BTEE 04

Chapter 04

“Layton is truly a good man.”

That afternoon.

Squatting beside the flowerbed inside the glass greenhouse, I found myself talking absentmindedly to Chirpie.

“How can someone be that kind and considerate? He somehow managed to figure out things I never even told him.”

How did he know I never made my debut in society?

I hadn’t held a debutante ball because of circumstances—circumstances everyone in the Empire knew all too well.

My parents’ deaths.

I’d told myself that a debut was unimportant.
There were far more pressing things piled up higher than mountains.

Before I realized this world was a novel, before I met Layton, my days were nothing but confusion and helplessness.

But after meeting him, little by little, everything began to change.

Ailey, who had spent every day watching my mood anxiously, now smiled more often.

It was as if I’d finally gained a real older brother.

“He said he’d try his best—and he really is. Goodness, how admirable.”

[Cough, cough! Selena! Let me go!*]

In my joy, I had unconsciously squeezed Chirpie too tightly.

“Oh—sorry!”

[Are you trying to kill me?! I just saw the dimension of divinity flash before my eyes!]

“That’s your home dimension, isn’t it? Don’t exaggerate.”

[Listen to that mouth of yours! I’m letting you off easy, you know!]

Chirpie, fuming, flapped up into the air and began pecking at my scalp with his little beak.

It stung a bit where he kept pecking the same spot, but today I was generous enough to let it slide.

“A debutante ball! I can’t believe it!”

As a noble’s daughter, I knew well how meaningful it was to make one’s debut.

It was the official gateway into high society.

Not as the temporary head of House Bennet, but as Selena Bennet, the rightful successor to the Grand Duchy.

In the empty greenhouse, just me and Chirpie, I couldn’t contain my excitement and began stamping my feet in delight.

“That look on his face at the end—he’s never smiled like that before.”

The happy laughter of a child, the gentle spring breeze,
and his soft smile under the sunlight—
it was fainter than usual, but somehow more unforgettable.

In the Grand Duke’s garden, bathed in pastel colors, his light brown hair glowed softly; the whole scene looked like a watercolor painting come to life.

[You look happy.]

“Happiness isn’t so far away after all. I’m glad it’s within reach.”

[Indeed. There’s plenty of happiness around us—most people just don’t notice, always staring too far ahead. You truly are wise, just like my chosen disciple should be.]

“I’ll protect Layton.”

I vowed firmly.
If his best efforts brought me happiness, then I wanted to give him mine in return.

Stretching my stiff legs from crouching so long, I stood up.

Before me, the Titiano flowers I’d planted were in full bloom.

Just a few more days until the full moon.

About ten days left, maybe.

I didn’t want Layton to suffer through that time alone.

But sneaking into his room again like last time—that was too dangerous.

He truly did have the keen, almost animal-like senses that the rumors spoke of.

If I didn’t want to get caught, I needed another plan.

Getting the Titiano flowers to bloom wasn’t the problem anymore.

Though I was still clumsy at handling divine power, I seemed to possess quite a lot of it.

[Those Titiano flowers look wonderful—better than before. They’ll be effective.]

“I wish I could make them bloom faster, but it’s not easy.”

[Of course it isn’t! You’re still rough and unrefined at channeling divine power. With that enormous potential of yours, it’s almost frustrating you can only make these flowers bloom.]

“Isn’t that an exaggeration?”

[Don’t talk back—just practice!]

Chirpie chirped louder and higher, clearly upset.

Well, everything he said was true.

I’d never really practiced controlling divine power, what with tutors, Layton’s curse, and everything else going on.

Feeling sheepish, I pulled Chirpie into a hug.

It was a silent apology, but he kept on scolding me anyway.

[Your divine power is remarkable. Around you, there’s this radiant, pure white aura—it’s dazzling.]

“Aura?”

[Yes—an aura. Every human has their own unique energy, and I can see it. Yours is one of the purest, most brilliant I’ve ever seen—perhaps even the greatest of all!]

