Chapter 123
The one who entered was a maid.
In a calm tone, she relayed that Eshar wished to see her.
Lynette bit down on her lip.
To be honest, she didn’t want to meet her.
She had nothing she wanted to say, and nothing she wanted to hear.
When Euphen had told her to leave, she’d asked if he needed someone to blame.
She knew that wasn’t the case. None of this was Eshar’s fault.
And yet, no matter how much she told herself that, resentment welled up in her heart all the same.
‘If only.’
She couldn’t erase those words.
If only Eshar hadn’t appeared.
If only she hadn’t awakened.
If only… if only…
Cutting off the endless thoughts, Lynette gave a small nod.
After preparing herself, she entered the reception room, where the woman greeted her with a faint smile.
“Miss Eshar.”
Lynette greeted her politely and sat down across from her.
She had no idea what Eshar wanted to talk about.
The decision for her to leave had already been made, and in just a few days they would no longer have any reason to meet.
Everything this woman had wanted was finally coming to pass.
Getting rid of the unknown factor that was Sillian.
Creating an opportunity to place someone more beneficial to Euphen at his side.
And removing Lynette, who had become nothing but a weakness.
She had probably thought through all sorts of advantages beyond that as well.
Keeping her gaze lowered, Lynette waited for Eshar to speak.
The woman began with a light, polite conversation. Talking about the weather, and about the tea.
As though trying to ease the mood before finally saying what she wanted.
“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to tell me. I can help you much better than Euphen can.”
“Your words are more than enough. Thank you.”
“I don’t have as much influence within the Empire, but if it’s another nearby kingdom, I can still be of help.”
“There’s really nothing I need.”
“I was wondering how your preparations were going.”
Was she curious about when Lynette would leave?
Lynette let out a small sigh.
“I’ve almost finished. I plan to depart in three days.”
“That soon?”
Eshar’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
Had she thought Lynette would find some excuse to stay longer?
A bitter smile tugged at Lynette’s lips.
Considering her actions until now, it wasn’t unreasonable for Eshar to think that.
She had said she would distance herself, but her behavior did not match her words.
“There’s no reason to drag things out.”
“Have you decided where to go?”
“Yes.”
She nodded firmly.
It wasn’t as though it mattered if this woman knew.
Euphen would no longer concern himself with anything outside of the throne.
“So, you don’t have to worry.”
Lynette slowly lifted her head and looked at Eshar.
“I already know where I’m going and how I’ll live there. Everything’s been planned.”
She hadn’t planned out exactly what she would do to live, but she did have somewhere to go. Sillian’s position alone guaranteed that much.
‘Not that she’s asking because she’s worried about how I’ll live.’
She pressed her lips together, holding back the small laugh that threatened to escape.
“I’m glad to hear that. It must have been sudden, but I suppose you’ve discussed things thoroughly with that man.”
“Yes.”
Lynette simply nodded. She had no intention of going into detail.
“Did he say anything else?”
He was probably pleased, glad that everything had gone smoothly.
Lynette smiled faintly to herself.
“I know it’s not easy to abandon everything so suddenly. Have you prepared travel expenses? If not, I’d like to help.”
“There shouldn’t be any problems with money.”
Sillian didn’t mention anything about it, which means she didn’t need to worry.
She herself didn’t have a single coin, but he was a prince, after all.
Even if it was a prince from a distant land, she couldn’t imagine him being poor.
‘Even if I did need money, I wouldn’t want to take it from Miss Eshar.’
She lowered her head slightly.
If she were to accept money from this woman, it would feel terrible.
How should she put it?
It reminded her of those scenes in trashy romance novels, where a noble lady humiliates the heroine.
‘I want you to leave my son. A commoner like you isn’t worthy of him.’
Saying that, they’d throw money at her.
Of course, in those novels, the protagonists always reunited later for a happy ending.
But this was reality.
If she accepted anything from Eshar, it would feel like she was being paid to leave Euphen.
Even though she had no intention of ever seeing him again, she couldn’t bring herself to let their parting be reduced to something like that.
If, by some miracle, she were to see Euphen again before she died, she wanted to stand before him with her head held high.
“Then I’m relieved.”
Eshar smiled lightly.
Lynette pressed her lips together again.
An unbearably awkward silence stretched between them.
There was nothing left for Eshar to ask except when she would be gone, so it was only natural.
“Miss Eshar.”
In the subdued stillness, Lynette finally spoke.
“Yes? Go on.”
“…Please, guide His Highness every day.”
Eshar tilted her head slightly.
“His Highness faces many dangerous situations. He has to use his power to protect himself, and the more he uses it, the longer he’ll need to be guided.”
Her voice gradually grew quieter.
She realized too late that she wasn’t in any position to say such a thing.
All this time, the only reason she had guided him was because she was nothing more than a substitute.
So what right did she have to speak so presumptuously now?
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