CH 177

His question reversed my tranquil mood. The impact of his query was so great that I almost spit out the tea in my mouth. I barely managed to swallow the hot liquid, but some went the wrong way, prompting me to cough uncontrollably.

“Jubell? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m—” I began to answer then stopped. Jubell? Had he just called me by my nickname? I had heard from Derrick—as he was the one who frequently told me stories of my late mother—that she used to call me by the nickname. It was just unfamiliar because Father had never addressed me that way. Deciding that I probably imagined it, I lowered my eyes in embarrassment. However, my father kept his attention fixed on me.

“Jubell, why aren’t you saying anything? Do you have a sore throat?”

“N-no. It’s just…” I was already shocked that he had asked me about my opinions on the crown prince out of the blue, but he had made it worse by addressing me by my nickname. In any case, I hid my thoughts and changed the subject. “I don’t know where the cough came from. I guess the seasons are changing. It’s a little chilly these days—”

“Call Allen,” my father ordered the servant by his side before I even finished speaking. I was once again taken aback by his extremely protective behavior. I was only saying that the weather had turned a little cool!

Just then, he reached out his hand toward me. “Come on, I’ll help you up to your room.” I sighed in embarrassment as he was treating me like a critically ill patient. That was when my father placed his hand on my forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever.”

I didn’t know why, but he looked and sounded anxious.

“I’m fine,” I quibbled an answer and took his hand. It was only when the warmth of his hand seeped into my palm that I realized something. I had always denied it, but subconsciously, I wanted his attention and was joyful whenever he showed that he cared about me.

As the warmth spread, doubts began to pervade me. Was this really the same novel that I had read in my previous life? By now, I should be isolated and suffering from loneliness. But the people around me—including my father—were treating me differently from my expectations. There was someone who even liked me…

“It doesn’t matter. I like you, Jubelian.”

I soon wore a bitter smile. All of this didn’t change the past when my father had abandoned me. I slowly pulled my hand out of my father’s grasp.

“Jubelian?”

I smiled at my father’s call. The only thing left was to survive the princess’ coronation ceremony. If nothing happened then…

“It’s nothing,” I assured my father.

Then, I could start living without being restricted by the horrendous future in my memories.

Act 15. Can I Be a Little Jealous?

In a buoyant spirit, Beatrice headed to the emperor’s study. He had asked her to have tea together. She didn’t know why her father had made such an arrangement and was worried to some degree, but her light steps showed that she was excited.

“Welcome, Beatrice. Sit down,” the emperor greeted, and Beatrice felt a sense of relief.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Once the tea was served, Beatrice gracefully raised her cup. The emperor, who was watching, praised her. “How graceful of you. You must be the finest lady of this empire.”

“I’m honored.” Despite her humble reply, Beatrice was rejoicing inside. It seemed that her father was finally paying attention to her.

Responding to her hopes, the emperor asked, “So, my dear—have you decided on a partner for your coronation ceremony?”

“Actually… I have yet to do so.” There was bitterness in her voice. Beatrice had had an argument with her mother about who the partner should be.

“Didn’t I already tell you to ask Marquis Hessen’s eldest son? Do you know how uncommon it is for a man to possess such swordsmanship and status?”

Normally, she would have followed her mother’s words without question. But there was a good reason for Beatrice’s refusal.

‘It would be better to stand alone than to partner with someone who was dating Jubelian.’