Today, she knew he was treating her well with good intentions. However, his attitude and reactions felt like a mirror reflecting her past self.

“I can’t withstand even this level of indifference.”

Teresa felt a dark uncertainty about how she would endure a year in this castle.

“Hohoho, Prince Hwang, you’re truly remarkable.”

I was left speechless as I looked at the biological mother of this body.

Facing explicit flattery towards Nathaniel, my face was on the verge of burning up.
Throughout the meal, she lamented her situation.

Stuck in this rural area, she complained about losing her youth and emphasized how impoverished she lived. While doing so, she subtly wished for someone to take her to the Hwang Castle, mentioning a non-existent bond between families.

“Truly incredible audacity.”

Observing Nathaniel sipping tea next to her, she took note of his attitude. He, as usual, remained indifferent, focused on eating cookies without even bothering to respond.

“Ahem…”

Although I had considered ejecting her after lunch, Cecilia’s actions were quicker. Swiftly attaching herself to Nathaniel, she insisted on sharing tales of her daughter’s childhood. Thanks to that, the conversation had continued until now.

“Well, I should be able to share more than she knows.”

Cecilia Demeter was a much formidable adversary than I had anticipated. When her green eyes met mine, they curved slightly, seemingly mocking me.

“She claimed to share Jaina’s childhood, yet all she did was prattle on with stories of little substance.”

Finally reaching the limit of his patience, Nathaniel’s voice lowered more than usual. Seeing this unfamiliar side of Nathaniel, Cecilia trembled and stepped back.

“Ah, talking about Jaina’s childhood is enough… Well, she was just an ordinary girl. Appearance-wise, she resembled me and was as beautiful as a flower, but oh, how mischievous she was.”

Nathaniel, who had been silently listening, smirked.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Excuse me?”

“You and Jaina don’t resemble each other at all.”

Cecilia’s mask-like face distorted at Nathaniel’s confident words.

“Isn’t that so?”

There was nothing to say when she questioned me while looking at me. Even objectively, my face was a spitting image of Cecilia’s appearance.

“Yes, Prince Hwang’s words are entirely correct.”

But, what does it matter? She was openly trying to use both Nathaniel and me.

“Now, will you please stop? It seems like you have nothing more to say about my childhood.”

I smiled slightly and shook my head.

Cecilia’s face froze at my dismissal.

It was a simple indication to leave, but for some reason, she seemed offended, as if her mood had soured.

However, her expression soon changed.

“Alright. I unwisely meddled between the newlyweds.”

I never said anything that extreme.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I did my best to manage my expression.

“It seems Jaina got her lack of tact from her mother. Don’t worry too much.”

“…”

Neither Nathaniel nor I had anything to say to Nathaniel’s words.

Among the people in this room, Nathaniel was probably the least sensitive, wasn’t he?

“Well, have a peaceful journey.”

Finally, Cecilia greeted and left the room.

As I heard the door close with a thud, the tension in my body eased.

“Phew…”

“Were you nervous?”

Nathaniel asked, tilting his head with a smirk.

“Uh, well, it felt like that.”

“It’s been a while since you’ve been this nervous. You used to be confident even in front of the Empress.”
Come to think of it, that’s true.

Perhaps it’s because of my memory of Cecilia’s mischief in the original work.

“But the Empress wasn’t easygoing in the original either.”

What’s the difference between the two?

In the brief moment of contemplation, an urgent voice was heard from outside.

“Prince Hwang, Lady Bee. Lady Demeter has collapsed.”

“What?”

What’s going on again?

I quickly got up from my seat and went outside. Near the entrance, Cecilia was lying on the floor.

Seeing her sprawled out with a pale face, it felt like my heart dropped to the ground.

“Oh…”

For a moment, my head throbbed, and the surroundings spun. In my ears, screams echoed, and a foul odor wafted in the air.

Then, everything turned black before my eyes.

A strange ceiling came into view.

When I looked around in confusion, I saw Nathaniel dozing off by the bed.

“Uh.”

I tried to call him, but my throat was locked, and only a wheezing sound came out.

Wanting to drink water, I tried to get up from the bed.

“Are you awake?”

Nathaniel approached, supporting my back, as I observed him dozing off by the bed.
“Oh…”

His mother must have shown such symptoms at first.

But the cause of my symptoms was clear.

It wasn’t due to any special threat like poisoning.

It was because of the sudden recollection of my childhood.

When unfavorable situations arose, my mother would often feign fainting. Young as I was, I would be surprised and sometimes make a fuss.

“But how am I remembering this?”

Although my mind was still complex, that wasn’t important right now.

“Um. You don’t have to worry. Really, it’s just because I was startled.”

I reached out and touched his cheek. As I gently stroked the soft and smooth cheek, I felt better.

Nathaniel, who would usually dislike it and run away, was quiet today.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Oh, by the way, how is Mother doing?”

“…?”

Nathaniel looked clueless and tilted his head.

“Lady Demeter. She collapsed in front of the entrance earlier.”

“Ah.”

As if remembering, Nathaniel nodded.

“She must have put her somewhere.”

“…”

He seemed completely indifferent.

Thinking about Cecilia’s reaction tomorrow already gave me a headache.

Still, it wasn’t so bad.

It felt like I had given her a small taste of revenge.

“Aren’t you hungry? You didn’t eat anything after lunch earlier.”

Only now did the surroundings come into focus.
Night fell, and the outside of the darkened window was visible. Checking the clock, I realized that evening had already passed.

“Should I prepare something simple to eat? What about Nathaniel?”

“Let’s eat together.”

Saying so, Nathaniel got up and went outside the room.

Before long, maids came in with a trolley carrying simple food. They set the plates on the table and quietly left.

“Eek!”

As I tried to get out of bed, Nathaniel quickly picked me up.

“I’ll carry you since you might faint again.”

“Oh, no…”

Ignoring my response, he walked briskly and set me down on the chair next to the table.

“You must be hungry, so let’s eat.”

With a somewhat dazed expression, I started eating at Nathaniel’s urging.

After finishing dinner, he gently carried me to bed.

“Is it because you’re anxious?”

Nestled in Nathaniel’s arms, who had turned off the lights, I fell asleep thinking that tomorrow would return to normal as usual.