Chapter 178: Side Story 34 

The Queen still came to visit Alexa every single day. It was clear what she was hoping for. Knowing that Alexa and Jeremiah were close friends… she seemed to be holding onto the faint hope of catching a glimpse of him.

Seeing her loiter around the clinic, wearing an awkward smile, tugged at Alexa’s heart. It made her miss her own long-lost parents. That was also why she hadn’t been discharged yet, even though she’d fully recovered.

Because she wanted to give the Queen a reason to keep coming.

‘Maybe… should I call Jeremiah here?’

But then again, she wasn’t sure if Jeremiah even wanted that.

“Ugh, my head.”

Alexa clutched her head. The whole competition with the doctors had long since slipped from her mind. No wonder, really…

“Who’s giving you a hard time?”

Carlisle swooped in immediately.

“No!”

Alexa quickly shook her head. With Carlisle sitting right there in the clinic, the so-called competition was already over before it began. The doctors were so intimidated they couldn’t even meet Alexa’s eyes. Her backing was too strong, and it was practically legendary.

“Then why does your head hurt? Don’t tell me Ysildus is stressing you out?”

Carlisle frowned.

“Just say the word, Alexa. The strongest and most amazing father in the world will take care of it for you.”

When had he suddenly become her father? Still, whenever she tried calling him ‘Your Grace,’ he wouldn’t respond, so Alexa had no choice but to go along with it.

“Of course not! Ysildus is honestly, truly good to me!”

In fact, part of the reason Alexa was troubled was because of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. Watching them dote on her, ready to grant her every wish, stirred memories of the love her own parents used to give her. 

The Queen was likely feeling the same. She couldn’t even bring herself to go see her son directly. The Queen’s heart was clear as day, but Jeremiah’s? Completely unreadable. And that’s what left her unsure.

Carlisle let out a thoughtful hum.

“When you’re conflicted, sometimes the best thing to do is face it head-on.”

“Sorry?”

“Especially when it’s not even your problem. Just ask the person directly.”

Alexa blinked. It was like Carlisle could see straight through her.

“No matter how much you agonize over it, you won’t find the answer.”

“…But what if I end up hurting him? What if he’s pretending not to know because it’s too painful? What if he can’t even bear to think about it?”

“That may be. But it’s not something he can pretend not to know forever, is it?”

Carlisle gently reassured her.

“Be brave, Alexa. That boy is stronger than you think. Whatever the outcome, he won’t resent you.”

Alexa slowly nodded, lost in thought. So I was the one who needed courage. The truth was, she was afraid Jeremiah might hate her. That was it. She’d only just realized.

“Thank you, Father!”

Alexa beamed brightly again. Carlisle nodded in satisfaction. 

She’d been wandering around like a wilted flower for days. That arrogant brat Jeremiah must’ve placed a heavy stone on Alexa’s heart. Humans, honestly. Always doing the dumbest things. Carlisle clicked his tongue, though of course, he made an exception for Alexa.

* * *

Jeremiah was having tea with Sylvia in the garden.

“Um… I think I’ll just come back later.”

At Alexa’s hesitant words, the attendant frantically shook his head. He had served Jeremiah since the days in Thersion. He knew exactly where Jeremiah’s priorities lay. If Jeremiah found out Alexa had turned back like this… yikes.

“You absolutely must not leave!”

“But she’s a guest… Isn’t she a candidate for Empress?”

The attendant stole a glance at Sylvia.

It was true Sylvia was from a powerful family. With her ties to Count Jertho, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she became Empress someday. But would Jeremiah really make such a simple choice? What about Ysildus? And who knew what Violetta was thinking?

In this whirlwind of uncertainty, one undeniable truth remained: Alexa mattered more than Sylvia.

“That’s not for me to say, my Lady. But if you walk away now, His Highness will be heartbroken.”

“Ah… I could just come back la–”

“Oh my! Goodness gracious!!”

