharp demeanor that made him difficult to approach.

Seeing that benevolent smile, I was certain. Ian’s Temperament must have improved significantly as a result of my efforts. As evidence, Ian had spent the last semester quietly without causing any trouble. Though it seemed his goal was also to reclaim the top spot.

“Did you make any new friends in the meantime?”

“I only have you, I told you.”

…He’s just very shy, but a good person. That’s what I decided to believe.

As I headed to the dining hall with Ian, Duke Bellocchio was already seated. The table was piled high with mouth-watering food, as if to welcome Ian back after a long time.

“Start eating.”

We began the meal with little conversation. Dining with Duke Bellocchio had been uncomfortable at first, but now I was used to it. After all, he would open his mouth first once we’d eaten a certain amount.

“How is she doing?”

Just like now.

“She is doing well. I took her magic class all last semester.”

“How was it? Was she not ill?”

“No. She showed no signs of illness.”

“I see, she’s doing well…”

Unfortunately, he seemed focused only on Adria’s well-being, showing little interest in Ian’s school life.

‘He’s not mentioning apologizing to his mother.’

Looking at Duke Bellocchio’s behavior so far, he seemed to want to know everything about Adria’s daily life, everything about her. Ian surely knew that, but he deliberately omitted the story about the apology. If he told that story, the need to constantly watch his father’s mood might decrease.

‘Did he forget to mention it? Or is there a reason?’

I was puzzled, but I didn’t step in to say anything.

“Make an effort not to cause her any trouble.”

“Yes.”

Ian replied nonchalantly. As if he were accustomed to a father who was indifferent to his own son.

“By the way…”

Duke Bellocchio, having finished his meal, meticulously wiped his lips with a napkin and continued.

“Unlike last year, you didn’t cause any problems last semester.”

Duke Bellocchio looked quite disappointed as he said that. Understandably so. Every time he went to the academy to clean up Ian’s messes, he met Adria.

Honestly, I couldn’t understand his actions. If I were Duke Bellocchio…

“If he misses her so much, why doesn’t he just go see her at the academy himself?”

Four pairs of eyes focused on me.

‘I can’t believe I said that!’

I had only meant to think it, but my thoughts had unconsciously slipped out of my mouth.

“Who am I going to see?”

“She is your wife, isn’t she? If you miss her, why don’t you go see her?”

“If that were possible, I would have been living at the academy long ago.”

Duke Bellocchio let out his true feelings, then cleared his throat and coughed awkwardly, seemingly embarrassed.

“Anyway, outsiders cannot enter the academy casually. Only those permitted entry can set foot there.”

So that was why. Why he seemed so excited every time he visited the academy because of Ian’s problems.

“Ian, next semester, try to provoke Liam into starting a fight with you.”

“I tried, but he seems to be intentionally avoiding me. Ever since the last fight.”

Ian clicked his tongue regretfully. …It seems he was intimidated by the power of the silent wand.

Ian finished his meal and wiped his mouth with a napkin. The red diamond on his long ring finger sparkled. He was even wearing the ring well in case something happened with Liam, but what if he never had to use it? I felt a little disappointed.

“Then how about breaking a window as Liam walks by? And then blame Liam.”

“It’s been replaced with reinforced glass that won’t break from any shock.”

“What a shame.”

“And if I break a window without reason, I’ll get demerits again. Then I can’t maintain the top rank.”

He spoke casually, completely unaware of his future. Since Ethel has entered the academy, he won’t be able to achieve the top spot this time or in the future anyway…

“That’s right, being the top is good. But it’s not easy to maintain it, is it?”

“But I did it. I am the top student this time.”

“What?”

“I did well, didn’t I?”

Ian smiled, his eyes rounded as if seeking praise. I just gaped, speechless.

“A satisfactory result for Adria.”

Duke Bellocchio nodded and rose from his seat. I watched the Duke leave the dining hall and then quietly asked Ian.

“But why didn’t you mention apologizing to your mother?”

“Just because.”

“Wouldn’t telling your father that you reconciled with your mother make him act more gently towards you?”

“No need. I don’t care.”

He smiled playfully and changed the subject.

