Chapter 23

“I learned that from my brother when I was little. Back then, he used to tell me all sorts of things that would help me in life… At the time, I thought he was just being annoying and acting like a know-it-all. But these days, I find myself missing those words sometimes.”

“…”

“Because I can’t see my brother anymore. If I’d known things would turn out like this, I would’ve listened more carefully.”

Regret was written all over Bianca’s face.

Diena pressed her lips together.

Because she understood exactly how Bianca felt.

People often fail to realize how precious someone is while they’re still by their side.

Because they’ve never been apart.

They start believing that person will always remain there.

And then, when that person finally leaves, they’re left with unbearable regret.

Just like Diena had regretted things after her father was gone.

“Our Diena. This deployment is probably going to be a long one. I’m really sorry.”

“Again? Alright.”

“Before I leave, call me Dad. Just once-!”

“Yes, Father.”

“Waaah… My daughter is too cold.”

“You have to come back safely. Then I’ll call you that.”

I should’ve just called him Dad back then.

If I’d known he would never return…

The truth was, she had wanted to stop him.

She had wanted to say childish things.

To tell him to protect his own life instead of risking it to save others.

To stay by her side instead.

But she knew those words would only hurt her father.

So Diena couldn’t say anything.

All she could do was pray.

Pray that he would return safely without getting hurt.

In the end, the gods never answered her prayer.

Diena snapped out of her thoughts.

Bianca had carefully taken hold of her hand.

“So now I’m trying to say what’s really in my heart.”

As she said that, Bianca led Diena toward the table.

Then she slowly seated her beside her and asked,

“…W-We are friends, right?”

Diena blanked out for a moment at the question.

Then she nodded.

“Of course.”

At Diena’s answer, Bianca’s eyes curved into crescents.

“Happy birthday again. And thank you for becoming my friend.”

Diena felt a sharp ache in her chest.

She had never expected anyone to wish her a happy birthday after returning to the past.

‘Especially with this much sincerity.’

The word “friend” made her nose sting.

She had only wanted to save Varkan’s little sister.

Yet somehow, Bianca had become someone precious to her.

The realization made her see Bianca in a new light.

“Now let’s eat before everything gets cold.”

With a happy smile, Bianca started devouring the food.

Even while eating, she didn’t forget to place food onto Diena’s plate every chance she got.

“If it’s not enough, you have to tell me. You eat far too little.”

Diena smiled and swallowed another bite.

Things felt completely different from just a short while ago.

‘It feels like Bianca and I switched places somehow…’

When the meal ended, Bianca’s cheeks turned red as she spoke.

“When I’m with you, everything in the world tastes delicious. Are you full?”

“Yes, I’m full.”

“I’m full too. So now it’s time for dessert.”

“…?”

“When you’re full, that’s when you’re supposed to eat dessert.”

Bianca smiled brightly as she said it.

Diena looked at her.

Over the past few days, Bianca’s cheeks had noticeably filled out.

Her condition was improving day by day.

Thinking that a good thing was a good thing, Diena found herself unconsciously following Bianca’s lead.

A strawberry shortcake and a chocolate cake were brought out.

Bianca even finished off the cakes neatly.

“The slightly bitter chocolate is delicious, but soft whipped cream cake has its own charm too.”

Diena silently nodded.

But Bianca wasn’t finished.

“It still feels a little lacking, doesn’t it?”

“Huh? You said you were full…”

“Yeah, I am. But it still feels like something’s missing. Besides, you said I looked better after putting on a little weight.”

“I did.”

Blushing slightly, Bianca continued.

“So I thought I’d try gaining some weight too.”

That was genuinely wonderful to hear.

Diena smiled and nodded.

Just then, the Head Butler approached them and spoke.

“Lady Bianca, the Count Roche’s son has come to visit.”

At those words, Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Daniel? Why would he come without any notice?”

“Apparently he arrived carrying a bouquet.”

A faint blush spread across Bianca’s cheeks.

It was obvious she was trying to hide her excitement.

“I was having such a nice time with Diena… Well, we’ve already finished eating anyway. Bring him in.”

* * *

Together, Diena and Bianca headed to the lavishly decorated reception room.

Bianca sat down on a sofa and fidgeted with her teacup.

Diena was glancing at her when the door opened.

A handsome man with striking red hair walked in.

“Bianca, it’s been a while.”

“Daniel!”

The man called Daniel handed Bianca the bouquet.

Her cheeks immediately turned red.

With a gentle smile, Daniel spoke.

“I’ve been busy lately. I’m sorry I couldn’t visit more often.”

“Well, it has been a while.”

“And who is this?”

Daniel’s gaze shifted toward Diena.

Bianca immediately answered with a bright expression.

“Ah, she’s my new maid.”

“Your new maid?”

Daniel’s expression stiffened ever so slightly.

“Go ahead and introduce yourself, Diena.”

“Hello. My name is Diena.”

The moment his eyes met Bianca’s, Daniel erased the stiffness from his face.

As though it had never happened, he approached Diena with a smooth smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Diena. I’m Daniel Roche. Bianca’s fiancé.”

Seeing Daniel treat even her maid kindly, Bianca smiled faintly.

Daniel was a man who was kind to everyone.

Wasn’t that why he had approached even her, a Non-Ability User, with kindness?

But unlike Bianca, Diena immediately noticed that Daniel was wary of her.

Fortunately, he didn’t seem to realize she was the young lady from House Rothwell.

‘At times like this, I’m actually grateful my uncle never held my Debut.’

Members of the Five Great Families usually didn’t interact with people from other families when they were young.

They believed people from other families were beneath them.

Only after their status as Ability Users was confirmed did they begin interacting with members of other families in earnest.

Normally, they would reveal themselves during the Winter Banquet.

If they turned out to be Non-Ability Users, they would usually spend the rest of their lives confined within their family estate.

‘Honestly, Lady Bianca is the unusual one for attending social gatherings despite being a Non-Ability User.’

Diena had never attended a Winter Banquet because she never awakened an ability.

Thanks to that, Daniel had no idea that Diena was actually a noble.

The corner of Diena’s lips lifted slightly.

“…I see.”