Chapter 137
Chapter 137
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Jealousy and a Delivery
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After returning from prison, William had an air of haste and absentmindedness that set him apart from before. But over the weekend, whatever happened, he seemed to have regained his energy.
I'd been wondering if I should offer him some advice or encouragement soon to lift his spirits, but then he sorted himself out on his own. That confident gaze laced with madness had returned, just like old times.
It was the very spark that first drew my interest in him, so naturally, I should be pleased.
"Tch..."
For some strange reason, I didn't like seeing him like that.
No, not quite.
It wasn't that I disliked his appearance. What grated on me was knowing I wasn't the reason he'd bounced back.
I knew it was arrogant to think that way.
William and I had only known each other for about four months.
Not a long time at all.
So it wasn't odd that I wasn't the cause.
If anything, this was closer to a normal relationship.
And yet, it still bothered me.
Even though Mother was openly helping him.
Even though he never denied that I'd be by his side in the future.
I felt it deep in my bones: I still wasn't one of the people he truly trusted.
My mood was utterly foul.
"Hehe..."
My spirits were plummeting, but I kept my smile intact as I watched Emily, who stood demurely by William's side as always.
She maintained her calm expression and composed movements, even amid his eccentric behavior.
Emily wasn't so lacking that she couldn't grasp what was going on with him.
As a commoner with refined manners and knowledge well above her station, she must have some inkling of his quirks.
Yet she remained serene.
Probably because Emily was the reason he'd regained his vigor and started acting so unusually.
She must have pushed him forward—or perhaps he leaned on her for support.
It irked me.
From our first meeting, I'd known their relationship went beyond a simple employer and employee.
The trust and affection in their gazes weren't something you'd see in ordinary bonds.
William's instinctive protectiveness toward her whenever something came up.
Emily's constant watchfulness over him, always observing his every move.
Those weren't things that came from a typical relationship.
Nearly ten years together.
A position that let her spend entire days from morning to night at his side.
The vast experience and insights she'd gained as his exclusive servant.
That was her unique weapon—something I could never have, no matter what I did.
"......"
I felt my lips and molars tense.
A sticky, dark lump forming in my chest.
This was the vile emotion called jealousy.
I'd never felt it toward my own sister, yet here I was, directing it at some pretty little commoner.
Part of me wanted to shove her far away, but William wouldn't stand for that.
And even if he did nothing, I'd lose the chance to ever see the version of him I craved.
I wasn't foolish enough to let shallow jealousy make everyone miserable.
Emily would probably step back gracefully before things turned into a real rivalry.
It bruised my pride, but I had to admit it.
I couldn't beat her alone.
And she couldn't push me out either.
So then...
"Elizabeth."
William's voice shattered my thoughts.
My gaze, fixed on Emily, snapped to him on reflex. I felt my heavy heart lighten just a bit, floating buoyantly.
"Could you come here for a moment?"
His sharp eyes flicked toward me.
But exhaustion blurred their edge, lending him a decadent allure.
"Annoying..."
I muttered under my breath, too low for him to hear, and rose from my seat.
If only he weren't so handsome, I wouldn't even have these worries...
Yeah.
It was all William's fault.
Emily was just another victim of that wicked criminal who charmed people and then left them hanging. And I'd been unlucky enough to get tangled up too.
"Hoo-"
Irrationally pinning it all on William eased my mind considerably.
It was baseless, sure, but if Emily heard my inner turmoil, she'd probably shoot him a cold glare in solidarity.
"What is it?"
Armored in excuses and sophistry, I plastered on a gentle smile and approached him.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The sun had set, and the moon hung in the southern sky. It was deep into the night.
"Tch..."
I glanced down at the item in my hands and clicked my tongue lightly.
It was a wooden box about the size of a person's head, wrapped in velvet—the kind nobles commonly used for gifts.
Not out of place even for a princess to carry.
But it wasn't mine.
I hadn't prepared it either.
It was the box holding the gift William had made for my sister.
Yeah.
That bastard William had the audacity to use a princess as his errand boy for delivering a gift.
I could understand why he'd make such a bold, reckless, and rude choice.
In fact, that's what made it so infuriating.
A man capable of that kind of thoughtfulness—why did he act like such a clueless oaf around me and Emily...?
He was utterly shameless and awful.
