I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original Chapter 25

What’s with this calmness? Eunice was incredulous at Selleana’s composure. After Selleana’s conversation with the emperor, Eunice felt an inexplicable rage boiling in her chest.

 

A few weeks ago, when rumors circulated that Lady Elard would not participate in the crown princess selection contest, Eunice glimpsed a small hope. She had admired Pavellian from a young age. How could she not adore the prince who was a year older, wise beyond his years, handsome, and skilled in martial arts? Just like Selleana before regaining her past life memories.

 

But that was it. The imperial family preferred to establish ties with the Elard family, not the Jenon family. Pavellian treated Lady Elard specially among all his companions.

 

“The influence of Marquis Ranteon, the maternal family of the first prince, has weakened, so they seem to want to form a marriage alliance with a strong family like Elard.”

 

Eunice understood the strategic logic. However, she couldn’t help but feel jealous, and despite everyone in the social circles admiring Lady Elard, Eunice could never bring herself to like her. That was all Eunice could do.

 

But now, that very person was out of her way. What followed was sensational. There were rumors that Orot appeared in a priestess’s dream, declaring Lady Elard unfit to be the crown princess. Lady Glen, a close friend of Lady Elard, announced her participation in the selection contest. And crucially, Eunice was summoned to attend this anniversary as Pavellian’s partner, a position always held by Lady Elard at significant events.

 

I might be the most likely next crown princess…! Eunice felt like she had triumphed over Lady Elard for the first time in over a decade. The joy she felt preparing for today’s banquet was immense.

 

Since this is the birthday banquet, will Their Majesties welcome me as a potential daughter-in-law?

 

With a heart full of anticipation, puffing her chest and putting her hand on Pavellian’s arm, Eunice entered the banquet hall. When she looked for Lady Elard, expecting to see her diminished without Pavellian as her partner, her blood boiled at the sight of Lady Elard receiving everyone’s attention despite not being Pavellian’s partner.

 

Why is she so happy when she loses the position of crown princess? Eunice felt ridiculous for trying to show off her closeness with Pavellian, to which Selleana didn’t even blink an eye. And even more…

 

“In fact, there is a man whom I had hoped would accompany me today.”

 

“I have fallen for him at first sight and am currently courting him, but regretfully, I have yet to win his heart.”

 

By then, Eunice could no longer ignore that the situation was different from what she thought. The crown princess position was something Lady Elard had ‘kicked away’. And on the other hand, the imperial family still had lingering feelings for Lady Elard.

 

Was it a fleeting illusion that made her hopeful?

 

“Lady.”

 

Eunice’s suppressed jealousy exploded.

 

“Do you feel good showing off in front of His Majesty like that?”

 

Selleana tilted her head with a grin that meant, ‘What nonsense are you talking about?’

 

“Do you feel satisfied disrespecting the imperial family as if it’s nothing more than chasing chickens?”

 

“Lady.”

 

Selleana handed her empty glass to Michi and took a step towards Eunice Jenon. Surprised by the unexpected move, Eunice’s shoulders trembled slightly.

 

“Could you lower your voice a bit?”

 

“Why, did I say something wrong?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Really… W-wait, what did you say?”

 

Selleana moved closer to Eunice. They were so close that their dress hems touched, and then Selleana took Eunice’s hands in hers. “Lady, I’ve wanted to give you some advice.”

 

“A-advice, what for…!”

 

“His Highness the Crown Prince dislikes it when you talk to him first, so don’t try to be so friendly and just say yes.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Not ‘yes?’ but yes.”

 

Eunice looked at Selleana with a face full of astonishment. Somehow… Lady Elard seemed a bit angry. Eunice was slightly taken aback by her intensity.

 

Selleana even tilted her head to whisper in Eunice’s ear. “And.” Her voice was so soft that only Eunice could hear it.

