She forsook her country, to the point of even discarding the name “Charlotte,” and received a new name from the one she loves. She was also adopted into the Duke of Adlenon family of the magic superpower, the Ferelden Empire, thereby becoming Duke’s daughter, Felicity.

Now, she walked on a new path in life, and was currently having teatime with her adoptive mother, Duchess Beatrix, in a gazebo that stood in the center of a shallow artificial pond in the gardens of the duke’s castle.

When Beatrix poured magic power into the pot, the water started to boil. That water was then used to brew tea. The pot itself was a magical tool, capable of heating or cooling the water inside.

“You’ll be able to use it as well once you become able to control magic, Fel.” Beatric smiled at Felicity who was watching with interest.

Even if they weren’t magicians, all livings beings had magical power. Therefore, even if one couldn’t use magic, magic power could still be controlled. For example, should the magic stone of a magic tool run dry, the tool could still be used as long as new magic power was poured into it.

Magic power control…

Felicity had been told that despite lacking the aptitude for magic, she possessed an extraordinary amount of magical power, so much that it was unnatural. She’d never felt the flow of magical power, so she had no real sense for it, but… if she became able to control it then, she would be able to experience magic more intimately simply by using magic tools. Just thinking about it made her heart race with excitement.

“Madam.”

As Felicity was gazing at her tea, a butler walked down the path leading to the gazebo and whispered something to Beatrix’s ear.

“Oh my!”

“…Did something happen?”

When Felicity asked Beatrix, who had exclaimed with a voice tinged with exasperation, the ends of Beatrix’s eyebrows lowered to show a troubled expression.

“Well…”

Beatrix opened her mouth to explain, but she suddenly turned to look outside the gazebo. She frowned slightly and fell silent.

Felicity followed Beatrix’s gaze and saw a girl she’d never seen before walking toward them. She wore a fine dress and was accompanied by a maid. From her posture and the way she walked, Felicity could easily tell that she was a noble’s daughter.

“Good day, Dear Aunt.”

“Monique.”

The girl’s identity became clear with the name spoken by Beatrix in response to her greeting.

Although Felicity was an adopted daughter of the duke family and hadn’t yet begun any serious studies under the pretense of needing rest, she had at least been taught the essential knowledge she needed to know right away.

Monique Sevalley, daughter of the Marquis of Sevalley, Beatrix’s elder brother. She was 14-years-old, and to Felicity, would be a cousin by adoption.

In other words, she was family.

As Felicity was sorting this information, Beatrix placed a hand on her forehead and sighed.

“I don’t remember inviting you, nor haven I received any notice of a visit.”

“My sincerest apologies. I heard the Dear Aunt and Dear Uncle had taken in an adopted daughter, so I thought I must come and offer my greetings.”

Monique shifted her gaze to Felicity.

She had a cute face, one that would likely be popular with men. However, there was little warmth to be felt in her gaze.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Monique Sevalley.”

Monique gave an elegant bow. Her movements were refined, so much so that it felt as though she were showing off.  Then, when she lifted her head, she displayed a challenging smile.

Felicity stood upon seeing that.  Her first impression appeared to have been correct after all.

When a challenge is given, one accepts it.

“I am Felicity Adlenon. I have been newly welcomed into the family by His Grace the Duke and Her Grace the Duchess. A pleasure to meet you.”

Felicity pinched her dress and performed a flawless curtsey, one without the slightest waver in her posture, naturally, gracefully. The beauty and elegance she displayed far surpassed Monique.

She could sense a subtle shift in Monique’s demeanor at that. There was a simmering gaze that clearly conveyed, “I don’t like this.” At the same time, a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.

Monique must’ve been looking down on Felicity, an adopted child of unknown origins.

Unbeknownst to her, Felicity had until recently been receiving strict training as the crown princess. Although there were slight differences in etiquette due to the differences of their home countries, Felicity had learned even those for diplomacy purposes during her time as Charlotte. Carrying herself in a way that left no room for criticism was an easy task.

