The Empress praised Elfriede’s family at every opportunity.

Was this the norm even over the weekend? Even in a villainess-possessed novel, this level of blatant favoritism was unexpected.

In the original story, the Empress was indeed favorable towards Elfriede. If the protagonist Evangeline had her biological mother, the Countess of Poirebach, on her side, Elfriede had the Empress.

However, as the story progressed, the Empress gradually distanced herself from Elfriede due to her reckless and disrespectful behavior.

Lumi must have been aware of this. I had expected her to be more cautious.

But it seemed my assumption was wrong. How blatantly obvious she was!

Klaus also seemed annoyed by the Empress’s overt favoritism towards Elfriede and her family.

“Ah, Mother.”

He sighed deeply, then spoke with a look of determination.

“I’d like to have a family conversation for a moment. Without any attendants.”

The Empress’s lips, which had been curved upward, suddenly straightened in a firm line. Reluctantly accepting her son’s request, she spoke.

“Elfriede, please leave us for a while.”

Seizing the moment, I also spoke to Klaus.

“Then I’ll take my leave as well, Your Highness.”

“Alright, Müsel. I’ll call you later.”

I shot Lumi a quick glance.

She looked at me with displeasure and then reluctantly bowed to the Empress.

“Then, please have a comfortable conversation, Your Highness.”

“See you later, Elfriede.”

Even as the daughter of the powerful Duke Mecklinger, she had no choice but to obediently leave when asked by the Empress.

Lumi lifted her skirt slightly and walked out ahead of me.

“…….”

I quietly followed her. A chill seemed to emanate from her retreating figure.

Lutz stood outside, maintaining a straight posture. Surprised to see Lumi and me emerge, he looked at us.

That’s when Lumi spoke in a clear voice.

“Sir Müsel, shall we have a talk somewhere quiet?”

“Yes, by all means.”

I responded without hesitation.

Following Lumi, I waved discreetly at Lutz, signaling that everything was alright.

As soon as we entered an empty room nearby, Lumi slammed the door with a loud bang.

“Have you lost your mind? Following me here?”

I had anticipated this reaction. Calmly, I replied.
“His Highness asked me to accompany him. I’m not in a position to refuse his orders.”

“You could have made up an excuse to get out of it! Don’t you have any sense?”

There’s no end to her complaints.

But I had no intention of getting worked up like Lumi. I gave up trying to convince her and quickly changed the subject.

“I’ve arranged to receive tea ceremony lessons from Evangeline.”

“You really are…, wait, what did you say?”

Lumi stopped mid-rant and looked at me.

I deliberately kept a neutral expression as I spoke.

“I’m just doing my part, step by step. How about you? Has your favorability with the male lead improved?”

“Mind your own business. I’m handling it just fine.”

Lumi retorted sharply. I nodded nonchalantly, avoiding further argument.

“Okay, got it.”

There was a lull in the conversation. I didn’t look at Lumi, focusing instead on the room’s decorations. She avoided making eye contact with me.

“…….”

“…….”

Finally, I broke the silence.

“……You know, this way of doing things won’t work with the male lead.”

“Hmph, what do you know?”

As expected, my words were instantly rebuffed. But I persisted patiently.

“The male lead brought me here today. Don’t you see what that means?”

“What are you trying to say?”

Her tone softened a bit, perhaps my words had some impact.

I felt a wave of sadness. In this world, we’re the only ones who truly know each other’s souls. Why do we keep fighting like this?

“Lumi, we’re the only ones in this place who know who we really are.”

I’m on your side. I’m your only friend. I swallowed the rest of my thoughts.

“…….”

Lumi clenched her mouth shut and looked at me, then quickly averted her eyes.

“That’s the problem. The fact that you know my true self.”

“What……?”

Lumi gave me a resentful look and then abruptly opened the door and left.