Translator: Nox

Chapter 27

Wow, it actually worked.

I was just as incredulous.

How hard is it to reveal a person's true heart? Especially for a spoiled duchess who'd lied and acted like it was nothing.

Yet the Great Spirit grandfather helped so deftly?

This proved without a doubt that I hadn't lied.

No need for exhausting explanations—super convenient. And crystal clear, beyond anyone's doubt.

'Even those who closed their eyes and ears will have to believe me now.'

Indeed.

The brothers, faces frozen in perfect breakdown saying 'Really? Really?', proved it. So exhilarating.

Aldensis and Zikren must have seen my hard work, participating as cheerleaders in this affair.

But they'd assumed I'd be filtered out at the Great Spirit stage. Never dreamed of this outcome, even in their sleep.

"This feels off."

Zikren, trapped in cognitive dissonance, spoke up.

"This can't be right. Who is Duchess Aristina? She's been chasing after your brother without fail since age seven. So obsessively fixated on him..."

"So you're saying I'm wrong now?"

A sharp glint flashed in the Great Spirit's eyes.

"Maybe in the past, but right now, that duchess's heart is filled purely with spotless greed for profit. No room for the Crown Prince or Second Prince."

"She lied like that before too..."

"Hah! Still can't believe it? Looking at you two, I can't tell who's obsessing over whom."

The Great Spirit clicked his tongue.

"You two really don't get it? People's hearts aren't eternal. They say love changes. Even after over ten years of chasing, no reciprocation naturally leads to burnout."

How does he speak so perfectly?

Each word felt like it pierced their skulls, refreshing even me.

He explained so clearly—I didn't need to add a thing.

"I see."

The Crown Prince slowly turned his head. Our eyes met in midair.

"......"

He only looked me straight in the eye when angry; otherwise, barely a glance.

Doubt floated in those piercing blue eyes staring right at me.

He seemed suddenly clueless about the 'Aristina' he'd grasped so well until now.

'So now you'll finally listen?'

Do I really need to declare my stance like this? But with the floor mine, time to say everything.

"Since the Great Spirit explained so well, I trust your misunderstandings about me are cleared..."

I said coldly.

"I sincerely apologize for overstepping my station and rudely declaring I'd become Crown Princess. I know how much trouble my actions caused Your Highnesses. I swear never to repeat such rudeness, and I earnestly wish for Your Highness and Lady Serene to be happy. As long as I live, I'll forever bless you both."

The sincerity in that last part even moved me a bit.

No one in this world wishes for the Crown Prince's happiness more than I.

That way, he'll never think of murder.

Please have a pretty eternal love with Serene...

"Then this Aristina will cleanly vanish from Your Highness's life."

With that, I grasped my skirt with both hands and curtsied.

Lifting my head, my eyes met Aldensis's again.

"......"

His gaze told me. He'd finally seen it.

All the emotions once in this tiresome villainess's eyes toward him—now completely gone.

"Ari..."

He started unconsciously, then stopped.

Facing me standing aloof, neither clinging nor begging—for the first time, he seemed perplexed.

But that small whirlpool vanished quickly from his blue eyes.

"Understood."

The Crown Prince nodded.

"I apologize for doubting and hounding you without realizing your heart had changed. Especially last night's incident. Will you forgive me, Duchess?"

"Oh, of course."

While we exchanged such words...

"......"

Zikren still floundered in cognitive dissonance.

'Idiot.'

I glanced at him and passed by.

"Then farewell!"

Light as if I'd sprout wings and fly, I bid goodbye...

"Ah, wait!"

"Can't leave like that!"

The Great Spirit and royal aunt cried out in panic.

Oh no. I panicked too.

Too relieved at shedding my '13-Year Unrequited Love' title, I'd nearly ditched them and left?

'Gotta wrap this up too.'

I spun toward them.

"Hey, Duchess. What if you forget something important? You passed our test as new contractor—time to sign the contract."

Before the beaming elders, I curtsied.

"I'm truly honored and grateful you chose me, but..."

The Great Spirit and royal aunt's faces changed.

"'Grateful but'?"

"Unlike other merchant leaders who spotted the great prospects in the pamphlet and chose the Music Box business, I just guessed on instinct..."

"That's insight! You passed the test anyway."

"Yes. That intent was real. What I truly wanted was the business selling the Imperial Palace workshop's Music Boxes."

"......"

Sensing something off, the Great Spirit and royal aunt exchanged looks.

"I prepared so hard for the interview."

I pulled papers from my bag and showed them.

"I had no interest in Music Boxes at first, but studying them revealed their appeal. Your products are amazing, royal aunt. I thought I could sell them well..."

"Duchess! I'm sorry! Truly sorry!"

The royal aunt screamed and grabbed my hands.

"But as I said, finding a merchant group for Music Boxes was a bold-faced lie. What to do? I promised it to my lifelong maid who cared for me as gratitude."

"No. Not coveting that—I just wanted to show my sincerity."

I shook my head.

"Even if not Music Boxes, I want something similar. Modest but stable and profitable."

My voice rang out earnestly.

"Our merchant group needs such work now. Sorry, but supplying stabilizers for the Crown Prince and Second Prince doesn't appeal."

Any business tied to the Crown Prince is a landmine for me. I hope never to see those brothers again.

Sending those heartfelt vibes, I offered the wood piece to the Great Spirit and royal aunt.

"I'll return this. Sorry I can't accept the honor you bestowed. Please give it to a far worthier contractor."

"Ah...!"

The Great Spirit clutched his chest.

Thinking him shocked, but no.

"How is every word so perfect? Whether I chose her or not, she prioritizes her own profit and safety! She's a once-in-centuries perfect fit! My heart's racing!"

This time, he seized my hands.

"Too early to refuse, Duchess. Don't you know spirits' tales must be heard to the end? Think. Picking a profit-mad merchant then forcing world peace sacrifice? Doesn't add up! You think I'd do that?"

Ah, right. They must have planned for someone like me.

"True."

But would it convince?

Reading my mind, the Great Spirit smiled.

"Hear me out first. Haven't even started conditions."

"Yes. Listen."

The royal aunt chimed in, turning to the princes side by side.

"Need to talk privately a bit."

"Yes, royal aunt."

As Aldensis and Zikren left, the Great Spirit and royal aunt faced each other. She spoke first.

"We thought the duchess would accept readily. So we skipped parts she'd figure out doing the job..."

"Understand her concerns, so must explain upfront."

The Great Spirit continued.

"Truth is, we understated one thing."

"Pardon?"

I whispered back.

"Understated? What?"

The royal aunt lowered her voice further.

"Actually, the World Tree's Lullaby isn't just a stabilizer."

Luellian said so, and they did too, so I believed. Not?

"Then what?"

"Something far more important."

She glanced at the closed door and continued.

"Even those two don't know its true meaning yet. But..."

Her tone grew more cautious.

"If a problem arises, it won't be you going mad—but them."

"Pardon?"

I was shocked.

"What do you mean?"

"Depending on you..."

The royal aunt whispered.

"You could hold an invincible card against those terrifying dragon-blooded beings."

My heart thumped hard.

'A card that never loses?'