Chapter 12

【――People tend to feel a sense of closeness with those who are similar to them. (Try to mimic the other person's actions as if you were a mirror.)】

With that in mind, the next day.

Lilith stood as close as possible to Gesualdo while everyone around her was busy with the preparations before departure.

(Mimic the other person's actions...)

Lilith crossed her arms, just like Gesualdo, and waited for the carriage to arrive.

Suddenly, Tena hurried over.

"Lilith-sama, please don't cross your arms like that."

"Eh? Why not?"

"It makes you look angry. Also, please keep your legs together. Fortunately, it's not noticeable with your skirt, but it still looks too bold. Unmarried women should be more reserved..."

"Oh..."

Feeling disappointed after Tena's advice, Lilith glanced at Gesualdo, who was frowning suspiciously but quickly returned to a blank expression and looked away.

It seemed that the mimicry strategy had failed.

"Being a flirt is harder than I thought..."

Lilith sighed deeply, and Tena, thinking she had finally understood, let out a sigh of relief.

But of course, that was wishful thinking.

"Then, I'll try the casual touch strategy next."

"Lilith-sama! That's absolutely out of the question!"

"Why not? Men tend to become more aware of a woman if they have more physical contact with her, thinking, 'Does she have a thing for me?'"

"You shouldn't touch men other than your husband so casually. It will make you look immodest!"

"Oh, the rules of a lady. So troublesome..."

While Lilith's behavior was troublesome, Tena was used to it and didn't think much of it. She only vowed to burn that guidebook in her heart.

"But, how can I get closer to Prince Gesualdo? There are only six days left until the wedding. We've barely had a conversation, and even when we have dinner together, he always talks to someone else."

Tena, who usually didn't show much sympathy, felt for Lilith, who was complaining in a slightly dejected manner.

The prince's attitude was too harsh, even though he was the one who had proposed this match.

After some thought, Tena decided that the safest and most classic approach would be best and made a suggestion.

"Lilith-sama, why don't you write a letter to Prince Gesualdo?"

"A letter?"

"Yes. It shouldn't be something as obvious as 'I like you,' but you can write about your interest in him and your desire to get to know him better."

"Brilliant! That's a great idea! Why didn't I think of it before?"

"Indeed. However, there is one request I have."

"What is it?"

"Please let me read the letter before you give it to Prince Gesualdo."

"To Tena?"

"Yes. You see, letters can sometimes end up being more embarrassing than intended, especially if written at night. It's safer to have someone else review it first."

"That's true! You're right!"

Seeing Lilith nod in agreement, Tena felt relieved this time, thinking it would be fine.

She regretted not suggesting it sooner, but with the many rejections that followed, Tena's worries continued.

As for Gesualdo, when he received the letter—

He snorted at the content, which was nothing but ordinary and safe.

It was clear that someone else had written it for her.

It was probably her brother Eam, but considering her hostile attitude at the dinner the other night and her arrogant behavior before getting into the carriage the next day, it was obvious that the princess was not happy with this marriage.

As the wedding approached, her frustration was becoming more apparent.

Gesualdo himself was also frustrated that he couldn't call off the engagement.

"Poor thing..."

"Hm? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing."

Gesualdo's sidekick, Filio, who was reading a document, looked up at the sound of his voice.

Filio was Gesualdo's childhood friend and one of the few people he trusted.

However, not wanting to disappoint Filio, who was happy about the match, Gesualdo had not confided in him about his feelings.

So, he moved Lilith's letter to the processed box and decided to forget about it.