I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original Chapter 138

Yes, it was true. 

 

After Selleana formally withdrew from the candidacy for crown princess through her public relationship with Rakrensius, Michi chose wine as her career path. It was a perfect blend of her hobby that spanned her past and present lives. Even if she continued to live with Selleana, she wanted to find her own work. 

 

The wine market was already dominated by established merchants, including the Benichi Trading Company. Michi targeted a niche market. It was affordable, light wines that even commoners could enjoy. She was inspired by the trend of coffee becoming popular following the success of Agnesia’s café, which opened earlier this year. Thanks to her well-chosen adoptive parents, everything proceeded smoothly. Theonis, who had grown close in the meantime, helped her use the Elard Company’s distribution network, reducing initial costs. 

 

“This all thanks to Milady not entering the imperial palace. The young master helped me a lot too.”

 

“My brother is really something. He didn’t say a word against a woman going into the liquor business.” 

 

“You’re too harsh on your brother. He’s quite reasonable, actually.” 

 

“Ugh, my eldest brother just acts coy in front of you…! You were there when Brother Theo was appalled when I said I became friends with the tower master!” 

 

“Even I don’t think you were friends back then. You and the tower master are only friends? If that’s the case, the relationship between you and me must be just acquaintances.

 

As the two bickered, the maids entered the bedroom with wash water and a change of chemise dresses. Even while washing her face, brushing her hair, and changing clothes, the two friends continued their chat. 

 

“So, starting this summer, you’ll be selling wine-based drinks at Nesia’s café?” 

 

“Yes. Mixing it with soda water lowers the alcohol content and dilutes the wine flavor, making it easier to drink.” 

 

“Really?”

 

“Are you talking about the one you brought yesterday?” 

 

“It was really tasty.” 

 

“Mixing it with soda water? It’s different from just mixing it with water, right? Interesting….” 

 

The maids, who had been quietly working, chimed in. As Michi’s drinking buddies, they had given her various advice while preparing for the business.

 

“Oh, it’s really good if you try it. If I told you to go to Nesia’s for the official launch, it would seem too impersonal… It’s a shame the soda water machine is only at the Benichi Salon….” 

 

“Hey, just wait. This fiancée of tower master will get one for us. Soon, we’ll have a soda water machine in the East Wing!”

 

At Michi’s lament, deliberately loud enough to be heard, Selleana declared confidently. The maids cheered at the lady’s bold promise. 

 

“Then, Milady. Shall we head to the dressing room?”

 

“Sure. Michi, you go ahead too.” 

 

“Yes. I’ll be back after I’m done preparing.”

 

With the basic grooming done, Selleana headed to the dressing room with the maids, and Michi disappeared to prepare herself. In the dressing room, the dress prepared for today hung on a mannequin. Despite using the finest silk and lace, the design was extremely modest. Seeing it, Selleana’s heart sank for a moment. Because today…. 

 

“Milady, should we do your makeup first to avoid any powder falling on the dress? Since it’s black, it would show too much.”

 

“Sure. Keep it simple, okay?” 

 

“Of course. You’re the future princess.”

 

“We’ll make sure you look dignified.” 

 

Selleana forced a smile at the maids’ usual words. Seated at the dressing table in the adjoining powder room, she saw the dress reflected in the mirror beyond the door. A hat with a mesh veil and a black dress that covered up to the neck without any exposure. It was mourning attire. 

 

I understand what Collin said earlier. Even I feel so unsettled…

 

Not that they interacted much, as if asked if they had a good relationship, she would certainly say now. Rakrensius was the same. Was it because they had been present when the deceased lost his life force? Or was it because they had exchanged a few unpleasant words with him? 

 

Today was the funeral of the fourth prince, Eonel.

 

* * *

Last year, when Selleana and Rakrensius clashed with the saintess, Arshilla exhausted all her holy power to attack them but was thwarted by Di, leaving her weakened. Simultaneously, her avatar, Eonel, also exhausted his life force. The remaining holy power in Arshilla was barely enough to maintain her despised human body and Eonel’s shell. 

