SWMD 50

Chapter 50

“I think Catherine’s changed a bit.”

“…Changed?”

A dark shadow passed over Alicia’s face as she heard this.

If Diana noticed the change, it must be significant. Alicia quickly tried to hide her surprise, pulling out a chair for Diana to sit in. Diana nodded in thanks without speaking.

Alicia hurriedly prepared the tea, the magical kettle Diana had gifted her heating up quickly. As she poured the steaming water into the teacup filled with tea leaves, steam rose in a fragrant cloud.

Alicia placed the teacup down, her hand trembling slightly. Diana hid a smile, suppressing the urge to laugh as she examined the tea.

The color was a beautiful blue, almost purple—just as Diana had chosen. It was the very tea she had gifted to Alicia.

But now, instead of admiring its beauty, all Diana could think of was how the color reminded her of Alicia’s pale, sickly face.

Diana lifted the teacup with a soft smile, responding to Alicia’s comment.

“Yes. I noticed something was off with Catherine. She was always so fond of you.”

“…Why?”

Alicia glanced at Diana, her eyes searching for an explanation. It was clear she was anxious, likely worrying about the suspicions that might arise from Catherine’s change.

She was eager to hear Diana’s answer. Diana took her time before answering, leisurely taking a sip of tea. The bitterness lingered on her tongue, and she spoke with a calm demeanor.

“Hmm, it’s too bitter. Could you give me some honey?”

“…Here you go, Your Highness.”

Alicia quickly pushed the jar of honey towards Diana. Normally, Alicia would have added the honey herself, but today, she was clearly in a hurry.

Diana added a generous spoonful of honey to the tea and took another sip. The sweetness softened the bitterness, and it was much better than before.

“Ah, this is just right.”

The taste of tea, much like the balance of power, should never be too bitter or too sweet. A perfect balance was key.

Just like how Diana had decided to provide a sweet lie that Catherine hated Alicia and the bitter truth that Catherine didn’t care for her anymore.

“Ah, I was talking about Catherine.”

Diana set the teacup down and finally spoke. Alicia swallowed hard, her voice small as she responded. There was a subtle tension in her posture, a tightness in her shoulders.

“…Yes?”

“I received an invitation from the Duke of Aiberg.”

“The Duke of Aiberg, you say?”

“Yes. It’s the house that hosts the birthday party for the Duke’s son, Soyer. Catherine must like him, and they’re holding a birthday party.”

Alicia’s eyes lit up with hope. Although her relationship with Catherine wasn’t the best, she was sure that Catherine would ask her to come, just as she always had.

“But this time, it looks like I can’t take you, so I asked Catherine first. She’s always taken care of you.”

“Of course. I know very well that Her Highness the Princess has always taken care of me.”

Alicia answered with a slightly more agitated tone than usual. But what Diana said next shocked her.

“But, she said it was fine.”

“…What?”

“She didn’t get angry, or throw a tantrum.”

At Diana’s words, Alicia couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

The Catherine she knew would never let anything stand in her way when she wanted something. If she truly wanted Alicia at the party, she would have made a scene.

The fact that Catherine agreed without a fuss meant that she didn’t want Alicia there.

“So, something must be going on. She seemed off that day too.”

“…That day?”

“The day the magic teacher arrived. You seemed so happy, but Catherine didn’t even glance at you.”

Alicia’s mood sank.

It was clear that Catherine had changed. She no longer acted like she needed Alicia.

Catherine had given her a look as though she knew Alicia would make a mistake, and dismissed her, pretending to handle everything herself.

The fact that Catherine hadn’t told her how she had gained the magic only confirmed it. In the past, Catherine would have asked for her advice.

Diana had always been proud to be the doctor she was, but this time, Catherine didn’t even seem to care.

Something twisted in Alicia’s chest. She could feel her eyes burning with emotion.

Could it be that Catherine no longer needed her? Alicia looked at Diana, who was leisurely sipping her tea.

Yes, what Catherine needed now was someone who had it all—beauty, bloodline, wealth—everything a Duchess should have. Diana.

Catherine, being clever, must have realized that in order to achieve what she wanted, she needed Diana.

Alicia’s shoulders drooped, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

“How greedy you are, Diana. You have everything, and now you want to take my daughter too.”

A hopeless look filled Alicia’s gaze as it landed weakly on Diana.

“Alicia?”

Diana tilted her head, observing the unreadable expression on Alicia’s face. Alicia quickly turned away, sighing as she spoke.

“I think Her Highness is going through her rebellious phase.”

Rebellious phase? Diana barely suppressed a scoff.

“Rebellious phase?”

“Yes. Didn’t you notice?”

“I’ve noticed she’s been struggling with her emotions lately.”

“Yes. And now that Princess Aicelle has arrived, I’m sure she’s not comfortable with it. She’s been a bit prickly with me too. That’s why she’s been a little distant.”

“I see.”

Diana raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly.

By now, Alicia had clearly realized what Catherine felt toward her. She was trying to hide it, but Diana could see right through her. Alicia was clearly upset.

“So, about that…”

“Yes?”

“I’m thinking of taking you to the party. Let’s keep it a secret from Catherine.”

Alicia stared at Diana in surprise.

Diana had always been overly kind to her, but she was someone who clearly separated business from personal matters.

For Diana, to take Alicia to a party she wasn’t invited to would be highly unorthodox.

“Really?”

“Yes. It’ll also help smooth things over with Catherine. What do you think?”

“Of course, I’d love that! But are you sure it’s alright?”

Alicia’s face lit up. It was a dream come true to be able to attend a Duke’s party. Nothing else mattered. She wanted to be seen by the Duchess of Aiberg and make her mark.

“Of course. You’re my best friend, Alicia. If I explain the situation, the Duchess will understand.”

Diana took Alicia’s hand and smiled sweetly.

“This is exactly what you want, isn’t it, Alicia? The perfect image of kindness.”

She was acting exactly how Alicia wanted her to. And when Alicia was at her happiest, Diana planned to break her, ensuring she would never be part of the social world again.

“Now, here.”

“What’s this?”

“It’s the catalog for this month. Choose the dress and jewels you’d like. You can’t just wear anything to the Duke’s party.”

“It’s an honor just to be taken. You’ve already gifted me something before…”

Even though Diana had suggested it, Alicia knew she should politely refuse, at least once. She shook her head, pushing the offer away.

Diana’s eyes flashed coldly.

“Really?”

“Yes?”

Normally, even if Alicia protested, Diana would have forced the gift on her. But this time, Diana didn’t do that.

“I see. If you insist that you don’t want it, I won’t force it on you.”

Diana slammed the catalog shut with a sharp snap. Alicia’s lips parted in surprise.

“I didn’t think you’d act this way, Alicia.”

Diana smiled as she watched Alicia’s bewildered expression.

“Ah, yes…”

“Well, this time, you can choose for yourself. I won’t burden you with any gifts.”

Diana stood up, smiling as she made her way toward the door.

Alicia, whose relationship with Catherine had soured, couldn’t rely on her help anymore.

Calypso was in the same position. In the past, he had provided the budget for the house, but now Diana was fully aware of Erenst’s financial situation.

Calypso couldn’t afford to gift Alicia a dress or jewels. Diana’s proposed business was already consuming their funds.

In the end, Alicia would have to choose from her own collection of dresses.