*****

A suffocating silence.

As the woman watched the scenery outside passing by, she belatedly realized her vexed expression reflected on the car's window. At this point, her usually motionless brows were knitted, and her lips unconsciously curled downward.

''...''

Still, how could she not be irritated?

Being a competitive candidate for the throne, Racheal knew she needed a suitable partner to gain an edge over other heirs, but no matter how she looked at it, a twelve-year-old kid was too much.

She reluctantly made her way to the Orleans Marquisate because of her mother—the second empress's insistence—yet she couldn't help but be disgusted at herself. She thought there were many other potential partners she could take, and she wanted to look through them slowly to find the best fit, but in the end, her mother's words still held too much weight.

'How ironic.'

She wanted to become the next emperor so she could have autonomy, but to achieve that, she would now need to obey others. Still, if nothing changed, the House of Orleans would gladly take the proposal since it came from none other than the imperial family. Refusing it meant treason, and unless they were suicidal, no such thing would occur.

The daughter, Lyra de Orleans, would likely be engaged to Racheal sooner or later, which would pretty much seal the deal since breaking an engagement was quite taboo. Afterward, it didn't really matter when they married.

Letting out a sigh, Racheal quietly accepted her fate. At this point, she hoped that this kid would at least be obedient.

''...''

Really, was it too much to ask for love? If anything, Racheal wanted someone for whom she could develop feelings. She knew it was outrageous in the current high society, but still.

The more she thought about it, the more her mood plummeted.

For a moment, she thought about the mysterious woman whose scent captivated her a few months back. She couldn't find her. Racheal was certain the woman used some sort of stealth magic, but she couldn't do anything further.

At that time, she could only see the lower half of her face, and she still dreamt of her beautiful lips opening in shock. Fair skin, sharp yet graceful jawline.

Rachael was stunned.

More than appearance, however, she got more curious about the person's blood.

'Such fragrant blood... maybe I can get back to her matter later...'

For now, it was time to take care of her potential spouse.

The main mansion of the Orleans Marquisate was more or less extravagant, yet if asked about their impression, most would say that it seemed gloomy. Many attributed it to supernatural causes, but Racheal thought it was more of a management problem.

''If they add more colorful flowers and maybe repaint the grey walls, it would be much more lively. Don't you think so, Your Highness?''

''Hm.''

In this regard, Racheal agreed with Kyrie, her personal maid and bodyguard. She was glad that at least Kyrie, one of the few she was comfortable with, was accompanying her this time.

Upon setting foot in the mansion, Racheal was welcomed by the marquess herself, who had an enthusiastic attitude. She was then guided to the guest room, where she could immediately spot her... spouse.

''...''

''...''

Even the socially fluent Kyrie felt awkward. The child was cute, but she... was a child. Nesting the small dragon in her arms, like holding a doll, didn't help her image either.

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''Lyra de Orleans. It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness.''

''Racheal de La Fayette.''

From then on, silence ensued. Neither of them had anything to say to the other, and they both knew their families were the ones deciding the marriage, so they didn't try to talk either.

'Imperial... princess.'

For the first time, Lyra felt the awkwardness. The Racheal, in her eyes, was an unfamiliar, imposing woman. She wanted to be alone. If she were to spend time with anybody, it would be her big sister. Lyra only knew her big sister.

'Big sis...'

Somehow, Lyra missed the cheerful step-sister's smile very much.

''Excuse me.''

Sensing that the kid was being uncomfortable, Racheal used that as an excuse in her mind and justified her exit. Walking along the hallway, Rachael massaged her temples.

Was it really the right thing? To force such a child into a lifelong relationship...

''Hm?''

Suddenly, a faint fragrance hit her nose. Other people wouldn't even recognize the scent, but Racheal could clearly identify it—the smell of blood. Not quite thick enough for it to be a case of violence or a severe accident. Maybe a small cut.

However, Racheal was more focused on the unique aroma of it.

'...The woman from before. It's her.'

