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Although she hadn’t expected much when seeking advice, Iel Eliom offered advice that, though cliché, was helpful.

‘Why don’t you try something only you can do?’

Rajin made an overt show of disappointment, but Goyo had something come to mind with those words.

She wasn’t sure if she could pull it off with her current skills, but if she succeeded, it might turn out to be a rather impressive gift.

With the idea in her heart, Goyo returned to the Marquis’ estate.

Annecy was momentarily away from the mansion. Goyo welcomed his absence, as she worried about raising unnecessary expectations.

Goyo immediately asked Kolabe about Exer’s whereabouts. Thankfully, due to the fine weather, Exer Fribesque was at the mansion, so she didn’t have to wait long to face him.

Though Exer seemed puzzled that she had sought him out, he listened quietly to what Goyo had to say. When she finally finished her brief explanation, he nodded.

“It should be possible. I’ve had some free time lately, so I think I can help.”

“That’s a relief. Thank you.”

“But won’t it be difficult for you? Master doesn’t put much meaning into birthdays, so it seems unnecessary to go through such trouble…”

“But if it’s a gift from Madam, he will be pleased.”

Kolabe cut off Exer, interrupting his speech. Though Annecy’s oblivious subordinate looked puzzled, the more perceptive subordinate paid no mind and encouraged Goyo.

Kolabe hoped that Annecy’s wandering, which troubled his subordinates, would end soon, and to that end, even small opportunities should not be missed.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. And…”

“Yes, Madam?”

“I’m not very confident, so could we keep this a secret from Annecy?”

Without giving Exer time to hesitate, Kolabe answered swiftly, saying they would.

*    *    *

The engagement ceremony, one month before the wedding. Even though it was her sister’s engagement, it wasn’t an event she couldn’t make an excuse to avoid. In fact, Goyo had no intention of attending.

There were many reasons for this, but the most decisive one was that it would only create bad rumors if she were to go.

After all, the one chosen by the marquis, who had broken off his engagement with Goyo, was none other than her younger sister. It would be more unnatural if there weren’t any rumors.

However, Goyo changed her mind and decided to attend the engagement ceremony.

No one persuaded her. The Rubiette family had merely sent a formal invitation, and Melissy, whom she had met at the ballroom, only informed her of the engagement without even asking her to attend.

Goyo changed her mind on her own. She wanted to see with her own eyes how Melissy became Alte’s person instead of Bethelgius’s, and she wanted to witness Terrio Alte, who had so resented her, finally get what he desired.

Though much time had passed, Goyo Bethelgius still couldn’t be sure if she had returned from the past or if she was merely indulging in a sweet nightmare as an extension of false hope. So far, she had been indifferent, thinking it wouldn’t matter either way.

But as if the peaceful passage of time had encouraged her, Goyo suddenly grew curious.

She wanted to confirm. Had something dreamlike occurred? Or was the dream continuing? Or had everything that had happened to her been nothing but a nightmare in broad daylight?

It was a question without an answer, but perhaps seeing the engagement ceremony with her own eyes would make it feel more real.

“Are you ready, madam?”

No, it’s all just an excuse. All lies.

Goyo Bethelgius—she simply wanted to see Melissy become another man’s wife.

She wanted to see Melissy transfer her name from Rubiette to Alte, from Bethelgius to Alte. Because…

“You look beautiful today as well.”

‘Because it bothers me.’

The fact that this man’s wife was not her but Melissy.

A vague period of time, neither past nor future, lingered in her mind like a gnawing worry.

It wasn’t that she was particularly fixated, but Goyo wanted to resolve this feeling as soon as possible, before the emotion grew any further.

“Shall we go?”

Resting her hand on his firm arm, Goyo carefully tucked away her complicated emotions.

*    *    *

The engagement ceremony was held at a temple in the capital.

It was a rather prestigious religious order, so the temple was large and its exterior ornate—at least compared to other temples.

‘Isn’t it too plain?’

After all, this was the union of two of the empire’s only duchies, Rubiette and Alte, so it wasn’t an easily understandable venue choice.

Though she knew that the Alte family valued frugality, it was still surprising that the Rubiette family, who cherished Melissy, allowed such a modest location.

“Is something wrong, madam?”

“It’s nothing.”

Goyo shook her head and walked into the temple in response to the curious question.

It was amusing that she had assumed the austerity was limited to the exterior; the inside of the temple appeared even more modest. Perhaps, considering the many rumors surrounding the event, they had chosen a more discreet place, Goyo thought, concluding her speculation.

Inside, a considerable number of nobles had already arrived. Most were likely relatives of either the Alte or Rubiette families, but many were branch families Goyo did not recognize.

Some groups acknowledged the arrival of the Bethelgius couple, while others cast cold, disapproving glances.

The direct relatives of Rubiette and Alte were not yet present, likely still dealing with matters inside, which was a relief to Goyo, as she had no particular desire to exchange greetings.

The couple made their way through the stares and whispers, finding a suitable spot to sit.

Just as Goyo was about to open her mouth for some small talk before the ceremony began, she overheard part of the hushed conversation around her.

“For Alte to hold an engagement in such a grand temple, it’s quite unusual.”

