Chapter 10: Refrain from condemning

With the two figures in his field of vision, Oliver stepped forward as if to protect Leefe.

“What business do you have with my companion?”

“Ah, it’s you!”

“Congratulations on your engagement, Prince Easton of the Distoria Kingdom.”

“Why are you here? I heard you were absent today.”

Despite Easton’s surprised and flustered demeanor, Oliver remained composed and smiled.

“I received another invitation, and circumstances changed. I decided to attend with her.”

“!”

Easton swallowed hard and sent an incredulous gaze toward Leefe. Aria, who had hidden behind him, tilted her head in curiosity as Easton suddenly fell silent.

“Lord Easton, let’s discuss matters with my sister and this person in a separate room…? Everyone seems to be paying attention to us.”

“Aria, that can’t happen.”

(As always, Aria.)

Aria’s actions showed no malice. She sweetly smiled as she pulled Easton’s hand.

For Leefe, Aria, who innocently secured everything she wanted, was familiar. Right now, it seemed like she just didn’t want to attract attention.

(Because Aria is lying. In this uncertain situation where I don’t know what to say, it’s unsettling.)

Meanwhile, Easton continued to grimace unchanged. Presumably, he had some acquaintance with Oliver as a fellow royal. Still, Aria seemed important to him. He continued cautiously.

“Lord Oliver, we have a matter regarding Leefe Quin Tarrant over there. There is suspicion that she attempted to poison my fiancé.”

At Easton’s declaration, the venue stirred.

(Oh no.)

To prevent Aria’s enchanting powers from intensifying, she had been sending magical potions disguised as tea leaves to the royal palace. Now, it seemed the trial regarding that was about to begin.

Easton raised his voice and presented something. Oliver is standing in front of Leefe and blocking her view.

“Everyone, look at this. A strange tea was sent to Aria from Miss Leefe. When a magician appraised it, a trace of magic remained. It belongs to Miss Leefe.”

“Sister Leefe. This tea is what I used to drink, right…? Could it be that it wasn’t just ordinary tea?”

Easton gently embraced Aria, whose shoulders were trembling with a shaken voice. Today’s party was organized for the two of them. Clad in matching glamorous white attire, they were indeed the focal point.

Right now, Rene had disappeared. If he were here, he would probably sneer, saying, “Didn’t I tell the young lady not to do anything?”

(I’ve fallen into a trap. It’s not that I didn’t consider this possibility, but isn’t this too much…!?)

Feeling exasperated, Oliver stepped forward, looking down with calm eyes.

“Miss Leefe mentioned that she is an alchemist. Does she have some kind of chronic condition?”

“Yes. She’s my sister, so I sent her medicine to prevent her illness from worsening. It seems to have backfired.”

There was no energy to conceal the truth. Answering honestly, he smiled exceptionally kindly.

“You really haven’t changed at all.”

“!?”

(He believes my side of the story…!?)

In this life, in front of Aria, the Enchanting Saint, everyone bowed. Even if she was unaware of it, everything revolved around her.

Leefe, with a substantial amount of magic, was never deceived, but in moments of disagreement with her sister like this, she had never been unconditionally believed.

(Beyond mysterious, he’s a strange person…)

But there was another mystery. Until now, Aria had been a cute sister to Leefe. She might innocently take everything away from Leefe, but Leefe couldn’t recall doing anything to deserve such treatment.

Curious, Leefe asked Aria.

“Hey, Aria.”

“Yes, what is it, big sister?”

“Why did you invite me to this party? Didn’t you think I would feel uncomfortable? It’s not like me to be happy, right?”

“Because, big sister, you’re an important family member. I just wanted to see you happy… If only I hadn’t phrased it like that…”

As Aria’s eyes moistened and she began to tremble slightly, Easton intervened.

“That’s enough. I’d like you to stop hurting Aria any further.”

Although it had been a month since they last met, Aria’s Enchanting Saint power seemed to have strengthened even more. From the looks of it, their entourages didn’t seem to find any discomfort in the story that “the two had been in love for a long time, and Aria made the magic potion.”

(Maybe the story that the two had been in love for a long time and I was the intruder is actually true.)

Oliver turned around as Leefe sighed, appearing calm and wearing a serene expression. However, magic was beginning to leak, much like when Leefe had accidentally burned her palm before.

It was a mystery why someone she had just met seemed so angry, but in this situation, he seemed to be the only ally she had. It was very reassuring for Leefe.

“It’s not my nature to just stand by while my companion is being attacked. Can I start fighting back soon?”

“No, please don’t. I’ll handle this!”

For some reason, Oliver’s question seemed tinged with impatience, and Leefe took out a vial of magic potion from the neckline of her dress.