Chapter 20
It wasn’t just an offhand remark.
Every word had weight. There was no attempt to obscure the truth beneath grand statements.
“She definitely seemed to know July better than we do,” Dante admitted.
Had Sevetina grown close to July after she fell unconscious?
If so, perhaps they had had time to understand one another over the course of that year.
But Sevetina had been in a coma all her life—since the moment she was born.
Even if she could speak, even if she had learned much… it was hard to believe that that July Rib could have opened her heart and shared everything so freely.
“It seems we all have a lot of unanswered questions,” Clazen murmured.
Doubts kept piling up, one after another.
“At least one thing is certain,” Dante muttered vacantly, recalling Sevetina’s final words:
You don’t even know what she likes.
“That I know absolutely nothing about July.”
“…”
“I asked her what season she liked most—and I didn’t know the answer. Clazen, do you?”
“…”
“I wanted to deny it. But I couldn’t. I didn’t even have a single thing to say in response.”
He hadn’t wanted to know. Because the more he learned, the more he’d open his heart.
And that… was something he couldn’t allow himself to do.
“So neither of you managed to make any real progress,”
Wyatt finally spoke, his voice low from the shadows.
The hint of disdain in his tone stung, and Dante bristled.
“You’re one to talk! You haven’t even visited her. Don’t speak so lightly.”
It was a roundabout way of asking when Wyatt planned to go.
“The celebration for Sevetina Zeros’ twentieth birthday is coming up.”
“Yes, there’s quite the buzz about the grand party the Zeros family is throwing.”
“I’ll go then.”
“…Pardon?”
Sevetina’s birthday was still a ways off.
“Your Highness, wouldn’t it be better to act sooner—”
“And what came of it when you both went rushing in unprepared?”
“…Nothing.”
Dante mumbled, unable to argue.
Wyatt stood and ran a hand through his hair, rubbing at his temples with a tired sigh. When he lifted his eyes again, he looked toward Clazen, who was quietly sipping tea on the sofa.
“You. Do you know?”
Clazen, perceptive as ever, immediately grasped the meaning behind Wyatt’s question.
“I don’t.”
Even someone as well-informed as Clazen only knew what could be observed in July’s mannerisms and behavior.
He had never actually wondered about her.
At least not until she disappeared.
Wyatt stared at them both with his usual stoicism before folding his arms and turning his gaze away. The ticking of the clock echoed in the silence.
You don’t even know either—so why act like you’re above us?
Dante wanted to say it, but held his tongue.
“Continue researching the disasters. This might not be the fault of the four successors alone.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Then I’ll be going.”
With that, Wyatt left the room.
The successors’ quarters were close to the palace, but entirely separate—a standalone building, unconnected to any other.
The sky was dark now, as the meeting had taken place in the evening. A pale white moon filled the heavens.
In its bright glow, tiny budding sprouts shimmered faintly.
Wyatt stood in place, staring quietly at the new growth. His eyes lost their focus.
“…Spring is coming.”
The chilling wind whipped past his ears.
Still, he remained unmoving—rooted to the spot like an ancient tree.
A silent flame flickered into life in Wyatt’s hand, then faded just as quickly.
Like a fleeting smile that never fully formed.
Unlike Clazen and Dante, who had gone to see her right away, Wyatt hadn’t made any contact. Sevetina had almost thought it was for the best—until a letter arrived at her estate.
It was from Wyatt, stating that he would visit her in time for her birthday celebration.
Her health had steadily improved. As such, Sevetina began to consider ways to go out on her own.
Secretly, of course.
If she so much as mentioned going outside, the Zeros couple would assign layers of guards and attendants. Unless she slipped out unnoticed, it would be impossible to have any personal time. And she couldn’t very well explain her circumstances to them either, which only made things more difficult.
In spite of everything, Sevetina felt lighthearted today.
She was having lunch with Cordelia.
It had been a while, and she was genuinely looking forward to it.
They didn’t meet often, but Cordelia had always sent detailed letters explaining why. Her thoughtful efforts were meant to prevent any misunderstandings on Sevetina’s part.