Feeling her teeth itching, Racheal hurried her steps, carrying a racing heart. Following her instinct, she could feel her surroundings fading away—just, the only path to her desired left.

And soon, she found it.

Long, smooth sky-blue hair cascaded over her shoulder, continuing down with a draped layer of blue coat until a pure white dress remained. Looking at herself in the glass, the woman could be seen adjusting her hair, casting a puppy gaze with a pair of vivid red eyes.

Flushed cheeks as if fighting against the cold.

Perked lips that resembled cherries.

A small hand clutched her cape, concealing her figure.

Still, there was a corner somewhere, one that gave the woman a sickly impression. More fragile than glass, more precious than jewelry.

Rachael's heart stopped for a moment. In her eyes, only the silhouette of this woman remained. If her nose hadn't reminded her of that mesmerizing scent, she would have stood still for a long while.

''Um... Your Highness?''

Soon, she found herself taking the person's chin. Most disrespectfully, her thumb was playing with the person's lower lip.

'Disrespect?'

Was she someone who would worry about disrespecting others? No way.

Yet somehow, Racheal felt like she was walking on eggshells. The woman's striking eyes held a hint of naivety, her slightly trembling lips... the future crown princess was fighting the urge to kiss this woman.

To bite her lips until it bled? That was understandable, but kiss?

She didn't understand what was happening.

However, both her heart and her mind were whispering that... she should treat this woman well.

So, the courtesy that she didn't show anybody came out. The cold words were replaced with gentle ones. The arrogance left its place for chivalrousness.

''My name is Cecilia of house Orleans, Your Highness. It is an honor to meet you.''

'Cecilia...'

Hidden, blind. Those were the meanings of the name.

Rachael thought it was so accurate. Otherwise, how could a beauty of this caliber be hidden for so long?

It took a while for her to realize that Cecilia was most likely the daughter of the new Marquess of Orleans. She didn't care too much about that.

If there was something certain...

Rachael knew her heart was finally moved.

*****

''Drinking warm coffee in this weather is truly comforting... don't you think so, Your Highness?''

''I agree. It seems Lady Cecilia and I have a lot of common points.''

''Ahahah...''

Oh, man. It was so surreal.

Somehow, Racheal de La Fayette here was a very different woman than I thought. She was much, much gentler than in the game. Would it be outrageous to believe that she was also a transmigrator?

If so, she would have recognized this different 'Cecilia' as well.

But then again, I preferred this Racheal. She was still cool, still hot, but I wouldn't have to worry about being chopped off for angering her.

''What... kind of food would you prefer, lady Cecilia?''

''Oh, perhaps... dessert? I love cakes.''

''I see. I also like cakes.''

''Really? Then... could we have a trip to Meguirine together? I heard their cakes are top-tier.''

''Of course. Tell me whenever you are free. I shall take you there.''

''My... aren't Your Highness busy?''

''I can make time for you.''

Thud.

That was the sound of my heart jumping out of its cage to sit on Racheal's hand. I loved it. I absolutely loved it. For me, who had little experience with romance, flirting like this was always a dream.

Though...

''Would you like some cakes, too, Lyra?''

''...''

Puffing her little cheeks out slightly, the heroine shot a resentful gaze toward Racheal, who seemed unfazed. For some reason, she allowed me to put her on my lap today, which was a considerable achievement. Her body was indeed small and warm—a perfect hugging bear.

My princess's mood was a bit... off, however.

''...Our chef's cakes are also good...'' She muttered.

''Of course. But eating out would be more fun, no?'' I giggled, putting my hands on her cheeks. ''You'll get to, say... people-watching?''

''You can't go out. It's too cold.''

''Oh.''

Until then, both Racheal and I forgot that it still snowed heavily in the capital. If I were to escape the vicinity of a heater, I would probably freeze to death—at least, that was what my image was.

Then, Racheal suddenly intervened.

''Snow is not a problem. I can use fire magic, you see?'' She said.

''Gr...''

For a while, Racheal and Lyra glared at each other. Somehow, the room seemed a bit warmer.