Chapter 24
I spread both arms wide horizontally.
“If you’re worried, come here and hug me. Just imagining Rike laughing and chatting with some other lady instead of me makes me jealous.”
Without a word, Rike climbed onto the bed and pulled me into a tight embrace.
As I held her, a blissful feeling welled up inside me—something I didn’t want to share with anyone else, something I wanted to keep only to myself.
I rested my face on her shoulder.
“My lady, what can I do for you?”
It was Mini, who had been quietly watching.
“Mini, hold my hand. Your hands are really soft.”
“Yes, my lady!”
Mini immediately took my hand.
It was warm and soft—just touching it made me feel good.
Now, the only one left was Father.
He hesitated before asking,
“Linzel… what should I do for you?”
“Father is…”
What should I ask for?
With a sly smile, I replied,
“Could you give me some money?”
“Cough!”
Father choked in surprise.
I did feel a bit sorry, but…
Being sandwiched between two pretty, adorable girls like this felt no different from paradise.
There was no place here for Father.
Ah, of course, I didn’t ask for money for no reason.
It was for tomorrow’s outing.
Though startled, Father didn’t refuse.
“H-How much do you need?”
“Hmm…”
I held up three fingers.
“Three big ones?”
I left the unit entirely up to him.
The sly smile on my lips deepened.
Night fell quickly.
I lay down on the bed to sleep.
It felt like I had spent the entire day sleeping.
I wondered if it was okay to live like this, but then again—who decides how life should be lived?
Some days you sleep all day, and other days you stay awake all day.
Anyone who complains about my life must be incredibly bored.
Mini had changed the bloodstained sheets, and I was now wrapped in fresh pajamas and bedding.
And beside me was Rike.
She said she wanted to sleep with me.
Like a young animal seeking its mother, Rike burrowed into my arms.
Her arms wrapped tightly around my waist, as if she would never let go.
“Linzel. If anything hurts, even a little, you have to tell me right away.”
I answered casually,
“I’m really fine.”
“But I still can’t stop worrying.”
“They say worrying too much makes you age faster.”
“That’s fine. It’s worry for you.”
Rike… how do you speak so beautifully?
Moved once again by her gentle heart, I stroked her hair.
“I won’t allow it. I don’t want you to grow old.”
“If you don’t want me to age, then don’t get hurt.”
That’s not exactly something I can control.
To escape this pointless argument, I changed the subject.
“Rike. Are you free tomorrow around 4 p.m.?”
She replied,
“Yeah, I don’t have any plans. Why?”
“How about the four of us meet? You, me, Prince Hernan, and Prince Ishar?”
Rike hesitated.
“…Ishar too?”
“Yes, along with the one you love.”
“……”
“Let’s meet together and clear up his misunderstanding that I’m being abused.”
“I’d love that. I get to be with the person I like—Linzel—and also see the man I have a crush on.”
If Ishar saw how close we were, maybe his misunderstanding would disappear.
Unlike Hernan and Ishar, anyone could see that we sisters were close.
“Alright. It’s a promise.”
“Okay.”
“Now let’s sleep. Good children go to bed early.”
“Linzel, did you forget I’m your older sister?”
I scoffed.
I expected her to protest again, but instead she said something unexpected.
“Sometimes… I get unbearably scared.”
“……”
“That I might be left alone in this world. That you might disappear somewhere I can’t find you.”
My chest tightened.
Though she didn’t cry, her calm voice sounded sorrowful.
A warmth gathered in my eyes.
“I won’t go. No—I can’t. How could I leave you behind?”
It sounded like something a male lead in a melodrama would say.
Then I hugged her.
The conversation ended there.
I patted her back until she fell asleep.
In my arms, Rike eventually let out soft sobs.
A pitiful sound that cut through the stillness of the night.
After being sick for a day, I finally understood—
You really do feel better the next day.
My condition today was excellent.
I woke up early, had breakfast and tea with Rike, and got money from Father.
No—no, I received it.
I definitely didn’t threaten him. Ahem.
Father handed me three bills of the highest denomination.
Being born into a wealthy family really is the best.
I finished getting ready before 4 p.m.
I wondered which dress to wear, but then—
“If it’s something you want to show me, then only allow such attire when we are alone.”
Hernan’s words came to mind, so I chose a modest dress.
Just as I finished putting on my gold earrings, I heard that Hernan had arrived.
I wondered how I should greet him—what expression would make me look the prettiest.
It was the kind of 고민 a girl in love would have.
Before I could finish thinking, he knocked.
“It’s me.”
Those short words made my heart burn.
“Please come in!”
He entered immediately.
Hernan walked straight up to me, who had been standing awkwardly.
“It feels somewhat nice. Perhaps because it’s been two days?”
“Your Highness Hernan, I missed you too.”
He spoke in a tone that was half teasing, half sincere.
“Not my face?”
“Your face is part of you.”
“……”
He fell silent, as if pondering my words.
While he was quiet, I carefully observed him.
His handsome face was flawless, and his outfit was impeccable.
He wore a navy jacket, trousers, and a vest, with embroidery on the vest adding a stylish touch.
It was exactly the three-piece suit I had hoped for.
“Your Highness, you wore the three-piece suit I asked for!”
“I did. What do you think?”
I prepared to shower him with praise.
“The structured jacket highlights your broad shoulders, and the fitted vest emphasizes your slim waist.”
“……”
“It’s wonderful! It really brings out your figure.”
“So that was your reason?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
A three-piece suit was perfect for showing off his physique.
And my prediction was spot on.
But there was just one flaw.
“Your Highness… if it’s not too much, may I undo just the top button of your shirt?”
His collar was hiding his magnificent Adam’s apple.
An unforgivable flaw!
He lowered his posture, allowing me to reach.
Just as I was about to undo the button—
“Linzel! Are you ready?”
Rike burst in without knocking.
…Seriously, you keep doing this.
I glanced at her.
“Ah!”
She finally noticed the situation.
Hernan and I standing very close, knees almost touching, gazing at each other.
Rike grew flustered.
“Ah… Linzel, should I come back later?”
She misunderstood again.
That we were about to do something embarrassing.
I waved my hands.
“You’re misunderstanding again.”
“Linzel, tell me the truth when we’re alone.”
“I said it’s a misunderstanding!”
She just giggled.
Seriously, why do you keep thinking that?
I dragged her over in front of Hernan.
“Since you’re here, why not greet His Highness?”
Rike nodded politely.
“Your Highness Hernan, I am Rike Valencia, Linzel’s twin sister. I’ve heard much about you—it’s an honor to finally meet you.”
“Likewise.”
Standing close to Rike, I asked,
“Do we look alike?”
Without hesitation, he replied,
“Not at all. You look completely different to me.”
“……”
“Linzel, you’re prettier.”
I couldn’t hide my smile.
“Rike, did you hear that? I’m prettier.”
Rike replied lightly,
“Sure. Let’s say you are.”
She didn’t seem to care.
It seemed she only cared about Ishar’s attention.
Hernan suggested we go to a café near the estate.
I agreed. I wanted fresh air.
Even though it was close, we rode in a carriage—considering I got out of breath easily.
Inside the carriage…
Naturally, I thought Rike would sit beside me, but—
