Chapter 27
Since that day, Euphen had stopped approaching her without formality. He no longer wrapped his arms casually around her shoulders, nor did he say needless things.
‘He probably never once thought all those emotions were because of guiding.’
Before the regression, Lynette had never thought of it that way either. She had simply believed Euphen truly loved her. That he cherished her.
But now, when she thought about it, suspicion crept in. Wasn’t the foundation of those emotions perhaps in guiding?
If the two of them had not been a fake Guide and Esper, but simply maid Lynette and Imperial Prince Euphen… would they still have loved each other?
Whenever she imagined that, she hated herself for not being able to confidently answer yes.
‘But it’s the truth.’
How could she not have considered the overwhelming emotional changes that guiding brought?
It was proof that, back then, she had been so blinded by love that she saw nothing else.
Now she knew there was no meaning in debating whether the emotions before regression were like this or like that. Even so, the feeling of everything she believed in collapsing all at once was so devastating that it was beyond words.
Lynette clenched her fists tightly.
Even if it was fake, it didn’t matter. The fact that she had loved Euphen was real, so it made no difference.
The one thing that hadn’t changed was that this time, she didn’t want to hurt him.
“Huu…”
She forced the thoughts away and lifted her gaze toward the large mansion at the location Eshar had told her about. It was a building far grander and more splendid than most noble households.
A vast garden stretching endlessly, high fences, and a massive front gate so large that it seemed impossible for a single person to push open. Intricate patterns were embossed across it.
Whether it was because Eshar had already spoken beforehand, the guards at the entrance let Lynette pass without question.
“Miss Lynette, we’ve been waiting for you.”
A maid approached her with a bright smile.
‘Did she not say I was just a maid?’
That was Lynette’s first thought, but she didn’t voice it. From the maid’s perspective, it was probably better not to say that a low-ranking maid of the Imperial Castle had come as a guest.
‘Incredible.’
She thought she had grown tired of splendor after living in the Imperial Castle for several years, but the wealth of a great merchant house seemed to exceed even that.
How should she put it? If the Imperial Castle was a grandeur built upon long-accumulated tradition, then this mansion could be described as a refined splendor that followed the latest trends. On top of that, foreign ornaments she had occasionally glimpsed in the Imperial Castle were placed here as if they were part of everyday decoration.
Even Lynette couldn’t completely hide her curiosity and glanced around. The maid walking ahead noticed and kindly slowed her steps.
The place they arrived at was a drawing room half made of glass like a conservatory. Despite the chilly weather, the sun-warmed air wrapped around her body softly.
“Lynette.”
Eshar welcomed her.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Please, sit.”
The woman approached with a delighted expression.
‘She clearly knows I’m not someone worthy of this kind of reception.’
And yet, she treated her no differently, as if she had heard nothing. It was a little surprising.
Perhaps she wasn’t the kind of person bound by class distinctions.
Thinking it was unexpected, Lynette slowly took a seat.
Even if Eshar wasn’t a noble, her family already wielded power equivalent to one through sheer wealth alone. Yet she made no discrimination at the word “maid.”
Lynette gazed quietly at her face.
Before, with her hair tied back and wearing comfortable trousers, she had looked mischievous. But today, she looked like a well-kempt young lady of a noble household.
Soft golden curls framed her cheeks. A dress without heavy lace or dripping jewels still appeared refined enough. Earrings and a necklace, small but sparkling, suited her well.
“You’re beautiful.”
The admiration slipped out sincerely. At those words, Eshar smiled brightly.
“Thank you. Lynette, you also look even prettier today.”
To her polite remark, Lynette only gave a faint smile. After all, there was nothing special about the standard uniform given to maids. She fidgeted with her skirt hem for no reason.
“How’s your ankle?”
“Thanks to your concern, it healed perfectly.”
Though in truth, she had never been injured at all.
A few conventional, polite words were exchanged. Lynette found herself thinking more favorably of Eshar.
She had assumed that since she wasn’t from a noble family, she might not care for etiquette, but her demeanor was flawless. She wouldn’t look the least bit out of place standing beside Euphen right now.
‘It’s ridiculous of me to think like this.’
Realizing how foolish she was, as if a fake could think she was anything at all, Lynette gave a bitter smile.
“I never expected you to invite me, so thank you.”
“But you said you wanted to meet, didn’t you?”
The woman smiled prettily.
Her smile had not a single crease, and Lynette almost envied it. As if she had never once known hardship or pain.
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