Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Date with Irene
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A quick glance confirmed it: Chloe Fabian and Rian Sisly. Rian was escorting her with his shoulders puffed up proudly.
"I've heard so much about Fairy’s Tear, but thanks to you, Your Highness, I finally get to come here! Thank you so much."
"Haha, it's nothing."
Rian's mouth was practically glued to his ears at Chloe's reaction. Well, who wouldn't melt when the girl they love looks up to them and smiles like that?
"Young Lord? Have you chosen your course?"
"Ah... yes. I'll go with the A course here."
Oh no, they were on their own date, and I'd let myself get distracted. I turned my head back and picked a course.
"Two A courses, please."
Irene spoke to the server with a prim expression, and he bowed at a perfect ninety degrees before vanishing.
"Wow! A window seat! The view is amazing!"
"It really is great here. Make the most of it since we're here, my lady."
"Yes! Thank you, Your Highness!"
Despite the cheerful atmosphere at their table right behind us, Irene didn't spare them a single glance. Was she ignoring them because they were family, or just not hearing them?
"Oh? Young Lord! And Princess!"
Of course, it didn't last long. Our social butterfly Chloe spotted us and came bounding over with a bright smile to greet us.
"Ah... Lady Fabian. You're seeing everything here."
"Exactly! The Princess and Young Lord must be here too! Nice to see you."
Rian Sisly's face stiffened at the intruder crashing their hard-earned alone time (technically, we were the ones intruding, but still). What was he thinking, letting Chloe see that expression?
"The Princess guided me here."
"Oh my! Prince brought me here too. The imperial family's tastes really are on another level."
Her words instantly softened Rian's expression again. Chloe really had a gift for this—lifting people's spirits so naturally.
"Mm, I think so too."
Irene's demeanor softened a bit at my words. She must have been uncomfortable with a stranger butting in suddenly. I glanced at Irene and Rian before subtly saying to Chloe,
"But Lady, aren't you here with the Prince? The server's waiting, so maybe place your order first?"
"Ah! You're right. I'll go order then! Be right back!"
No, stay gone. I watched her walk away with a slightly bewildered look.
"Lady Fabian is... always so full of energy."
I said casually while sipping my water. That bright vibe of hers never changed, no matter who she was with or what she was doing.
"Does the Young Lord... like bright people too?"
But Irene suddenly looked downcast again as she asked me. Like bright people? Well...
"Sure, why not? They make things easy—no need for me to start conversations or lead the mood."
In social settings, having one upbeat person around makes a huge difference. The whole group gets a boost. Yeah.
"Hmm..."
Why was she acting like this? She was all excited earlier, now suddenly down. Women's hearts are such a mystery.
"Should I... be brighter too?"
"Pardon?"
"Should I... smile all the time like Lady Fabian...?"
She was worrying about something pointless. I tossed out a casual reply.
"Why bother changing your personality? That's what makes you the Princess."
"Pardon?"
"Sure, someone bubbly like Lady Fabian with tons of friends might be enviable. But changing yourself just to fit in? What's the point?"
I'd seen it plenty in my past life. People forcing themselves to be outgoing because they envied social butterflies. Especially in Korea, where connections mattered so much.
But it never worked out. People liked the mask, not the real you. The disconnect led to all sorts of heartache.
"No need. People will stick by you no matter what, Princess."
"...The Young Lord too?"
"Pardon?"
"Will you stay by my side too?"
Well, I couldn't take it back now, and I didn't want to. It wasn't like I'd gotten close because of her personality.
Besides, from that flashback the other day, it seemed like Irene ended up like this because of something Elric said.
"Of course. The Princess I know has always been like this."
Irene's lips curved softly at Elric's words. It always amazed me—barely any expression, but her mood shone through. It might be tough for oblivious people, but I wasn't that dense.
"I see. Got it."
"Yes."
I nodded at her agreement and racked my brain. Had I said something weird? I'd lived longer than her in my past life, so it was advice of sorts. But I hoped I wasn't messing with her developing worldview at this age.
Hehe, Elric likes me as I am!
Of course, Elric didn't need to worry. Irene had twisted his words into her own positive interpretation, as usual.
Right. Chloe Fabian has her personality, and I have mine.
I had no idea what she was fretting over. Elric already thought well of me anyway.
"Your appetizers."
"Ah, thank you."
While chatting idly, the first course arrived. Elric savored it while making small talk with Irene, who seemed even happier than before.
Oh, delicious.
Not to brag, but even at the Raishion Ducal House—one of the few ducal families under the imperial house—the food was top-tier. Early after possession, I was too busy to enjoy it, but by the end, before the academy, I'd settled in enough to appreciate it.
This place matched that level. Impressive for a restaurant to rival a ducal kitchen. With skills like this, they'd usually go exclusive for high nobles instead of running a public spot.
"Delicious."
"Is it?"
Irene's cheeks flushed happily at Elric's comment.
Great, this date's a success!
The key to a date is both parties' moods. Elric looked pleased with the food. Irene chuckled inwardly.
Of course, just being alone with him already had her soaring.
As they finished the appetizers, Elric glanced at Chloe and Rian's table. Chloe, who had actually started coming back over, was being held back by Rian.
Well, better that way.
If Chloe came again, Rian would get defensive. Even though I hadn't done anything.
Anyway, Rian Sisly's got the early lead.
Taking her to a fancy restaurant alone already? More aggressive than expected.
Who was the male lead again?
I'd only read up to chapter 45. Sadly, it hadn't revealed the male lead—just the guys gradually warming to the friendly Chloe, who saw them all as friends.
Those guys are in for it.
They'd gone to all the trouble of booking this hard-to-get spot, yet no pink vibes at all. Chloe wasn't clueless, but maybe the three guys weren't pushing hard enough.
Not my problem.
Their progress and this body's fate weren't deeply linked. Or rather, they were, but my possession into Elric had nullified most of it. Now, Chloe was just a fellow club member—nothing more, nothing less.
I'll just watch casually and figure out how to get back.
Tonight, I had plans with Kuina Rosly anyway. Among people around Elric, she delved deepest into relevant research, so she was my best bet for discussion.
Meanwhile, Irene watched Elric peek behind them and felt another wave of warmth inside.
Is he worried because Lady Chloe Fabian said she'd come but hasn't?
How considerate. Sure, she didn't love him glancing at another girl, but what could she do? The man she loved was just that kind.
Hehe, so sweet even to near-strangers. How would he treat me as his wife?
The thought made her mood soar.
Plus, despite girls swarming Elric for his excellence, she was the only one he'd taken to a restaurant alone. The only one he'd asked to dine with.
By feelings, progress, or status, I'm his first wife!
Ideally, she'd be his only one, but Irene knew better. A catch like him couldn't have just one woman.
Still, she wanted to be first, ahead of the rest—and things were going smoothly.
Irene spooned up the next course, the soup, with a proud smile.