“I know, right? They always preach frugality, but I guess they made an effort for their heir’s engagement.”

“I doubt a temple like this would host engagements easily. I wonder how much they donated… Did you see the canopy when we entered?”

“And the stained glass windows, too.”

At first, Goyo thought they were being sarcastic, but as the conversation continued, she realized they were genuinely impressed.

Had she been mistaken? She casually scanned the interior of the temple again, just to be sure, though it didn’t seem like anyone else found it odd. However, no matter how many times she looked, the plainness of the space remained unchanged.

Noticing her puzzled expression, Annecy’s eyes subtly curved with amusement.

“Your judgment is correct, madam.”

“Pardon?”

“I can’t for the life of me understand how one could find this temple extravagant. It’s at best passable.”

“People will hear you, Annecy.”

“Don’t worry. Your husband is talented enough to ensure silence…”

“You’ve been using magic excessively again, haven’t you? Fine, I understand.”

“I’ve become too easy for you to figure out.”

Ignoring Annecy’s mock sorrow, Goyo asked the question on her mind.

“How did you know I was thinking that?”

“How could I not know, given the happy fact that our tastes are becoming similar?”

“Since when have you influenced me so much? Unfortunately.”

“I feel rewarded for my efforts, fortunately.”

“There are plenty of things in the world to be happy about. Please don’t take joy in that.”

“One can never have too much to be happy about.”

I’m still hungry for more, madam.

Goyo ignored the now familiar nonsense.

At that moment, someone called out to Annecy. Turning to look, it was a senior noble from the noble faction. Someone he couldn’t ignore. Annecy briefly frowned before offering Goyo an apology.

Goyo, not wanting to draw attention in such a setting, discreetly retreated to a secluded corner as soon as Annecy walked away.

Fortunately, Goyo’s dress, which was similar in color to the temple’s marble, didn’t draw too much attention.

However, it wasn’t quite enough to escape the eyes that were desperately searching for her.

Footsteps approached. A woman with wheat-colored hair tied in a single knot and a haughty expression appeared. An unwelcome guest smiled slyly.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Madam Bethelgius.”

“Lady Frittil.”

“I got the impression from the last tea party that you’ve completely tired of dressing modestly after marriage. A splendid choice. You look absolutely stunning right now.”

Though it was an engagement ceremony with a different protagonist, Goyo had dressed simply, as she had in the past. Nonetheless, Lady Rante’s compliment about her appearance was clearly laced with sarcasm.

Though it was obvious that she was feeling bitter, Goyo, at least this time, could understand Rante’s feelings.

The face of someone recently deceased flashed through her mind.

Emily Rennier, Rante Frittil’s close friend, who had gone missing after smearing Goyo with a special fragrance during the hunting competition and was later found dead.

Only a few, including Rajin and some people from Bethelgius, knew that Emily had tried to harm Goyo.

Annecy didn’t want Goyo’s name to be entangled in rumors over an unjust incident, and Goyo had agreed with her husband’s persuasion.

After all, Emily was the aggressor, and Goyo the victim, so even if the truth had come out, Goyo wouldn’t have suffered any consequences, but it still wouldn’t have been a good situation.

Thus, most people who had heard the news believed that Emily Rennier had died from a heart attack.

There were a few who speculated that she had been murdered due to grudges caused by the misdeeds of the Rennier family, but that theory hadn’t gained much traction.

Rante Frittil likely understood her friend’s death in much the same way—assuming, of course, that Rante hadn’t been the one to order Emily’s actions.

Suppressing the brief suspicion that crossed her mind, Goyo opened her mouth to say what needed to be said.

“I heard about Lady Rennier. It’s unfortunate…”

“Unfortunate?”

Rante cut her off, her sharp voice rising in pitch. She was more sensitive than usual.

“Madam, even if your lips are twisted, your words should be straight. Are you really going to tell me that you feel ‘unfortunate’ about Emily’s death?”

“Then what should I feel?”

“You should be delighted! You must feel relieved, thinking it’s well-deserved. Isn’t that right?”

Rante Frittil’s voice was as sharp as it could get. However, perhaps conscious of not attracting attention, she kept her volume low.

Goyo, though momentarily taken aback, quickly composed herself and responded to the unfair accusation.

“Why would I?”

“What did you say?”

“What did I gain from Lady Rennier’s death? One less person to mock and ridicule me? One less biting comment among the many I would have heard? That Lady Frittil is now grieving the loss of her friend? Is that supposed to be something I find joyful, Lady Frittil?”

Rante gritted her teeth, glaring at Goyo. Her gaze was sharp enough to be menacing, but Goyo met her eyes without wavering and continued speaking.

“I mourn Lady Rennier’s death, but aside from that, she was never that important to me. Ethically speaking, I feel no particular sentiment. The same applies to you, Lady Frittil.”

I understand your grief, but I hope you won’t make the same mistake again.

Rante opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to retort. However, perhaps noticing the whispers that had begun and the people glancing in their direction, she stopped herself.

In the end, Rante gave Goyo one final glare, clenched her teeth, and swiftly turned on her heel, disappearing.