I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original

How did he know I returned home and sent a gift here?

When she went to the parlor, indeed, Pavellian’s aide was there.

“May Orot’s blessing be upon you. His Highness has sent a gift to celebrate your return to the duchy.”

Behind him, the imperial palace servants each held a large or small box, and the one at the front held a large bouquet of flowers.

“

. The pink roses are really pretty…”

“Yes, His Highness specifically chose them. He said they are your favorite flowers.”

“

, yes. Pink roses… Yes, I really like them….”

…. Whom should she blame? It was her fault for pandering to Pavellian, hearing his words in one ear and out the other, always nodding along. Pavellian thought all women liked pink.

There was also a letter.

[To my long-time friend, Lady Selleana.

I congratulate you on your return. I hope you spend a peaceful time with your family in the place where you belong. I look forward to receiving the things you have prepared for me soon.

With affection, Pavellian Winzer Romoe Nepelsian.]

At that moment, that significant phrase caught her eye, and Selleana couldn’t manage her expression.

Truly a chilling narcissism. Selleana shuddered, recalling the obsessive behavior he displayed the last time they met.

“Milady, right after you arrived, many have been seeking you.” After Pavellian’s servants left, Aiven approached Selleana, who was organizing the gift boxes. “A guest has arrived and is waiting in the greenhouse, as per the young master’s instructions.”

“A guest?”

“The Third Prince of Laten and Lord Rondel have visited.”

“What?”

“

.” Michi dropped the bouquet she was holding.

Selleana walked briskly to the greenhouse, suppressing her rising irritation.

Pavellian and Prince Erenst had both been keeping tabs on her. Not as closely as her family, but enough to know about her return to the duchy.

At least five carriages must have moved from the capital to the outskirts where the duchy was located, making it impossible not to notice.

Selleana recalled the information Doloret had shared about Prince Erenst before.

[Currently serving as a board member of the Royal Knight Academy.

Owns a trading company centered around the capital Ratenium. 

Possesses hot springs and resorts on his lands.

Owns a total of six mines, including magic stone, ruby, and coal mines.]

Doloret had set off several issues for redevelopment near the dormitory to prevent leaks, hired bandits to tie up the trading company, sent troublesome customers to the hot springs, and made large, unfulfillable orders to the coal mine. Then, she convinced some investors in the gem mines to withdraw their investments. It was with the purpose that he’d receive a ‘You must come at once’ type of call.  It was regrettable, but it couldn’t be helped since he was unfairly fixated on Michi, who had decided to stay with me for life.

Armed for battle, Selleana entered the greenhouse.

“

, Lea, you’re here?”

“Lady, greetings. It’s been a while.”

“Greetings, Lady. Did you return well last time?”

“May Orot’s blessing be upon you on this peaceful afternoon. It’s been a while, Your Highness. And Lord Rondel as well.”

“I had to return home urgently that day, so I couldn’t say goodbye properly. Erenst here insisted he couldn’t leave peacefully without seeing you, so we hurriedly came to visit.”

The brown-haired man accompanying Prince Erenst was Raidos Rondel, one of Michi’s original male leads from the academy. They shared a close friendship as the four superstars of the academy, treating Erenst informally.

“Yes. I’ve wanted to visit, but it seemed rude to just show up where the ladies were staying.”

“So you were aware.” Selleana managed not to frown at Prince Erenst’s jest. “Unfortunately, I had to return home early that day due to an urgent call from my father.”

Selleana politely responded while glaring at Theonis, who knew about that day’s events and was bound to feel guilty. He quietly endures Selleana’s gaze with a pleasant expression.

“

, it was unfortunate I had urgent matters at my estate and couldn’t attend your invitation. To have His Highness visit us so generously, I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

“It’s nothing. The sudden visit is on me, but I’m grateful for your hospitality.”

“By the way, I heard from the Lord earlier that… you’re returning to your kingdom.”

You’re leaving, right? Selleana held back a smile from broadening too much as she asked.

“Yes. As I mentioned, my stay extended unexpectedly, and I keep receiving various messages from home.”

“Such a pity, given your numerous responsibilities in Laten….” Selleana feigned sympathy, knowing they had caused those messages.

“So, the reason for your visit to our estate is…?”

“Yes, exactly.”

At Prince Erenst’s prompt response, Selleana inwardly grimaced. But his next words were directed at Theonis.

“Lord Theonis, I fell in love with Lady Branto at first sight during the emperor’s birthday celebration… May I meet her?”

What kind of etiquette is this? Prince Erenst was trying to go through Theonis, an adult man, instead of dealing with her directly.

The next head of Elard was Theonis, and the authority of a successor was greater than that of a ducal daughter soon to be married off.

Prince Erenst continued, looking only at Theonis. “That day, the Lady said she and Lady Branto would be together forever, so unless the Lady settles in Laten, Lady Branto won’t leave the empire… Lord Theonis, what do you think?”

“My opinion, you say?”

“Yes. Even if women have loyalty among themselves… My opinion and hers are more important, aren’t they?”

Michi’s opinion?

The arrogance of thinking that Michi, the daughter of a baron, would never refuse him, a prince. The old prejudice that women put love before friendship!

Selleana glared at Theonis, shaking her head slightly so Prince Erenst wouldn’t notice.

“Haha, Lady Branto…” Theonis glanced at Selleana for cues before slowly continuing. “But anyway, congratulations. It’s rare to fall in love at first sight in one’s life.”

“Yes. It was even more special because I never thought such a thing would happen to me. That’s why I wanted to meet her separately and develop a relationship….”

“

, that, well, she’s gone to see a doctor today because she sprained her ankle moving.”

Theonis’s eyes narrowed slightly. He remembered Michi, who had entered the mansion with Selleana earlier, walking strongly.

Theonis watched silently as his sister struggled not to show her maid and friend. Yes, a friend.

Since Michi became Selleana’s maid, the two brothers couldn’t even come near the east wing. Given their dear relationship, it made sense not to introduce her to a prince from another kingdom. Though the reason was unclear.

Considering the recent events and his indebtedness, Theonis chose not to intervene.

Theonis’s silence confirmed to Prince Erenst that Selleana’s words were true. “What a pity. Lady Branto seems fragile.”

“Right. She always gets sick from water changes during trips and doesn’t go out much because she’s naturally frail. She attended the emperor’s birthday party because it was a significant event….”

“Indeed, when I met Lady Branto, she was already fainting…” Prince Erenst couldn’t doubt Selleana’s sympathetic smile.

Theonis maintained a friendly smile, quietly observing his younger sister’s scheming.