***

  ‘Because I’m good at it…’


  If she asked the people around her, like Enoch, Elle and Ian, what they were good at, they would have an answer right away, but she couldn’t think of anything she was good at.

  ‘I’m sure I’m good at something too.’


  However, she couldn’t find it alone, so she eventually decided to ask for help from someone else.

  “What are you good at?”


  “Yes, or any strengths.”


  She decided to ask Keena, who visited regularly even though she was always busy. Keena seemed to agonize over it for a while, then gave a more casual answer than she expected.

  “You’re nice?”


  “….”


  Obviously, Leticia should thank her for saying something nice, but she didn’t feel happy about it at all.

  “I don’t think being nice is a good thing.”


  Leticia drooped her shoulders with a sullen face. Keena turned her head to look at her.

  “Why?”


  “Well…”


  Leticia sighed in the middle of speaking.

  She always thought she should live as a good person. She’d lived for her family, and believed that one day she’d be happy. However, all that came back was the neglect, and disregard of her family.

  The reality was that her family never forced her to sacrifice herself. She decided to allow herself to be slowly eaten away.

  “Leticia.”


  Keena was somehow able to read what she was thinking, and said Leticia’s name in a firm voice.

  “It may seem that you were hurt and lost the most, but in reality the people who hurt you have lost more.”


  “Keena…”


  “Because they threw you away.”


  Keena continued to speak, more seriously than ever.

  “Being nice is neither a fault, nor a weakness. It’s just that some people are stupid, and don’t recognize your good points.”


  “….”


  “You did a great job, and they ignored you. You can ignore them in the same way. There’s nothing hard to think about.”


  After saying that, Keena lightly shrugged her shoulders. It was an attitude that said she was wondering why Leticia was so concerned over an easy problem.

  “So, don’t think of your strengths as a disadvantage because of them.”


  At Keena’s sincere words, Leticia felt choked up.

  “Thank you, I feel much better. Thank you.”


  “Don’t mention it.”


  Kiena said it was obvious, and drank her tea. As Leticia watched her, a thought occurred to her.

  “Is there anything you want to do now?”


  “No?”


  “Why?”


  “Because there’s nothing I want to do.”


  “Then aren’t you nervous?”


  Leticia felt that she was stuck in place for a long time. Enoch, Ian, and Elle quietly kept walking forward in search of their own paths, while she was still wandering because she couldn’t find what she really wanted to do.

  At first, she consoled herself by saying that it was okay, but the longer she wandered, the harder it became to hide her frustration.

  Keena just looked at Leticia as if she didn’t understand.

  “There might be nothing you want to do, or maybe it will happen later.”


  Leticia gasped when she acted like it was all insignificant. It was surprising, and amazing that she could think that way.

  Keena was watching Leticia, and then asked.

  “Then what do you want to do?”


  “Actually, I don’t know. I’m just…”


  Leticia hadn’t expected to be asked this question, hesitated for a while, and then slowly spoke up.

  “I don’t want others to live like I used to.”


  She knew well that the answer didn’t fit the question, but it was the best answer she could give right now.

  Leticia kept speaking before Keena could ask what it meant to live like her.

  “I hope they’ll cherish themselves, and others.”


  “Then deliver your heart.”


  “How?”


  “You’ve already done it.”


  Leticia blinked her blue eyes because she couldn’t figure out what she meant. Keena frowned slightly in frustration.

  “Like the lucky cookies you make, and seemed to have forgotten about.”


  Keena stopped talking for a while, gave a small sigh, then continued to speak.

  “Your ability is luck. Your existence itself is luck.”


  “Ah…”


  “So be confident.”


  Leticia burst into laughter, she’d forgotten about it because she wasn’t aware of her ability for such a long time.

  “But I don’t know how to start.”


  “There’s nothing grandiose about it. Thinking about it now is also a starting point.”


  Keena slowly got up from her seat, and lightly tapped Leticia’s cheek with her fingertip before saying.

  “You’re good at everything, but sometimes you wimp out before you even start.”


