Chapter 86
Isidor Hestue, a journalist for the famous gossip paper The Golden Times, and the second son of a wealthy barony.
When Isidor had come to Gideon on assignment, he had fallen for Elenia and declared himself her friend. And for years since, he had written her letters without fail.
He and Sylaria only knew each other by face, but with Elenia, it was different. Isidor was the sort of man who would come running anywhere, anytime, if she called for him.
Moreover, if the request was made in front of Elenia, he would hardly be able to refuse.
The last time they had met, he had still been an ordinary reporter. But now he had gone so far as to buy the newspaper itself. What a fortunate turn of events.
As the owner of a paper, he no longer had to worry about currying favor with anyone above him. That meant he could handle whatever Sylaria needed done quickly and discreetly.
“I’d like to invite Isidor to the Imperial Palace. There’s something I want to report to The Golden Times. You’re closer to him than I am, so could you write to him for me?”
“Of course, I’ll do it right away.”
“Thank you, Ellie.”
“That’s nothing compared to everything you’ve done for me.”
Elenia replied kindly. With a shy smile, she turned toward Euclid.
“Thank you, Your Highness the First Prince, for always looking after me.”
“If you ever need anything, just tell me. I’ll take care of it.”
“You already do more than enough.”
At Euclid’s reassuring words, Elenia waved her hands modestly, laughing softly before glancing at Marin. Even that short conversation seemed to have tired her. She looked ready to return and rest.
“Marin, please take care of Elenia.”
“Yes, Milady.”
Supported by Marin, Elenia slowly rose to her feet. She gave a polite nod to Euclid and everyone else in the room before stepping out.
Sylaria watched her beloved sister’s retreating back until it disappeared completely from sight, unable to look away.
Elenia was more precious to Sylaria than anyone. After losing their mother and enduring torment from their stepfather, it was Elenia who had given her the strength to survive that hellish life.
Because Elenia existed—because she had a younger sister to protect—Sylaria had been able to endure. Elenia was the very reason she lived.
In her past life, losing Elenia so meaninglessly, watching her die far before her time, had left a wound that never faded from Sylaria’s heart.
This time, she would never lose her sister again.
Sylaria vowed to protect Elenia with everything she had.
To ensure she lived not just her given years, but far beyond them, in health and happiness.
* * *
Back in her chambers, Elenia lay down on the bed. She knew she needed to move often, to walk and keep her heart strong, but her body still lacked the strength, and it was difficult.
“Please rest well, Milady.”
“Thank you, Marin.”
Elenia thanked the maid gently as Marin straightened her blankets. When she closed her eyes, she heard the door close softly as Marin left. She was just on the verge of drifting into peaceful sleep when.
“Ellie!”
With a sudden shout, the door burst open. As Elenia struggled to sit up with her weary body, the bed creaked. Grizelle had barged in uninvited and perched herself on the edge of the mattress.
“Grizelle…? How are you here? Didn’t you go back to Gideon?”
Elenia’s eyes widened as she rubbed them. Grizelle had disappeared for some time now, so she’d assumed her friend had returned home, just as Sylaria had once told her to.
But for her to suddenly appear like this… It was both surprising and strangely heartening.
“Why would I go back? The Imperial Palace is my home.”
Grizelle shrugged as she spoke. Elenia took one look at her attire and gasped.
Grizelle was wearing—well, to put it kindly—a very liberally designed dress. The neckline plunged so low that every movement made it seem as though her chest might spill out at any moment.
The overly revealing gown, more fitting for a courtesan, made Grizelle look terribly vulgar.
‘Why is she dressed like that?’
Unable to bring herself to comment on her friend’s clothing, Elenia bit her lip instead. But Grizelle, having caught her gaze, lifted her chin proudly.
“Pretty, isn’t it? His Highness the Second Prince gifted it to me. I’ve become his consort, you see.”
“…What?”
Elenia’s mouth fell open at Grizelle’s words. Seeing her stunned expression, Grizelle smiled brightly.
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