 

In fact, everyone around them was watching them. It’s bound to be interesting as Pavellian’s two companions are involved, the former candidate of the crown princess and the currently closest to that position. In such a situation, she didn’t have the slightest desire to offer Selleana a snack for no reason.

 

“If you really want Pavellian that much.”

 

“Pa-Pave…”

 

“You should have been more proactive from the start.”

 

“What, now, what?”

 

“With the spirit you’ve shown glaring at me every time we meet because you think your family is inferior to mine, and you’ve given up prematurely.”

 

Eunice was too shocked to respond, both by the tone and the content. To think that Lady Elard, who had always been adored in social circles and spoke sweetly to everyone, had this side to her?

 

Selleana had been feeling quite bad all along. She disliked the headache caused by the emperor’s probing, was resentful towards her family for pretending to be disappointed in her, and was tired of people who used to adore her now scrutinizing her with curiosity filled with gossip. She achieved her immediate goal. But everything that came with it displeased Selleana.

 

It’s a good thing I didn’t come with Collin. If he had come, he would have had to endure these rude stares too. Hadn’t she decided to bear any misfortune alone?

 

And situations like this will be repeated several times… The mere thought was exasperating. But she would never regret her decision.

 

Eunice Jenon’s arrival was a welcome distraction. A target she could honestly vent to.

 

“Did you enjoy the first dance with Pavellian?”

 

It wasn’t just a one-sided vent but something Eunice needed.

 

“But who will be his partner next time? Lady Lorein? Lady Greta?”

 

Selleana’s gaze roamed the banquet hall, landing on Pavellian’s other companions, who were also watching them.

 

“Marquis Shumidt has the Beshunten Merchant, and Count Delsen has a magic stone mine. What does Marquis Jenon have?”

 

“That, what are you talking about…!”

 

“If you want to covet Pavellian that much, show it through your actions. Instead of glaring at me and becoming the talk of the town, prove to the imperial family why they should select you. Even if it means nagging your father.”

 

Eunice looked like she might cry. She had only been jealous of Selleana. She resented Selleana for rejecting the man she wanted and for boasting about not winning another’s heart.

 

At the same time, Eunice felt unjustly treated because there was no fault in Selleana’s words. Eunice wasn’t considered a candidate for crown princess because the house of Jenon lacked something to attract the imperial family’s interest.

 

“I want someone else, so I’ll get him. If you want Pavellian, you should earn him yourself.”

 

Eunice’s face turned red with a mix of humiliation and realization of her inferiority.

 

“Understand?” With that confirmation, Selleana stood up, feeling relieved. She smiled graciously at the curious onlookers.

 

“If you need my help, just say so.”

 

Eunice’s green eyes were aflame with confusion, humiliation, and resentment.

 

“Michi?”

 

“Yes, yes, Milady!”

 

“Shall we go see if Priestess Agnesia is enjoying the banquet?”

 

“Yes, let’s go, Milady.”

 

Michi quickly grabbed a new glass of wine from a passing servant. Whether they knew what the conversation was about or not, it seemed Selleana needed a third glass. Taking the glass without a word, they made their way through the crowd, leaving Eunice Jenon’s burning gaze behind.

 

“Let’s say goodbye to Nesia and then go home.”

 

“Already? But…”

 

“I’ll ask Doloret to bring some other wine. Let’s drink it at the hotel.”

 

“Milady, you’re the best!”

 

As they were leaving, a servant hurried past them toward inside. Naturally, people’s attention shifted to him. Upon hearing his report, the head servant rushed to the emperor with a surprised face and whispered in his ear. Even from a distance, the emperor’s eyebrows twitched noticeably.

 

What was happening? As everyone pondered, the entrance’s servant loudly announced, “Ma-Master of Tower is entering!”

 

Master of Tower? Everyone’s eyes widened.

 

Regardless of what the servant did or said, Selleana, who had been busy lamenting the situation to Agnesia, nearly spat out her wine.