???????????

“To be honest, I was passing through here because of the business of importing Bastitas gemstones. Since it’s not far from here.”

Etienne nodded. Despite the jokes thrown by Versus, there was no visible reaction from him.

Versus approached with a friendly demeanor, like a large dog, while Etienne didn’t push him away. No matter how I looked at it, they seemed to get along well. What was going on?

I couldn’t understand.

Weren’t they supposed to be on opposite sides, fighting over the throne? In the novel, it was clear that Etienne was plotting a rebellion and was the ultimate antagonist. Am I the oblivious type? Perhaps they are just smiling while secretly engaging in a power struggle?

According to the logics in novels, it was said that in order to thrive in social circles, it was important to engage in a subtle, dignified form of fighting, smiling on the surface while subtly undermining others.

Hmm… No matter how much I look at it, I still can’t figure it out. All I can tell is that they both look even more handsome the more I see them.

Leaving behind a futile conclusion, I gave up on my observations. Whether they get along or not, I’ll find out eventually, right?

After sipping tea for a while, Versus spoke up again.

“Are you enjoying your newlywed life? You have to treat our Dahlia well.”

My name popped out of his mouth, and it sounded very familiar.

Etienne slowly raised his head.

“Our Dahlia?”

His voice and face were as usual, but for some reason, a chill ran down my spine.

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Versus. While we have known each other since childhood, I don’t think that’s an appropriate term of address to use in front of my husband. Please quickly retract that.

“Um, even though Dahlia doesn’t show it on the surface, but she’s actually quite delicate. Isn’t that right, Dali?”

Waaah, not only did he use “our” but now he’s using the nickname “Dali” as well.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Versus looked at me and winked.

Oh my goodness! Such mischievous eyes. You’ve really thrown Dahlia’s life into chaos with all your antics, haven’t you?

Sure, you’re incredibly handsome… but I won’t dedicate my life to you. I value a cozy life of eating steak forevermore.

With tremendous patience, I managed to maintain my composure and forced a polite smile.

Then, as I turned to the side, I was taken aback.

Etienne was glaring at me. Well, to be precise, his expression was calm, but I could sense a deep anger simmering beneath the surface.

I suddenly became afraid. Could it be that he was suspecting me?

After all, everything that I, no, Dahlia had stolen was intended to be given to him.

I composed myself and withdrew my smile.

Listen here, Mr. Versus. I’ve never had a boyfriend like you. I have no intention of doing you any favors, so stop flirting with me.

“I knew you two were acquainted, but I didn’t realize you were this close.” 

“It’s not surprising since we’re seeing each other for the first time since your marriage. Even after that, Dahlia sent me letters frequently, so I heard about her well-being often.” 

“So you’ve been exchanging letters.”

Etienne turned his head back towards me.

In response, I instinctively turned my face away. It was an unnatural movement, as if a creaking sound was about to be heard.

Letters? I have no knowledge of that. I don’t remember anything. Since coming to this world, the only time I held a pen was to sign divorce papers.

Despite being innocent, I felt a prick of conscience as if I knew about Dahlia’s misdeeds. I did it, but I didn’t do it.

However, either he didn’t notice my awkward expression, or Versus chose to ignore it as he smiled and spoke again.

“Well. Dahlia is someone special to me.”

Versus, please… just be quiet…

“She should have just married my brother instead of me.”

“Haha, come to think of it, Dahlia said something similar. Is this like what people say couples always think the same?”

I responded to Etienne’s sharp remark with a smile. At this point, I couldn’t tell if Versus was oblivious or intentionally trying to provoke a fight.

Before it was too late, I awkwardly spoke up to salvage the situation.

“Well, back then, I was foolish, but I’ve changed now. I only love Etienne. I will stick by Etienne’s side for the rest of my life. Isn’t that right, Etienne?”

I gently rested my head on Etienne’s shoulder.

Surely he wouldn’t push me away in front of the crown prince, right? Let’s take advantage of this situation and make Versus a witness to our eternal love, my dear.

“…”

My dear?

There was no response from my dear. The reception room was filled with a heavy silence. Even Versus, who had been laughing all along, lost his smile.

Etienne pushed my head away with his finger.

Although it wasn’t a pleasant treatment, I was grateful that it ended there just by looking at Etienne’s face.

He had a look on his face as if he had seen something dreadful in the world.

Oh god, what did I get myself into?

Fortunately, Versus broke the silence.

“Looks like everything is good? Even though Etienne’s appearance may seem cold like a marble sculpture, there is a certain depth to him when you get to know him, and he also has some flaws. It’s a relief to see you two getting along.”

“Is that how it seems?”

Etienne’s mouth twisted into a grimace.

“Yeah, you usually don’t show your emotions in front of people you dislike.”

Well, Versus, Coult it be that you have never seen Etienne genuinely dislike someone? Every time I’ve seen Etienne, he’s always had an expression of utter disgust.

“By the way, do you know there’s going to be a celebration for the Empress’s birthday soon?”

“I’m not going.”

“I thought so. The Emperor himself insisted on seeing your face this time. You didn’t come last year or the year before.”

Even though Etienne casually refused Versus’s words, I was not the same.

The Empress…! Is this the entrance of the Empress!

???????????