Won't you come today?
I swallowed a sigh. The tea had long since grown cold. It was already half past three.
A cup of tea at 2 PM on Wednesdays in the outdoor garden of the Crown Princess's Palace.
Even though it had been designated as an official appointment three years ago, I only saw Leopold's face a handful of times each year.
On days when he broke our promise, all he had to do was send a gorgeous bouquet of flowers or jewels a day or two later. A few weeks ago, cards started arriving with the bouquets:
"I'm sorry, Princess. An urgent meeting came up."
"I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in ages—we lost track of time."
"Unfortunately, I couldn't make it due to a terrible headache."
I shrugged it off each time. But my disappointment never disappeared.
Leopold was always like this. I hoped alone and was disappointed alone. I hoped again—and was disappointed again.
In the distance, the ladies-in-waiting watched me with sharp eyes. Even when I pretended to be unconcerned, I couldn't avoid their gazes—like predators observing prey.
Especially Countess Chase, who had become the Empress's new chess piece two months ago. Last time, I'd been criticized by the Empress for "failing to capture the Crown Prince's heart."
I can't bear this anymore. I really want to see Leopold today.
My fiancé, who has such a beautiful smile. Even though he disappointed me, I wanted to see him again.
Well, no matter how much Leopold made me wait, I could never truly hate him.
Because I had loved Leopold from the first moment I saw him—when I was nine years old.
---
"You will become Crown Princess."
It was Leopold's eleventh birthday. The Duke spoke to young me with a voice sharp as a knife.
"No matter how stupid you are, surely you can manage at least this one task."
The Duke's eyes narrowed. It was the same look my mother used when examining meat at the market—judging its usefulness.
My heart dropped.
"I-I can do it!"
Even though I didn't fully understand the Duke's words, I answered enthusiastically. It was the first time Father had spoken to me directly.
I had such high hopes that if I did well, he might continue talking to me in the future.
But that expectation shattered the moment we entered the fancy banquet hall.
"Are you the illegitimate daughter of the Madeleine family?"
My mind went blank. The cruel words from the children continued:
"I heard the Duchess died because of her, didn't she?"
"That's right! Her mother too!"
"Why did you even come here if you're not wanted?"
I decided not to remember how that moment passed. That painful scene was only saved by Leopold's words—beautiful as an angel's:
"It's a pretty name. Olivia."
Even now, at twenty years old, I clearly remembered eleven-year-old Leopold's kind smile.
He was a real angel who appeared when no one else would help me.
From that moment on, I'd had a crush on Leopold. It had been a long eleven years.
So even when he made me wait like this, I endured it. Someday, very soon.
I believed that if I did my best, Leopold would look at me kindly again—just like he had that day.
My vague old memories were still so beautiful.
I smiled and rose from my seat.
The ladies-in-waiting gathered around. Countess Chase, at the forefront, said to me:
"Are you leaving the palace already? Her Highness the Crown Princess is calling for you—you'd better go quickly."
A summons from the Princess? What does she want to burden me with this time?
It would be nice if it were just flower arrangements like last time. A few months ago, I remembered the secret recovery of the Princess's estate, which had fallen into financial trouble during spring.
The Princess had told me to solve it using my personal resources first. Then she'd disappeared, only reappearing after I'd restored everything with my own funds—as if nothing had happened.
Under the pretext of "testing whether I had the qualities of a Crown Princess," she confidently delegated her duties to me.
The White Crystal Mine that was supposedly defunct. The Kingdom's Necklace that was destroyed. Even demands to bring a baby dragon from mythology...
"Her Highness is resting at the Crown Prince's Palace for a while, so you'll need to see her there immediately."
"The Crown Prince's Palace?"
Isn't that a place no one can enter freely?
It seemed another unreasonable order would be given to me today.
"...Thank you for letting me know."
"My lady, since Her Highness wants to see you, you should keep your expression pleasant."
"Yes, Countess."
Countess Chase was momentarily startled by my low, cutting voice. Her mouth opened slightly, eyes blinking in disbelief.
She can't believe it.
The person standing before her was clearly Olivia Madeleine—the dirty illegitimate daughter of the Madeleine family. Yet I carried an overpowering aura, and my green eyes were as cold as frost.