“But I reclaimed the top spot, aren’t you going to congratulate me?”

“Huh? Of course, I will!”

“But you looked displeased…”

“No way? I’m sincerely congratulating you!”

I forced a smile and even clapped my hands.

‘Let’s look on the bright side.’

Ian spent the last vacation busy taking various classes. Perhaps he worked so hard that he was able to reclaim the top spot. Although I know the Ian from the original story also worked hard…

“Then who is the second-ranked student?”

“I don’t know.”

Ian answered with a bored expression.

“Last semester, another kid was the top student, what about them?”

“I don’t know, I’m not interested.”

Ethel didn’t get the top spot… Ethel, didn’t you study?

Because she was neglecting her studies, the relationship between the two, which should have started with mutual hostility, was still stalled.

“I will definitely maintain the top spot until graduation. To be a useful person to you.”

Perhaps my expression was very serious. He came closer to me and gently smiled, grabbing my sleeve. What is it, was he always this cute?

“I worked so hard for you, are you really not going to praise me?”

I stared briefly at his sparkling violet eyes fixed on my face, then slowly raised my right hand.

“You did well.”

My fingers touched his black hair. Ian’s hair was soft and thick. Moreover, the back of his head was round. For some reason, it felt pleasant to touch.

I enjoyed the feeling for a while, then belatedly realized I had been stroking it for too long. And I was doing it as if I were petting a dog. Snapping back to reality, I took my hand away and checked Ian’s expression. He was still smiling, not at all offended.

“Not bad,” he murmured.

***

Surprisingly, Ian didn’t even know Ethel’s face, let alone her name. He was incredibly uninterested.

“Ian, we had magic and history classes with Ethel all last semester.”

“Erlian.”

“Yes, Erlian.”

Even Angelo, who visited the ducal manor to see us, was frustrated by his indifference.

Perhaps it was because Angelo had announced his visit in advance. Ian, who was taking an enormous number of classes for the vacation, canceled two of the five scheduled for today. To be so focused on his studies that he didn’t even recognize his destined partner…

‘This is frustrating.’

Ian probably took three classes with her: Magic, History, and Swordsmanship. The original Ethel was the overall top student, but her swordsmanship skills were far inferior to Ian’s. However, her passion for swordsmanship training was as great as Ian’s.

Yet, Ian treated her like an invisible person, and those who wanted to curry favor with Ian bullied and ostracized Ethel. Because of this, her spot in the training hall was in the furthest corner. But she didn’t give up. She diligently practiced in the empty training hall after class.

And at some point, Ian began to notice her.

‘That’s what should have happened…’

Unfortunately, Ian was completely unaware of Ethel’s existence.

“What kind of person is Ethel?”

I was so frustrated that I asked Angelo. I was hoping for something that might pique Ian’s interest.

“Miss Ethel seems to be very quiet.”

She had no choice but to be quiet. A bastard child from a humble family. Moreover, starting from the second year after enrolling late. She possessed conditions that everyone would find awkward.

“She’s quiet and studies well, so I thought it would be nice to be friends with her.”

Angelo spoke while looking at Ian, but he remained indifferent.

“I thought it would be good to become friends, so I introduced them, but Erlian didn’t even look at her.”

“Not interested.”

Seeing his reaction, I slowly started to feel anxious. Will he end up not knowing Ethel’s face even by graduation?

‘Then a bad ending is guaranteed…’

I need to somehow get the two of them involved. But how can I, who is not even an academy student, link the two? I had to figure that out first.

“Miss Ethel seems to have a hard time adjusting to school life.”

Angelo sighed deeply.

“Why?”

“She doesn’t seem to have anyone close to her. When I see her greeting others, she’s always alone.”

That must be why the kind Angelo tried to introduce her to Ian to make a friend. It failed, of course.

“That’s probably why her grades this time didn’t even make it into the top 20.”

“What?”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

If Ian was the top student, I thought Ethel would at least be second, or even third. But contrary to my expectations, her grades were incredibly low. The strong willpower that made her persevere despite others bullying her was her charm. What on earth is going on?

“Sia, are you feeling unwell?”

