CH 5.02

“I understand why she did that. She must have been annoyed at losing that building to me.”

I didn’t immediately respond to Lacius’ question and instead began telling another story.

“Do you mean the building that has been converted into a clothing store and a tea house?”

“Yes. Originally, that was what the Duke of Crisiona’s daughter desired.”

I said calmly as I reached for a hair tie on the dressing table and tied my long hair into a high bun.

“I’m willing to accept some retaliation. However, I will repay her tenfold.”

My face is small, but my hair is thick and plentiful, so even with a bun, I look nice.

I was fully prepared for a battle even though I was still dressed for indoors.

“You mean, Lady Crisiona set up the paralytic drug drink even without her being present?”

“Yes. I don’t have proof, but I’m certain.”

“Lady Crisiona is under the imperial family’s mighty protection, so it would be difficult to investigate her, but I’ll find a way.”

Lacius asked no further questions despite the lack of evidence.

‘He believes in me.’

It was a little touching, so I raised the corners of my mouth, but I cleared my throat and maintained a serious expression.

“I’m sure something similar will happen sooner or later. Perhaps this was just a warm-up. She’s attempting to make me nervous and mentally cornered.”

“Then you should pay more attention to your surroundings.”

“Yeah, well, we can keep living the way we used to. We’ll just have to watch what we eat and drink.”

“Don’t be concerned. It may be more difficult than dealing with assassins, but I’m used to it.”

Lacius appeared calm, but knowing what kind of experience he was referring to made my heart ache.

At that point, I put both hands on my waist and smiled even brighter.

“I’m fine with it, too. As long as you believe in me.”

I can’t show how upset I am about something like this. It’s not even that difficult.

And perhaps we should just be cautious about what we drink and eat outside.

“May I come in for a moment, my lord?”

Just then, Maynard’s voice could be heard outside the door. When I went to open it, Maynard pulled out a card.

“Uh, umm. Her Highness, the princess, has sent you a comforting gift.”

“Gift for me?”

With a puzzled expression, I pointed to myself. Theobalt then quietly added. 

“Perhaps it was a gift to wish you comfort after you became ill that day.”

Princess-unnie does not have a friendly demeanour. She has previously stated that no gift from a powerful person comes without a cost. I put on a shawl and went downstairs with very negative thoughts. I smelled a sweet scent as I walked down the stairs, as if someone had sprayed perfume. When I finally made it downstairs, I couldn’t help but drop my jaw.

“Oh my goodness. What exactly is this?”

The front door, which had never been opened wide before, was opened very wide today.

Men dressed as imperial servants were constantly bringing something in.

When I looked at that thing, it was all roses.

As I stared at the roses that had already filled the path from the front door to the dining room, my mouth refused to close itself.

No, more than that. There is one critical point.

I quickly addressed Lacius, who stood silently watching the action behind me.

“Are you okay with these people coming in here, Lashin?”

“I used to despise it, but it’s fine now.”

“Really?”

“Dioles even asked for my understanding ahead of time.”

“That’s unexpected.”

“I guess she really doesn’t want to bother me any more.”

Yes, if it was in the past, she would intentionally not tell him about it.

Despite the fact that there were so many uninvited guests, I was relieved to see that Lacius was calmer than I had expected.

He didn’t seem bothered even when Madam and her staff were living in the mansion.

“I suppose I should read the card.”

I finally took out the card, which wasn’t very long, after looking at the roses that I liked. My attention was drawn to the letters neatly written in turquoise ink on a white paper.

“Titania Rose for Titania.

I hope that seeing the flowers brings you great comfort.

I’ve prepared an engagement gown for you, so please come to the imperial palace once you’ve recovered.

I hope these gifts are sufficient to make you forgive me.”

Hmm. Yes, I understand what she means. I folded the card and said it aloud.

“I know who was responsible for the paralytic drug accident, but I have no plans to punish them.”

I’ve prepared an engagement gown. In exchange for covering up the case, she’s giving me a dress. I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. This phrase indicates that she has no intention of escalating the situation.

So, to summarise, she is telling me to be patient.

The princess was obviously aware that Peridot was the culprit. She also knew I’d figure it out.

“I know, but I don’t want to make things too complicated, so please bear with it… she says.”

Nope.

With the card the princess had sent me, I tapped my lips.

I’d like to listen to Unnie, but I am me. I can’t stand losing.

“It has been a one way fight till now so I have to make it even. Didn’t she almost succeed in hurting me?”

And I know she previously dispatched an assassin and a wizard to the mansion to shoot me with poison needles.

In fact, if I fell from that height, I would almost certainly sustain a fracture. It’s not right.

She has a lot of money, so why is she whining just because she lost a building?

A woman should be generous.

“I should punch her at least once, right?”

“You seemed to have a plan.”

“What do you think I did while I was locked for three days?”

It has a pleasant smell. I picked a rose, held it between my fingers, and smelled it.

When was the last time I was this eager to fight? It seems like it has been a long time.

“I had planned to decorate the amusement park’s garden with tulips, but I think Titania Rose would be a better choice.”