It’s Time to Stop Clinging to the Fake Guide - Chapter 48

Time flew by quickly. When the day of the party arrived and she went to Euphen’s detached palace, the first thing that caught her eye was the sight of people busily rushing about.

“Lynette!”

Mari, who called out to her, was dressed in a maid’s uniform that looked much more crisp and freshly pressed than usual.

“Come here.”
Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Lynette’s hand and pulled.

“Where are we going?”

“Where else? To get you ready for the party.”

“I still haven’t guided His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“He knew you’d say that. He said it could wait until later.”

“But…”

Mari pushed Lynette into a room. Inside, everything had already been prepared: a gown tailored exactly to her measurements, jewelry including a necklace, shoes, pins for her hair, and even maids ready to help her dress.

“First, take a bath.”

“I just washed before coming-”

Not listening, Mari briskly stripped her then shoved her into the tub. The water was warm enough to be pleasant, and carried a faint fragrance, as if something had been steeped in it.

Only after her whole body had relaxed into comfort did Lynette emerge from the bath. A maid dried her damp hair, another dressed her in the gown, and she let their hands work in silence.

I never thought I’d wear a dress again.

After her regression, she hadn’t intended to get close to Euphen. She had believed she’d never indulge in such luxuries again. And until today, that belief had held true.

The dress wasn’t gaudy enough to catch every eye, but the fabric was of fine quality, soft and smooth against her skin.

Lynette gazed quietly at her reflection in the mirror. Standing there like that, it felt as if she had returned to her life before the regression. To those days when she loved Euphen without hesitation, when even the pain of touching him was joy.

A bitter smile touched her lips, and she exhaled a soft sigh.

He said he would introduce Eshar today.

Was it just an introduction? Or would he announce an engagement as well?

Her mind tangled with conflicting thoughts.

If that were to happen, she should be glad. It was what she had hoped for. Yet she couldn’t stand the feelings stirring inside her. She hated herself for it. She had wished for the two to grow closer, hadn’t she?

“When does the party begin?”

“Soon.”
As other maids adjusted Lynette’s hair and makeup, Mari, helping here and there, answered.

“The carriages are already arriving.”

She glanced out the window and spoke casually. The other maids seemed to hear it too, for their hands moved a little faster.

Ah, right. I’m just a maid.

Even if Euphen had specially allowed her to attend the party, she was still nothing more than a servant. For someone like her to arrive later than the nobles would be absurd.

Before her regression, she hadn’t attended many parties. But on the rare occasions she had, Euphen had always taken her in by the hand, allowing her to prepare at leisure.

Now, the last thing was the shoes. After Lynette slipped them on, Mari gestured.

“This way.”

As other maids began tidying up, Mari took the lead. Lynette hurried to keep up with her quick steps.

“Why do you think he let you attend the party?” Mari asked in a low voice.

“Who knows.”
Lynette evaded with a vague smile.

Truthfully, she had no idea either. If it had been the Euphen she knew from before, she could have guessed his intentions. But the current Crown Prince felt like someone else entirely.

“Maybe he wants people to see you together with Lady Eshar?”

“That’s harsh.”

At her reply, Lynette gave a faint, bitter smile.

“…Why is that harsh?”

Mari frowned as she glanced back.

“Just a few days ago, he was still treating you kindly.”

“It’s already been weeks since he met Miss Eshar.”

“My point is, it hasn’t been that long.”

Perhaps he felt something strong enough that the length of time didn’t matter.

But Lynette didn’t voice that thought. There was no reason to speak of fate, nor any reason to explain.

By the time the party hall came into view, Mari pointed it out and then turned back. It was only natural, low-ranking maids were expected to remain out of sight. Still, Lynette felt a pang of emptiness.

At least she’d had someone to talk to.

Gathering her skirt, she approached the hall. A servant glanced at her face and let her through without a word.

The hall was empty. No one had entered yet. Through the windows, she could see a few people chatting out in the garden.

If she went to the lounge and sat, she would only have to give up the seat once someone of higher rank arrived. As the lowest of maids, there was no reason for her to sit there.

So this is what they mean by being a wallflower.

She had heard the phrase, but never thought she’d experience it firsthand.

Lynette stood by the wall. At first, some might glance her way with curiosity. But once they realized she was a lowly maid, the whispering and sidelong glances would begin.

She had been through it before, and told herself she could endure it again. But this time it felt worse. At least back then, Euphen had been by her side.

“Haah…”
She lowered her head and let out a soft sigh.

Footsteps drew closer. The people from the garden were coming in.

Just as Lynette braced herself for what was about to happen, biting her lip… someone suddenly pulled her.

“Ah!”