I realized I was biting my nails.

“No, I’m fine.”

I tried to lower my hand, but Ian, who was sitting next to me, was faster. He grabbed my wrist and lowered it below the table. And he kept holding my wrist, as if to tell me not to bite my nails again.

Ian’s hand remained on my wrist until Angelo left.

Angelo left, and night fell, but I couldn’t easily fall asleep. I had thought things were going smoothly, but they weren’t.

‘Ian and Ethel absolutely must end up together…’

Before returning to the academy, I must force Ian to become friends with Ethel, even by threatening him. But…

‘Why should Ian become friends with Ethel?’

How do I know a person named Ethel, and why do I think the two of them must fall in love? I felt like I knew the reason well until a moment ago…

Just as I was deep in thought.

[★Lala★ Quest activated! Would you like to check?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

Lala offered a quest after a very long time.

‘That’s right, I was in a game.’

I had completely forgotten again. This excessive immersion.

‘Yes.’

[★Lala★’s Quest]

 

<Befriend Ethel>

 

Worried that Ian isn’t interested in the female protagonist?

 

Then how about you connect the two yourself?

 

First, meet Ethel at the Founding Festival and build up some rapport♬

 

(Hint! Talk for more than 30 minutes – excluding negative speech like criticism or blame that might make Ethel uncomfortable)

The Founding Festival was in two weeks. In the original game, it was mandatory for Ethel, the female protagonist, to attend the Founding Festival. Her visibility increased if she stood out at the dance party, and she got a cash prize if she won the hunting competition. Although there was no event where she met Ian at the hunting competition.

‘I just need to meet Ethel and become friends with her at this Founding Festival.’

Ethel will surely appear at the dance party looking splendid and beautiful. I can befriend her there first, and then introduce her to Ian.

‘When I first started the game, I wanted to kill Lala…’

Looking at it now, they seemed like a useful existence. Just a little.

***

Perhaps it was because this was the third time I was participating in this event. Even coming to the Imperial Palace after a long time, I felt no particular emotion. It was simply a thought that I was here again.

The day of the Founding Festival’s dance party. The first song, of course, was with Ian.

“Are you looking for someone?”

Ian couldn’t hide his discomfort at seeing my eyes darting over his shoulder to look for Ethel.

“No. I was just exercising my eyes.”

I made an excuse belatedly, but he didn’t seem to believe me at all. I worked my eyes diligently, ignoring the hurt expression on Ian’s face, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find Ethel. The first song ended, and just as Ian’s hand and mine were separating.

“Sia, would you dance with me too?”

Angelo reached out his hand to me.

“Sorry. You two have fun.”

I wouldn’t give in this time, even if Angelo looked pitiful. Finding Ethel was more urgent.

Since high-ranking nobles entered the banquet later, the Bellocchio Ducal family entered just before the Imperial family did. Because of this, I couldn’t quickly confirm whether Ethel, a baron’s daughter, had arrived or not.

‘If she’s not in the hall, is she on the terrace?’

I turned my back and headed towards the terrace, but Ian quickly followed and blocked my path.

“Why?”

“Who are you looking for?”

“I’m not looking for anyone?!”

I answered loudly, feeling unnecessarily guilty.

“You looked like you were looking for someone since we were dancing.”

“No, I wasn’t! It’s a misunderstanding!”

Ian narrowed his eyes and looked at me, still suspicious. This is not the time to waste on such a trivial matter. I wanted to meet and befriend Ethel quickly before ‘that incident’ occurred.

“You’re not looking for someone?”

“Yes, I’m not. Really, I’m not!”

I shouted without realizing it, because I felt guilty.

“…It seems there’s someone you want to be closer to than me.”

Ian’s voice drooped. Seeing him press his lips into a line and look down at the floor, my heart softened, and I spoke gently.

“Don’t misunderstand, just hang out with Angelo for now. Okay? Don’t follow me!”

This is all for you, I thought. I patted Ian’s drooping shoulder and quickly moved away.

I had only walked a short distance when—

“Sia, long time no see.”

The moment I faced the owner of the voice, I was almost overwhelmed with emotion.

