When the Guide Stopped Playing a Villainess, the Obsession Began - Chapter 19
“Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty.”
“Yes, I will.”
Andrio, the Emperor’s chief steward, was an unsettling person. It was impossible to read what he was thinking from his expression, and that made him difficult.
The palace’s seamstress was skilled and discreet. Without fussing about her injury, she silently sketched designs and showed them to Lea.
Lea chose a fabric that wouldn’t feel uncomfortable around her neck.
“May I take your measurements?”
“Go ahead.”
At eighteen years old, she was still at an age where she could grow, but Lea casually looked over her body while knowing it would no longer change.
The imperial seamstress took her measurements quickly and silently, then showed her a few design options.
“For this banquet, I recommend this outfit.”
Seeing the design incorporating the red color so beloved by the people of the Cantabrian Empire, Lea nodded.
“You’re right.”
“I will put my utmost care into it.”
“Alright.”
Lea kept her words brief and answered shortly. After the seamstress left, she dismissed even Rose and fell into deep thought.
Based on her memories before death, she knew Calix would eventually seize the upper hand. Even without her lifting a finger, he was already exceptional in talent alone.
In status, ability, character, and even in the blessings he received.
It was as if the world had prepared even hardship in his favor, and in the end, everything would fall into place according to his will.
But that didn’t erase the suffering he had endured.
It would be best if he didn’t suffer at all.
Though she felt shameless for even thinking that someone like her could help him, she still wondered if maybe—just a little—she could lend a hand.
“As long as I don’t reveal myself… then it’ll be fine.”
Just the thought that she could help him made her heart flutter. Lea gently rubbed the bandage covering her wound with her fingertips.
And at that moment, she made up her mind.
She would never reveal herself to him.
Instead, she would use those around her to help him.
* * *
“How do you find it?”
Lea, having risen early to prepare, looked at herself in the full-length mirror and nodded.
The care she’d put in was clearly visible.
“Her Majesty the Empress will enter with His Majesty the Emperor. Following that, His Highness the Crown Prince will enter, and then Your Ladyship will make your entrance.”
Since nobles from all over the empire had been invited, the order of appearance had been strictly arranged.
In the past, she would have stubbornly insisted on why the Crown Prince should go in first…
A laugh slipped from Lea’s lips as she reached up and adjusted a slightly awkward detail reflected in the mirror with her fingertips.
“I chose colors to match today’s dress, but… Do you not like it? Should I pick another?”
Rose asked anxiously, but Lea replied quickly.
“No, I like it.”
It was just unfamiliar, that was all.
The high-necked dress felt odd. In the past, following her mother’s lead, she had always worn low-cut dresses.
But now, being here in the past yet standing in a present that could be changed—that, she liked.
This scar that had formed, and the dress that covered it, were all part of it.
The dress she wore was a vivid red, embroidered with gold thread, both glamorous and elegant.
Her hairstyle was swept up on one side, with the other side lightly covering her left eye.
She felt she was dressed appropriately enough. Before entering, she grabbed a quick bite. The banquet would be overflowing with elaborate hors d’oeuvres and desserts, but she likely wouldn’t have the time to eat anything.
Soon after, led by Rose, she headed to the Palace of Lune, where the banquet would be held.
Lune was a word from the ancient tongue of the Moon, traditionally referring to the Empress.
Sol, meaning the Sun, referred to the Emperor.
Even in the dark of night, the Palace of Lune shone brighter than anywhere else.
From the entryway, lanterns had been hung, illuminating the path beautifully.
As she headed toward the royal-only entrance, Lea spotted him from afar. Her breath got caught in her throat.
Calix, whom she hadn’t seen in several days, stood at the entrance in full ceremonial dress.
He looked so magnificent that she couldn’t take her eyes off him for a moment.
Standing beside him was Ilion—a person Lea found deeply difficult. He was the one who had tortured her in the past.
The moment she saw him, her body stiffened without her realizing it.
But she forced herself to act otherwise and gave a practiced, artificial smile.
Her palm, which had just touched his, was already slick with sweat.