Without realizing it, she let out a soft gasp.
Then, in an instant, my eyes softened.
"Thank you for your concern."
"Oh—uh, no, it's nothing..."
The Countess stuttered in embarrassment as I gave a light nod. I smiled and turned around.
Only when my graceful back had disappeared into the distance did she realize I was walking in the opposite direction of the Crown Prince's Palace.
---
"It's been a while, Princess. How have you been?"
As soon as I entered the Crown Prince's Palace, the chamberlain emerged. He looked surprised for a moment before expertly composing himself and greeting me.
I was equally surprised. Even though Leopold had broken so many promises, I had never come to visit him uninvited.
"Thank you, Chamberlain. I've come to see His Highness the Crown Prince."
Instead of immediately leading me to where Leopold was—or informing him of my arrival—the chamberlain hesitated.
"Is His Highness away on business?"
"...That is..."
The chamberlain trailed off awkwardly. Bad thoughts bloomed in my mind.
At that moment, a kind, beautiful voice rang out:
"Oh! Aren't you Princess Madeleine?"
I turned at the sound of a woman's voice calling me.
"...Your Highness?"
Leopold's voice made me freeze.
Leopold—who had been absent throughout our entire appointment—was walking from the back of the palace.
He walked alongside a beautiful blonde lady.
"...Greetings to the little sun of the empire. I, Olivia Madeleine, meet His Highness the Crown Prince."
I took a deep breath and raised the corners of my mouth as if nothing was wrong. Even though they trembled, I tried to speak sweetly.
"...And Lady Ethel. It's been a while."
Maria Ethel, daughter of the Marquis of Ethel. The adorable youngest child of the Ethel family.
And Leopold's lover—excluded from consideration as his fiancée only because the Ethel family held a lower-ranking marquisate title.
The sight before my eyes seemed to turn white. I tightened my grip on my dress.
Leopold looked perfectly fine—healthy, content.
I feel like such a fool for worrying that something might have happened to him.
Leopold frowned. It was a habit that appeared whenever he disliked something.
"What are you doing here?"
His voice sounded genuinely confused—as if he truly didn't know.
At that moment, I remembered how excited I'd been since yesterday, just because I would be meeting Leopold today.
I felt so pathetically sad.
"Since Your Highness didn't come, I came to see if something was wrong. I didn't realize we had... a guest."
I wasn't sure if I could even call Maria Ethel a "guest."
I tried to keep my voice from hardening, but it was difficult. Leopold and Maria stood close together, as if showing off their affectionate relationship even from a distance.
He's a man who doesn't let just anyone near him. Leopold always kept a certain distance from me. But Maria is so easily by his side.
When I recognized that truth, my heart sank.
"Why did you come here without any prior notice?"
I bit my lip. It was a confirmed blow.
Meanwhile, the chamberlain hurried to Leopold's side and whispered something.
Only then did understanding pass over Leopold's face. A troubled look appeared in his eyes—and quickly disappeared.
"Now that I think about it, today is Wednesday, isn't it?"
'Already.' He said it as if it were no big deal.
"Yes. It's already Wednesday."
The day of the week I looked forward to most was Wednesday. I had been waiting for next Wednesday since leaving the palace after the last broken promise.
Even when summoned by the Empress and Princess. Even when entering the palace to handle business at the Crown Princess's Palace. Even when I suppressed my desire to see his face on other days—I waited for Wednesday.
I thought the worst thing would be Leopold not being happy about me visiting on another day. But him forgetting our appointment entirely and looking troubled when he saw me—this is worse than anything I imagined.
While my mind tangled in knots, Leopold walked toward me.
"I've been out of my mind lately. I even forgot what day of the week it was. Olivia—have you been waiting long?"
"Not that long."
"Hmm. It looks like my fiancée is quite sulky today."
Leopold spoke softly, as if apologetic. He held out his hand and smiled sweetly.
"Let me make it up to you with a date. How about next Monday?"
"It's a pretty name. Olivia."
Was it because the sun was shining so brightly? Or because of that friendly voice?
Even though I was clearly angry and hurt, old memories overlapped the present moment.
My wounded heart screamed at me to reject him. But that gentle voice wouldn't let go of my heart.
