~Chapter : 5.2 ~

« Nassar »

« Yes, go ahead. »

« If I’m completely healed, will you want to go on a picnic somewhere? »

When the weather was nice, she would often go on picnics with him, with a basket full of food prepared by the maids. At best, she would just go to the palace garden with her subordinates. But that was the time Philomel would prefer.

« Of course. »

Nassar nodded gently.

« Where will the picnic be? »

« Let’s go where you want to go. Is there a place you want to go? »

« Wherever you want, as long as I’m with you, it’s okay. »

That was an attitude and an impeccable answer.

« No, an outdoor picnic doesn’t fit the weather these days. Yesterday, it rained and Nation Foundation Day was even postponed. What do you think, Nassar? »

« Yes, your words are correct, your highness. I have witnessed it ».

« It would be nice to have a picnic inside while eating snacks. »

« Yes, that’s nice too. »

« My maid tells me there’s a pianist who’s a hot topic in high society. It would be really nice to call this person and listen to his show together. »

« I’ve heard about it. I think it’s a good idea. »

He always answered flawlessly. But it was still just an answer.

Oh.

Nassar didn’t want to do anything with her. Philomel realized that. From the beginning of this conversation, Nassar had never expressed his opinion. He was content to answer in agreement with what Philomel wanted to hear.

Before, she believed that this attitude of saying yes to everything she wanted was due to his affection for her. However, Nassar was portrayed in the novel as an anxious man who did absolutely everything for Ellencia before she even opened her mouth to say it. He was a man who was melting down in front of the woman he loved. But he always knew how to keep his calm and courtesy in front of Philomel. It was simply because he had absolutely not a single drop of love in him for her.

Through her experiences of the last few days, she saw the naked truth of the world around her, without this peaceful illusion.

« So we’ll bring the pianist to perform in front of us. If the princess sends me a message when she gets better…. »

« No. »

Philomel rose from her seat, cutting off Nassar’s words.

« What? » said Nassar with embarrassed eyes.

« Let’s just say there’s nothing more to this story. Thank you for coming. I’m tired because I haven’t fully healed yet. So let’s leave it at that, Sir Nassar. »

Like Nassar, Philomel tried to smile politely and quickly say the words she had in mind.

« And you no longer need to come to the Palace twice a week to play with me. »

« What, que…. »

« I have no reason to abuse Sir Nassar’s precious time. I’m sure you also have your own schedule. From now on, feel free to spend it with other friends. »

« Please, wait a moment. Have I done something to offend your Highness? Then I apologize. So your anger…. »

« Not at all. Sir Nassar has done nothing wrong. »

Nassar was confused by Philomel’s attitude, who hadn’t lost her smile.

« I say that because since we got engaged, we haven’t had time to meet other friends often. Because we see each other a lot. Don’t you think I need other friends besides Sir Nassar? »

« Okay. »

» Bye, then. »

Philomel left the drawing room, leaving Nassar behind, who answered a dubious face. Philomel returned to her room and looked in the mirror to check her expression.  Had she managed to smile like Nassar, right there?  After practicing with her eyes closed for a while, a plausible smile had appeared on her lips. It was the mask she was going to wear in the future.

Let’s imitate Nassar.

She was going to be nice to everyone, but she wouldn’t give her heart to anyone.

« ….. This way when I run away, I’ll leave with no regrets. »

The little girl in the mirror had a smile full of loneliness.