Chapter 103

Watching the favorability meter hovering above Heron’s head, I steeled my wavering resolve once more. Out of all the routes I’d unlocked, Heron’s was the only one I chose.

‘So what about Estieren?’

The memory of Estieren’s broad shoulders shielding me from Allen, and the deep concern in his voice just moments ago, weighed heavily on my heart. I met his darkened eyes for a moment, then quickly looked away.

‘My feelings aren’t what matter in all of this. I just have to choose the route that leads to an ending. Only then can I finally break free from this endless cycle.’

Estieren truly was a good man, and I did enjoy being with him…

But as unease kept welling up inside me, I told myself over and over that this was the right choice.

Following Juan out of the hall, I couldn’t shake the feeling of someone’s gaze lingering on my back. For a fleeting moment, I selfishly wished that gentle, unusually warm gaze belonged to Estieren.

How selfish of me…

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ୨ৎ ໒꒱ ‧₊ ୧‿︵

Estieren stood watching as Ardi followed Juan out of the banquet hall. Heron, noticing the look on his face, furrowed his brow and was about to speak when—

“What exactly is the lady afraid of?”

“…I beg your pardon?”

At those cryptic words, Heron’s brow furrowed, but the Estieren met his gaze and continued without missing a beat.

“A moment ago, it was the Duke. Now, it’s the Crown Prince.”

“….”

“To my eyes, it seemed as though the lady was afraid of them.”

At Estieren’s question, Heron replied in an even, unflinching tone.

“My sister has no reason to fear them. And even if she did, if Ardi doesn’t wish for their company, neither of them has the right to remain by her side. So, Your Highness, there’s nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

Then, he glanced over at where Vien and Allen stood. The two, their attention fixed intently on them, looked like predators eyeing their prey.

Heron scowled at their sharp, predatory stares, but his voice remained steady.

“It makes no difference, regardless of the way they look at my sister.”

“You speak so indifferently, yet still manage to boast.”

At his biting remark, Heron’s eyes hardened. Estieren, meeting that gaze with an unreadable expression, replied evenly.

“Does the Marquis share your view as well?”

“Your Highness!”

“So, if the lady doesn’t wish it, you’re saying she needn’t stand beside any of them?”

Heron flinched at the pointed remark and fell silent.

Estieren pressed on at the sight, addressing him directly.

“If you and the Marquis aren’t sharing the same view, then you must realize that the Aidelis family you boast of so proudly will not be able to shield her from them.”

At that, Heron, fists clenched at his sides, remained silent for a moment before finally raising his head. With a sharp, hostile glare, he fixed his eyes on Estieren and asked.

“…You speak as if the Kaisian family could be my sister’s shield instead.”

“There’s no reason we couldn’t.”

“What did you just say…”

“If the lady wishes it.”

Heron’s eyes widened in disbelief at those unexpected words. However, the resolute expression on Estieren’s face left no doubt that his words were anything but empty.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ୨ৎ ໒꒱ ‧₊ ୧‿︵

Last night, with Heron’s help, I managed to slip out of the banquet unscathed.

At the time, all I could think about was escaping that place as quickly as possible, but the entire carriage ride home was plagued by worry. I couldn’t help but worry that my father, realizing I had slipped out of the party without permission, might lash out at me, blaming the Aidelis family and Heron for causing trouble.

But when my father finally returned home late that night, his face wasn’t only calm but wore an air of satisfaction.

〈 Even something you once thought worthless can seem precious when you realize how many others covet it. Well done, Ardi Aidelis. 〉

The ‘worthless thing’ my father spoke of was none other than me. And if he said many now covet it…

‘Does that mean he noticed what happened yesterday with Vien, Allen, and Diel? What could he possibly be thinking…?’

“—Lady, my Lady!”

Lost in thought, I barely heard Marie calling my name. When I finally looked up at her, she drew back the curtains by the window and spoke.

“Did you notice how lovely the weather is today? Why not go out for a bit instead of staying cooped up indoors?”

At her suggestion, my gaze drifted to the mission window, with its tasks still unresolved. After a brief moment of hesitation, I smiled softly and rose from my seat.

“Yes, you’re right. Help me get ready to go out, Marie.”

Whatever my father might be thinking about me, it no longer mattered. Now that I’d chosen Heron’s route, my path was already set.