“Still, while I do understand the desire to convey your greetings… barging into another household without any prior notice like this…”

Felicity released a sigh, unbothered to hide her exasperation. Her words caused Monique’s face to flush red with anger in an instant.  She raised her voice sharply.

“I’ll have you know that I’ve frequently been visiting the Duke’s household since I was a child. They always said I should feel free to drop by. Of course, you wouldn’t know that.”

“Regardless, prior notice is still necessary. There’re preparations involved in receiving guests. Her Grace also made that point just earlier, did she not?”

“There’s no need for such formalities between me and my Dear Aunt and Dear Uncle. The duke’s household is practically my second home!”

Monique, with her arms folded and her chest puffed out, had an expression that displayed full confidence. 

Felicity smiled calmly in turn, saying, “I see.”

She’s just a child after all.

There was no doubt anymore, Monique didn’t like Felicity. Her entire demeanor radiated disdain; she made no effort to hide it.

At present, she was trying to appear sharp and menacing, perhaps to intimidate Felicity. However, it wasn’t having as much effective as Monique thought.

“With my becoming a member of the duke’s family, I believe there was a request for everyone to be mindful of etiquette… In other words, you have no intention of taking that into consideration. Is this correct?”

“W-what? Just because you’ve become an adopted daughter doesn’t mean that my relationship with my Dear Aunt and Dear Uncle has changed. That’s only natural, isn’t it?”

As Felicity had started speaking with a sigh, Monique was caught off guard and her tone slightly weakened.

“So, you didn’t understand that they were asking for consideration towards me, someone still unfamiliar with the duke’s family.”

“Hm-hmph! Claiming you’re still not accustomed to life here, how unreliable. You intend to become engaged to Lord Ethelbert, do you not? Will you even be able to manage when you are this disgraceful. It’s only a matter of time before he loses interest in you!”

Beatrix, who had quietly been watching their interaction, finally reacted. Her eyes narrowed her sharply.

Ethelbert, the younger brother of the Emperor of the Ferelden Empire, heir to the Duke of Adlenon, and also Felicity’s beloved. The fact that Monique mentioned his name here indicated that this was her most important card.

Monique, desperate to drive Felicity out of the duke’s house, didn’t seem to notice the change in Beatrix’s mood. Truly, she was still a child. Her perspective was narrow, and she was acting purely on her emotions.

“There is no need for concern. Lord Ethel always makes his feelings for me clear, both in words and in actions. He loves me and has no intention of being with anyone else.”

“…You may not feel it now, but without magical ability, you’ll come to find supporting Lord Ethelbert difficult. If you truly care about him, shouldn’t you step aside?”

“I believe Lord Ethel’s feelings are the most important consideration. Besides, our magical compatible is said to be very strong. According to him, touching me brings him the greatest comfort. We already share a bedroom and we sleep together every night.”

“Wh—!”

Monique blushed and her mouth flapped open and shut at the calmly spoken revelation. It may have been much too stimulating for a child.

“H-h-how shameless!”

“That is what Lord Ethel desires. In other words, you are calling himshameless.”

“Of course not! I’m saying you’re crazy for being able to make such declarations to others without even a hint of embarrassment!

Monique covered her cheeks with both hands. She was trembling, and with a face that was still bright red, muttered, “E-every night…!”

Simply sharing a bedroom didn’t mean they were physically intimate every night, she seemed to have completely misunderstood. Felicity decided not to clear up that misunderstanding.

“Outsiders shouldn’t meddle in the affairs of lovers.”

Felicity spoke calmly and with composure, as if gently advising her. Monique, who had been flustered from embarrassment, now had an expression full of anger.

“His marriage partner must be someone with ability and status befitting that role, someone who can support him properly!”

“Monique.”

“Plenty of people have worked hard to be worthy of standing beside Lord Ethelbert! I, too, have been refining myself all this time as well! And yet, someone who isn’t even a magician, such a person is unworthy of Lord Ethelbert, nor of being the daughter of the Duke of Adlenon!”

“—Monique Sevalley!”

Monique abruptly shut her mouth at the cold and severe voice. Then, uncertain, she turned to Beatrix and spoke in a low voice.

“Dear Aunt…?”

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