# 14
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Sertin glanced at the drooping head.
“Huh”
Certain tried to hold back his laughter. Was this an act or did she actually fall asleep? Evelyn was asleep. She was shaking her head as she fell asleep.
All eyes back were on Evelin.
Sertin gently tapped Evelin on the head.
Then, swaying like the hands of a clock, she leaned on Sertine's shoulder. Her head was small and light.
Sertin narrowed his eyes as he contemplated the situation.
'No matter what she thinks about it, she doesn't look like any simple fool. And with actions like this, she makes me doubt her.'
Even today, she suddenly disappeared and came back in a strange way.
'Was she seeing anyone?'
And even Duke Spindel, who showed up late.
With both the young Duke and the Duke himf. Did the three have a secret meeting?
Cyrtain made a formal objection to the Duke of Spindle regarding the young duke's actions, and the Duke even formally apologized as well. He did all this just to observe Evelin's reaction, but she showed no reaction.
“Tsk.”
Cirten and Duke Spindel's eyes met, and Certen smiled slightly and turned his head forward. With the movement of two belts, Evelin's position became more comfortable.
Sertin could hear the sound of her soft breathing as she slept, so he crossed his arms.
'At least, what's certain now is that she's actually asleep?'
What an entertaining woman.
'No way, this is crazy.'
How long have I been sleeping on his shoulder?!
Have you lost your mind, Evelyn?
I couldn't say anything, I just opened my eyes wide and looked at two resumes. My mouth was apparently open, so much so that Sertin gently tapped my chin shut.
Serten smiled faintly and whispered softly
“Did you have sweet dreams, Evelyn?”
“Oh, I didn't dream anything!”
His hand moved closer to me, making me feel strangely nervous. If you do anything suspicious now, he'll get suspicious.
Searden moved closer to me.
'W..what is he trying to do?'
My eyes widened as I stared at him, it was only a moment but it felt like an eternity.
Certin's thumb touched my lips. I felt my breathing stop.
Even though I knew it wouldn't do anything, my imagination began to spin strange ideas. My hidden fingertips trembled lightly.
Oh, my God! Should I run away?
While I was thinking about this, Certin brushed my lips with his thumb. When his cold hand touched my hot lips, I felt the heat rise for a moment.
“Evelin, you seem to have drooled.”
'Drooling?'
It was a moment when my nervousness became ridiculous.
Did you sleep and drool too! Ah...Evelyn!
“Oh...no, that's not my saliva!”
Damn you. Can't I let my guard down even for a moment?
My face started to turn red, so I quickly shook my head.
‘Ah, shame on me…. My pride, my dignity!'
Sertin tapped me gently on the head.
“You said you were hungry. Come on, let's go. There must be something delicious.”
I nodded quickly. If I could get out of this situation, I would even dance.
I followed two steps, taking a deep breath without being noticed.
This Sirtain, he's really crazy.
Is he unaware of his handsomeness? Or does he know and is trying to provoke me? Is he trying to see if I'll fall for him or not?
Sometimes, I felt like I was about to cry.
As we headed into the ballroom, I noticed a face I'd never seen before.
At that moment, I felt that all my senses were alert, and all the thoughts that were occupying me disappeared.
It was a girl about my age, wearing a fancy dress.
With her hair pinned up and styled, her features looked youthful, but she bore a strong resemblance to Cyrtain.
Princess Veronica.
The character killed by Evelyn in the original story.
I swallowed hard. This was my first time seeing Princess Veronica, which made me nervous.
Now, there are two people who could be called “that person” for Augustine.
Certin and Veronica.
'Shit, which one?'
Princess Veronica was constantly in danger of poisoning.
The Spindel family wanted to get rid of all the members of the imperial family and inherit the throne with their blood.
Spindel was the closest to the throne after the royal family. Their first ancestor was the brother of the first emperor.
Veronica is also in danger.
While I was nervous, Princess Veronica approached us.
Princess Veronica bowed politely.
