“Richeli.”

Sitting at the dining table with my father, the Duke of Morgan, my mother, and Julian, I feel a bit melancholy, realising that our intimate family meals will soon come to an end.

“After the wedding, you’ve decided to continue attending the Magic Academy as the crown princess, right? His Highness has allowed this?”

“Yes, that’s right. It seems that Zinon and Patrick were quite busy with their official duties, so I’ll be the only one attending. I’ve made some friends and want to master magic if I can.”

“That’s a good idea. Since you’ve received His Highness’s magic, it’s appropriate for you to learn to use your own magic. What kind of magic do you want to learn, Richeli?”

“I’ve had various consultations with Professor Sevigny, but I’d like to learn a variety of practical magic and, if possible, healing magic.”

“That’s just like you, sister. I can imagine you caring for your future children, drying their hair with magic.”

Julian sees right through me, and I can’t help but smile wryly. That’s right. I thought it would be wonderful to dry their hair with magic after a bath, and since Zinon doesn’t use healing magic, I thought it would be convenient if I could use it in emergencies.

“We really have nothing but gratitude for His Highness. To love our dear daughter so deeply…”

“Indeed. Ever since you fell ill two years ago, he’s always been by your side, watching over you… He protected you from the issue with Eloise. We can send you off with peace of mind. We are truly blessed.”

At the words of my grateful parents, I smiled and nodded.

That’s absolutely true.

Ever since I was reborn in this world as Richeli, Zinon has always been by my side. I thought he was helping me to catch up on my princess education as much as possible, teaching me dance, foreign languages, history, and manners.

But now I realise he might have been there to ensure I never felt lonely.

More importantly, Luna Maria was the heroine in Magic Eyes, and I was destined to be disengaged from Zinon. But Zinon has never once mentioned breaking off our engagement.

On the contrary, he noticed that I was being targeted by Eloise and had been working for years to expose her. He did all this so I could go to him with peace of mind.

Not to the convent, but…

Could it be…

Could it be that… he knew everything from the beginning?

Lately, I’ve been very curious about this. Once it’s on my mind, I can’t settle down and become restless.

***

“Zinon… um…?”

While preparing for the wedding, especially when Zinon was rehearsing how to place the tiara on my head, I felt like I was losing myself. I no longer think I should go to the convent, nor do I intend to ask Zinon to break off our engagement. But when I see the tiara studded with dazzling diamonds, I can’t help but feel it’s too grand for me, who is not really a genuine princess. This makes me want to confirm something even more.

“Hmm?”

Zinon, who has been practicing placing the comb-shaped clasp of the tiara into my hair until he can do it smoothly, looks at me and asks again.

“Um… so… Zinon? What if…?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you… know…?”

His clear blue eyes capture my nervous, excited gaze.

“Hmm? What about?”

He tilts his head, his blue eyes wide in confusion, and I feel a chill.

“Um… so… about me…”

“You?”

This might not have been the right approach. But I push myself to go a bit further.

“Yes… Zinon, do you… know the truth… about me?”

“Hmm? What are you talking about?”

Ah, it seems I was wrong.

Of course, he wouldn’t know. Even in this different world, there’s no such thing as humans being reborn, and I doubt he’s ever heard of a soul swapping in the afterlife. I quickly cover up my mistake at seeing Zinon’s puzzled expression.

“I brought a strawberry cake. Shall we have tea together after the rehearsal?”

***