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“BOYS are…so strange, aren’t they?”
Rashida murmured while staring down at Ian and Glen through the window of her third-floor bedroom. The two had been going at it for some time, engaging in so many matches that the girls had stopped counting. Eugene stood nearby, keeping a close eye on them and most likely keeping count of their victories and losses.
“How many matches does this make now? I really hope they don’t tire themselves so much that they fall asleep before dinner.”
“I remember one of my older brothers mentioning that when men cross swords, they learn a great deal about each other. Even so… They seem to be taking these bouts quite seriously, hm?”
“I wonder, I wonder.”
Emma tried to keep her response as neutral as possible, but for some strange reason, Rashida ended her comment with a devilish giggle.
“Emma, who are you rooting for?”
What sort of question is that! Emma blushed unconsciously.
“Wh-Who am I… Neither! Besides, you’re well aware that Ian has undergone special training as a time traveler’s protector. He won’t be bested so easily.”
“Hmmm… You sound as if you’re speaking from Lord Glen’s perspective.”
“Uh… Am I?”
“I think you are. It’s easy to tell he cares about you, Emma, from the way he looks at you.”
“Wait… Truly? Do you truly think so?”
Emma had worried herself silly over the thought since yesterday, so she couldn’t help blurting out such a remark. At the same time, she recalled learning about Glen’s gift to her when they’d been in the carriage. Maybe I was right. He wasn’t just helping someone in need. There may be a deeper meaning to his incomprehensible actions. I really, honestly hope that’s true. When her wish unconsciously flashed through her mind, she shook her head in panic.
“I… I’m engaged to Lord Bernard.”
“Oh, yes, the boy who comes across as arrogant.”
“He, in fact, is arrogant, actually.”
I’m losing my mind. I had no reason to say such a thing. Emma hurried to pull herself together.
“If I can successfully break off my engagement to Bernard…only then will I consider th-this particular suitor. In the meantime, though, I plan on shutting such thoughts away.”
She couldn’t recall ever falling in love with someone before. From fairy tales and novels she’d read over the years, she logically understood the sentiment. But she had never experienced it. That was why she couldn’t grasp this strange sense of superiority she felt about a certain someone’s possible affection for her. It made her restless inside.
I used to think…that I felt love for Bernard… But now I realize… Whatever I felt for him barely counted as normal compassion. In her first life, Emma devoted herself to Bernard. Though she could admit it in hindsight, even that had just been one part of the ladylike, obedient facade she had maintained.
“You’re right… Life is complicated, isn’t it?”
In the blink of an eye, Rashida’s expression turned serious and pensive as she gazed down at Eugene in the garden. Anyone looking at her would know she was in love with her personal attendant. Emma realized Duke Eslan was aware of his daughter’s affection for the young man and was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to separate them.
That’s what he must have been insinuating when he asked Rashida if there was anything else she wanted to tell him. Born into a lower noble house like I was, even I can’t choose my spouse… So Rashida must be harboring much greater pain than I. Realizing her friend remained unaware of the upcoming conflict in her future, Emma’s chest tightened even more, seeing the sadness in her friend’s eyes.