“Ugh.”

How long had it been since I could straighten my back? At least thanks to Dante getting me comfortable shoes, it was a bit better. I did some light stretching. The scene was slowly getting under control. There were ten dead, 22 seriously injured, and many more with minor injuries. Considering the extent of the accident, it was a relief there weren’t more casualties, thanks to the holy power.

“Thank goodness…….”

“What’s so good about it?”

A nasal voice interrupted. The lizard poked its head out.

“It’s a relief that the damage ended here.”

“You fool!”

The lizard yanked its fingers from its nose and shouted.

“This is a human-caused accident! With such a filthy smell lingering here, you think it’s a relief?”

The lizard snapped irritably. How it had endured until now, I had no idea. I looked around and tapped the lizard’s back.

“Calm down. So, did you find out anything?”

“For one, that woman is definitely not a saintess. And the power she uses is anything but holy.”

“But you don’t know what she really is?”

“No. To figure that out, I’d need to look into her soul. Can you arrange for me to get close to her?”

I didn’t want the lizard to be caught and taken by Illyae. A sacred dragon would be quite a prize. So, keeping the lizard’s identity a secret was crucial. There were only two weeks left until the wedding. Would there be a chance to get close to Illyae within that time?

“Do you have to touch her directly?” 

“Yes.”

Taking Illyae along as an attendant might provide more opportunities. Should I endure the stress of having Illyae nearby to uncover her identity, or take my time investigating her slowly? Both options were unpleasant. I sighed deeply.

“I’ll think about it.”

I just needed to decide before the wedding. I slowly walked toward the gathering crowd. Dante was the first to spot me and smiled slightly. The wary, ill-tempered cat I met on the first day was now a friendly, welcoming dog. I raised my hand slightly to acknowledge Dante, but then my eyes met Illyae’s. Her bright smile turned icy cold.

‘What are you really, Illyae?’ Illyae turned her head and flashed a charming smile at Prince Werner.

“What are you looking at?”

Dante approached me.

“Illyae. I’m looking at Illyae.”

“What are you thinking about?”

I answered without thinking.

“That she’s pretty.”

Dante sighed and blocked my view. Looking up, I saw Dante’s face harden.

“You don’t need to think that.”

“What?”

“You’re prettier. Even if you’re with Lady Illyae, she wouldn’t stand out.”

My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected to hear such words from Dante.

“That doesn’t make sense.”

“What doesn’t make sense?”

“Just… never mind.”

I was a bit confused. I knew Dante wasn’t particularly interested in Illyae, but I thought it was because he met me first and was discussing marriage with me. Dante was inherently a good and upright person who thought Illyae was naïve. I never expected him to say something so nice to me.

“I’m serious.”

Dante frowned.

“Okay.”

“I really mean it.”

“I’ll believe you.”

I felt much better. Even if I took Illyae as an attendant, Dante might not fall for her. My heart beat pleasantly. Dante and I arrived at the gathering. The people who had worked hard to manage the situation were there, including Prince Werner.

“It’s our first formal introduction. Lady Chloe.”

He knows me?

“Greetings to the small sun of the empire. Lady Chloe Tyrannia, at your service.”

Werner waved his hand.

“No need for such formalities. We’re comrades who spent the day together, aren’t we? Right, Dante?”

“Even so, I believe manners are important, Your Highness.”

Werner was easy-going and flexible, while Dante was firm and unyielding. It was ironic how such different people were close friends. Seeing them now, it seemed Werner was persistent even if Dante disliked it.

“Is it because she’s your fiancée?”

“Fiancée?”

I asked without thinking. Werner squinted and laughed.

“I heard the wedding is next week. That makes her your fiancée.”

“Yes, I think so, too.”

Someone interrupted. It was Illyae.

“Ugh!”

The lizard let out a small groan and covered its nose. Fortunately, it wasn’t loud enough for others to notice. I cleared my throat unnecessarily. Illyae continued to speak, glancing at me.

“Chloe is so shy she rarely participates in social activities. I’m so glad she’s connected with the Duke of Petros.”

Illyae spoke in a lively tone. She knew exactly how to appear more charming. Even the way she blinked had changed.

“I actually worried that Chloe might not marry because she stayed home so much.”

Illyae giggled. Werner smoothly responded.

“Lady seems confident, doesn’t she?”

Illyae widened her eyes but answered adorably without hesitation.

“Of course. I’m very confident.”

She doesn’t get flustered easily. She’s impressive in many ways. Illyae lowered her voice a bit.

“Since Chloe will become a duchess, won’t you find a good match for me, too? Thanks to Chloe, I feel reassured!”

Wow. I was almost in awe. How thick-skinned could she be? Dante remained indifferent. Anyone who knew how Dante and I came to be engaged would be shocked. Werner matched Illyae’s tone and laughed.

“Both of you are doing great for the empire.”

“Where are you headed, Your Highness?”

The nearest place was the Petros townhouse. The palace was a bit farther, followed by the Count of Tyrannia’s estate.

“I’m thinking of going to Petros. The duke has kindly granted permission.”

“I have not, Your Highness.”

Dante spoke coldly, but Werner ignored him.

“I’ll host a grand banquet at the duke’s residence.”

I could sense Dante grinding his teeth. Neither Werner nor Illyae listened to others. They were truly a perfect couple.

“Oh, then am I invited, too?”

Illyae asked sweetly.

“Of course. Anyone from Tyrannia is welcome.”

Werner’s gaze naturally shifted to me.

“With two sisters working so hard for the empire, it’s only right. Lady Chloe, you will attend too, right?”

I heard Dante sigh. Honestly, I didn’t want to go. The host wasn’t keen, and I didn’t want to watch Werner and Illyae act like a perfect couple. But in this society, refusing the crown prince’s invitation was difficult. I forced a smile and replied.

“Yes, Your Highness. I will.”

“If you don’t want to come along, you don’t have to.”

Only Dante understood my feelings.

“I really want you to come.”

“Chloe, I’d feel too awkward going alone.”

Illyae also urged me. Her look suggested she wanted me to assist her at the event, like a hunter eyeing its prey.

“I’ll go. Dante, I’ll be fine.”

Dante seemed uncomfortable with my response. What was bothering him? But he didn’t argue further. 

Werner insisted on personally escorting Illyae and me to Tyrannia. So, we ended up in the carriage with Werner, Dante, Illyae, and me. While Dante and I remained silent, Illyae and Werner never stopped talking. How do they not get tired? 

They were like Energizers.