  “….”


  “Nothing good happens if you don’t even start.”


  It was a friendly voice, but it sank heavily into her heart.

  When Leticia nodded slowly, Keena smiled in satisfaction, and left first after saying she’d see her again soon. Leticia was left alone, and muttered what Keena had said.

  “If you don’t even start…”


  Nothing happens.

  Somehow the words stuck in her heart, and lingered for a long time.

  ***

  “I heard you’re interested in charity parties these days.”


  As soon as she arrived at the tea party that Melony was throwing for the first time in a long time, the young lady and the other young women were interested in what Leticia had been doing lately. At first she didn’t like this kind of attention, but now that she was used to it, she was able to smile naturally.

  “Yes, it reminds me of my childhood, so I really want to participate.”


  “You’re doing a good job.”


  “That’s right. There are rumors that the charity parties involving Miss Aster will end successfully.”


  Upon hearing that rumor for the first time, Leticia opened her eyes wide for a moment, then sighed with relief.

  At the time she attended the party, there wasn’t anyone there, and she was worried about how well it would turn out. However, when she asked around, it seemed that people arbitrarily decided to donate later on.

  It took a while to ask each of them how they’ve been, and before she knew it, Melony brought up a different topic.

  “Right, did you hear the news?”


  “What news?”


  “The 4th volume of ‘The Knight and I’ came out!”


  “Oh, really?”


  “Yes, my uncle is the editor-in-chief, so I got an advance copy.”


  When she said that to everyone, the young ladies gasped, and loudly asked to see it.

  On the other hand, Leticia, who’d never read a romance novel before, stayed still and listened to their conversations. Melony immediately noticed, and gave Leticia an explanation.

  “It’s the most famous romance novel these days.”


  “Romance novels?”


  “It’s a desperate love story between the male protagonist, who’s a knight, and a female protagonist, who’s a servant. I brought a book. Do you want to read it?”


  Melony held out the book she’d brought with her, and handed it over. Leticia sat down, and looked through the book. What she was looking at was briefly forgotten when she saw the illustration on the page that she’d just flipped past.

  “Um, um, there’s…”


  Leticia was so surprised that she couldn’t even speak properly.

  However, the young ladies that were with her began to laugh as if they had already expected that reaction.

  “What do you think? It’s going to be popular, right?”


  “But this is still too…”


  It’s racy.

  While speaking, Leticia lowered her voice, and looked at her surroundings. The young ladies’ laughter grew louder.

  “It’s good because it’s racy.”


  “I’ll lend one especially to you, Miss Aster.”


  When Leticia tried to return it, Melony forced the book back into her hands, as if she was being generous. In the meantime, the young ladies began to talk about something else.

  “The author said he wanted to write a deep love story, so he started this series.”


  At that, Leticia unconsciously looked down at the book. Somehow, she felt like she’d found a light in an unexpected place.

  The young ladies soon became preoccupied with their own private conversations.

  “You’re a well-read person.”


  “But it’s not dense, or sticky?”


  “That’s why I like it.”


  Time quickly flew by as they talked about romance stories. As the day began to darken, everyone looked disappointed, and promised to talk more at the next tea party.

  “M-Miss Melony.”


  Leticia approached Melony as the others were leaving in their carriages. Melony looked at her, and seemed to wonder what she wanted. Leticia hesitated for a while, and slowly brought up the subject.

  “You said your uncle was the editor-in-chief?”


  “Yes, that’s right.”


  “Could you introduce me?”


  “Are you going to get all four books?”


  “It’s not like that!”


  Leticia raised her voice in annoyance at her friend’s teasing, returned the book, and tried to leave without sulking. Melony, whose face turned red from stifled laughter, comforted Leticia by saying she’d arranged a meeting with her uncle.

  As she returned home in the carriage, Leticia sighed with anticipation and nervousness.

  ‘I wonder if I will do well.’


  It was always difficult to start, but now she knew what to do.

  If you don’t start, nothing will happen.

