Chapter 63

Lilian adjusted the mask perched on her face. It was a mask shaped like an eagle, strikingly similar to the emblem of House Portus. The figure wearing the lion mask flinched at the sight of her. I mean, it was only natural considering the eagle mask was meant for Lilian Beon Portus.

But since Lilian had previously declined to attend the gathering and left the mask as mere decoration, it was not too difficult a speculation to think about why she was now holding it. The meeting room was hardly a secret, and the mask was just hanging there.

Who could have slipped in to steal it? Probably just that maid I saw earlier. Karim Elpeltain thought this to himself as he confidently strutted into the meeting room. Thus, their playful meeting began.

“So—”

“Impressive. So, a lion—”

“I think we can manage—”

Everyone stole glances at the person wearing the eagle mask. At that moment, Karim felt a slight irritation but concealed it, continuing the meeting. Of course, he didn’t delve into details. Whatever Lilian Portus was thinking, he didn’t believe she would stay involved in the discussion.

Once the meeting concluded, Karim slowly turned to face Lilian Portus. It was then he noticed her vacant, soulless gaze locked onto him. It was a chilling stare, frightening enough to give anyone goosebumps. A gaze befitting a renowned villainess of high society. Yet, Karim was no pushover to be intimidated by such looks.

As the others began to sneak out, cautiously glancing in their direction, only Lilian and Karim remained. It was then that Lilian finally spoke up.

“Karim Elpeltain.”

“Hmm, who might that be? I am a lion.”

“…Ha, right. A lion. Fine. I’ll get straight to the point since neither of us wants to drag this out.”

“Hmm.”

“Don’t push my maid around too much. This is your last warning.”

“Is that a threat?”

Lilian tilted her head, looking at Karim as if to say, “How dare you?” It was only natural; as the cherished daughter of House Portus, she held the right to say such things to Karim. Thus, he fell silent, pondering for a moment instead of speaking up.

“Well, fine. I don’t really want to get tangled up with that maid anyway.”

“Good. Then I’ll take my leave.”

Lilian, having set down the eagle mask, confidently walked out of the meeting room. Watching her leave, Karim smirked sharply.

“Looks like our villainess cares for her maid more than I thought.”

Karim quietly mumbled as he drummed his fingers on the table and then gently closed his eyes. For some reason, he felt pretty good.

As the sun began to set, I stepped into the library. I always came here to read, but today was different. Having strolled around to find someone, I finally spotted her. I approached her and quietly cleared my throat, lowering my voice as much as possible.

“On this day, would you accompany me out into the streets?”

“Hmm… It’s not impossible, but is there something going on?”

The princess tilted her head. The day after separating from Karim, I went straight to seek her out. The date Karim set was the weekend after final exams. While many eager students had already headed home, the princess seemed to be staying back. It was hardly surprising; she found it more worthwhile to build her foundation at the Academy than to return to the Imperial Palace.

“…I wanted to know more about you, Princess.”

“Hmm, is that a date proposal?”

Feeling a bit guilty as I watched the princess reply with a beaming smile, I nodded, genuinely intending to go on a date. The expression of surprise spread across her face.

“Wow, you’re asking me out on a date? This really is extraordinary. Life is full of surprises.”

“…You haven’t lived that long, have you?”

“Well, that’s what I meant. Fine. There’s no reason to reject a date proposal from someone adorable.”

The princess smiled sweetly as she grabbed my wrist and kissed my knuckles. With a wink and a playful release, she locked her gaze onto me, her smile never fading.

“Well then, I’ll be looking forward to that day.”

“Yes.”

Nodding, I sat beside the princess, thinking of reading a bit more. But then the princess closed her book, resting her chin on her hands, staring at me. At first, it was a little annoying, but as I got lost in the story, I started to forget her presence and focus on my reading.

About two hours passed. After reading through about half of my book, I stretched my arms out to relieve tension. That’s when I heard her voice beside me.

“…You’re really dedicated to reading.”

“Yah?!

Trying to ignore the librarian’s glare, I turned to find the princess looking at me, intrigued.

“Even when surprised, you keep a straight face.”

“Is that interesting to you?”

“You’re interesting, but what I find more fascinating is how you buried your face in that book for two hours with me sitting right next to you.”

“Um, I’m sorry?”

“No need to apologize.”

The princess giggled, slowly taking my hand to pull me up. She then returned the book to its place as we stepped outside. It was already nighttime. Although Lilian wouldn’t go hungry for dinner since she had already made something, it was still a slightly worrying hour.

“Honestly, let me be real with you. I can’t trust you.”

“…Yes?”

At the sudden admission, I turned to find the princess looking at me seriously. I was puzzled, not understanding what she meant, and tilted my head. The princess continued explaining.

“Not so much you, but I can’t trust ‘Lilian Beon Portus’.”

“…”

“You’ll move according to your conscience unless Lilian commands you. You’re a decent human being.”

“…”

“But when Lilian demands something from you, even if it goes against your beliefs, you’d act upon it. Am I wrong?”

I was at a loss for words, realizing just how well the princess understood me. Clearly, if instructed by Lilian, I’d do anything, even commit murder, robbery, arson—any act of crime, forsaking my humanity.

Of course, Lilian… or rather, ‘Young Lady’, was not the type to engage in such actions. Fundamentally, she harbored a dislike for people, yet she also held love for them in equal measure. It’s a contradictory sentiment, but that’s how she was.

She wanted to kill a relative who called her a “bastard,” yet she refrained. Instead, she merely broke a few of their bones.

She didn’t kill a prominent lady in society who referred to her as “the offspring of a wretched woman.” She merely ruined their territory.

When a noblewoman criticized her as being “a vile creature, nothing like the Marquis of Portus,” she didn’t kill her either. She just left her with a long scar, ensuring she’d never show her face in high society again.

She was undeniably a merciful person. Could anyone claim she was just all talk? Words are more powerful than any weapon. Those ‘words’ continue to carve into the heart of the Young Lady like knives.

The wounds fester and crush her, endlessly tormenting her. So, I affirm every part of her. Even when she can be cruel, when she laughs maniacally, or when she wants to break everything in sight and angrily hurls objects around, I only seek to support her.

My training is for her; everything I learn is for her. My entire existence revolves around that day when she saved me.

But… I still couldn’t find the name for this convoluted feeling, nor did I particularly care to. It was simply an emotion I’d keep buried in my heart.

With my eyes slightly closed, I nodded.

“You’re right, Your Highness. I will do whatever the Young Lady commands.”

“Honestly, I can’t comprehend your loyalty, but… well, if that’s your belief, then that’s that.”

With a wry smile, the princess looked at me, her eyes filled with concern. To be frank, the princess was exceptionally kind. It was hard to believe she was embroiled in the treachery of the brutal Imperial Palace.

“So, I can’t trust you. I’m sure you have something up your sleeve for this date. The more you cherish Lilian, the more she cherishes you.”

“….”

“However, I’ll let it slide just this once. I’ll tolerate the deception of Lilian Beon Portus and her servant, Catherine, against me, Chloe von Selvius.”

With a bold flourish, Princess Chloe placed her hand over her heart and grinned at me. Then she added a final remark.

“So, this is a one-time deal.”