‘She came back early specifically to participate in Zelion’s Star Moon Festival? The Southern Region is clearly Helina’s stronghold.’
‘Even though the Emperor and Empress are the nation’s model couple of pure love, and they’ll be appearing together frequently in the coming days, there’s no need for her to come to the Academy alone, right?’
‘Although… those two have already been fighting in secret, constantly in a cold war.’
‘What is Helina up to? Is she trying to recruit more students to the Southern and Western Regions?’
‘Or does she have something to meet Ophelia about?’
‘Or does she want to contact Merlin? Regardless, it seems Lucia has to go to tomorrow night’s event as well.’
‘Even if it’s a trap, even if Helina is deliberately trying to attract her attention for some purpose, Lucia plans to go and see.’
‘Anyway, Colin’s matters aren’t Lucia’s concern. As the imperial throne competition grows fiercer, the Second Prince faction becomes more cautious of Lucia.’
‘It can be said that Lucia is becoming more and more idle; they fear she might take away even a shred of their chance to win.’
‘Sigh, that’s fine. Lucia always wanted to live this kind of leisurely life.’
Just as Lucia was lost in thought, Mahina beside her noticed the subtle shift in atmosphere and planned to sneak to the back using the crowd as cover.
However, the Empress’s eyes wouldn’t miss a target.
“Mahina, long time no see.”
‘No escape now.’
“Princess Helina, long time no see.”
Mahina didn’t want to get involved with Helina. To be honest, as an ordinary person now, she didn’t want to get involved with Helina.
“It’s been a year. You’ve grown taller and become prettier.” Helina looked Mahina up and down.
Mahina lifted her skirt and curtsied gracefully. “Thank you.”
Helina waved her hand lightly.
“Oh, I told you, this is the Academy, no need for that. You can speak like Lucia too.”
“Haha, better not.”
Helina looked at Mahina, her gray eyes brimming with all-encompassing tenderness, like a loving mother watching a rebellious child.
“Even if you’re no longer the Duke’s Daughter, even if you’re now just an ordinary Magic Department student, in my eyes you’re still that Mahina. If you have any difficulties, or after graduation…”
Before Helina could extend the olive branch, Mahina interrupted her a second time.
“Better not.”
Seeing Mahina so unyielding, Helina wasn’t annoyed. She just tilted her head slightly, strands of hair slipping over her shoulder.
“Have you decided what to do after graduation?”
Mahina smiled warmly.
“I’ve decided. I just want to be by the side of the person I love.”
That was something Mahina had long decided. From now on, her life would revolve around Merlin.
Even if Merlin no longer liked her, even if she had come to hate her.
Even if her current predicament was entirely of her own making.
But Mahina still liked Merlin. She still wanted to be by her side.
Seeing no further topic, Helina changed the subject.
“Mia, are you doing well?”
Mia nodded.
“Yes, everyone at the Academy has welcomed me. I’m very happy to learn in a different environment.”
“That’s good.”
Even a slight shift in their stance exuded a natural mother-daughter chemistry. The two moved in tandem, as if they were truly mother and daughter. Taking the opportunity, Mia stepped behind Helina.
Watching Mia and Helina’s closeness, Lucia didn’t think much of it.
‘After all, I’m just a stranger who happens to look like Helina. And Mahina looks awkward too. Better leave quickly.’
‘What bad luck.’
Lucia wasn’t concerned about Mahina. She just didn’t want to drag her into boring family affairs. The more Mahina knew, the more embarrassing it would be.
Especially just now, when Helina had revealed her intention to recruit Mahina.
Lucia had deliberately kept Mahina—who was already entangled with the Elf Race—away from the Empire’s current turmoil. If she got involved again, it would be a problem.
Lucia glanced at Mahina, signaling that it was time to escape. Mahina nodded.
“Then I’ll be going with Mahina. We still need to prepare for tomorrow night’s event.”
Lucia turned to leave.
A voice rang out again, unhurried and unfazed.
‘So annoying!’
“Wait, Lucia.”
‘What does she want?’
If there weren’t so many students watching, Lucia would have bolted outright.
But there were students, and they were all drawn by Mia.
Most of them had strong faith; no matter what happened, they would instinctively side with Helina.
Though Lucia’s reputation was terrible, Helina was the Empress, and Lucia was an Imperial Princess. At the very least, she had to maintain politeness and family harmony in front of outsiders.
Lucia turned sideways and looked at the Helina who had called out to her.
“What’s wrong?”
Lucia glanced at Mia beside her.
‘Can’t you just eat with Mia?’
Lucia couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten with Helina.
Was it when she was still a child? Back when Helina was still willing to hold her on her lap and feed her mouthful by mouthful with a silver spoon…
The soup had been warm then, and Helina’s embrace had smelled nice.
‘What is she scheming?’
Having been sickened enough by Helina and Mia today, Lucia decided to take the challenge.
‘Even if it’s a trap, I’ll walk into it.’
“Sure, it’s just a meal. Should I invite Father?”
Helina covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled.
“Oh, let’s save that for Radiance Day. How about a ladies-only gathering first?”
Lucia shrugged and didn’t push further.
“As you wish.”
“Then I’ll notify you of the specific date later, Lucia.”
“I understand, Princess Helina.”
From beginning to end, Lucia never called Helina “Mother.” That was the distance Helina now held for her.
Even after this meal, nothing would change.
“Then I won’t keep you and Mahina any longer.”
Mahina curtsied and followed Lucia, who was walking briskly, and let out a sigh of relief.
The two walked quickly until they left the crowd.
Mahina looked at Lucia’s usual profile.
“Not on good terms with the Empress?”
“Oh… I guess I haven’t told you yet. It’s fine. She hasn’t been around since I was very young, so I don’t remember much. You can tell from Mia, who’s the same age as me. She focused on Mia when I was little. Whatever. A daughter without sickness is easier to raise.”
“That’s not your fault.”
Lucia chuckled.
“Everyone knows the logic, but the result doesn’t change. When you see something that gives you a headache too often, you want to look away and run. Like it’s a terminal illness.”