Chapter 32
“A suitable match…”
At Sylaria’s offhand remark, Grizelle’s eyes gleamed. She quietly relaxed her clenched fists and brought her hand to her mouth, giving a small cough.
“Sorry, I was a bit harsh just now. I was just so surprised.”
“It’s alright, Grizelle. Everything happened so suddenly, I didn’t have a chance to explain it to you. Calm down and have some water.”
As Sylaria offered, Grizelle gulped down the cold water.
She set the now-empty glass down on the table with a smile. It seemed she had already finished her calculations in that small head of hers.
“Syllie, I’m here to see your engagement ceremony. So I’ll at least stay to see that. Oh, I’m late with my congratulations. Congratulations on your engagement to His Highness the First Prince.”
“Thank you. But you don’t have to force yourself. The date of the engagement ceremony hasn’t even been set yet.”
“Well, I have plenty of time anyway. There’s nothing for me to do even if I go back to Gideon.”
Grizelle spoke cheerfully and moved to sit beside Sylaria. Then she linked arms with her, acting coquettish.
“Since I’m here, I want to enjoy a full tour of the Imperial Palace. I’ll behave myself. Okay?”
Sylaria silently looked down at her friend’s golden hair.
‘What should I do.’
Grizelle’s intentions were plain as day. She must be planning to stay in the Imperial Palace and try to seduce Arendtert.
Should she just let the two worst people become entangled and strangle each other?
It was a tempting choice.
But… is it really necessary?
Sylaria’s eyes narrowed in conflict. Back at the ball, she’d only let Arendtert deal with Grizelle because he was the best person to get her out of the way, but she had never truly intended to set the two of them up. So it was best to get rid of Grizelle now.
“Grizelle, I…”
Just as Sylaria was about to reach her conclusion and speak—
“Sister!”
The door burst open with a cheerful voice and a bright smile. Elenia had arrived, and she was together with Euclid. She smiled radiantly.
The moment she saw her younger sister, Sylaria’s pupils dilated.
“El…lie…?”
Her delicate younger sister ran straight into Sylaria’s arms. It was as if she were embracing a bouquet of lavender flowers. A gentle fragrance washed over her.
“Sister, I missed you…”
Sylaria’s hands hovered in the air, trembling slightly. As she carefully stroked her sister’s fine brown hair, her eyes grew red.
“Ellie…”
Sylaria’s voice trembled. This was the sister she had nearly lost so helplessly. In this life, she would never let Elenia die so tragically.
She would never allow her to die alone and lonely. Not this time.
‘Your dear, sickly little sister has long since died.’
Arendtert’s arrogant voice echoed in Sylaria’s ears as she held Elenia close.
And Grizelle’s laughter, standing there with her belly thrust out as if to show off.
‘I’m sorry. Everything was my fault.’
Sylaria gave a bitter smile. She’d meant to be strong this time, but without realizing it, her timid nature from her previous life had crept back in.
Arendtert and Grizelle. The two of them must walk hand in hand down the path to their own ruin. For that, Sylaria would gladly give Grizelle a push.
“Your Highness Euclid, thank you for bringing Ellie here.”
“Think nothing of it.”
First, Sylaria offered her thanks to Euclid for keeping his promise. Then, as she gently patted her younger sister clinging to her, she continued.
“Ellie, from now on, live here with me.”
“Here?”
“Yes. I’ll soon be engaged to His Highness the First Prince. So you’ll live here too.”
“That’s a great idea, Syllie. I’ll take care of Ellie.”
Not missing her chance, Grizelle inserted herself into the warm exchange between the sisters. Walking on eggshells around her, Grizelle spoke as if afraid that Sylaria might send her back to her hometown.
“I’ve taken care of Ellie often since she was little, haven’t I? Who else could be more suitable?”
Sylaria silently observed Grizelle. It was almost admirable, the way she wormed in at every little opportunity to secure a place for herself.
But she could never entrust precious Elenia to her. The two had to be separated at all costs.
“That won’t do. You’re an honored guest too, Grizelle.”
Sylaria smiled gently. Then she set a trap, aimed at Grizelle, whose eyes went wide.
“How about you stay in the guest palace? It’s close to Aren’s palace, that’s the only downside. If you don’t mind.”
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