MLIIWTFL Chapter 113

 

 

 

 

“Visitors during the visiting season have the right to propose to me throughout the season, so until I have a partner, I’ll exercise that right as much as possible.”

 

“Can’t you just tell them to stop coming if you’ve already found someone you like?”

 

“If I do that, I’ll be criticized for being rude, Lenny.”

 

In the social circles of the capital of the Ponteon Empire, a direct rejection is taboo unless the other party has done something blameworthy first.

 

It was supposedly etiquette meant to avoid displeasing one another, but for someone who just wanted to focus on the person they liked, it was an annoying and inefficient rule.

 

Therefore, even if a suitor who visited during the season was unappealing, one couldn’t tell them to stop visiting until the season was over. When rejecting a date request, one could only use excuses like having prior commitments or feeling unwell.

 

Even in the latter case, you couldn’t schedule other appointments for several days, so unless you were willing to sell out your parents, it was the last resort.

 

After explaining this, Lenoa frowned and muttered,

 

“What kind of rule is that? ‘I gave you a gift, so give me the right to court you,’ or something?”

 

“Technically, it’s more like, ‘Be polite since you received the gift,’ I guess.”

 

“But you never asked for a gift, nor did they bring something you really wanted.”

 

“If you don’t like it, you can go out, claim the queen’s position in society, and change the rules.”

 

“Too much trouble. I’ll just stay out of social circles entirely.”

 

Lenoa shook her head firmly, and Judith giggled beside her.

 

“Honestly, if Lenny went out into social circles, she’d probably just sit there with a grumpy face.”

 

“Oh, I’d kind of like to see that. Lenny, when I get married and have kids, would you go in my place?”

 

“Absolutely not. Don’t even bring it up.”

 

When Lenoa adamantly refused, both Letticia and Judith burst into laughter. Unable to retaliate against her friend, who was also a princess, Lenoa resorted to lightly poking her older sister with a book.

 

Once she stopped laughing, Judith’s expression reverted to one of curiosity.

 

“Anyway, Letticia, you’re going to start dating Sir Bright from now on, right? Could you tell me how things progress?”

 

“It probably won’t be as thrilling as you imagine, Your Highness.”

 

“Still! I’m curious about what real-life relationships are like. Please?”

 

“…I’ll visit the palace and tell you from time to time.”

 

Leticia, aware of Judith’s experience with romance being limited to novels, couldn’t refuse her request. Besides, it wasn’t as though she could defy an imperial order.

 

Feeling elated after hearing the response she wanted, Judith began chatting even more cheerfully.

 

“Where will you go on your date? Since Letticia loves horseback riding, are you planning to go riding? Or shopping?”

 

“Wouldn’t a play be the safest choice for now? I heard there are a lot of entertaining ones showing lately.”

 

“That’s true. Plays provide a shared topic for conversation and nearby dining options—at least, that’s what the social magazines suggest. So, which play will you see? I heard The Secret of the Clock Tower is quite popular these days.”

 

“Oh, I love that novel, so I definitely want to see the play version as well.”

 

Thus, Letticia and Judith continued to discuss date plans until Lenoa finished reading the book in her hands.

 

Their conversation was so lively that Lenoa eventually remarked, “Should I leave first?”

 

***

 

Leaving Judith’s palace, Letticia and Lenoa strolled across the imperial grounds together.

 

Although they had arrived separately, it seemed odd to return separately as well. Lenoa sent her carriage back with an attendant and decided to share Letticia’s carriage.

 

As they walked to the waiting carriage, Letticia took the opportunity to engage in a long conversation with her sister, whom she hadn’t been able to talk to much due to their mismatched schedules.

 

“Do you really think you can go see a play with Her Highness? You even had dinner in your room yesterday because of work.”

 

When the topic of plays came up in the date plans, Judith eagerly suggested that Lenoa join her to watch one. She even proposed including Eustace so that the three of them could attend together. Despite frowning at the idea, Lenoa eventually responded that she would think about it.

 

“Once this assignment is over, I’ll be on break, so we can go then.”

 

“But you always find going out bothersome. Wouldn’t it be better to just invite the troupe?”

 

“No way. Princess Judy wants to watch it at the theater.”

 

“Ah, true. There’s a special charm to watching it in the theater.”

 

“…I wish I could just send my sister instead…”

 

“It’s your promise. What are you going to do, pawn it off on me?”

 

Despite all her grumbling, Lenoa begrudgingly agreed to join, showing just how much she cared.

 

Letticia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of their friendship. But just as she was appreciating the moment, she noticed a woman with silvery hair elegantly tied up, boarding a carriage drawn by four horses with the assistance of a middle-aged man near the palace gates.

 

The moment her eyes landed on the woman’s reddish-golden hair catching the twilight glow, Letticia turned on her heel, intending to retrace her steps.

 

“…Lenny, shall we take a short walk before heading back?”

