Chapter 4

Stefan then went around to greet the other guests, and now he is surrounded by several young ladies.

Most of them are daughters of influential nobles, and a few of them would be sufficient as a backing.

Lumina thought this as she paused her eating, wondering if she had overindulged, and rubbed her stomach.

"Let's take a walk, shall we."

Tired of watching Stefan here, Lumina decided to walk to clear her head and made her way to the castle garden.

She had walked through the castle garden many times.

Though it was a maze-like garden, it was familiar to Lumina, and she never got lost.

At that moment,

A sniffle, like a cry, caught her attention. Lumina slowly followed the sound and found a young boy wiping his eyes and sniffing in front of a fountain.

Wondering who it could be, she watched closely and recognized him as Sharon, Stefan's close aide and the man rumored to be the next chancellor.

Though still young, Lumina thought it must be him. She was shocked to see the well-built, stern-faced man she had met many times in her previous life crying.

That aloof man is crying.

Lumina was shocked by this and also reminded of her past life.

He was always a fair man.

He often advised Stefan, who was falling in love with Sophie, and also criticized Lumina for her underhanded actions.

Until the very end, even at the moment of the engagement's cancellation, he remained fair, and she was deeply moved when she saw him arguing that the prince should not condemn a young lady at such a ball.

Always fair.

Always expressionless.

Aiming to be the chancellor, he was well-built, and if it weren't for his expressionless face, he could be popular with the young ladies.

Lumina was surprised by the sight of him crying and instinctively took out a handkerchief and approached him.

"Excuse me, would you like this?"

Sharon, startled by the sudden voice, shuddered and looked at Lumina with reddened eyes.

Sharon, the Duke of Dandow's son and the current chancellor's son. Lumina thought to herself how adorable young Sharon was as she handed the handkerchief to the frozen Sharon.

Sharon's eyes widened, and his face turned red instantly. He took the handkerchief and hastily wiped the tears from his eyes.

"I am Lumina Larrasch, from the Duke's household. Is something wrong?"

Sharon, still blushing, said shyly,

"I am Sharon Dandow. I... got lost... I've been wandering for quite some time... and ended up showing such a pitiful sight."

Lumina was slightly surprised by his words and smiled.

"This garden is like a maze, after all."

"Ah, yes. I was supposed to accompany the prince... but I got lost. What about you?"

"I was just taking a walk because I found the garden beautiful. If you'd like, I can guide you to the exit."

"Really? You know the way?"

His surprised expression was adorable, and Lumina nodded and said,

"This way."

As Lumina started walking, Sharon hurriedly followed from behind. They easily made their way to near the tea party, and he widened his eyes.

"You're amazing!"

Lumina was inwardly surprised by his smile, but before she could react, an unexpected voice called out to her.

"Sharon! Where have you been!"

Though she didn't want to get involved, the voice's owner was approaching.

"Your Highness, I apologize."

Lumina was thinking of how to avoid the now present Stefan.