Me? That extraordinary?

I could make ropes or flowers with divine power, sure—but that was already enough for me.

Yet Chirpie seemed to think I was something much more.

Before I knew the truth of this world, I’d just been a normal grand duchess.

It felt like something out of a novel titled: “Turns Out I’m the Hidden Holy Power of the Grand Duchy!”

“There must be some mistake. I told you before—Ailey—”

[I don’t care what you’ve read or think you know—I’m a divine beast. My word is absolute. Ailey’s divine power is nothing compared to yours. I swear it on my divine existence itself!]

“This is… so strange.”

In the original story, I was barely even a background character—an extra among extras.

And yet I supposedly possessed more divine power than Ailey?

Unbelievable.
But it was a divine beast saying so—so I had no choice but to believe it.

Would it affect the original plot?

Maybe. But as long as it didn’t interfere with Ailey healing Layton’s curse, I didn’t mind.

If I truly held such great power, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I crouched again before the Titiano flowers.
Their crimson petals shimmered faintly with the divine power I’d infused.

As I watched the golden dust drifting gently around them, I asked,

“Are these golden particles proof that divine power has manifested?”

[Yes. Things filled with divine power give off that glow—shining proudly, just like the golden hair of you sisters.]

The holy energy sparkled beautifully, befitting its purity.

[Only those with special sight can see such traces. So be careful. Layton—that boy—can see them too.]

It wasn’t good to let others see my divine power.
Not only could I be exploited, but if sharp-eyed Layton realized who was easing his suffering, he’d know it was me.

Originally, that was Ailey’s role.
It was best to remain unnoticed.

Watching the golden particles swirling above the flowers, I sank into thought.

How could I help Layton?

No matter how long I sat there, no brilliant idea came to me.

Eventually, I gave up and decided to return to the study.

As I was slowly climbing the stairs in the main hall, I heard voices nearby.

“Marquis, we need to act before more victims appear near the Marquisate. Another report just arrived—something’s definitely wrong.”

It was Oliver, Layton’s aide. Usually calm, his voice trembled slightly with unease.

I stopped in my tracks. The hallway was empty.

I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but for some reason, I couldn’t move.

Victims near the Marquisate?

What were they talking about?

Layton had never once mentioned any issue related to the Zains Marquisate.

That estate lay far to the north, distant from the Imperial capital, Rotteria.

The northern region of the Holy Empire was harsh and barren, surrounded by mountains—few ever visited the Zains estate.

I knew almost nothing about it myself.

Even in the original novel, the Zains territory was barely mentioned.

So hearing this now naturally piqued my curiosity.

“Explain the report.”

At the sound of Layton’s voice, I flinched.

Perhaps because it involved his family’s lands, his tone was chillingly cold, enough to raise goosebumps.

“It’s… a message from Holy Knight Elisha, stationed near the northern border.”

The rustle of paper followed, then silence as something was read.

“…Damn it.”

A short curse—then a deep sigh.

Their footsteps receded, and the hall fell silent once more.

Only then did I exhale the breath I’d been holding and rush back to the study.

I sank into the purple velvet sofa at the center of the room, waiting for my racing heart to calm.

Mulling over the conversation I’d overheard, I repeated the name I’d caught at the end.

“Holy Knight… Elisha?”

A name I’d never heard before.

I murmured it again, quietly.

“…She’s a holy knight, he said?”

Judging from Layton’s reaction, whatever news she sent wasn’t good.

I wished he’d tell me what was going on.

Whatever it was, I wanted to help.
Just as he said he’d involve himself in my affairs, I wanted to do the same for him—as his sister.

“I’m so curious!”

I wanted to go ask him directly, but I doubted he’d answer.

I swung my legs over the armrest of the sofa and reclined, hoping that comfort might spark an idea.

“If only I knew more about the Zains territory up north.”

Even in the novel, the north had barely been mentioned—a complete mystery to me.

