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“MY name is Emma Grace Seagrove, and I’ll be your personal attendant for the duration of your stay here today and tomorrow.”
When he saw her looking so dignified, her spine ramrod straight, Glen lost his grip on the overcoat he had just taken off. It fell to the floor with a soft rustle.
“Excuse me, Your Highness, while I get this.”
Emma bent down and smoothly picked up his coat before hanging it neatly over her arm. He stared at her like he couldn’t believe what his eyes were seeing. Aware of his attention, she looked up from the coat, and their eyes locked for a moment. Then Emma smiled at him in recognition.
“Oh! I remember you from our time at the Magic Academy. I was informed of Your Highness’s stay in Reauxvil as an exchange student, but we were, in fact, classmates, weren’t we? I only just realized since you were using a different name back then.”
“Indeed… I’m surprised you even remember me.”
“It’s only natural! You always stood out wherever you went when we were in school together.”
She gave him her finest smile, one reserved for formal occasions.
“You must be weary from all the events and ceremonies today. Shall I bring you a pot of herbal tea while you relax until dinnertime?”
Realizing Emma was about to excuse herself in consideration of him, Glen stopped her with a single request.
“No. No, I’m fine. Would you care to join me for tea instead? I find myself wanting company.”
“…It would be an honor.”
After her deep azure eyes widened for a moment, she consented with good grace.
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“YOU… You’re engaged…to Victor?”
Once they finished their introductions, Emma told him more about her situation. Her announcement shocked him to the core.
“Yes. It was a sudden decision made three months ago. I’m currently working as a court lady as part of my training to become his bride.”
“Did… Didn’t you have another fiancé?”
She briefly cast her eyes down.
“You’re quite informed, hm? But… The truth is, my previous betrothal was part of my reward from the royal family for my service to the nation as a time traveler. Three months ago, at almost the same time I lost my ability, another person with an affinity for time appeared. Due to that, the other party requested the dissolution of our engagement at a royal function attended by the royals and nobility of all places. Which made me damaged goods as far as the marriage mart was concerned.”
Glen made a shocked sound deep in his throat because he couldn’t manage words. He was stunned to hear about Emma’s horrendous treatment. To have someone she’d known since childhood so cruelly break their engagement at an official state dinner, no less. The scandal would forever tarnish the young lady’s reputation, even if she wasn’t at fault. It was, unfortunately, too easy for him to know that, in such cases, the lady in question would find it difficult to secure another good match. Well… It’s no wonder…she refers to herself as damaged goods.
“Feeling deeply responsible for the situation, His Majesty not only raised my father’s rank to that of a count but also graciously arranged for my engagement to his son, Prince Victor, who also happens to be a childhood friend.”
“Then… You don’t find this outcome favorable for yourself? All’s well that ends well, I suppose?”
Glen said so because he remembered Bernard’s words when he first turned back time. Yet Emma’s expression clouded even more.
“It is as you say. But… I lost my closest friends and my protector, whom I considered a friend too… In the blink of an eye, I lost everyone who supported me, so I’m terribly afraid. Of course, Prince Victor is a kind, sincere individual. I have no complaints about him as a person or friend. But when I think about how much of my life still remains and whether or not I can ever trust another person from the bottom of my heart again, unconditionally… I know my worries are impious, especially in light of how the royal family has welcomed me with open arms. They’ve done more for me than I deserve. And yet…”
Emma continued hesitantly.
“A short while ago, the me from three months ago briefly inhabited my body for a mission. When I opened my eyes and woke up, I found my happiness from that period lingering…and it made me a bit sad. I normally wouldn’t discuss anything like this with anyone, except…for some reason, I feel quite strange today.”
Glen didn’t see a trace of the dignified, awe-inspiring figure who had powerfully drawn him in with her myriad, ever-changing expressions two years ago. All he could see now were empty eyes devoid of hope like she had given up on life. But until she opened up just now, she had skillfully concealed her devastation. The fact that she poured her heart out to him, and him alone, fiercely roused his instinct to protect her.
“Then, if you could do it all over again, when would you want to return?”
Someone normal would have taken his question as a joke or an interesting hypothetical to liven up a conversation. But Emma, who had an affinity for time, answered seriously and plainly.
“There’s no point even thinking about it because it’s impossible to remake one’s life. I’ve already lost my power, and even if I hadn’t, it’s commonly accepted that the past can’t be changed regardless.”
“I was merely joking, though it was in poor taste. Please don’t take it so seriously.”
Glen’s tone and manner of speaking abruptly became more informal and friendly. She stared at him, confused for a beat before a smile tilted her lips up. She remembered again that they were the same age, not to mention cohorts in the same graduating class.
“Um… You’re right; forgive me. Then, in that case, I would return to the day the dinner party took place. So I could have the pleasure of venting my spleen on the traitorous lout who not only chose such a detestable light pink dress but also had the absolute gall to disrespect His Majesty.”
“Oh ho, a fine plan indeed. I’m already quaking in my boots, and I’m not even the one who’d be on the receiving end of your wrath.”
Emma’s smile brightened at his teasing rejoinder, and she continued. “Hm… Though I wouldn’t mind returning to the time I started at the Academy. Truthfully, I gave up on my childhood dream, but lately, I find myself thinking of it more and more. I would be more than happy to marry His Highness Victor, but if I ever had the chance, I think I’d enjoy going down the path of my childhood dream instead.”
“…You don’t say.”
In their third year at the Magic Academy, on the day Glen deliberately erased, Emma had told him about her dream, so he was well aware.
“I… I’m so sorry. I went too far just now. Would you kindly forget I said anything?”
Emma came to her senses when she realized Glen was seriously pondering her words.
“…As you wish.”
“Heh. I’ve never talked to someone like this before. I feel better now, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you very much, Your Highness.”
The smile she showed him was a clear sign that the many layers of armor wrapped around her initially had completely vanished. Don’t you have any idea how defenseless you are? I’d wager the only reason you even talked to me so freely and vulnerably is because you think I have nothing to do with your series of misfortunes. Because I’m a stranger, I can view your story objectively instead of being carried away by emotion. You would be wrong, though, dear Emma.
Her unconditional faith in him made him incredibly happy. But it also stirred a jealous need to make certain no one else ever saw her like this.