CHAPTER 35
I led the butler and a group of maids down toward the main estate.
“Butler, what’s the status on the construction guilds?”
“I shortlisted five based on size and sent official letters.”
“And the replies?”
“All five responded. They’re interested since we mentioned the new accommodations for workers will be a bidding project.”
“You told them not to worry about the budget, right?”
“They asked about the budget, but I told them we weren’t putting any limits.”
“Good.”
“My Lady, what about your escort?”
“Just one.”
“…Understood. Luna, you will accompany the Lady.”
“Yes, Butler! My Lady, shall we board the carriage?”
As I lifted my foot to get in, the hem of my dress spread open, revealing my leg up to the thigh.
Gasp!
I quickly suppressed my flinch and hurried into the carriage.
It departed smoothly.
I declined the smoking pipe Luna offered and turned to look out the window.
A perfect full moon floated alone in the cloudless night sky.
“A full moon?”
“Yes, it’s the full moon tonight, My Lady.”
I had never paid attention to the moon before, but today it oddly caught my eye.
“My Lady, is your chest hurting?”
“…No.”
I lowered my hand from my chest.
I wasn’t pressing it out of pain.
It was just that my heart had been racing wildly for a while now.
I felt strangely uneasy. Just like when Rusfell had hung himself.
‘Something bad always happens when I feel like this…’
I had a bad feeling. Something was going to go wrong during the presentation.
‘Am I going to mess up the announcement?’
I didn’t know what it was, but I hoped it would be something minor.
I took a deep breath as the imperial capital drew closer.
“You should head back.”
“Huh? I shouldn’t wait for you?”
“His Highness will probably provide me with a carriage.”
“Understood.”
Inside the audience chamber of the Third Prince’s palace, the nobles who arrived early were chatting casually.
As soon as I walked in, the noise died instantly.
Their gazes pierced me like arrows.
Some nobles even rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
‘Yes, yes, I know. I’m dazzling.’
I was dressed like I was ready for a wedding, while they were in proper, dignified suits suited for a formal briefing.
As the atmosphere fell silent, Leonhart looked around. Then he spotted me and stiffened.
His black eyes slowly scanned me from head to toe.
He approached languidly and asked, dumbfounded:
“Are you going to a party or something?”
[Stage 1: (With a disappointed look) I don’t understand why you’d ask that after seeing me. Your Highness, I’m obviously here for the briefing.]
As usual with Leonhart, the system prompted me to argue.
Apparently, the lousy writer would only be satisfied if we started pulling each other’s hair.
Normally, I would’ve softened the script a little, but not today.
That system message was far too mild.
I covered my mouth in mock surprise.
“Oh my, was it a party and not a briefing? You must’ve rushed the invitation and wrote the wrong thing.”
“…”
“Anyway, thank you for the invite, Your Highness—though the timing is absurdly inconsiderate.”
Until now, I’d done my best to keep my temper in front of Leonhart.
I could sympathize with his hatred for Adrienne.
But Leonhart never changed.
In fact, the more I tolerated him, the more overboard he became.
‘Seriously, Leonhart? You appoint me as the presenter and tell me the day before? That’s just asking me to screw up!’
Everyone has their limits.
Mine was crossed when he sent me that ridiculous invitation.
‘Honestly, did I stalk you? Do you think I wanted to be possessed by this body? Technically, I’m the biggest victim here!’
Leonhart’s long, narrow eyes thinned.
“Are you picking a fight right now?”
“Excuse me? A fight? Me, not Your Highness?”
I widened my eyes with a look of innocent surprise. Leonhart radiated cold energy.
“You can still go back if you want.”
“Your Highness personally selected me to present. That must mean you trust me, right? I couldn’t possibly leave. Of course, I had zero say in it.”
“You should’ve just declined then.”
“I actually considered it. As someone who follows a very strict routine, I hate going out at this hour. But I couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing you.”
“To be clear, I’m more disappointed now.”
“Oh my, how uplifting. Makes me feel my attendance was worth it.”
We glared at each other before turning our heads sharply in opposite directions.
“Let’s go to our seats.”
“Yes.”
We walked without looking at each other.
Inside, a podium had been set up.
Next to it was a shabby-looking chair—probably my seat.
I stopped short when I noticed some completely unexpected people.
“They… why are they here?”
Leonhart calmly introduced the two men.
“This is Professor Rusfell, and beside him is Cleric Owen.”
Are you kidding me? I don’t care about their names—why are they here?
“I thought only those involved with the project were invited.”
“Professor Rusfell represents the Academy for magical support. Owen represents the Temple and will oversee construction safety. They’re fully qualified to attend.”
“Oh…”
“Please, introduce yourselves.”
Rusfell eagerly stepped forward.
“Duchess, fancy meeting you here.”
He was clearly trying to hide how pleased he was, which felt odd—but not unpleasant.
Who doesn’t like being welcomed?
I held his gaze and asked:
“Did you cut your hair?”
Leonhart and Owen looked at both of us.
Rusfell scratched his neatly trimmed head with an awkward expression.
“Yes, a little.”
“Looks much better.”
“It was just too hot… that’s all…”
The atmosphere shifted rapidly.
As Rusfell fell silent under Leonhart’s glare, Owen took a step forward.
“May the divine’s touch rest upon you. This is our first formal meeting, Duchess.”
This was my first time speaking to Owen up close since my second possession.
I took my time studying him.
His softly smiling face held no warmth.
In fact, there was a faint chill to it.
But I still remembered it clearly—
How he had reacted when I chose death alongside the Demon King.
He had trembled so pathetically.
His face contorted like he’d burst into tears at any moment.
“…No, no. Lady Adelle, this isn’t you, right? Tell me I’m wrong…”
Owen had been consumed by despair.
Just like when, as a child, he could only watch his mother die.
That’s why I’d wanted to run to him. To hold him close, stroke his back, and whisper—
That I would stay by his side. That I would never leave him alone again.
‘That’s why I had to turn away. I knew my resolve would crumble… I’m sorry, Owen.’
Suppressing the urge to embrace him, I responded coolly.
“It’s almost time for the presentation. Let’s save greetings for later. Excuse me.”
I gave a slight nod to the three men and turned away gracefully.
Then I walked as calmly as possible.
As if I wasn’t rattled at all. Hiding the cold sweat soaking down my spine.
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!
So this was why my heart had been racing. Why I’d felt so anxious.
Because I was now stuck with the top three people I had to avoid during the construction period.
Bad premonitions never miss.