“Yeah. It has been a while.”

It was my older sister, whom I hadn’t seen in a very long time. Her expression was serene, and she was wearing a short-sleeved dress that revealed her collarbone and arms. The exposed skin was snow-white. There were no signs of abuse, such as cuts or bruises. Of course, I knew she was doing well from her letters, but seeing it with my own eyes was even more reassuring.

“Sis, you’re doing well, aren’t you?”

“There are many difficulties, but I’m working hard.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Since Father is gone now, come visit anytime. If you’re busy, I can come to you.”

Her two hands, wrapped around mine, were warm. At that warmth, I unconsciously nodded my head.

It was truly a relief. After Father died and my sister took over the trade guild, the situation miraculously improved. The trade guild, which had been in the red every month, began to see a slight increase in profit. Thanks to this, the Evra Marquis family was able to escape the moniker of a ‘failing family.’ It was all thanks to her efforts.

“By the way, Sia, you… seem to be doing well.”

She smiled, looking not at me, but behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Ian and Angelo talking about ten steps away.

“You two…”

I saw it. The two people who were clearly looking at me instantly looked at each other as if on cue when I turned around.

“I told you not to follow me.”

“I didn’t follow you; you just happened to be near us by chance.”

“Is that so? Then stay right there.”

I said goodbye to my sister and walked away again. I had wasted a lot of time talking with my sister.

‘I need to find her quickly…’

Unfortunately, there were only two people who looked like a couple on the terrace.

‘Where on earth is she?’

I walked and walked until I reached the table full of desserts. Just then—

“Kyaa!”

Crash! The sound of a door being broken and people screaming rang out. Had ‘that incident’ finally erupted?

Large and small monsters began to enter through the broken door. Seeing that, I realized my plan for today had failed.

‘I’ll have to meet Ethel at the hunting competition next week.’

I gave up on finding Ethel and bent my knees to hide under the table. At the same time, I felt a warm presence grab my shoulder from behind, and a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

“Good, hide there. Don’t get hurt.”

Ian must have been following me quietly all along.

When I nodded, Ian’s hand on my shoulder left. I briefly watched Ian’s back as he drew his sword and ran towards the monsters, then calmly crawled under the table. Since I had expected this, I wasn’t too surprised. This situation was the clumsy plan of an imperial relative who was displeased with the Princess inheriting the throne.

The nobles fall into chaos due to the sudden appearance of monsters during the dance party. The imperial relative, appearing late, intended to handle the monsters, show off their ability, and prove that the Princess was incompetent. But their plan was a mess. In the original story, they only barely won after the Imperial Knights, Ian, and Ethel all joined forces.

‘But it was an important event for a happy ending.’

Only by clearing this situation safely would Ian gradually start to lower his guard against Ethel.

‘That’s why I had to make him practice swordsmanship diligently from the beginning of the game.’

Since I played after reading the guide, I was able to handle the monsters smoothly back when I played the original game.

I quietly watched the scene that had turned into a battlefield from under the table.

‘Perhaps this fight could be an opportunity for Ian and Ethel to become close.’

Wouldn’t camaraderie form if they fought monsters together?

Crunch.

I peeked out and saw Ian stabbing a monster larger than himself with his sword.

Snap.

Angelo, the top student of the Academy’s Magic Department and the overall second-place student, was also fighting quite well.

Crunch.

But…

Crunch. Crunch.

Ethel, who should be fighting the monsters by now, was nowhere to be seen. And…

Snap. Crunch. Crunch.

‘What on earth is that sound?’

The moment I slowly turned my head to identify the mysterious sound bothering my left ear.

“Wow, the monsters look really scary!”

My eyes met a pair of blue eyes. Although she said they were scary, the expression of the woman with blue eyes looked quite bright. As if this situation was thrilling. I stared at her for a moment and then asked.

“Why are you here?”

“Pardon? As soon as I heard the crash, I came right here. And a little while later, the young lady came here too.”

“No, that’s not what I mean…”

I meant, why is the female protagonist, who should be fighting monsters, here?

“Aren’t you fighting the monsters?”