 

“Why all of a sudden?”

 

Baffled by her sister’s sudden suggestion so close to the gate, Lenoa raised a brow. Letticia hastily concocted an excuse.

 

“It’s been a while since we’ve toured the palace grounds. A walk and a bit of exploring could be nice.”

 

“You were at Princess Judy’s palace just recently. How’s that ‘a while’? Besides, I’ve been here plenty of times, and it’s not particularly interesting.”

 

Using the palace as an excuse was ineffective on someone like Lenoa, who practically treated it as a second home. However, Letticia was desperate to avoid encountering that familiar golden-haired woman and her silver-haired companion. Gripping her sister’s hand tightly, she tried to steer her in a different direction.

 

“Then why don’t you guide me? Just a five-minute walk, please?”

 

“No. I’m hungry.”

 

“Oh, come on. I’ll even pick grass from over there to feed you!”

 

“Are you joking? You want me to eat grass? Do I look like a wild animal to you?”

 

“Exactly! Let’s go with that. From today, you’re a rabbit. Rabbits are adorable. Imagine people bringing rabbit-themed gifts to the estate—our home would become a rabbit wonderland!”

 

“Stop spouting nonsense and let’s go! What’s gotten into you?”

 

Just as Lenoa shook off her sister’s hand, utterly bewildered by her antics, someone seemed to have heard their voices. A golden-haired woman, her locks neatly tied, turned to look back.

 

Letticia’s distinct pink hair was a dead giveaway—hiding was never an option.

 

“Lady Sharon!”

 

“…Damn it…”

 

Realizing her attempt to flee had failed, Letticia muttered under her breath.

 

After encounters with the Empress, Ezkhiel, and Judith, now she had to face Lady Ariette Averil. At this rate, she half-expected to bump into the Emperor sneaking out for an undercover trip outside the palace.

 

“Lady Sharon, what a surprise to meet you here!”

 

“…How have you been, Lady Averil?”

 

Quickly switching her expression, Letticia smiled affably and greeted them. It was all a matter of bad timing, catching her outside during the bureaucrats’ usual end-of-day departure.

 

The only saving grace was that the Duke remained at a distance while Ariette was the one approaching.

 

“Lady Sharon, are you on your way back? What brings you to the palace?”

 

“I was honored to be invited to Her Majesty the Empress’s tea time.”

 

“Oh, so you came with your family?”

 

Ariette’s gaze shifted to Lenoa, who was standing behind Letticia. Although Lenoa was the only sibling to inherit Camilla’s red hair and blue eyes, her facial features bore enough resemblance to Letticia for most people to immediately recognize their familial bond.

 

“Yes, this is my younger sister, Lenoa. Lenoa, greet her. This is Lady Ariette Averil.”

 

“…I’m Lenoa Sharon.”

 

Upon hearing the name Averil, Lenoa paused briefly before grabbing the hem of her dress and curtsying. Ariette responded to Lenoa’s introduction with a bright smile.

 

“Nice to meet you, Lady Lenoa. You seem like a student—what faculty are you in?”

 

“I’m a third-year in the Faculty of Arts.”

 

“The Faculty of Arts? Not Liberal Arts or Business?”

 

“Yes. I’m aiming to become a jewelry designer in the future.”

 

Despite Ariette’s friendly demeanor, Lenoa replied curtly, her expression unchanging. It wasn’t out of dislike for Ariette but rather her natural reservedness with unfamiliar people.

 

Meanwhile, Ariette clapped her hands in delight at the mention of jewelry design.

 

“A designer? That’s incredible! Will you work at Sharon Jewelry right after graduation?”

 

“…I’ve already been working there as a trainee designer since last year. I’m now a full-fledged designer.”

 

“Already, even before graduating?”

 

“Lenny has been learning design from our uncle since she was young.”

 

“Wow, that’s truly impressive! Your sister must be so proud of you.”

 

Ariette even applauded in admiration, a gesture that reminded Letticia of Judith earlier. However, Lenoa’s expression remained unchanged.

 

“I still have a long way to go. But didn’t you come over to speak with my sister?”

 

“Oh, I just happened to see Lady Sharon and wanted to greet her. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of her time now that she’s on her way back.”

 

Letticia genuinely smiled at Ariette’s kind words. If things ended on this pleasant note, she wouldn’t mind having run into Ariette.

 

“Likewise, we wouldn’t want to hold you up when you’re on your way back, either. And I’d hate to keep the Duke waiting any longer, so we should take our leave now.”

 

“Yes, until next time, Lady Sharon. And Lady Lenoa, have a safe journey home!”

 

After waving goodbye, Ariette turned back the way she had come and boarded her carriage, which promptly set off.

 

Watching the sturdy carriage pulled by four robust horses disappear into the distance, Lenoa turned to Letticia as soon as they climbed into the Sharon family carriage.