Lately, natural disasters had increased, requiring more recovery missions and patrols. The number of returning knights had also risen. Due to a shortage of manpower, even officers had to take shifts traveling with the knights. Cordelia had mentioned she’d likely be away again soon.
And yet, despite her hectic schedule, Cordelia still wanted to see her.
A kindness that asked for nothing in return. Sevetina could feel the sincerity in every word and gesture—and it made her chest ache in the gentlest way.
She still couldn’t fully understand Cordelia.
How can someone love a sibling they’ve never even spoken to—just as they are, without question?
But Sevetina liked Cordelia. The warmth she offered helped to soothe a thirst Sevetina hadn’t even realized she had.
The affection, the gentle voice, the thoughtful gestures—it all made her feel safe, even happy.
A carriage was already waiting at the estate gates. Inside, Cordelia was seated up front, reviewing documents.
Her brows furrowed in concentration as she read, not even noticing when Sevetina entered the carriage.
So that’s what someone looks like when they’re completely absorbed in something.
Rattle. The carriage began to move.
Only then did Cordelia glance up and smile brightly, tucking the papers into her bag.
“It’s been a while, Sevetina.”
The affection in her voice sparked something small and warm in Sevetina’s chest.
She smiled back instinctively, surprised at how easily her lips curved. It had been a long time since she’d smiled like this in front of someone—and even longer since it had come so naturally.
I must really be relying on Cordelia more than I realized.
And maybe that was okay.
With Cordelia, there was no need to be on guard or constantly watch for cues.
“I’ve prepared the perfect lunch today.”
Cordelia announced it proudly.
“I even asked around to make sure it’d be good.”
“You’ve gone to such lengths?”
Sevetina had only expected a simple meal, but it seemed there was more in store.
“Your birthday isn’t far off, and I wanted to celebrate early.”
She already knew the party would be grand and extravagant. So what more could Cordelia possibly prepare?
Sevetina didn’t voice the rest of her thoughts. She just smiled.
What is it, I wonder?
It had been a long time since she’d felt anticipation like this.
Anticipation meant risk—of disappointment, of getting hurt.
So she’d trained herself to avoid it. To suppress hope before it bloomed, so she wouldn’t suffer when things didn’t go as wished. Though, admittedly, there had been moments when she couldn’t help it.
A comfortable silence settled between them.
And yet, unlike the silence she’d shared with Yulia, this one wasn’t oppressive—it was peaceful.
Sevetina liked that difference.
When the carriage stopped, Cordelia stepped out gracefully. Her light movements reminded Sevetina of a bird in flight.
“Come, let’s go.”
Cordelia extended a hand naturally. Sevetina placed her own gently atop it.
Without hesitation, Cordelia guided her forward—confident, steady, smiling.
She was someone who shone just by being herself.
They entered a restaurant called Masierra, where they were greeted by the owner himself.
“Welcome. I couldn’t possibly miss the visit of someone from the Zeros family. I’m Gustave, the owner of Masierra.”
He greeted them with utmost respect, saying it was an honor to host them.
Sevetina, slightly overwhelmed, returned the greeting.
Even Yulia probably never got treated like this.
It was another first—something she’d never experienced as July.
Inside, the restaurant was completely empty. Sevetina tilted her head.
I thought this place was always booked solid…
Almost reading her thoughts, Cordelia beamed with pride.
“I reserved the whole place for you. I asked them to prepare everything on the menu.”
Just as she said, there wasn’t a single other guest. Only a long table stretched across the room.
At its end, two chairs had been set, surrounded by elegant decorations and candles that filled the ceiling and walls with a celebratory glow.
It was surreal to see a space meant for everyone transformed just for her.
What should I even say?
Sevetina couldn’t put her emotions into words. She wandered through the space, admiring every detail, too amazed to even sit down.
Cordelia didn’t rush her. She simply watched, smiling fondly.
When Sevetina finally took her seat, the first course arrived—and then, one by one, every dish on the menu followed.