  ***

  “I heard that you really wanted to meet me.”


  Cedric had already heard a lot about Leticia because she was all his niece Melony talked about wherever he saw her. Even though this was their first time meeting, he already felt close to Leticia.

  “Actually, what I want to do is publish a book.”


  “You want to write a novel?”


  “I…”


  After Keena left, Leticia seriously pondered once again about what she wanted to do.

  She wanted to help others live so they wouldn’t get hurt like she was. Her ability was to give good luck, so she thought it wouldn’t be as difficult as she thought.

  But it was practically impossible to help everyone.

  She didn’t want to give up though. That was when the idea of a book came to mind.

  “I want to publish a book with words of comfort to people.”


  “When you say comforting words, you mean…”


  “You don’t have to try too hard. You’re doing well enough right now.”


  “….”


  “Don’t sacrifice yourself because of other’s reputations. Your value is what you make it.”


  While talking, Leticia somehow felt gloomy. Everything she’d said to her family was what she’d wanted to hear from them.

  “I want to write that down.”


  Leticia hoped that what she wanted to hear could be helpful to others.

  However, Cedric looked at Leticia strangely.

  “Don’t you think it’s too common? It’s something that anyone around you could say.”


  Cedric’s words weren’t wrong, they were common words that could be heard anywhere.

  But…


  “It’s not every day you get someone to say something so mundane.”


  Leticia smiled, hoping that her sincerity would be well conveyed to Cedric.

  On that day, Cedric immediately wrote a contract. He didn’t hesitate in actively supporting, and cooperating in publishing Leticia’s book.

  A few years later, the book aroused sensational interest, and was a positive influence on people.

  ***

  “I have no intention of marrying your fiancée. I just kept drinking tea with her because I was curious about who she was.”


  It was a drowsy afternoon. The Crown Prince, who pretended that he hadn’t given in to this audience, was complaining loudly that he was being wrongly accused.

  Enoch, who was sitting across from him, didn’t seem to believe it at all. In the end, the Crown Prince reluctantly confessed his feelings.

  “I’ve thought about using that valuable ability to do something big for the Empire.”


  “Your Highness.”


  “It would be a great blessing to the Empire to have such good fortune.”


  Even her personality was more gentle, and friendly than he thought. According to the rumors he’d heard, she participated in charity parties, and helped with the Imperial relief work.

  However, Enoch’s thoughts were different.

  “If I may be so bold Your Highness, I’m not sure what makes you so different from her family.”


  “….”


  His greed meant that he was no different from the Leroy family.

  “Even if you aren’t close, the Empire will be full of luck. Can’t you be satisfied with that?”


  It was a soft tone, but his voice was more firm than ever.

  “She thinks about other people more than herself.”


  Leticia was someone who didn’t know how to love herself, but gave to others endlessly. Finally, she was eagerly looking for happiness, and he didn’t want anyone disturbing that.

  “I only want to support what she wants to do.”


  “What does that mean?”


  “It means that I will tell you not to do anything that she doesn’t like.”


  Enoch was so adamant that it was obvious that he wouldn’t step back. The Crown Prince could only nod in understanding.

  He was a man who moved forward without giving up, even in difficult and degrading circumstances. He didn’t dare to chuck aside a person who could be such a great asset to the Empire.

  “I know exactly what you’re trying to say. I’m sure it won’t happen again, so you can relax.”


  Enoch finally looked relieved after he’d received a definitive answer.

  The Crown Prince was watching his expression closely, and clicked his tongue as he drank his tea.

  Both Enoch and Leticia were people who couldn’t be underestimated. He just hoped that the two of them would get along, and the Empire would prosper.

  ***

  *Just a quick note from Baset. Chapter 99 and 100 talks a lot about proposals, and proposing. I’m not sure why, since I know that Leticia has an engagement ring already. The only thing I can think of is that the original proposal at the Achilles party was interrupted by people fainting, and they are talking about a proper proposal party/event. I’m sorry for any confusion, mostly because I’m a bit confused too…*

  ***

  Leticia was on her way to the Aster’s mansion. It was a beautiful day, and she’d been looking out the carriage window for a while when she noticed a couple having an outdoor wedding. As their gazes overflowed with affection, they looked like they were the happiest people in the whole world. Leticia couldn’t keep her eyes off of their smiling faces.

