Chapter 12.2

“If it’s Crown Prince Marcel, you’ve heard of him, right? Though he’s just seventeen, he’s rumored to be so skilled in combat magic that he doesn’t need the imperial guard.”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

See, it’s obvious.

The pain I’m going through now quickly gets skipped over in the overall plotline.

It’s just a backstory.

The real story begins when I meet the prince.

“Ah, since you’re a girl, you might not be interested in talks of magical prowess. How about this! His Highness’s looks are said to be quite splendid.”

Simon laughed heartily.

‘Of course, since he’s the male lead.’

I swallowed the sarcastic thought that arose spontaneously.

At this moment, whether the crown prince was handsome or not, kind or cruel, was utterly irrelevant to me.

If he could just take me out of this house and teach me magic, I was ready to fall in love.

‘Ah, is this when I’m supposed to blush?’

But being no professional actress, that was too much to ask.

“I’m happy with any match Father decides. Thank you for your efforts on my behalf.”

Instead, I bowed my head and proficiently spat out the goosebump-inducing line.

I could never forget that the man before me had murdered me several times, but I could endure it all the same.

After all, if I could just bear it for another half a year, it would be over. Predetermined pain wasn’t so hard to endure.

And finally, that day came.

“Miss, do you have any more luggage to pack?”

“No, it’s just… I can’t quite believe I’m actually leaving.”

Just before heading to the capital, I took one last look at my room and the mansion where I had been almost imprisoned for the past year.

‘Wow, it was disgusting being with you, let’s never meet again.’

It was a long-awaited farewell.

Of course, leaving here didn’t mean I was completely free from the Dayton family.

According to the customs of Claremont, noble young ladies were sent to the capital upon turning eighteen to debut.

The social circles where young men and women from across the country gathered served as a sort of testing ground for marriage prospects.

Normally, marriage discussions went on quietly for one or two years before a marriage was settled. After the wedding, it was customary for the woman to leave the capital and live in the man’s family estate.

So, my destination was the Dayton family’s mansion located in the capital.

‘But Father has been boasting about the engagement to the prince soon to be announced, so I just have to endure a bit longer.’

“Edith! Climb aboard the carriage!”

Johan, my older brother, reached out his hand to me with a bright smile.

This carriage, specially made for my stay in the capital, was said to move by magic. Its seats, like a luxury limousine, enveloped me in comfort, and it was equipped with various conveniences from heating and cooling to safety features.

Admitting what must be admitted, I was initially quite taken with it.

‘In a way, isn’t this like fulfilling the dream of having my own car?’

Here I was, who couldn’t even afford an old used car and had to squeeze among the crazies on Line 1 to get to work.

But the more I thought about it, the excitement dwindled.

‘It’s nothing but a shiny piece of junk.’

Driving the carriage was Father’s trusted butler, Samuel, who was to take care of me in the capital.

“Miss, I will ensure your safe arrival to the capital.”

Unless I could drive it myself, it was clear I wouldn’t move an inch without Father’s knowledge.

Even Johan, who could easily use teleportation magic, insisted on accompanying me, saying he would come and go from the capital.

“Miss Edith, to think the day has come!”

Jane, carrying a simple suitcase and wiping away tears, was also set to follow me wherever I went.

The thought of how much she would scold me for every little thing already gave me a headache.

“It’s already so moving, just leaving. How much more touching will the wedding be!”

“That’s right, I’m very much looking forward to my wedding, too.”

I laughed, covering my mouth with my gloved hand, as manners dictated.

‘Just wait till I get married. I’ll get my revenge in full.’

Unaware of the vengeful thoughts I harbored, everyone inside the carriage burst into fond laughter, thinking I was adorable.

‘But it’s nice to get away, after all.’

For the past year or so, the mansion and its garden were the only places I could go. Just looking at the scenery passing by the carriage window, racing through the meadows, felt liberating.

The grass fields, moving gently with the wind, looked like a giant green carpet being rolled and unrolled, endlessly fascinating.

‘Hmm, what’s that?’

As I gazed out the window, something unfamiliar caught my eye.

Something so familiar it felt even more strange.