Chapter – 17
If Reneve played the role of an obstacle that interfered with the protagonists’ love, Icarus was used as a stepping stone for Lucius’s growth.
The Empress Consort harbored the ambition of placing Lucius on the imperial throne so she herself could wield great power.
For that to happen, Lucius needed abilities far superior to the other princes—enough to catch the Emperor’s attention.
Fortunately, Lucius grew exactly as she had hoped. That meant there was no rival for him within Paradium.
But perhaps that very son began to feel like a frog in a well to the Empress Consort?
She chose Icarus, the prince of Vashker, as Lucius’s next comparison target.
It was certainly not a healthy educational method, but it seemed the Empress Consort understood Lucius’s personality well.
Proud Lucius sharpened himself daily, keeping Icarus in check exactly as she intended.
Just as that effort became his habit, Icarus died before reaching adulthood.
But then why was Icarus alive and well both in Reneve’s first life and after her regression?
There were other questions too.
From Vashker’s perspective, the western region of Paradium was a strategic stronghold.
If Icarus had intended to dominate Paradium, the Siren Marquisate in the west would have been his first target.
Using it as a base would have made territorial expansion much easier.
If Vashker—capable of crossing in moments what would take half a month on horseback—and Paradium had clashed head-on, it was obvious who would have gained the upper hand.
Of course, it was thanks to Icarus not doing that that Reneve had been able to live longer.
It was just as Reneve reached that thought that someone approached from the opposite direction.
“Kiernen, who is that person?”
“She is the daughter of Count Asili.”
As Kiernen finished speaking, the distance between them closed.
The Count’s daughter slightly bent her knees first in greeting.
“You must be that person who decided to stay in the garden residence?”
That person?
Reneve didn’t know exactly what she meant, but it seemed the woman knew who she was.
Reneve also gave a slight curtsey.
“This is our first meeting. I’m staying in the garden residence while the guest chamber construction is delayed.”
The Count’s daughter stared at her as if observing her, then spoke:
“You’re a foreigner, so I thought you might not understand the situation here. So I wanted to tell you what kind of place the garden residence is.”
“……”
“Traditionally, it was where His Majesty’s concubines stayed.”
Was she trying to provide information, or assert superiority?
Her intentions were unclear, but Reneve calmly nodded.
“I already know how the garden residence was used before.”
“You… knew?”
Her expression became slightly awkward.
“Yes. But I heard the current Emperor does not keep concubines. Therefore, it no longer serves that function.”
Reneve spoke deliberately and firmly, hoping to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings.
“I’m glad you knew. I was worried you might misunderstand. Well then, I hope you remain well until we meet again.”
After speaking, the Count’s daughter passed by her, looking somewhat relieved.
Reneve watched her back for a moment before asking Kiernen:
“Is there perhaps a marriage discussion going on between the Asili family and His Majesty?”
“My lady… I’m sorry, but I don’t know such important matters…”
Kiernen shook his head awkwardly.
Still, it was easy to predict that many noble families would be hoping for marriage with the young Emperor.
Noble marriages tended to happen early.
Imperial marriages even earlier.
Even in her previous life, Reneve marrying at sixteen and Lucius at eighteen had been considered somewhat late.
“Kiernen, His Majesty turns twenty this year, correct?”
“Yes.”
Although he had only recently ascended the throne and was busy with state affairs, Icarus’s marriage was certainly considered late.
“I see.”
As Reneve nodded thoughtfully, a young attendant approached and bowed.
“My lady, you have visitors.”
As soon as Reneve returned to the garden residence, her mouth fell open.
The sofa that had been more than spacious enough for her alone now looked cramped with two large men squeezed onto it.
“My daughter!”
“Reneve!”
The two men of House Siren shouted loudly the moment they saw her.
Reneve quickly covered her ears with both hands.
Contrary to her expectations of a barrage of scolding, the two only looked fierce while keeping their mouths shut.
But the moment she cautiously removed her hands—
“How could you be so heartless!”
“You left without even a word—are you in your right mind?!”
Kiernen, intimidated by their presence, began trembling.
“Whew…”
After sending Kiernen away, Reneve had to endure a long lecture from her family. If her mother had been alive, she felt she would have been hit on the back several times by now.