Right then, Jena spotted Alexa. She’d been on her way home with Sylvia after helping Essellia with wedding preparations and was in particularly high spirits.

Alexa turned at the shrill voice that pierced her ears.

“Isn’t that Lady Alexa?”

Ugh. Why is she acting so familiar?

Alexa replied with a strained expression.

“Long time no see, Lady Jena. I see you entered the palace with Lady Sylvia.”

“Oh my! You really don’t know, do you? I’m actually–”

“Your Highness!!”

The attendant instinctively knew this meeting had to be interrupted at all costs. Alexa was Thersion’s one and only treasure. She belonged in a safe, warm cradle. And he had a good idea what Jena was planning.

Because Thersion kept his feelings so tightly guarded, some people, misguidedly, believed Jena would become the Grand Duchess. But those who truly knew Thersion, who’d witnessed Ysildus… they would never say that.

The conversation needed to end now, before Jena could spew any nonsense.

With a voice on the verge of tears, the attendant called out in a booming voice.

“Your Highness!! Lady Alexa has something she wishes to tell you!!”

Jeremiah rose from his seat with Sylvia.

“Alexa! When did you get here? You should’ve told me!”

Alexa smiled awkwardly.

“Ah, well…”

Jena stomped her feet in frustration, glaring at the attendant, but couldn’t act out in front of Jeremiah. Jeremiah hadn’t even bothered greeting her properly. Inserting herself into his conversation with Alexa now would be terribly improper.

She wanted to brag to Alexa about the wedding preparations. She couldn’t understand why that woman was still lingering in the capital. She needed to be separated from Ysildus soon. The best method? Getting Alexa to leave on her own.

That had been the plan…

Jeremiah stepped between Alexa and Jena, blocking Jena from her view.

“You came because you had something to say?”

“I can tell you later, Jeremiah. You have an important guest. I hope I didn’t interrupt.”

“Oh, Lady Sylvia. Let me introduce you. This is Alexa.”

Sylvia quickly wiped the displeased look from her face and smiled. Even if Jena was being ignored, all that mattered right now was getting on Jeremiah’s good side. 

Judging by the situation, Jeremiah and Alexa’s relationship seemed pretty solid. Until the marriage was official, she could only observe for now.

“Lady Alexa. Please, just call me Sylvia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…And feel free to call me Alexa. If you’re Jeremiah’s friend, you’re mine as well.”

Alexa responded with a bright smile. Jeremiah getting married to that woman? Ugh. Jeremiah, married? She’d known him since they were kids, and it just didn’t feel real.

“Lady Sylvia, I enjoyed our conversation today.”

“I did as well, Your Highness. Would you have time tomorrow too? I think I’ll be coming back to the palace. Jena has been assisting Her Grace the Grand Duchess lately…”

Sylvia smoothly brought Jena into the conversation. Jena seized the moment.

“That’s right, Your Highness! I’ve been helping Her Grace prepare for the wedding. For Young Lord Ysildus! And the bride-to-be is…!”

Alexa blinked. Ysildus’s wedding? Her head started to spin. She’d come here to talk about Jeremiah and the Queen, yet this shocking news came out of nowhere.

Right before Jeremiah could stop Jena… 

“It’s me! We’re getting married this weekend! Her Grace has been so kind to me!”

Jena declared, practically shouting. As if she were purging all the humiliation of being ignored until now. That announcement was also a warning not to underestimate her again.

Jeremiah smiled awkwardly, and Sylvia chimed in supportively.

“That’s right, Lady Alexa. Jena and Young Lord Ysildus are getting married.”

What… what did I just hear?

Alexa blinked blankly.

Ysildus and Jena were getting married? We shared the same bed just yesterday… So there was a woman he slept with, and a woman he married separately? Was Ysildus really that kind of scumbag?

It was chaos. Total chaos.

……

T/N: If you grew up with Ysildus, you should know very well how obsessed he was with you