 

Thus, when the source of the holy power in Arshilla’s body dissipated, the fourth prince, who was recuperating in the palace as the victim of an attempted murder by her, also passed away.

 

* * *

“Look over there.”

 

“Even the fifth prince has arrived.”

 

“Did he have any interaction with the deceased as a sibling?”

 

Ah, this is why I didn’t want to come…

 

It was a few hours later, at the entrance of the Great Temple. Hearing whispers even without paying attention, Rakrensius secretly sighed. He, too, was attending Eonel’s funeral as a member of the imperial family. It was not a welcome obligation. 

 

Although it was never publicly stated, Eonel’s death occurred during Arshilla’s attack on him and Selleana. Moreover, the boy was the saintess’s avatar, not truly human, and had disparaged him without hesitation.

 

“If his fate remains, you can force it; and if his fate ends, you can just kill him.”

 

Brotherly affection, what a joke…

 

Rakrensius hadn’t wanted to come and now desperately wanted to leave. He had held onto Selleana that morning because of this. Hoping the joy of being with her would make him forget this misery. Wishing he could fall asleep and avoid this duty altogether… 

 

Rakrensius fidgeted with the cuff buttons of his black ceremonial shirt. It was one of the blue things Selleana had bought for him before. Those who glanced at him seemed to recognize it, and whispers rippled around him like waves.

 

Have I played the foolish prince for too long? Maybe it would have been better if I had continued like that. No one would expect anything from me, and there is no need for formalities. I wouldn’t have had to come to such an event…

 

[Selleana would be delighted to hear that. Didn’t she say you were too precious to be seen by others?] 

 

Di, disguised as a tie pin, sneered at Rakrensius’s internal grumbling. 

 

[It seems like all the nobles of Nepelsian are here… No wonder, since he was the closest to the crown prince among your half-siblings.] 

 

Today, Di had significantly reduced its form to fit as a tie pin on Rakrensius’s cravat.  Usually, Di didn’t accompany Rakrensius on outings, but today was an exception. In other words, today was a day commemorating the banishment of the Apostle of Orot from the human realm, thanks to a sword that could break Orot’s power. 

 

[If it weren’t for Asmion’s sneaky tricks, you might have had a more normal childhood than you remember….]  Di lamented.

 

It wasn’t wrong. Without the saintess’s schemes, Rakrensius’s life in the palace might have been somewhat better. However… 

 

“Greetings to the eternal sun of the empire.”

 

Lost in thought, Rakrensius reached his destination. 

 

“Ah, yes. You’re here, Rakrensius.”

 

“It’s been a while, Older Brother.” 

 

“Yes. Have you been well, Crown Prince?” 

 

In the front seats of the chapel, dressed in mourning attire, were Emperor Tashur III, the crown prince, and two other half-siblings who greeted him. And there was one more person besides the crown prince. 

 

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

 

“It’s been a while, Lady. Congratulations on your selection, though it’s not quite the right occasion to say so….” 

 

“Thank you. Congratulations on your engagement too, Your Highness. I haven’t had the chance to see you, so I’m glad I can congratulate you now.” 

 

It was Eunice Jenon, who recently won the crown princess selection and became Pavellian’s fiancée. Strictly speaking, she wasn’t yet an imperial family member, but she attended with the imperials rather than the Marquis Jenon’s family. 

 

“Did you come alone?”

 

“Yes, well….” 

 

Selleana wasn’t on good terms with Eonel either. She didn’t particularly want to come, so she chose not to fulfill her duties as a future princess consort.

 

“Alright. Then go take your seat.” 

 

“Older Brother, please sit here.” The third Prince, standing on the threshold of boyhood and adulthood, guided Rakrensius to a seat beside him.

 

Rakrensius walked towards it, glancing to the other side. On the opposite side of the aisle leading to the altar, all the nobles of Nepelsian were gathered. 

 

[There he is. Under the stained glass where Orot strikes the shepherd with lightning.] Di, knowing what Rakrensius was looking for, pointed it out.