“Pardon? I’ve never held a sword before.”

She smiled brightly and took a bite of the almond cookie she was holding. 

Crunch. Crunch. 

I could clearly hear the sound of almonds crumbling in her mouth.

Pink hair and blue eyes. She definitely matched the description of the female protagonist I knew. But her behavior now was so different from the Ethel I knew.

‘Maybe this person isn’t Ethel. Could it be someone who looks like her?’

I tried to reassure myself and asked.

“May I ask your name?”

“Ah, I’m Ethel from the Marchetti Barony.”

Damn it, she was indeed the female protagonist. Although very different from the Ethel I knew.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Elicia Bellocchio.”

I decided to try and think positively. Even if Ethel didn’t know swordsmanship, unlike in the original story, I could befriend her first and then introduce her to Ian. That’s probably why Lala gave me the quest.

“Are you, by any means, the daughter-in-law of the famous Duke Bellocchio family?”

“I am the daughter-in-law of that family, but what rumor?”

What? Did someone speak ill of me? Was it Liam, perhaps? I asked sharply without realizing it.

“I heard that hardly anyone at the academy has spoken to Sir Erlian. They say he only smiles and talks with his wife.”

“That is…”

“Everyone is envious, saying it’s because Sir Erlian loves his wife so much.”

His handsome face and strong background beautifully packaged the situation. Ian probably just didn’t have any friends at the academy… so he was just smiling and talking with me because I was the first friend he made.

I forced the corners of my mouth up and gave an awkward smile.

“Would you like this?”

She offered me a cookie she was holding. It was a cookie with chocolate chips scattered throughout, not almonds.

“Thank you.”

We ate our cookies and watched the scene of the war. While we were briefly talking, quite a few monsters had fallen, their lives extinguished.

“Miss Marchetti, aren’t you scared?”

I was curious. I knew the monsters would all be dealt with, but why was she so calm?

“More than half of the monsters are already dead. We have the advantage now, so I’m not scared.”

She had a point when I thought about it. Even the nobles watching the situation were now observing the fight with the monsters with expressions of interest.

When this fight ends, the dance party will also fizzle out. That means Ethel and I will both be returning home.

“Miss Marchetti.”

“You can just call me Ethel comfortably, Madam.”

“You can also just call me… Sia comfortably.”

I clearly have two nicknames aimed at me, but… I just wanted to be called Sia.

The conversation was going smoothly enough. The problem was that time wasn’t passing quickly. To clear the quest, I was supposed to talk to Ethel for more than 30 minutes, but the quest clear window hadn’t popped up yet, so I had to force the conversation to continue.

“Miss Ethel, how old are you?”

“I’m fifteen.”

“Oh my, we’re the same age. It would be great to be friends, right?”

I already knew her age, but I asked anyway for the sake of my quest.

“I’d love to. It would truly be an honor.”

Yes, our relationship so far is not bad. I have a very decent personality, and Ethel seems to be a cheerful friend, so we should be able to get close quickly. We might even become best friends.

“Since we’re friends, I can send you letters, right?”

If Ethel says yes, I will send her an invitation to the ducal manor. I want to make sure Ian and Ethel have time to bond before the vacation ends. The moment she rounded her eyes and opened her mouth—

CRASH!

The table flew, exposing us to the monsters. It was because the tail of a giant monster had hit the table we were hiding under. Before I could fully grasp the situation, a strong impact hit my head, making my upper body slightly stagger. The mysterious object that attacked my head fell with a thud between Ethel and me.

I heard a voice calling ‘Ellie!’ from afar, but I didn’t respond. I was more curious about something else. I lowered my gaze and looked at it. The object that struck my head was a monster’s arm. It looked ten times thicker than my own arm.

“Miss Sia, are you alright?”

I nodded to indicate I was fine, but a warm liquid streamed down my forehead.

“Blood, that’s blood…”

With her whisper as the last sound, my consciousness plunged into darkness.

***

“Are you okay?”

When I opened my eyes, I saw Ian’s face, full of concern.

‘This is…’

Familiar wallpaper and furniture. It was Ian’s and my room.

