•?••? ? ?••?•

“…Thank you for informing me. How considerate of you.”

“I hear that often. Should I act more selfishly? But when I see someone acting without knowledge, I can’t help but feel concerned.”

“I will pass on the words of the Princess to those who will be organizing future parties.”

The desire to retort to Julian’s attitude faded. It was pointless to argue with someone who spoke such nonsense.

All she wanted now was to leave without any further conversation.

“You might be bothered by the mistake, but don’t worry. I’ll speak on your behalf.”

“To whom?”

“Obviously, to His Majesty, the Emperor.”

At this point, communication seemed futile. She tilted her head in confusion.

“The Emperor dotes on me. Even if the party was a disaster, he’ll overlook it if I say I enjoyed it. The preparation team will likely escape any punishment.”

Iva’s face stiffened visibly. She could tolerate anything but the blatant disregard for the countless efforts of many who had prepared for the party.

The team had put in so much effort to prepare, and Julian, who had attended without even an invitation, should never have spoken as she did.

“Princess.”

Her voice came out lower than usual, strained from suppressing her anger.

“Please tell His Majesty the truth. That you felt the party was a mess.”

“What?”

Julian, who had been smiling throughout, now had the corners of her mouth drop slightly.

“If you genuinely felt that the party was a disaster, there’s no need to act this way on my behalf.”

Now her gaze sharpened.

“My team, His Highness Claude, and I did our utmost for this party. We gave it our all, ready to accept any outcome.”

Iva stood tall, showing no sign of fear.

“However, I will also speak to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“About what?”

“Sir Bridget told me that upon his return to Fenet, he will report that this diplomatic venture was very positive.”

No matter how much the Emperor dotes on the Princess, the success of this endeavor hinges on the Fenet Empire. 

It’s not something Julian can simply dictate.

“The head of the envoy said that?”

“It’s a matter between nations, but he gave me a hint since I’m in charge. As a token of how much he enjoyed the party.”

“What if he was lying? Perhaps the envoy was just making empty promises.”

“In that case, there will be consequences, both for me and for the rest of the party.”

Iva stared directly into Julian’s now impassive eyes. Her blue eyes seemed less vivid than Claude’s.

“But if his words weren’t just flattery, I wonder how His Majesty would perceive the princess’s words. Being devoid of common sense, I really can’t tell.”

Upon finishing, a silence enveloped the bedroom. The two simply gazed at each other, neither avoiding the other’s eyes.

“It seems Sir Bridget has taken a liking to Young Lady.”

“Pardon?”

“Considering he shared matters of nations with you, isn’t he trying to win your favor?”

Why did the conversation veer in that direction? Iva couldn’t make heads or tails of Julian’s thoughts.

“I’ll help you.”

“What kind of help are you referring to?”

“If Young Lady decides to go to Fenet and marry him, I’ll wholeheartedly support you. Not just a letter of recommendation, but even a dowry.”

Iva, now understanding her underlying intent, grew calm as if doused in cold water. She’s trying to get rid of me from this empire through marriage.

But this tactic was all too familiar to her.

‘Julian. Do you see that gentleman over there? The one in the deep red attire?’

‘The elderly man over there?’

‘Yes, I believe he’d like to speak with you, Julian.’

‘Me?’

‘Just have a conversation. I’ve heard he’s quite wealthy.’

It was reminiscent of the method Iva used in her previous life to try and send Julian to a secluded countryside lord.

“…Lily?”

Unconsciously, Iva used Julian’s nickname. It was the name used by the Lawrence couple for their adopted youngest daughter, Julian. Iva too had occasionally used it in an affectionate manner.

“How presumptuous! To dare address the princess by a nickname.”

As Julian’s expression hardened, Iva’s eyes gleamed, sensing an opportunity.

“I merely mentioned a single word. How did you know it was a nickname?”

“…What?”

Julian’s expression faltered more than ever before.

Could she also remember her previous life, just like me? Is Julian somehow involved in this recurring cycle of life?

Hope surged within Iva, hoping she might find a solution to her recurring deaths.

“Gah!”

Suddenly, Julian, who was perfectly fine during their conversation, clutched her chest.

What? She was just chiding me moments ago; why is she suddenly coughing?

“Cough, cough! Ugh.”

Julian, continuously coughing, hastily pulled on a bell beside the bed, ringing it loudly.

“Princess, did you call?”

The maid who had brought Iva here hurried into the bedroom.

“The princess suddenly fell ill during our conversation!”

Fearing she might be blamed, Iva quickly distanced herself from the bed.

The maid, with practiced ease, approached the bed and rubbed Julian’s back to alleviate her coughing.

“…Cough, please send the guest out.”

“I’m sorry, but I think it’s best if you leave now.”

Summoned abruptly and now just as suddenly being dismissed, Iva left the bedroom feeling like she had been chased out. She mulled over her conversation with Julian.

“There’s still no concrete proof she retains her memories. I need to probe further.”

The astonishment that someone else might also remember their past life, combined with the anxiety that it could be Julian, swirled in her mind.

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