Chapter 100

As the women around us began agreeing one by one, I slowly edged backward.

I had to get back to Isabella’s side.

That was the only thing on my mind right now.

‘There’s no way I’m wasting this opportunity.’

If possible, I wanted to leave a strong impression on her.

Obviously, in a positive way.

So that whenever we happened to meet, we’d greet each other by name. When a good new book came out, we could briefly share our thoughts. And if things went really well, maybe we’d even exchange letters once a year.

Huff, just thinking about it makes me so happy I could die!

Just as I was about to slip away naturally, one of the empress’s attendants quietly called me over.

“Her Majesty is looking for you, Duchess.”

“…”

At this point, it honestly felt like the whole world was trying to stop me from getting closer to Isabella.

Crying internally, I moved to a quiet corner.

Mariana, who had been speaking with the bishop, sensed my presence and turned.

“You summoned me, Your Majesty.”

“Elicia.”

Her expression was still composed, but there was a faint trace of exhaustion.

Honestly, even I had been shocked by what happened today.

No matter how weak Mariana’s position in the imperial palace might be, I never imagined they would try to sabotage something as important as the Feast of the Holy Mother over such a trivial pretext.

If it was meant to embarrass a wife he didn’t get along with, it went too far.

“I owe you greatly today. If you hadn’t pointed out the flaws in that document, I would’ve lost face.”

“I only pointed out what wasn’t right. How could I tolerate such rudeness?”

“Even after marriage, your temper hasn’t changed.”

She said it lightly, without real reproach.

Letting out a quiet sigh, the empress continued.

“Still, how did you notice the flaws in the document? You used to know nothing about such matters.”

“If I tried to tell you how much I struggled after marrying into Lombard, three days and nights wouldn’t be enough. Once you become the mistress of a great territory, there’s a mountain of things to learn.”

“Ah…”

The empress, who was from the south, nodded sympathetically.

Compared to the warm and livable south, the cold north with scarce food had no choice but to be strict about rules and procedures.

But Lombard’s procedures went beyond strict. They were practically fortress level. Even as duchess, there were countless times I felt like my head would explode.

Without realizing it, I started venting all my grievances. As I kept talking, my irritation built up in layers. I might’ve even mixed in a few curses.

The empress suddenly burst into laughter and relaxed her shoulders.

“You really haven’t changed. I thought you’d grown up, but inside you’re still the same.”

“C-Cough…”

“In that way, you’re exactly like my sister when she was young. In public she was kind and virtuous, but in front of family she was bold and full of spirit.”

As she gazed at me, her eyes suddenly grew red.

Elicia’s mother, Margarita, had twelve siblings in total. She had been especially close with her youngest sister, Mariana.

If she longed for her late sister, it was only natural she’d feel some affection for the niece her sister left behind.

Watching Mariana, I thought to myself,

‘That’s really tragic. But my situation is more urgent right now.’

Call me heartless if you want.

But today of all days was difficult. Seriously. All my attention was fixed on the one empty seat beside Isabella.

Every time someone tried to sit there, Katerina politely told them it was reserved.

But the seats in the chapel were filling up. She couldn’t refuse forever.

To wrap up the conversation, I gently patted Mariana’s hand.

“Anyway, as family, it’s only natural we help each other. Please don’t think of it as a debt.”

“So you haven’t forgotten family bonds.”

“Of course. Your Majesty, then I’ll be going now…”

Just as I turned to leave, she spoke again.

“From now on, call me Aunt.”

“…Pardon?”

“I should’ve done this long ago for my sister’s sake. My position at court isn’t strong, but I’ll support you however I can.”

“No, no?!”

All I wanted was to impress Isabella.

But it seemed my confrontation with the master of ceremonies had unexpectedly affected Mariana’s heart.

The more I tried to decline, the more regretful she looked.

“I’m sorry, Elicia.”

“…”

“I know you must’ve resented me. But at least now, let me fulfill my duty as your aunt.”

She gently took my hand and continued.

When I went astray, she should’ve stopped me earlier. But back then she had only just married into the palace, and before giving birth to Josef she had endured years of walking on eggshells. She hadn’t dared to step forward.

But after seeing how the emperor treated her today, she felt ashamed that she once abandoned family ties to gain his favor.

Listening to her confession, I thought,

‘No, the real Elicia wouldn’t have listened even if you tried to stop her.’

Considering all the corruption and chaos she caused in Lombard…

Sorry to ruin the emotional mood, but I was born more logical than sentimental. I didn’t mesh well with the emotional type.

Fortunately, at that moment, a priest approached and whispered something to the attendants.

Apparently they were all emotional types too. They dabbed their eyes with handkerchiefs before finally calling the empress.

“Your Majesty, it’s time to begin the ceremony.”

“Has it already come to that.”

Mariana nodded and rose.

In the blink of an eye, all signs of fatigue vanished. She wore once again the flawless mask of a perfect empress.

Being royalty really isn’t for just anyone.

Anyway, I was celebrating my freedom internally when she added,

“Elicia, sit in the seat of honor today.”

“What?! No, I don’t deserve that…”

“You carry imperial blood, even if it’s from a collateral line. And you’re my niece. That’s more than enough.”

And without waiting for my response, she walked up to the seat of honor first.

Of course, I couldn’t give up on becoming a successful fangirl. I naturally tried to slip away toward Isabella’s side.

But the empress’s attendants suddenly hooked their arms through mine as if we were best friends.

And then they seated me right beside Mariana.

Since the empress held the highest rank in the chapel, it was only natural she sat on the right.

Which meant the person seated to my left was…

“Oh my, who knew I’d see you here, Sister?”

“Don’t talk to me. You’re annoying.”

It was Princess Rosalind.

With a bright smile like a blooming flower, she chattered in a tone that could’ve been praise or mockery.

“You looked impressive earlier. To humiliate Father’s official like that in front of everyone.”

“…”

“Not worrying about the consequences. That’s very like you, Sister. Anyway, it was remarkable.”

“The ceremony is about to begin, Rosalind. Be quiet.”

The empress cut in to stop her.

Of course, that didn’t mean Rosalind would obey.

Nigel hadn’t been officially crowned Crown Prince yet, but it was practically decided that he would inherit the throne. How Rosalind viewed Mariana in that situation was obvious.

An aging fox who would soon retreat to the background with her late born son.

‘Ah, I’m doomed.’

In every sense.

First of all, someone had finally taken the seat Katerina was guarding. I had nowhere left to return to.

And now I was trapped between the empress and Rosalind, forced to absorb their silent battle firsthand.

‘Waaah.’

What kind of ingratitude is this?

I helped her, didn’t I? How is this repayment?!

I worship Isabella. I just wanted to get a little closer to her. Yet the entire universe seemed determined to stop me from succeeding as a fangirl.

It’s true. Fangirls never win.

Once again, I cried inside.