Chapter 87

"Everyone, thank you for all your help. I will definitely come back, so please look forward to it!"

Two days after Lylis and the others returned to Tuisen, the royal couple and their entourage were to return to the capital. Despite their reluctance to see them go, the townspeople gathered in front of the inn and along the streets to see them off, wishing them a safe journey. Even people from the nearby town of Bunmini came to see them off, and the entire town was overflowing with people. Lylis, filled with gratitude, waved from the small window of the carriage, bidding farewell to the crowd. As the people's figures faded from view and the noise receded, Lylis leaned back in the carriage seat and let out a deep breath.

"Lylis-sama, would you like some warm water?"

"Yes, I think I'll have some."

Usually, she didn't drink much during travel, but this time her throat was indeed dry. After taking a sip of the warm water, Lylis let out another sigh of relief and searched for Jesarld's figure through the small window, even though she couldn't see him. Unfortunately, Jesarld was traveling on horseback, just as he had on the previous journey. Still, Lylis felt different.

"Hehe, hehehe..."

Thinking about the past few days, Lylis couldn't help but laugh out loud. Tena and Rese looked at her with pity, but of course, she wasn't bothered by it.

"I've made a decision."

"…What decision, Lylis-sama?"

"When we return to the palace, I'm going to launch a plan to make the prince fall in love with me."

"Excuse me? But—"

Lylis's suspicious determination made Tena look at her with a dubious expression. In response, Lylis said something unexpected. Rese pointed out that Jesarld already seemed to be in love with Lylis, but Tena quickly covered her mouth to stop her. It was best to leave such matters to the two of them. However, there was a problem.

"…What kind of plan do you have in mind?"

Tena asked, wanting to know about Lylis's unpredictable actions. Lylis's face suddenly clouded over.

"First, I plan to tell him about the reality dreams."

"Lylis-sama…"

Tena and Rese's expressions changed, surprised by the seriousness of her plan. Lylis smiled to reassure them.

"I can't put it off any longer. After what happened this time, I think there will be many more things to come. I don't want to keep secrets from the prince and fail to convey the truth accurately."

Deep down, Lylis was terrified of falling in love with Jesarld. She couldn't predict how he would react to her unique ability. She believed Jesarld would accept her, but a small doubt lingered.

(I'll keep quiet about seeing Empress Corina's dream…)

It might be cowardly, but Lylis couldn't bring herself to mention Empress Corina. She pushed her anxiety aside and continued with a smile.

"The problem is what happens after. I don't know how he'll react, so I need to have several plans. I've come up with four scenarios: if he accepts it smoothly and says, 'Wow, that's convenient,' if he understands it rationally but feels uneasy and pretends to accept it, if he sees value in it but doesn't want to be involved and suggests a nominal marriage, or if he finds it physically impossible and asks for an annulment… Are there any other possibilities?"

"Before that, who exactly are you referring to in these scenarios?"

"Surely, Prince Jesarld wouldn't talk to Lylis-sama like that, would he?"

Tena and Rese couldn't help but point out that the person in Lylis's scenarios didn't seem to match the prince. Lylis pouted at them.

"No, those are just examples. I can't tell you how kind, handsome, and sweet the prince is. He's the ideal prince I've always dreamed of."

"…Actually, he is the prince."

"Right, you just said that."

Their comments didn't register with Lylis, who was lost in thoughts of Jesarld's kindness. Tena sighed.

"You seem even more infatuated than when you were in love with Alnoe-sama…"

Lylis's eyes widened in surprise.

"You knew! That I liked Alnoe?"

"Well, I've been serving you for a long time."

"How long have you known?"

"From the beginning. When you first met Alnoe-sama, you were so excited…"

"Was I that obvious?"

"Yes. After that, you started reading romance novels one after another, and when the engagement was officially proposed, I was worried why you didn't accept it. You were just spinning your wheels."

"…I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, I'm used to it. But…"

"But?"

Lylis, sensing something in Tena's words, urged her to continue. She was so engrossed in the conversation that she didn't notice Jesarld riding alongside the carriage, informing them of a planned rest stop at the next village. Normally, he wouldn't have heard the conversation inside the carriage, but Lylis's loud outburst reached his ears. Irritated by the content, Jesarld quietly moved away from the carriage.

"What do you mean, 'but'?"

"…I didn't intend to tell you this, but seeing your current state, I couldn't help it. It seems that Alnoe-sama is no longer in your heart, and it's completely filled with Prince Jesarld."

"Y-Yeah, I guess."

"More like it's overflowing and spilling out."

Lylis, flustered by Tena's words, responded, and Rese added a comment. This time, Lylis puffed out her chest.

"Because he's such a wonderful person. Rumors are unreliable, you know. They say first love never works out, but I want to praise my younger self for making the right choice. If not, I wouldn't have met the prince, let alone married him."

Tena sighed dramatically, pretending to be exasperated, while secretly relieved. She continued reluctantly.

"In hindsight, I'm truly glad. If you and Alnoe-sama had married, it might have been a stiff and formal relationship. But now, you're so free and easy. At first, I was worried about how things would turn out, but seeing your determination to get closer to the prince—no, your earnest heart—made him accept you—no, his magnanimity allowed him to accept you. Seeing the two of you now, you both smile naturally. I'm very happy about that."

"Tena… I heard a lot of your true feelings, but I understand what you're saying. I agree. Thank you."

Lylis's gaze seemed to glare at Tena, but she expressed gratitude. Despite pretending to be angry, Lylis burst out laughing, and Tena and Rese joined in. As the carriage slowed down, signaling the approach of the rest stop, the three of them straightened their postures and waited quietly for the door to open.