Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Honestly, the first thing that crossed my mind when I heard her offer was simple:

What exactly are you planning to do...?!

Rather than reassuring, it felt outright unsettling.

“Sister, what exactly is your plan?”

“Nothing much. I’ll just make sure everyone’s eyes are on me, and all the men are chasing after me.”

“…Sister. I firmly believe you are the most beautiful woman in this country, but—”

“Hmm!”

Natalie scoffed lightly, clearly pleased, before flashing a sly smile.

“You really think I’ve been welcomed at so many parties just because of my natural beauty? Well, I suppose you wouldn’t know, considering you’ve spent as much time locked in your room with books as I’ve spent at parties.”

“Sorry…”

“No need to apologize. I’m only sad that you’ve never had the chance to see me in action at a party.”

“I’ll do my best to watch you closely before sneaking out!”

“That’s enough. In exchange for helping you, I have just one question. Answer me honestly.”

“Oh, yes!”

“Where are you going, and why?”

It was the question I’d been expecting.

The fact that it wasn’t just one question was beside the point.

After a moment of hesitation, I dismissed the maids and answered, deciding it was better to be honest than risk getting tangled in lies.

“Have you heard of the Sacred Salon?”

“Oh, that underground gambling den?”

A perfect summary.

“Yes… It’s not exactly the most reputable place, but still—”

“Don’t bother making excuses. Have you ever seen me justify my personality? Learn to be confident about your choices.”

“Yes, yes!”

Feeling oddly comforted, I explained the situation.

How my knack for reading had helped me predict social events (not entirely a lie). How I’d received an invitation after correctly predicting one such event. How I was after the information exchanged at the salon. And, though I intended to marry the prince, I wanted Madame Abigail to keep me in mind for a good match, just in case.

After listening to my story, Natalie frowned slightly.

“Do you really believe a faceless figure can control high society? Even the king can’t pull that off.”

“I do. I think such influence is more likely to stem from the anonymity of the shadows than from personal power. Sometimes, the rumors of a tavern braggart can shake a nation more effectively than a royal decree.”

“…I was going to say, ‘You’re too naive,’ but that’s surprisingly intriguing.”

After a moment of contemplation, Natalie spoke again.

“Fine. It’s not like I’m in a position to tell you what to do. Besides, I’m glad to hear you don’t actually believe in that ‘I’m entirely devoted to His Highness!’ nonsense.”

“It’s just a precaution! I do want to marry His Highness!”

“Got it. Well, that part’s up to you. Just so you know, I have zero intention of supporting you and His Highness… unless you genuinely fall in love with him.”

Love?

I nearly choked.

Sure, maybe I’d grow fond of him eventually after we got married. But how could I possibly fall in love with someone whose only redeeming feature was his face?

Okay, and maybe his height. And sure, his silhouette under a shirt hinted at some decent muscles.

Plus, he didn’t just sit around idly—he’d been researching his territory in advance, which was unexpected and commendable. He also bought me food, from delicious places, no less.

But still!

“His personality is awful! He told me my face wasn’t good enough to stand next to his. How could I ever truly love someone like that?”

“…Oh my, did he really say that? That your face isn’t good enough?”

Ah.

Natalie’s lips curled upward. It wasn’t a smile—it was the expression of a leopard ready to pounce on its prey.

“Why are you angry? You’ve criticized my looks and sense all the time!”

“You’re my sister! He’s just your fiancé!”

“What difference does it make?”

“It makes all the difference! If you’d asked me, ‘How can I be more beautiful?’ I would’ve given you advice. All he’s doing is mocking you!”

“What you did was essentially mocking me too! Besides, I’m not even the kind of person who cares about that… Wait.”

Hold on.

“…Were you secretly hoping I’d ask for that kind of advice?”

“Ha! As if I’d ever…”

Natalie started with her usual dismissive tone, but as her voice trailed off, her expression shifted.

Suddenly, she seemed to be grappling with some realization.

And the conclusion was obvious—her face began turning red.

Did she just discover a truth about herself she hadn’t known until now?

…I think I’m finally starting to understand what kind of sisters Natalie and Doris were.

Like a baby goat that loves sprouts and a baby leopard that loves meat, they must have started off trying to feed each other things they found delightful, only to drift apart over time.

Even as this epiphany dawned on me, Natalie struggled to find her words.

