At Elaina’s voice, Sinclair unknowingly made a very dazed expression. As if he had been enchanted by something.

Even in that moment, the small white hand was warmly. And very carefully holding the large hand full of scars.

Sinclair’s golden eyes, filled with Elaina, swirled aimlessly.

“You said we should look like a perfect married couple.”

“…”

“Especially in the imperial palace, it would be even more so. There are many watching eyes here and there. Of course, there will be people of the Emperor and Hister among them. So there’s nothing for us to lose by walking like this.”

…Ah.

So.

For that reason?

Sinclair looked down at Elaina.

Even the always sincere Elaina did not completely refrain from lying.

Especially in situations like this, it was even more so.

Of course, what she just told Sinclair was one of the reasons. But rambling on about things he didn’t even ask about was…

Just, because she seemed to somewhat understand what emotions Sinclair was feeling right now.

Because she was concerned about him continuing to make that face alone.

But to honestly reveal everything and hold his scarred hand, she lacked the courage.

Those were the reasons.

“Sinclair…?”

“Yes.”

And to the voice softly calling his name, Sinclair answered quietly in a very low voice.

“Let’s walk like this.”

That was it. Sinclair didn’t say anything more and held Elaina’s hand. Very carefully. But with a little strength so as not to let go easily.

“…”

No conversation passed between the two people slowly walking. Only from far away, occasional whispering sounds were heard.

“My goodness, that Prince Sinclair is walking around holding a woman’s hand in broad daylight…?”

For example, words like this,

“They said his leg was injured, but I guess that wasn’t a lie?”

Words like that.

If Sinclair hadn’t been with her, she would have clearly heard worse things. They must have some sense and sanity to stop at just those words. Elaina thought to herself.

The spring breeze blowing was cool, and the weather was very bright, but Sinclair looked like a person in winter alone.

Sinclair, walking with her, was still keeping silent, and his face remained stiffly hardened.

Elaina quietly looked at such a Sinclair, then slowly moved her lips.

“About my leg.”

Sinclair suddenly stumbled greatly.

“People gossiped that my family did this to me, but it was actually just a simple accident.”

“…”

“I was in a valley, and my ankle got firmly stuck in a large crevice between rocks.”

Yes.

I knew.

I wasn’t unaware.

Because I was there too.

“I struggled for a long time trying to pull my leg out… I finally succeeded, but the valley water gradually rose and suddenly engulfed me.”

“…”

“When I came to my senses, I was on land, and I barely made it home crying my eyes out. But the words I returned to were outrageous.”

Elaina muttered with a snicker.

“Melissa didn’t even notice I was hurt. She didn’t pay attention even though I came back in that state. Leila smiled as if she was very happy. Like someone who had just received really good news. And Melvin…”

Even now, she remembered clearly. The words Melvin had spat at his young daughter who had barely returned alive. Who was clearly not in a normal state for anyone to see.

“He said it was a good sight to see such a young girl already becoming wanton and running around. That now I would just be stuck at home.”

“…”

“After enjoying themselves like that, when they realized my leg was completely ruined, they suddenly got angry and slapped my cheek. Saying that the only thing worth looking at was my face and body, and now what use did I have.”

I should have just killed Melvin then. After ruining him the same way, making him just as much of a mess.

Sinclair was filled with anger alone like that. Not knowing his own place.

“I think my personality changed a lot after that. It was no different from my dream of escaping from House Aswald being shattered to pieces. In fact, it was my leg that was ruined, but my heart was ruined too.”

Sinclair secretly bit his lip with all his might without Elaina noticing.

“But you know what, Sinclair?”

“…What.”

Sinclair asked back in a low voice.

“From the day you came to me with a marriage proposal. And from the moment you saved me from being sold to Duke Hank, my heart slowly started to change.”

“…”

“And I realized. That in fact, I still hadn’t given up on my dream of leaving House Aswald.”

I thought I had given up on all my dreams, but that wasn’t true. I had merely abandoned them.

In that situation, the only salvation that came to me was none other than this man named Sinclair Butler.

“In a way, you’re the one who gave me even a little bit of hope, Sinclair.”

Is that really true, Elaina?

From the beginning, I was the one who trampled and shattered your brilliantly radiant hope into a mess.

“You’re different from me, Sinclair. I had given up on my dreams at one point, but you never did. Even when the Emperor drove you to the brink of death, you always came back alive, even ringing victory bells.”

No, that was for a different reason.

The reason I came back alive every time was because I didn’t even dare to die alone.

And my greatest dream wasn’t the Emperor’s throne…

“Such people are very rare. You’re special. So no matter what abusive words you hear, no matter how you’re treated, don’t mind it at all. There’s no reason to, right?”

Contrary to Sinclair’s thoughts, Elaina continued speaking.

“You’ll be able to do well. I’ll do my best to help you from the side too. This will be a very big opportunity for you, so don’t be bound by whatever schemes the Emperor and Hister might have.”

…Sinclair now belatedly realized. The reason Elaina was saying these things was because she was being considerate of him. That it was to give him strength.

Do I even deserve to receive such comfort? Her kindness left a bitter taste in his mouth. Perhaps it was even making his chest ache.

Who helped whom? I never helped Elaina. I just belatedly found the only way to eliminate my sense of responsibility and guilt.

So every time he saw her face and heard her voice, his heart was breaking into pieces, but Sinclair knew very well. That there was no more effective punishment for him than this…

The Elaina before his eyes seemed like the only anchor holding him, who was like a ship adrift in the vast ocean.

But someday that anchor would be loosened, and he would again wander the vast sea like a ghost, without any promise, dream, or hope.

Yes.

So it was something he shouldn’t do anymore, to have times like this with Elaina, to find comfort in her.

So Sinclair slowly let go of Elaina’s hand.

“I need to talk to Schuler about the founding ceremony, so you go back to the prince’s palace first.”

“…”

“I don’t need to go to the trouble of escorting you back.”

With those final words, Sinclair turned around coldly. Then he started walking alone without looking back at Elaina even once.

Is his heart still not settled?

Left alone, Elaina made a slightly regretful expression, but soon she saw Judith and Anna running towards her from the front with faces full of worry.

Right. I should do what I can do too.

Elaina thought that as she walked along with her maids.

Eden Bell was a place where social activities were extremely lively compared to other empires.

The nobles held tiresome parties for all sorts of bizarre reasons.

Even if there wasn’t a party, as if they didn’t know how to spend time alone, they gathered almost every day to have tea time and meals together.

And at the very top of that social world was Lady Regers.

Just like Elaina almost did, she was sold into marriage at a very young age to an old baron, but on the very first night. The baron, who had greatly overestimated his own health condition, died of overexertion, leaving her to inherit a massive fortune.

At some point, she began to be called by several other names instead of the title of baroness.

Eden Bell’s skilled matchmaker.

Or, the gossipy Lady Regers.

The reason was simple.

Lady Regers had the loosest lips, the widest connections, and the most interest in other people’s affairs in Eden Bell.

Well, from her perspective, it was unavoidable.

Having lived as a commoner all her life and suddenly becoming a wealthy noble who could live without any worries, the vanity, luxury, desire for power and honor that she had suppressed all along naturally emerged. And that was the only enjoyment she had.

So when Lady Regers received the letter, she jumped for joy, her head nearly piercing the sky.

One of the main subjects of the hottest gossip in Eden Bell these days.

It was inevitable since Elaina Butler had requested a meeting with her.

“Hello, Lady Regers. I’m so glad you came out like this, even though I sent you a sudden letter.”

Looking at Elaina, who greeted her so warmly and kindly, Lady Regers’ face was full of subtle delight and strong curiosity.