Chapter 2

"Whatever shall we do, Miss..."

Faced with the prince's gifts, Olvia stood there, at a loss.

Flowers, dresses, and jewels.

Even though they had only met last night, wasn't this a bit much?

"It's embarrassing to receive so many gifts."

"What are you talking about, Olvia? For the prince to have such deep feelings, it's a wonderful thing!"

Mother was overjoyed and ordered the servants to arrange the flowers.

"But when I mentioned during the dance last night that I was in poor health, he even said he would introduce me to the royal healer..."

"A royal healer!?"

Mother and I both exclaimed loudly.

After all, the royal healer only treats those of royal blood.

The healers train in the temple and are granted special healing magic by the gods.

Their abilities vary, but it's said that a royal healer can cure most illnesses except for old age.

If such a skilled healer were to treat her, Olvia would surely become healthy.

However, if the prince is willing to go to such lengths, it means he has truly fallen in love with Olvia and intends to choose her as his fiancée.

Realizing this possibility, our household fell into a state of chaos.

But the prince was even more serious than we expected. As soon as the letter arrived, three days after the ball, the royal healer was in Olvia's bedroom.

And Olvia became healthy.

The fever and fatigue that had plagued her for so long were completely gone. She no longer got out of breath when running, and she no longer had to stay in bed.

In fact, she was so energetic that she was almost a tomboy.

"Lord Gilbert!"

In the garden of the manor, under the bright sun, Olvia twirled around, and the prince waved back with a doting smile.

I thought to myself, somewhat rudely, that even when he's doting, he still manages to look handsome, and I quietly turned my gaze away from the happy couple.

He must want to propose to Olvia soon.

The idea of a queen from our household, and especially my sister, is something I never imagined.

But then again, Olvia is the most beautiful girl in the country.

After all the suffering she has endured due to her health, she deserves to be happy.

She may be a bit naive and unreliable, but if the prince likes her, then that's probably for the best.

I don't think I wanted to be chosen by the prince or anything like that.

But.

But.

"Amaryllis, Father has returned. He wants to speak with you."

"Understood."

Perhaps he hurried back because the prince was here.

I cursed inwardly and headed to Father's study.

Father's study is the grandest room in the manor.

Unlike the guest room, which is for entertaining, it has the best sunlight and furniture.

Even though he's not always at home, I always think it's a waste when I'm called here.

"Excuse me."

I was briefly acknowledged and stood before Father.

"Welcome back, Father."

"Ah, I heard that Prince Gilbert is here."

"Yes, Olvia is entertaining him in the courtyard."

"I see."

Father didn't seem very happy, and he sighed, tilting his chin.

"I was asked about Olvia by the king."

"That's..."

"It was just casual conversation, but that's what it means, I suppose."

I had a bad feeling and clenched my hands.

Father, who never shows a cold face to Mother or Olvia, continued.

"If Olvia is to marry into the royal family, you need to find a husband soon."

"…What?"

"Several families have already inquired, but we need to be careful in choosing a husband."

"Um..."

"Don't worry. We will choose a good husband for you."

At least, could he tell me who the candidates are?

I tried to persuade him, as I realized he was determined to make the decision himself.

"Ah... Amaryllis, why weren't you born a boy? If you were a boy, I could have sent Olvia off to the royal family with peace of mind."

For a moment, I didn't understand what he said and froze.

"Well, it's fine. Olvia is healthy and can become a queen. I'm worried if she can handle the heavy responsibility, but we will support her. Hmm. In that case, we need a trustworthy husband. We must prevent the cadets from taking advantage of the situation."

"…Father, do you wish I had been a boy?"

When I finally managed to say this, Father finally looked human.

"Huh? Ah, sorry. It's just a figure of speech. You are my dear daughter."

That's not what I wanted to hear.

Does he think that by saying it's a figure of speech and that I'm his dear daughter, everything will be forgiven?

"We will continue to support Olvia."

Do you mean I will, too?

Am I supposed to live my life according to Father's wishes and always support Olvia? Endure it forever?

And then I realized.

I will be bound to this house and to Father for the rest of my life.

I don't remember how I got back to my room.

Did I manage to smile and answer Father?

If not, I might be scolded later for my attitude.

Father might yell that I always show dissatisfaction, and no one can argue with him.

I stumbled to the bed and collapsed weakly.

I thought the dress would wrinkle, but I didn't care anymore.

This is what it means to be born a noble's daughter.

I'm not particularly unhappy.

I have a warm home, delicious meals, and good health.

But.

I'm not happy.

I'm not happy.

A surge of anger rose from the depths of my stomach, and I felt like my body was falling apart from the inside.

I wanted to cry out, "Why me!"

At the same time, someone's criticism that I shouldn't act like a victim pierced my heart.

I hate Father.

I hate Mother.

I even hate my supposedly beloved sister.

I can't escape from this house or from Father.

I've tried to meet Father's expectations, but the result is "I wish you were a boy."

There's nothing I can do about it.

I hugged the pillow and cried silently.

I imagined the prince and Olvia laughing in the bright courtyard, with Mother and Father joining them.

I wasn't there.

No one would miss me if I weren't there.

It was so humiliating and hateful that I couldn't stop crying.

Can I go on with this bitter resentment?

No, I have no choice.

But I have no confidence that I can manage it.

Suddenly, a person came to mind.

There are people with special abilities like healers.

One of them.

He is said to eat people's emotions.

Moreover, he prefers to eat ugly emotions like hatred and jealousy. It's said that once the emotion is eaten, it disappears.

I've heard of a man who lost his love for his partner and became a shell of his former self.

And he especially likes to devour a maiden's heart completely.

Yes, I will have him eat this emotion.

I might as well have him eat my entire heart.

It's just causing me pain anyway.

And I made up my mind.

I will go to meet the Duke of Gluttony.

Duke Sadias Tralles.