Her face now crimson, she mumbled awkwardly.

“W-Well! Anyway, buy yourself some time after seven o’clock. I’m heading down to check the dance playlist! If Mother’s picked nothing but boring songs, I’ll need to fix it!”

“W-Wait, Natalie! I have something to ask you!”

“What? If it’s about how to dress, I swear I’ll put you in something absurd!”

“Do you have a wish?”

“…What?”

Natalie paused with her hand on the doorknob. Before she could escape, I hurriedly added,

“If I marry His Highness, I won’t have much use for any wish I win at the salon, right? I was thinking… maybe I could use it for you.”

“My dear Doris, you may know a lot, but you’re quite creative when it comes to being foolish. Greed knows no bounds, so use the wish for yourself. Don’t regret trying to act noble later.”

“Sister, aren’t you being too soft on me? If your little sister offers to give something up, you should seize the chance before I change my mind.”

“Ha! Look at you, trying to win with words now. I’m off.”

“Just remember, I mean it! Think about what wish you’d like, just in case!”

Natalie didn’t respond further, closing the door behind her. I think I heard a faint, smug chuckle as she left.

Sigh.

Maybe saying I’d use the wish for her was too much?

But the truth was… I didn’t want to see her meet a bad ending anymore.

…Truly.

Now that I’d realized it, the emotion surged up within me.

Even though she’s arrogant, selfish, and never listens to me (and insists on trying to set me up with the young duke when I’ve repeatedly told her I’m not interested!), she’s no longer just a “villainess” to me. She feels more like a temperamental, self-centered older sister.

I don’t necessarily like Natalie. But I don’t want to see her ruined either.

In the original story, Natalie tries to steal Arthur, tarnishes the family’s reputation, and is sent to a convent by our father as punishment.

While the current Natalie doesn’t seem likely to torment Maria like in the original, I can’t rule out the possibility.

Father wouldn’t hesitate to cast out an unmarried daughter with no prospects.

Sister, at the very least, I don’t want you to be unhappy.

And to prevent that, I need to know what you truly want.

As the sun set, the atmosphere of the impending banquet became more tangible.

Someone’s roasting chicken.@@novelbin@@

The rich, savory aroma of chicken sizzling to a golden brown wafted through the air. From another direction came the buttery scent of pound cake cooling after baking.

While I was focused on the kitchen, Natalie stood on the second floor, leisurely overlooking the hall below.

“Mother must’ve put a lot of thought into the guest list. If you dropped a wine glass here, there’s a 75% chance it would hit the eldest son of a noble family.”

“What’s so good about… I mean, yes, that’s impressive.”

By “eldest son,” she obviously meant someone set to inherit titles and estates—not someone stuck with ceremonial duties like at K-ceremonies.

“If you see someone with a face that suits your taste, let me know. I’ll prep them for you to devour.”

“I’m not ‘devouring’ anyone!”

“Natalie, what are you planning to feed Doris now?”

The countess suddenly appeared, walking briskly between us.

“What exactly are you preparing? Are you already discussing which animals to accept as gifts for the hunting competition?”

Natalie deflected smoothly.

“Well, yes. If Doris doesn’t receive anything, I thought I might catch something for her.”

“Such grand dreams! You’re both ladies. You’re only allowed to sit quietly and accept what’s offered.”

“Like with proposals and dances, I presume?”

“Why ask something so obvious, Natalie?”

“Mother, don’t I look beautiful today?”

The random question made the countess frown. But her expression quickly melted as Natalie twirled gracefully in place.

“…You look stunning.”

I couldn’t disagree.

Her beige silk dress, adorned with delicate gold embroidery, seemed understated at first glance, but the expertly tailored design accentuated Natalie’s regal posture. Her fiery red hair was swept into a low bun, drawing attention to her striking features.

Mother stared, captivated, before finally snapping back to her senses and turning to me.

Damn. Anyone would look like a squid when compared to Natalie just after seeing her.

Bracing myself for inevitable comparisons, I was saved by a timely interruption.

The voice of a steward rang out from the front door.

“Announcing Arthur Albion of Frost Hill!”

Seven o’clock on the dot.

As Mother hesitated, torn between scolding me or going to greet the guest of honor, Natalie made her move.

Turning to us with a smile, she said, “Mother, tonight, I’ll show you what it looks like when the young duke chases after only me.”