‘Right. I was hit on the head by a monster’s arm and fainted.’

Had I been unconscious for quite a long time? When I slowly tried to sit up, my vision spun. Instinctively, I rested the back of my head on the pillow again. Fortunately, I felt no pain at all.

“Don’t strain yourself.”

Ian pulled the blanket up to my neck and said.

“You bled a lot from your head. The priests treated it, so the wound is gone, but… are you really okay?”

When I nodded, Ian let out a sigh of relief, as if relieved.

‘What’s wrong? Am I still in bad shape?’

My heart fluttered strangely when my eyes met Ian’s, which were filled with worry. Or maybe it was just awkward because it had been so long since someone worried about me. Unable to look into Ian’s eyes any longer, I turned my gaze to the window.

‘It’s night.’

It was a pitch-black night, with no moonlight.

“What time is it?”

I was startled right after speaking. My voice was so hoarse that the first syllable barely came out. I sounded like someone who had slept for days.

“11 o’clock.”

“I slept for about 4 hours.”

“No, you slept for 3 days and 4 more hours.”

“3 days?”

My condition must really be poor. I spoke only two syllables, “3 days,” and my voice cracked. At the same time, a knock was heard, and the door opened, revealing Anna with a tray holding a bowl of soup.

“Little Madam, you’re awake!”

Her eyes were brimming with tears.

“I’m not really hungry…”

I wasn’t actually hungry, but I unconsciously sat up slowly and leaned my back against the headboard.

“You still have to eat. You haven’t eaten anything for over 3 days.”

“That’s right. You just focus on eating, Madam. I will feed you.”

She was about to perch on the edge of the bed, but Ian was faster, taking the tray away.

“I’ll do it. You can go now.”

Anna’s eyes widened, seemingly surprised by Ian’s sudden action. She then glanced back and forth between us, as if trying to figure out the situation, and smiled mischievously. I don’t know why she was acting like that when looking at minors.

“Yes, have a pleasant time.”

Then she left the room. The door closed, and only Ian and I remained in the room.

“I can eat by myself.”

“No.”

He genuinely seemed intent on feeding me and picked up a spoon. A thin, watery white soup was on the spoon. Seeing that, my heart fluttered strangely again. The feeling was odd. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t not like it. I felt a little embarrassed to be fed by Ian. So I put on a deliberately stern expression and said, “Be careful with the spoon. Don’t let it get on my chin.”

“Okay.”

Ian smiled faintly and brought the spoon to my mouth. I opened my mouth and accepted it. Honestly, it was bland and tasteless. I thought about stopping, but Ian’s expression as he fed me the soup was quite serious, so I couldn’t refuse. So I quietly kept taking bites. As I ate, it became bearable.

“I’m sorry.”

Ian’s voice broke the silence when the bowl was nearly empty. Ian’s hand, as he moved the tray to the side table, was trembling slightly.

“I should have stayed near you.”

“No. You tried hard, and it was an unavoidable accident.”

“It made me realize once again how useless I am to you.”

He looked pitiful, with his head bowed low in guilt. My left hand, which had been hidden under the blanket, reached towards Ian’s hair. Ian seemed startled by my touch and raised his head, causing my hand to slide down his hair and settle on his right cheek.

‘I only meant to touch his hair…’

When the unexpectedly soft skin touched my palm, I froze without realizing it. Ian, too, seemed flustered, blinking at me.

Pretending everything was normal, I removed my hand from Ian’s cheek and said, “Don’t blame yourself. Thanks to you fighting that monster, I only hurt my head.”

As I lowered my hand, Ian’s gaze followed it down.

“And don’t think you’re useless.”

“…”

He didn’t seem comforted at all and remained silent.

“You are not a useless person. So please, I wish you wouldn’t obsess over being useful.”

It was genuine, not something I just casually blurted out to comfort him. It hurt to see him blaming himself and thinking he was useless. To the extent that I thought it would be better to see the awful personality he showed in the early stages of our marriage. Although Ian still remained silent, as if my words were no comfort to him.

“So, why don’t you go to sleep now? You need to prepare for the hunting competition again starting tomorrow.”