Sending a gift for another woman through yet another woman. Utterly tasteless.
Someday, I'd get revenge.
"Princess Victoria?"
Lost in my displeasure as I walked the palace corridors, a maid stationed near my sister's chambers to attend her at any moment spotted me and bowed hastily.
"Your Highness, what brings you to Crown Princess Alexandrine's chambers at this late hour?"
"Sorry, but could I speak with my sister for a moment?"
"Please wait just a second."
The maid bowed politely, asking me to hold on, then turned and knocked on the chamber door.
- Knock knock
"What is it?"
At my sister's response, the maid cracked the door just enough for voices to pass through and spoke with her face close to the gap.
"Princess Victoria wishes to speak with Your Highness the Crown Princess."
"Elizabeth? Tell her to come in."
"Understood."
Even unseen, the maid bowed at her command and whispered lowly, barely turning her head.
"Your Highness, she says it's fine to enter."
"Thanks."
"......"
The maid beamed at my thanks, bowed her head, then pushed the door wide open with a welcoming gesture, ushering me inside.
"We'll be having a private talk, so everyone wait outside for a bit."
""Understood.""
I left Sir Rachel and Sera with the maids outside the chambers. As I entered, my sister—who'd clearly been about to retire—was perched on the bed in a light chemise. "Sorry for the late hour, Sis." "No worries. My adorable little sister is always welcome. Now, don't just stand there—sit somewhere. Right here next to me would be even better." She greeted my sudden visit with her usual easygoing smile, patting the spot beside her invitingly. "Hehe~ Then excuse me." I stifled a chuckle at her gesture, happily accepting without protest, and settled lightly on the bed's edge beside her. "What's up at this hour? And what's with the box?" "I came to see you about this box. It's a gift for you." "A gift? My birthday's tomorrow—you're giving it early, aren't you?" "It's not from me. William asked me to deliver it. He said to accept this token of sincerity from a new noble." "Sincerity, huh..." Her smile faltered slightly at the word 'sincerity.' Among nobles, it often implied a bribe, so she reacted sensitively. "Don't worry, it's not some shady thing like you're thinking." "Then why deliver it secretly? He could've sent it through Count Hume tomorrow..." "He had his reasons. He asked me specifically so you could enjoy it fully." "Fully enjoy it? Whatever it is, he's got me curious." "You can look forward to it a little." "Really?" As I handed her the box and stoked her anticipation, her eyes crinkled softly in delight. "Alright, let's see..." She set the box on her lap, fidgeted her hands eagerly onto it, licked her lips lightly, and opened it with nimble fingers. She picked up the two fur items inside and peered at them closely, eyes narrowing. "This is a muff, and this little doll is an animal... Huh? Wait...?" Her eyes widened as she examined the palm-sized puppy doll nestled with the muff. "Th-this... This couldn't be..." Breathing raggedly, unable to hide her excitement, she turned to me with a trembling voice. "Is this Nix?" "You recognized it right away." "How could I not? It looks just like Nix to anyone!" "Haha..." I gave an awkward smile and averted my gaze as she stomped her feet in glee like a young girl. To me, it looked more like a generic Samoyed than Nix specifically, but if she saw it that way, who was I to argue? "How did William know about this? It's not something you'd know unless you'd served in the palace for years." "We were talking about how you like muffs, and Nix came up. I mentioned you loved Samoyeds, so you probably wouldn't hate a muff either. Seems he added this little extra because of that." "Oh my..." She hugged the doll tight, lightly covering her mouth with her left hand, and gazed into space with misty eyes, letting out a soft gasp of admiration. "I almost fell for Duke Howard just now..." "......" My face twisted viciously at her words, no time for rational thought. It had to be a joke—had to be—but my body reacted emotionally first. "Oh dear, look at those fierce eyes. You think I'd steal your man? I'm getting engaged next year, you know." "Even as a joke, don't say that." "Fine, fine. Duke Howard isn't my type anyway." "That's upsetting too, so stop." "......" She pursed her lips and gave me a pitiful look as I griped no matter what she said. "...To think the cool, rational girl I knew has turned into such a hopeless mess over a guy." "......" Unable to retort, I clamped my mouth shut too, staring at the opposite wall while fidgeting with my skirt hem needlessly. Damn it... This was all William's fault.