Before I realized this world was fiction, it had nothing to do with me.

But now? It was different. It was Layton’s domain, after all.

“Maybe I can find something about the north here.”

Determined, I jumped up and began rummaging through the study’s bookshelves.

Surely Father, who’d been so scholarly, would have kept something on the northern lands.

“…Ugh. Nothing!”

No matter how much I searched, information on the north was absurdly scarce.

Why is there so little about it?

Even if the Zains family governed it, the north was still part of the Holy Empire.

There were people living there—citizens of the Empire. Yet there was almost nothing written about it.

“‘The barren north lies near the border. Constant fog and clouds make agriculture scarce.’”

That’s it?

Just when I was about to give up, I found an old, tattered newspaper.

“‘Imperial Knights Deployed to Northern Border.’”

The date—about five years ago.

It mentioned the Imperial Knights being stationed in the north to reinforce defenses.

I leaned back with a sigh.

Nothing I could actually use.

Five years ago, I was just a clueless little girl with no interest in such things.

Frustrated, I tossed the paper onto the desk.

“Ugh! So what is happening in the north?!”

Raising my voice didn’t help, of course.

Groaning, I dropped my forehead onto the desk with a dull thunk.

And that’s how I spent that day—fretting in vain.

Exactly one week later, at the debutante ball Layton had miraculously organized with his relentless drive and efficiency, I met Elisha.

The second half continues immediately in another scene:

She could never have lost her way inside the Imperial Palace. Born and raised within its walls, there was no corner unfamiliar to her.

Walking ahead with perfect posture, Cassielope paused when Teshia spoke softly behind her.

“…Your Majesty, that way leads to the Emperor’s Palace.”

“Ah.”

Habits ingrained in her body didn’t change overnight, even if her status had.

She stopped mid-step, realizing she’d been heading instinctively toward the Emperor’s quarters.

At Teshia’s worried look, Cassielope turned instead toward the Empress’s Palace—her new residence beside the Emperor’s.

“I’ll allow myself to be lost just for today.”

“….”

“Tomorrow, it won’t happen again.”

Though she was surely the one most unsettled by all this, she tried instead to comfort Teshia and kept walking.

Inside the Empress’s Palace, the maids who would attend her greeted her with deep bows. Familiar faces.

She recognized them immediately—they had once served her back in the Princess’s Palace.

As a royal heir raised not as a mere princess but as the Empire’s successor, Cassielope had never needed companions or social aides—only a few attendants to assist with dress and grooming.

And those attendants were now here again.

“How is it that you’re all here?”

“…His Majesty the Emperor ordered us transferred to serve in the Empress’s Palace.”

After ascending the throne, she’d reassigned them to better posts—ones with less work and more comfort.

She remembered their faces well, despite rarely calling on them.
They’d often clucked affectionately while dressing her for imperial banquets.

“Our princess must be the most beautiful in the hall tonight!” they’d say, fussing over her.

“I owe you an apology,” she said quietly. “I took away your easy posts, only to drag you back here.”

“Not at all, Your Majesty! We’re… we’re happy to serve you again!”

“Truly?”

She knew it was polite flattery—but still, their words warmed her heart a little.

Sensing her faint smile, one of the maids added earnestly,

“We mean it, Your Majesty. We were more upset when you sent us away.”

“…I see. I hadn’t realized.”

“So please don’t feel bad for us.”

To tell a royal not to feel guilt—that was daring, almost insolent.

Those of noble blood rarely felt such emotions toward servants.

But Cassielope was different.
She saw even the lowliest attendants as valued citizens of the Empire—never once speaking down to them.

Those who had served her closest knew better than anyone what kind of person she was.

“…If that’s what you wish.”

At her soft words, their faces lit up in joy.

“So then—what do I do now? I’m afraid I don’t know much about being an empress. You’ll have to teach me.”

“The position of Empress is not one that seeks lessons from mere servants, Your Majesty.”

The voice came sharp and commanding.