I had been asleep for three days. The hunting competition was scheduled in four days, no, since it was past midnight, it was in three days. So Ian had to manage his condition, and I had to plunge into embroidery hell until then.

“I can give you an embroidered handkerchief, but I’m not sure if I can make that big cheering tool you like.”

I said it playfully on purpose. I had intended to make it this time because he had shown disappointment last year, but I wasn’t sure about my condition.

“You’re not planning on going to the hunting competition, are you?”

“Of course, I have to go.”

I answered while looking at the red gem in the ring on my right index finger.

‘You never know what might happen.’

What if Liam makes things uncomfortable and Ian ends up having to use this ring? I clenched my fist for no reason. The red gem reflected the light and sparkled.

“No, we won’t participate in the hunting competition this time.”

Ian firmly said, covering my clenched hand with his own.

“What are you talking about? Of course, we have to go.”

“Your recovery comes before the hunting competition.”

“I’ve already recovered.”

I had suffered a severe blow to the head and fainted, but I felt no pain now. I felt dizzy for a moment when I woke up and sat up, but that was natural. I had been lying down for three whole days. In this state, I would surely be in good condition to attend the hunting competition.

“Still, it’s better to rest just in case.”

“I think I’d be more stable if I saw Liam despair.”

Seventeen-year-old Liam, whether because he was preparing to inherit the family or because he hadn’t forgotten the pain of my wand, was living quietly and not picking fights with Ian. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t retaliate against Liam anymore.

“That doesn’t mean you have to win against Liam in the hunting competition. I just want to provoke Liam.”

“I can do that next year too.”

“I want to do it this time.”

Perhaps because it wasn’t the answer he wanted? Ian’s brows furrowed.

“What if I say I’m not going?”

“Then I’ll go by myself.”

There was a reason I had to go, even if it wasn’t because of Liam. I wanted to become friends with Ethel.

I was very disappointed that I couldn’t get close to her because of the sudden accident at the dance party. So I wanted to bond with her more at this hunting competition.

‘But why do I want to become friends with Ethel?’

I don’t know why I’m so eager to be her friend. Ian and Angelo are my only friends, and perhaps I’m focusing more on bonding because I don’t have any female friends.

“If you don’t come to the hunting competition, I’ll just hang out with other friends.”

“You’re going to hang out with Angelo alone?”

Now that I think about it, Angelo also participated in the hunting competition every year. He was always with me cheering since he wasn’t interested in hunting. Since Angelo also knows Ethel, I thought it would be nice for the three of us to cheer together.

‘Angelo will surely bring a lot of financiers again.’

Just the thought of it made my mouth water and brought a silly smile to my face. I had certainly tasted all the financiers sold in the capital, but the taste was subtly different from the financiers Angelo gave me. The texture of other places wasn’t great either. Although I found it momentarily tasteless last time, I wanted to eat it again.

“Does just thinking about Angelo make you smile?”

Ian’s voice resonated low in my ear.

“That’s not it…”

“You won’t have a chance to be alone with Angelo. I’m going too.”

Ian’s eyes shone brightly.

***

“Ian, have a safe trip.”

“Actually, I think it would be better if I stayed here too.”

“No, go and show off your swordsmanship to the monsters.”

“…”

“And if Liam bothers you, tell me. I’ll get revenge for you.”

Ian smiled, showing his neat teeth, when I clenched my fist and showed him the ring.

“Even though I don’t have a cheering prop, I’ll cheer you on wholeheartedly.”

Although I was perfectly healthy, Ian couldn’t stand to see me work even a little. He prevented me from working on the cheering prop and even embroidering the handkerchief, so I had no choice but to idle.

“…Don’t get too close to Angelo.”

Ian left with only those words, fleeing toward the waiting area for the hunting competition participants.

Ian wanted me to be his best friend, just as he was mine. So he seemed wary of me becoming even closer to Angelo, who I had been close to since childhood.

‘Ian seems to have a very unique concept of friendship.’

I gazed at Ian waiting, then moved my eyes to examine the participants one by one. Many were waiting for the hunting competition, including Liam, who definitely avoided looking towards Ian.

