She could understand Clara as she was from another world, so why was Dayson acting out, and what was he thinking? Ella wasn’t sure since things began to deviate from the book. Maybe.. Dayson also was from another world? That seemed absurd, but there were already two foreigners here when she thought there was only one. There was no reason not to have three.

Ella was trying to put together all kinds of possibilities when Smila began to nag from above her, “Milady! Y-you have to get up! I’m not Joanne. You will ruin your hair by lying down like that! Oh, gosh. You know I don’t have the skills to fix your hair! Please get up! Please!”

The thoughts were shaken away completely by Smila’s serious begging. Ella let out a laugh as her thoughts disappeared. Then she looked up at Smila, who was now behaving unfamiliarly for the third time today. Smila was a woman of eight beauties.

“Smila, were you always like this?”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind. I’m just saying it looks good that way. Can you hold my hand? I think I will ruin my hair more if I try to get up alone. You’ll nag at me even more if that happens, so I’ll need your help.”

“My lady!” Smila blushed, realizing that she was being different from her usual self. Ella smiled at her, who changed from her small porcelain doll-like self, and her face blushed even further.

‘My, she had such a face in her,’?thought Ella.

“You’re so cute today, Smila.”

“Stop teasing me, milady.”

“I’m not. I’m sorry that you couldn’t enjoy it when you got all dressed up like this today. Let’s get back. Though.. Smila, do you think we can.. fix this hair?”

It was a mistake for Ella to have relaxed, thinking she had someone to look after her hair. It wasn’t like her to forget that the one who came was Smila.?‘It’s all Dayson’s fault,’?thought Ella as she blew her cheeks and blamed him. It even felt like all of today’s events were Dayson’s fault.

Eventually, Ella had to loosen her hair and tie it half up in the simplest form to finish it.

‘I think my scalp still stings.’?Ella frowned, feeling the stinging from her head. Smila’s clumsy hand had pulled her hair many times until she couldn’t hold it anymore and tied her hair up by herself.

She had taken Smila with her instead of Joanne, who was energetic. It seemed more fitting to take the gentle Smila as the party was full of high-ranking nobles. But she never thought that was going to be her downfall. Smila, who couldn’t be of any help, stood there in frustration while Ella was taking care of her hair, promising herself that she would learn how to work with hair from Joanne next time. However, Ella’s new hairstyle had taken an unexpected turn.

“Oh? Lady Constance’s hair has changed.”

“Well, well. They are young, after all.”

“Then, with His Highness?”

“That was why His Highness looked happy when he returned first.”

The madams, with their imaginations, blushed as they whispered to their ears. A few tried to turn the subject, but such news quickly spread through the entire party hall. As the gossip traveled mouth to mouth, it began to grow on its own. Ella and Cladis danced, unaware of such gossip, and the two of them were wearing clothes that looked so good with each other, which was different from Ella’s debutante, making the gossip even more romantic.

***

Act 9. What are we trying to be to each other?

The next day.

“Ella! Why are you here?!”

Xyle deeply sighed, looking at Ella lying down so comfortably on top of some books. Ella, who barged in before noon, casually walked into his room and made herself comfortable. It almost made it seem like this was her room. Xyle, who found her waving at him when he returned to his room after finishing his task, didn’t hide his frustration and looked down at her.

“I’m sorry, Xyle. Did I come at the wrong time? I couldn’t help but take refuge here because the Crown Prince might barge in on me if I stay home.”

She apologized, but her face didn’t even have the slightest hint of apology. Ella spoke with a grin that looked so annoying. It also made Xyle frown at the premonition that this punk would come here again.

“Ella, I told you last time that those who tried to avoid their destiny don’t end well. I’m worried that you’re going down a difficult path. I’m saying this because I’m truly worried about you, so it might be better for you to return home now.”

He suppressed his anger by taking in a long breath and tried to persuade Ella with a smile. Xyle knew that the woman inside her was only a year younger, but it was hard to ignore how she looked on the outside. It naturally sounded like an adult teaching a young girl. He only realized that after he said those words and felt sorry. Then he looked at Ella’s face and found her face looking sulky.

“I can’t. That place isn’t secure enough,” said Ella.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I have to speak very privately with the Crown Prince, but whenever he comes, even the walls at my house, there are ears listening. I’m sure part of it is already shared here and there, but I can’t have others listening to the conversation. Can you lend me this room for just a little while?”

She said that this room was the most secure place and that Xyle would find out even if the whole world didn’t, so it was okay for him to know ahead of time. Ella said this while making her eyes sparkly.

‘What does she think the Master of the Tower of the Long Moonlight’s room is for?’

Her request was so bold. But Xyle felt like he was ready to grant her wish willingly. He was confused about himself the most as his reaction was unusual and was unwelcome.

“Why must I do that?” snapped Xyle in the most unfriendly way possible.