Rumi’s actions were much faster than I expected.

Even though I thought she would take a few days to study before approaching Klaus, it seemed like she was determined to throw herself into the fire.

Klaus wouldn’t be that easy to deal with.

Can she clarify that she had no other intentions in the ‘1000 Krum Business’ by preparing in just a day or two?

But because there’s a corner of belief, she must want to meet Klaus.

Discussing with Duke Mecklinger, she might be trying to solidify her position as the Crown Princess during this opportunity.

If Klaus has Count Foyervach by his side, Rumi has Duke Mecklinger, the highest noble in the Empire.

This fact should never be overlooked.

Even though Rumi was an outsider to worldly affairs in her current life, here she was Lady Elfrida, who received attention from the public.

In other words, Rumi should never be underestimated.

If I mock Rumi and my betrayal is revealed.

I don’t even want to think about the aftermath.

“Friendship, huh.”

I, the only friend who knows each other’s souls, was more actively hindering Rumi than anyone else.

My appearance was ridiculous.

I may no longer be friends with Rumi.

Perhaps to Rumi, I am not a friend but a tool for ascending to Crown Princess.

To love Klaus here, I gave up my real name, my present, and friendship.

Can I live without regret for what I’ve given up?

“Ugh!”

For a moment, my chest felt stuffy. My hand automatically went to my chest.

“Haah…”

I don’t know why my heart has been hurting like this lately.

Like a lump of fire occupying one side of my chest, something hot would flare up whenever there was a gap, repeating the process of flaring up and subsiding.

Is it because stress has accumulated too much? If I rest for a few days, I might feel better.

But I couldn’t rest right away.

Rumi would come to the palace soon, and over the weekend, I needed to take carriage lessons from Evangeline, meet with Count Foyervach to discuss property taxes, and check if Anton, the head of the Hresvelgr newspaper, properly wrote the editorial.

In addition, I had to help Klaus prepare for the upcoming hunting competition and deal with the enormous amount of routine paperwork.

I have no time to rest, and how much more so for Crown Prince Klaus. So, I, too, must lend a helping hand.

“Hoo, hoo…”

I took a deep breath. Even so, the tightness in my chest did not disappear.

“I feel like dying, seriously.”

I wished I had a glass of iced water to drink.

Although Klaus said he would meet Rumi right away, it seemed like Rumi herself was not ready for that.

It seemed difficult for her to prepare a model answer in just a day.

In the end, Rumi couldn’t come back to the palace until I had a day off.

Before going to Count Foyervach, I prepared an opinion paper on tax reform.
It was a document with the same content as the one I first showed to Klaus. I planned to hand it over to the Marquis after Eveline and the carriage lesson.

Eveline greeted me with her usual comfortable smile.

“Welcome, Lady Musel.”

“Thank you, Eveline.”

The practice of accurately timing our tea-making was quite boring.

Nevertheless, Eveline’s various stories made it enjoyable.

“Hmm, this taste isn’t bad, but it would have been better if the tea had cooled a bit more.”

“Really? Then let’s try it again.”

I carefully checked the temperature of the water and poured it into the teacup. The tea leaves in the strainer unfolded gently.

“Now we just have to wait a bit.”

“Hoho, Lady Musel, you have to judge the waiting time as well.”

Thanks to Eveline’s clear voice, my heavy heart felt a bit more comfortable.

Another cup of tea was complete. Eveline tasted it with a serious expression.

“This is it. The most ideal taste that these tea leaves can produce.”

I quickly lifted the cup and took a sip. Indeed, the aftertaste was not bitter, and it felt like the tea was purifying my mouth.

“Oh, but Lady Musel?”

“Yes, Eveline.”

Eveline suddenly looked at me with a worried expression.

“Are you not feeling well somewhere? I’ve been concerned since earlier; your complexion doesn’t look good.”

“Ah…”

I unknowingly touched my face. Not that she could see my complexion.

Anyway, I reassured her.

“I did feel a bit tired lately. If you’re worried, I might take a short break soon.”

“It’s not just a casual remark; I’m genuinely worried. Your face looks pale.”

Her concern was appreciated. I smiled gently.

“Even though I look like this, I’m quite robust, so a little rest will probably make me feel better soon.”

“That’s a relief, then.”

The atmosphere became a bit awkward, so I quickly changed the subject.

“By the way, before winter ends, His Highness the Crown Prince is planning to hold a hunting competition. Eveline, will you participate?”

“Oh, yes. It seems I can’t avoid it.”

Eveline chuckled. At the mention of not being able to avoid it, I realized he was an outsider in social circles.

“Even though it’s called a hunt, I don’t like killing animals. I just satisfy myself by visiting the hunting ground owned by the palace once a year. Is it really that wonderful?”