“Have you calmed down now?”
Only when their voices became noticeably calmer did Reneve speak.
Seeing their still dissatisfied expressions, she began describing how comfortable everything was there.
“I mean it. Look—I’m not hurt at all. I even feel healthier than before.”
Only then did the Marquis of Siren and Patrick glance around the reception room.
“Certainly… it doesn’t seem like you’re being mistreated… hmm.”
Patrick absentmindedly touched a nearby ornament.
(It was all gemstones—but Reneve stopped herself from saying that.)
Instead she asked:
“If both of you are here, what about the western territory?”
At that, the Marquis let out a deep sigh. Patrick answered while glancing at him.
“Vashker sent a written pledge saying they won’t approach the western border. For the three years you stay here.”
At that moment, a fragment of past memories surfaced.
Come to think of it, this was when internal conflict over Paradium’s throne had reached its peak.
A time when Vashker had not applied pressure.
And around the time the First Princess returned to Paradium, Lucius had ascended the throne, ending the situation.
“How are things in the imperial palace right now?”
The Marquis looked surprised.
In her previous life, Reneve had never shown interest in such matters.
She quickly added:
“I’m just a little worried this incident might worsen tensions between the Empress and the Empress Consort.”
Reneve smiled softly, and the Marquis nodded knowingly.
“As it happens, the First Prince has fallen seriously ill, causing great distress to the Empress.”
This time Reneve’s eyes widened.
In her previous life, the First Prince had also died from illness.
But that was supposed to happen much later.
As Reneve lowered her gaze in thought, Patrick carefully asked:
“Reneve… are you okay?”
“Hm? Of course. By the way, I didn’t expect the Emperor of Vashker to allow you and Father to enter the country.”
The two Siren men exchanged glances.
“Ha… I don’t know if we should tell you this…”
As Patrick hesitated, the Marquis interrupted:
“Reneve, let’s return to the Siren Marquisate today.”
“What?”
Though surprised by the sudden suggestion, Reneve calmly tried to persuade him.
“Father, His Majesty is someone who keeps his word. He promised I could safely return home after three years.”
“……”
“I’m doing well, so please don’t worry too much.”
She smiled gently, but the two men still looked dissatisfied.
To change the subject, Reneve spoke again:
“By the way, Father. Patrick still doesn’t have a fiancée, right?”
Patrick jumped.
“W-what are you suddenly saying? A fiancée?!”
“Reneve is right. Patrick, you’ve reached marriageable age.”
Only after discussing Patrick’s engagement for a while did the two finally stand.
“If anything happens, send a letter anytime. Never forget that House Siren stands behind you.”
“That’s right. If you say you don’t want to stay here, we’ll come get you immediately.”
“Thank you, Father. Patrick.”
Her chest ached slightly because of her family’s sincere concern.
After hugging her and patting her back, the Marquis suddenly added:
“Oh right, Reneve. Amber came along too.”
“Amber?”
Reneve’s eyes widened.
Amber had been her maid in the Siren household. She had a sick mother and a young sibling to care for.
That was why Reneve hadn’t brought her along to such a distant place.
As if hearing her name, Amber rushed in from the next room and threw herself into Reneve’s arms.
“My lady! You left without saying anything—I was so upset! Oh my goodness, look at your wrist! It’s as thin as dry firewood!”
Amber held her hand tightly and kept talking.
“Isn’t that a bit harsh to call the Lady dry firewood?”
Kiernen muttered while glaring at Amber, but she paid him no attention.
Since Kiernen had served Reneve in her absence, Amber seemed to take it as criticism that he hadn’t taken proper care of her.
However, perhaps because he knew her scolding came from concern, Kiernen didn’t argue.
“I’ve been eating well.”
“Even so…”
Despite Reneve’s reassurances, Amber’s eyes remained full of worry.
Reneve found her a little bothersome—but she didn’t dislike it.
Amber was a warm-hearted girl.
Though slightly younger than Reneve, she had matured early while caring for her sick mother and younger sibling.
Perhaps that was why Reneve felt concerned for her.
Reneve believed personality was partly innate, but also greatly shaped by environment.
Seeing Amber’s maturity naturally reminded her of Kael.
Reneve’s expression darkened slightly.