However, Ethel was not among them.

‘I thought she would definitely come to the hunting competition…’

I don’t know why, but I had been absolutely sure she would come. I hid my disappointment and waved goodbye to Ian as he left for the hunting area.

Bang!

As the gunshot sounded, marking the start of the hunting competition, Angelo approached our table as if he had been waiting.

“I hope Erlian wins this time.”

“Me too. I hope he doesn’t get hurt either.”

We shared the financier he had prepared and stared blankly at the hunting area.

“You were here.”

Just then, the Marchioness of Leglorie, Angelo’s mother, approached.

“Your father told you not to go out this time, but you came anyway.”

Her voice towards Angelo was very cold.

‘What’s going on?’

Flustered, I looked at him. He smiled awkwardly and told me, “Actually, His Majesty has a research project he commissioned Father to do. I’m helping him with it, and I thought it would be okay to skip today.”

“What? Then you should hurry and go.”

“Yeah… See you later.”

Angelo approached his mother with a disappointed look. Because of that, I was left to guard the table alone.

‘I’m bored.’

Yesterday, I received a letter from Celine saying she wasn’t feeling well again and wouldn’t be able to attend the hunting competition, following the dance party.

‘I didn’t even realize Celine didn’t come to the dance party because I was so focused on Ethel.’

She had at least attended last year, but this year she couldn’t even attend. All I could do for her was send a letter wishing her good health.

I was bored without Angelo and Celine. Father, who at least used to come over and talk, was gone now, and my sister wasn’t attending the hunting competition in the first place, so I was all alone. I wondered if I shouldn’t have come.

‘I wish the hunting competition would end soon.’

As I was spending time alone in solitude, a sweet smell tickled my nose. I had already eaten enough financiers, but it still made my mouth water.

“I didn’t expect much since a young lady made it herself, but it’s delicious.”

“Her skill is truly great. I’ll have to buy several later.”

When I looked back, two noblewomen were savoring apple pie.

“Excuse me, Madam. Where is that apple pie being sold?”

Maybe eating something would help. It was time for a second dessert.

“Miss Sia, are you feeling okay?”

I had only come to the spot the noblewoman told me about to buy apple pie, but Ethel greeted me warmly.

“I was so surprised to see you collapse that day, Miss Sia!”

“I’m fine now. Thank you for worrying about me. By the way, did Miss Ethel make this?”

I asked, looking at the apple pies placed on the stall.

“Yes. I really love baking. I’m so glad the response is good.”

Ethel smiled broadly, handing an apple pie to my hand.

“I’ll give this one to you for free, as a special treat.”

“Thank you.”

It was the same smell that had tickled my nose earlier. I inhaled the scent of the apple pie for a moment, then took a bite. The soft apple filling and the crispy pie crust blended together, spreading sweetness in my mouth.

“My goodness, it’s really delicious!”

“That’s a relief.”

She stretched widely, looking relieved.

“But why aren’t you participating in the hunting competition?”

I was taken aback after asking the question. This hunting competition is mainly attended by male nobles. So it was only natural for Ethel not to participate like me, so why did I ask this question?

“I prefer desserts to swordsmanship!”

Watching her answer brightly, I was certain. I must have a similar taste to Ethel, which is why I was especially eager to be friends with her. Perhaps Ian, who is my friend, could also quickly become friends with Ethel.

“I’m glad the noblewomen like my apple pie. I want to run a dessert shop after graduating from the academy.”

“Oh my, I’ll have to go to that shop every day!”

“Thank you. Actually, my father is against it. But I plan to save money and open the shop myself somehow.”

“I’ll cheer you on.”

Her skill was excellent. So I figured things would work out well for her even if I didn’t worry.

“So I’m researching desserts whenever I have free time. I hope to be able to create my own desserts someday.”

I pondered for a moment and then opened my mouth.

“How about this kind of bread? It looks like a croissant but has a simple taste, and you sprinkle salt on top.”

“Ah, salt bread? The salty taste of salt is good, but the texture is important too!”

“So, when did you start playing this game?”

The smile on Ethel’s face, which had been there all along, froze at my question.