Her beauty was striking, but it was the sheer presence—a weight that filled the room—that drew all eyes.

Only a handful of people would dare speak to Cassielope in such a tone.

After the late Emperor’s death, and following the tragic accident that claimed Duke and Duchess Euryel, even fewer remained.

“…Countess Mardia.”

At the familiar voice, Cassielope turned.
The Countess Mardia smiled softly.

Though past forty, she could easily have been mistaken for someone in her early thirties.
Her silver hair gleamed, her sapphire eyes identical to Regis’s.

“It’s been a long time, Your Majesty.”

Cassielope’s eyes brightened with unmistakable warmth. She smiled back.

“It has indeed, Countess.”

Cassella Mardia—wife of the Count who had joined Cassielope’s deposition.

Daughter of a previous Duke Euryel, and Regis’s aunt by blood—she was, like Teshia, one of the few people Cassielope truly trusted.

“To think I’d be summoned to the palace again. You’ve grown so much, my dear.”

“…I reached adulthood quite some time ago, Countess.”

“And you’ve grown a touch cheekier too, I see.”

Despite her husband’s past betrayal, Cassielope had called upon her for a reason.

The Mardia family, though only counts, wielded influence rivaling that of dukes and marquises—all because of Cassella.

Pragmatic and sharp, she was unmatched in matters of finance and management.

The family’s entire fortune was in her hands—she was the true power of House Mardia.

Her only weakness, perhaps, was her foolishly soft-hearted husband—gullible, easily swayed by others, yet utterly devoted to his clever wife.

“I have no excuse for failing to restrain my husband,” she said, biting her lip.

Cassielope sighed softly. “I know you weren’t involved. There’s no need to apologize.”

“…If it were me, I’d have had him executed on the spot.”

“Who—you? I could never do that.”

“I’ve told you before: sentimentality is dangerous.”

“Then forgive me just this once, Countess. I need you. And I’ll be frank—there will be times I must use you.”

For a man who adored his wife, Cassella was the perfect leverage—and beyond that, an indispensable talent for managing the Empress’s household finances.

She was also a giant of high society—vital for Cassielope’s position.

“You do right to use me, Your Majesty. I’ll gladly let you. And appointing me as chief maid rather than chief lady-in-waiting—a wise move.”

A woman of her rank should have been the head of the Empress’s attendants, not her servants.

But by making her chief maid, Cassielope was making a statement—a warning to the Count.

Cassella understood perfectly, smiling wryly.

“In private, please call me as you used to, Countess.”

“I just told you not to let old ties sway you.”

“…Then how does it feel, having a nephew as Emperor?”

“My, that’s a sharp question just because I wouldn’t indulge you, hm? Not very mature of you.”

“You’re as cold as ever, Countess.”

“And you still talk too much, Lope.”

At last, Cassielope laughed softly.

“The coronation is soon—prepare the bath for Her Majesty,” Cassella instructed.

As the maids guided Cassielope toward the bath, Teshia approached Cassella.

Watching the young Empress’s back disappear into the steam, both women’s faces darkened.

“…At least she’s smiling a little now that you’re here.”

“I can’t begin to understand Regis. He must know—taking the throne from her is no different from killing her.”

“Our Majesty doesn’t understand his heart either… no one does.”

“I’ll help Lope however I can—whether in court or in society. Without her, the Clemens Empire has no future.
So please—stand by her when I cannot, Teshia.”

When Cassielope was deposed, not a single drop of blood was shed in the palace.

Which meant that nearly every high noble house had supported her removal.

Now, as Empress, her position was perilous.

At any moment, another family might try to dethrone her to place their own daughter beside the Emperor.

To prevent that, control over the social world was essential.

“The social world…”

Cassielope knew her situation better than anyone.

If the Emperor’s heart had turned from her, she was already unfit to sit beside him.

Having been dethroned once, it would be even easier to strip her of this new title.

To drive away such thoughts, she sank into the perfumed bath, petals floating atop the water.