It's a losing battle anyway. Olivia Madeleine is in love with Leopold Franz—and Leopold Franz knows it very well.
"...All right."
I placed my hand on top of Leopold's.
He smiled brightly and kissed the back of my hand. His sparkling blue eyes met mine.
I couldn't help but notice his arrogant gaze—as if he'd naturally known this would happen all along.
My heart pounded painfully, but I consoled myself.
I'll be fine soon. I'll feel better soon—because I'm working so hard.
I felt Maria's gaze piercing into me from behind, but I ignored it.
That's why I didn't notice—
When Leopold and Maria walked close together, my heart—which I'd barely been holding together—flinched ever so slightly.
I smiled brightly, ignoring all of it.
---
"I'll prepare the carriage right away."
Seeing me off was the chamberlain's responsibility. He avoided my gaze, but I smiled faintly.
Why does he act like he did something wrong? He's not the one who brought Maria Ethel into the palace.
"Will you be all right? You mentioned Her Highness the Princess called for you earlier."
"The sun is lovely—I think I'll walk."
"Isn't it quite far to the Green Palace?"
"The Green Palace?"
"Yes. I heard today's tea party is specifically being held at the Green Palace."
The chamberlain trailed off as if saying, "Oops."
The usual tea party location was the Princess's own palace. Judging by the fact that there hadn't been a single word of notice, it seemed the Princess had deliberately chosen a troublesome location today.
"Thank you for letting me know. Still, I'll walk."
I took a step forward. The palace garden was beautiful, and the sunlight was warm.
I quietly held my breath, then released it slowly.
It's strange. Normally, holding my breath once and releasing it makes everything feel better. But this uncomfortable feeling in my chest hasn't eased since this morning.
As I continued walking, I had already reached the Green Palace.
In the distance, I saw young ladies enjoying a tea party. Princess Reina, sitting at the head of the table, was smiling beautifully—as if in an excellent mood.
The Princess looked around and spotted me. The other ladies seemed to sense my presence as well. Their laughter stopped, and soon they showered me with unpleasant glances.
"I greet Her Highness the Crown Princess."
"Princess, you arrived sooner than expected. I suppose you didn't enjoy meeting my brother very much?"
The words, spoken in a joking tone, were harsh.
"How could that be? However, after hearing Your Highness summoned me, His Highness the Crown Prince told me to come quickly."
Everyone knew this was a made-up story, but no one argued.
The Princess laughed and stared at one end of the table. An empty seat at the head—where I should have sat—was filled by the daughter of the Marquis of Libeorn.
It was a seating arrangement where the intention was painfully clear.
The Princess blinked her eyes innocently, as if she knew nothing.
"It's time for new faces to join my tea party. Now that I think about it—has the Little Princess's health improved?"
"...I apologize. As you know, my youngest sister's health is fragile."
"Hmm. What a pity."
The Princess sighed with a face that looked anything but sad.
I studied her carefully. Lately, the frequency with which the Princess mentioned Ethella had increased.
The Princess knows very well that Ethella won't come here—Father makes various excuses to delay her debut in society. So what's her intention?
The combination was perfect—as if they'd rehearsed it.
The ladies who had been chattering away cleverly glanced at me, expecting me to look hurt.
But I swallowed my bitter smile.
Compared to the stares at Leopold's birthday banquet years ago, this is just dessert. I can easily swallow insults like these.
"Oh!"
At that moment, everyone's attention focused on one direction.
The council meeting seemed to have ended—nobles were emerging. I spotted my father at the front of the approaching crowd.
I opened my mouth without realizing it.
"Father..."
The moment our eyes met, Father naturally turned away from me.
Other nobles glanced at me as I stood there alone—a strange scene visible to anyone. Yet not a single noble interfered.
When all the nobles had passed, the ladies laughed brightly again. Their cheerful mockery washed over me.
"It looks like the Duke is terribly busy, Princess."
The Princess spoke in a mocking voice.
The expectations I hadn't even realized I'd been building disappeared like bubbles.
I was fine until just a little while ago. But now I feel miserable—like I'm covered in dirt.
What had changed?
I exhaled slowly, trying to brush it off—telling myself it was just a cold settling in my heart, something I'd been suppressing all along.
It's just an unusual day. That's all.