“Hey, it's been a while, brother. And you, Evelyn. Isn't this our first meeting? Nice to meet you.”
Her smile was exactly like Cyrtaine's. The only difference was that Cyrtain's smile concealed malicious intent, while Veronica's smile was pure and sincere.
What a big difference, learn from it, boy.
While I was frozen just looking at Veronica, Sertine tapped me on the shoulder lightly.
“What's wrong, Evelyn?”
Oh my God, my reaction was so embarrassing. What is said in such situations?
“Wow...”
I spontaneously made an expression of astonishment, then said the first thing that came to my mind.
"She's a princess! My husband! She's more beautiful than my doll!"
Yes, no one hates hearing compliments. Princess Veronica smiled brightly at me.
Fortunately, her first impression of me didn't seem to be bad. That's enough for me. Well, that's good.
***
The feast began.
Overhearing the conversations, it seemed that today was the founding ceremony of the Merchants Union.
The merchants' union, or what was known as the bourgeoisie, represented a class that was beginning to formally make its way into society.
If I remember correctly, the Rochester convoy was the largest and most influential.
It seemed like she had some power, too.
Could this talkative man be the head of the Rochester caravan?
Hmm, if my memory serves me correctly, the head of Rochester's caravan later played a supporting role in providing the heroine with information.
If I were in a different situation, I might have benefited from it.
But right now, I have no choice but to rely on myf to survive.
I pretended to watch people while I followed the servants moving back and forth.
Ah, here it is. I saw a maid serving with an indifferent expression.
While I was pretending not to care, I glanced at the food in front of me. Evelyn's personality favored sweets, but she was not fond of food in general.
“You should eat a variety of things, Evelyn.”
“…My brother cares about such matters?”
“Evelyn is still growing.”
Veronica looked at Sirtain as if he was crazy.
Yes, exactly! I feel great! I wasn't the only one who thought he was crazy!
“Mom wanted to see Evelin, so I came today instead.”
“Evelyn is too young for that.”
Veronica looked again at Sertin as if he was crazy.
Yes, this is it! This is what I mean!
Even I think Cyrtain has lost his mind. I started to feel like I might like Veronica.
You two are the perfect picture of real-life siblings.
Veronica sighed and continued talking in a low voice.
“Of course, I heard the story. But my mother knows that and she accepts it. She will be fine. She is just curious about Evelin, so it would be nice to meet her once.”
“I'll think about it. Let's eat now. People are watching us, Veronica.”
Veronica looked like she wanted to say something else, but she shook her head and began eating again.
While I was internally rooting for Veronica, the maid approached us.
Oh. I felt my heartbeat suddenly speed up.
The maid approached slowly and placed a glass next to Veronica.
It's Veronica.
Then the maid slowly withdrew.
I don't drink alcohol because I'm not in good health. While Cyrtain's glass was full of wine.
The place seems to have been prepared with great care to suit different tastes and situations.
Since I didn't bring cookies with me, they chose this method instead. Or maybe this was a warning.
Warning meaning: 'You are not worthy enough as a member of the royal family that you would be attacked in a place like this.'
I glanced at the Duke, but he did not glance at us.
I saw Augustin watching the maid.
That's right, poison. Fuck.
The trick was so elaborate that I alone, with my knowledge of the situation, could have noticed it. My hands started to sweat.
Veronica's every movement seemed to be in slow motion. I felt like my heartbeat was almost deafening. I have no idea.
Was there a scene like this in the novel?
Did Veronica get poisoned at some point?
I don't remember any similar details. What kind of poison is in the cup?
There is no longer time to hesitate.
I saw Veronica's hand reaching for the champagne glass, so I quickly snatched the glass and held it, smiling happily.
"Why wasn't one given to me? Me too! I want to drink this too!"
My hand gripped the cup tightly. I was sure this was the best I could do now.
Acting like a child was the only way to stop Veronica from drinking the poison.
“This is mine!”