Chapter 10

I, too, have emotions.

“…Mother, it would be troublesome if others overheard.”

The “Destiny” system.
It’s something deeply ingrained in Tsaobera, precisely because it’s called the “Land of Mages.”

“First: Tsaobera was founded with the aid of exceptional mages.”

This is a fable every person in Tsaobera hears as a child.

“Second: Exceptional mages appear from time to time. For him or her, a fated one exists.”

“Third: The fated one is the mage’s other half, a divine blessing… isn’t that right?”

The final sentence was woven by Mother.
With her usual quiet voice and calm eyes, she looked at me.

“Felicia, listen carefully. I’ve heard that the Crest of Fate has appeared for His Highness and that girl. But does that mean it’s truly the will of the gods to unilaterally cast aside you, his current fiancée?”

“Mother—”

“All I can see is the ‘Destiny’ system being used conveniently. Perhaps that so-called crest would wash away with a splash of water?”

Mother said something so audacious.
She appeared as composed as ever, but perhaps she was inwardly seething.

Mother’s argument has merit.
Especially now, with my past-life memories restored, I strongly agree.
Completely on the same page.

But that doesn’t mean such logic applies in this world, in this country.

“I won’t accept it. You are His Highness’s fiancée, Felicia. You mustn’t lose to that little girl.”

“…Mother, I—”

To begin with, I don’t even want to marry Felix-sama…!!

Why does everyone ignore my feelings?

Do they think that if they said, “Let’s continue the engagement after all!” I’d jump for joy with a “Yay!”?
I mean, if Mother were in my position, she wouldn’t be happy, right!?
Absolutely not, right!?

Because Felix-sama’s heart belongs to Onee-sama.
And yet, marrying Felix-sama… isn’t that just too hellish??

Just as I was about to respond, the butler came looking for us.
It seems Father was summoning Mother.

Likely to discuss my engagement with Felix-sama.

He’s moving surprisingly fast.

Hearing the butler’s message, Mother’s eyes grew even colder.
The butler paled under her absolute-zero gaze.

I bid Mother farewell and left the scene.

(Even if my engagement with Felix-sama is dissolved, what comes after is what really matters, isn’t it?)

If things continue like this, I’ll undoubtedly end up engaged to Arnold.
I need to take action before that happens…

With that in mind, I decided to dive into reading history books.

I thought that studying the lives of noblewomen from the past might give me some hints.

In the mansion’s library, I picked out a few books and started reading.
Though rare, there were cases of divorced widows becoming civil officials or women inheriting titles.

I traced the words describing the lives of women who must have lived boldly and resiliently.

(Could I… do that too?)

Digging through the texts, I felt I’d gained a small hint about my own life.

A few days later, I was summoned by Felix-sama much sooner than expected.

In the royal garden’s pavilion, reserved for royalty.
I sat across from Felix-sama at a round table.

(Was there ever a pavilion in a place like this…?)

My question was quickly answered.

Near the pavilion stood a large magnolia tree.
It was the blooming season for magnolias.
With every breeze, white petals fluttered down.

It reminded me of the moment Onee-sama and Felix-sama met.

And he’s likely recreating that moment intentionally.
That’s why he had this pavilion built beside the magnolia tree.

(Is ‘fate’ really that powerful…)

No, in their case, it was definitely love at first sight.

But if that love at first sight is proof of their “fate”… then I don’t know what to say.
It’s like the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg—an unsolvable dilemma.
A white petal drifted onto the table.
It was like a floral tablecloth.
Petals fell into the teacup filled with tea, floating on the surface.

(I can’t drink this tea anymore…)

Thinking such things, I waited for the main topic.

“Let’s dissolve our engagement.”

That’s what I thought he’d say.

I was prepared to comply.
After all, I had no reason to object.

But what he actually said was—

“As queen, I want you to support your sister… who will become the second consort.”