16 Royal Birthday (5)

"We have arrived, Milady," I announced, making my way toward the restroom designated for females.

"Wait."

I was just about to exit when Irisdina's voice halted me.

"Milady?" I turned to her, awaiting her instructions.

"Are you going to leave me here alone? I'm a Count's daughter, you know? You can at least stand guard a little," she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Milady, it might be inappropriate for a man like me to linger nearby—"

"Just stand outside, can you do that at least? Mother would be angry if she learned that I had been left alone. She might be already looking for me," Irisdina insisted.

"Of course... Milady," I reluctantly agreed. Although my instinct urged me to stay close to Celastrina in case of any unforeseen events, I couldn't refuse Irisdina outrightly.

Crossing my arms, I leaned against the wall and waited.

Raising my right hand, I lifted my index finger, around which a sphere of wind swirled. Over the past three years, my control over wind had significantly improved. While I could effortlessly execute Tier 2 wind spells, I knew there was room for more growth with additional training. I aspired for a strength that could rival even the protagonists. No, I needed to surpass them by a wide margin. The upcoming threats were dangerous enough that even protagonists and heroines couldn't tackle alone.

Another realization struck me. After pondering it at length, I considered recruiting individuals to work under me. I was aware of some highly talented individuals who had the potential to become formidable forces in the future. Currently, they were entangled in their own problems, but with effort, I believed I could locate them and bring them under my wing.

Cancelling the wind, I frowned.

What was she doing?

"Milady?" I called out.

No response.

I cautiously peeked inside and found her leaning against the basin, a smile gracing her face as she observed a butterfly resting on her hand.

The scene felt oddly familiar; Celastrina, too, engaged in conversations with butterflies on occasion.

"Milady, we should head back," I called out again, this time in a slightly louder tone.

Irisdina turned her face toward me. "It's rude to peek in a women's restroom."

"Indeed, I apologize, Milady, but I couldn't help but be a little worried," I replied.

"You were worried? About me?" Irisdina approached.

Observing her face, I detected a slight resemblance to Vanessa and Celastrina, though it was minimal. In every aspect, she was distinct from them.

"Of course, Milady," I nodded in affirmation.

"Why are you hiding your face, Night?" she asked, extending her hand curiously.

I intercepted her hand midway, holding it gently. "Milady, you might catch an unnecessary sickness."

Irisdina didn't say anything but instead gazed deeply into my eyes. "Your eyes are so black."

"Indeed, Milady."

Her attention then shifted toward my hand, which was still grasping her arm.

"My apologies," I quickly let go of her arm and bowed my head.

"You are apologizing too much," Irisdina giggled.

"I have been rude. Milady, if you'd excuse me, I should head back to Milady Celastrina's side now," I said, turning around.

"Of course," Irisdina finally nodded, and we made our way back.

However, upon our return to the hall, I couldn't spot Celastrina anywhere, despite scanning the area carefully.

Arthur stood there with a grin, engaged in conversation with Robin, but Celastrina had vanished. Moreover, another girl had joined them – Veronica.

I clenched my fists and continued to search, but there was no sign of her.

"You see how she left?"

"Ahaha. You should have seen her face!"

"Right!"

As whispers from some nobles reached my ears, I headed toward them, determined to unravel the mystery.

"Excuse me, Milord, may I know where Milady Celastrina has gone?" I asked urgently.

Marcus Goodwell, who had been laughing until now, turned toward me with a glare. "You filthy butler orders me around?"

"No, Milord. I simply requested assistance since I cannot find Milady. Please accept my apologies if I have been rude," I responded swiftly, my patience wearing thin.

"You're still ordering me?! Damn butler!" Marcus roared and unexpectedly punched me.

My head tilted to the side as I absorbed his feeble punch. "May I know where Milady Celastrina is?" I asked again, staring back at him with a steadily growing cold gaze.

Marcus and his two friends instinctively took a step back.

"Milord, please." I took a step forward.

"Y-You bastard!" Marcus raised his fist to strike me again in a panic, but suddenly another person intervened.

"Marcus, you are being rude."

I turned my gaze to the side and saw the beautiful blond-haired princess. She frowned disapprovingly at Marcus before looking at me. "I saw Celestrina heading outside after a conversation with Arthur... but she was followed by Cedric's friends."

She left after talking to Arthur.

Cedric's, the Duke's son's friends, followed after Celastrina.

That was enough for me.

Fortunately, half of my face was hidden; otherwise, my current expression wouldn't look good at all. I wore no expression on my face.

"Thank you very much, Your Highness," Putting my hand on my chest, I expressed gratitude to Louise as I left immediately, throwing a last glance at Arthur, who was laughing with Robin, Irisdina, and Veronica.

One day, I will take care of this guy.

Leaving the hall, I stayed still in the corridor and closed my eyes. 

What happened and where was she?

°°°°°

Ten minutes ago...

Celastrina stood there, unmoving.

Initially excited to see Prince Arthur again, her enthusiasm waned when she entered the birthday hall and found him not alone. Dressed handsomely, Arthur was accompanied by Robin, and to Celastrina's dismay, Irisdina was also present – her half-sister.

Hatred toward Irisdina had always festered within Celastrina. She held her responsible, albeit indirectly, for all the misfortunes that befell her and her mother. Celastrina cherished her mother deeply, but she had never witnessed a genuinely happy smile on her face. The duties resulting from her father's betrayal kept them apart. A father she, too, despised.

Jealousy consumed Celastrina when it came to Irisdina. The latter seemed to have it all – a complete family, constant maternal presence, talent, charm, and a captivating personality. Recently, Irisdina had even managed to capture Prince Arthur's attention.

Celastrina was no fool; she was neither blind nor deaf. She noticed Arthur's boredom every time he was with her. He would occasionally bring up Irisdina's name in her presence. Despite these signs, Celastrina chose to ignore them. After all, Prince Arthur was her fiancé, the Prince her mother had always counted on before drifting into sleep.

The Prince meant to save her and who would love her more than her mother would. The Prince who would always be with her, would hear her, would protect her from any circumstance, would never betray her.

When she heard about the engagement between her and Prince Arthur, she became convinced that Arthur was that Prince of her dreams. 

But that same Prince had now betrayed her for her half-sister. A similar and familiar recurrence that had happened to her mother.

Celastrina was coldly looking at them—no. She was looking at Irisdina. She was more angry at Celastrina for simply being in her vision than Prince Irisdina being with Arthur.

At that time…she heard a soft and reassuring voice.

"Milady. Be ready."