  ‘I’m jealous.’


  It was from then on.

  “How did you feel when you got married?”


  She suddenly became curious about marriage.

  Even after arriving at the Aster’s mansion, she couldn’t forget the couple who was getting married, so she asked the Count and Countess about it. When asked such an unexpected question, the Count and his wife looked at each other with a puzzled look.

  “Marriage?”


  “Yes, does your life change a lot when you get married?”


  Leticia’s eyes glinted, as if urging them on. At first glance, it was obvious to the couple that Leticia wanted to get married. Suddenly a gentle smile spread across the Countess’ lips.

  “Of course. There are many things that change.”


  “What changes the most?”


  “First of all, we moved in together, so that we wouldn’t have to be apart.”


  “Ah…”


  Leticia nodded and murmured in understanding, but she suddenly closed her mouth.

  ‘Come to think of it…’


  She was already living with Enoch. At that time, it was purely with the intention of helping her because she was forced out by her family.

  The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she’d been living like a couple with Enoch before they even got married. They lived in the same house, and they’d even slept in the same bed.

  ‘Although, all I did was hold his hand while I slept. Still…’


  Somehow, she started to feel shy, and Leticia pressed her fingertips together. They were close enough now, but the desire to get closer had suddenly soared inside her.

  Leticia suddenly felt someone’s gaze, she looked up, and found Count and Countess smiling at her. They looked at her with the kindest of smiles.

  They were so full of love for their daughter that Leticia couldn’t help but smile.

  ‘It’s fascinating.’


  She was abandoned by her family, but she knew they would never do that. She never thought there would be people who would cherish her like she was their real family.

  But there was.

  ‘I thought the world had thrown me away, and now I have the whole world by my side.’


  Now there were people beside her that were more like her family than her biological family. They were people who cared for her and loved her, to the point where she thought she couldn’t be any happier than this.

  But she’d forgotten about the greed that was buried deep in her heart.

  ‘I want to get married too.’


  Leticia unconsciously touched her engagement ring. At this moment, she missed Enoch more than she usually did.

  So, she asked.

  “When are you the happiest?”


  “I’m happiest when I fall asleep holding my wife tightly.”


  Count Aster faithfully answered Leticia’s question. The Countess, who was listening from beside him, looked at the Count like he was being silly.

  “What are you saying in front of our child?”


  “What’s wrong with saying that’s when I’m the happiest?”


  The more the Countess criticized him, the more proudly the Count puffed out his chest. Leticia burst into laughter at the sight of the two arguing happily.

  Even though there was a time when the Countess was very ill, they were still a loving couple.

  ‘I want to live like that too.’


  As a couple that cherishes and loves each other endlessly.

  As she stared as her ideal couple, the Countess felt her gaze, and asked.

  “What are you thinking about?”


  “No, I just…”


  Leticia, who was wondering if she could say it, carefully replied.

  “I thought that a child born to Mother and Father would be loved, and would grow up well.”


  “Leticia…”


  “You’ll definitely be good parents to your child.”


  Just thinking about a child who would grow up healthy, who resembled only the good qualities of the Aster couple, was enough to fill her heart. Suddenly, she felt very grateful to the Count and Countess.

  “Thank you for always loving me, even when I’m lacking.”


  “How can you say that Leticia?”


  “I feel like I’ve received so much.”


  They’d given her the love, affection, and the trust that she never received from her family. They watched over her silently, without letting her go until the very end. Then they helped her to understand how to take care of herself.

  However, Count Aster and his wife shook their heads, and held Leticia’s hand.

  “You always think you get a lot, but you never do.”


  “But…”


  “Thanks to your presence, I was able to endure the hard times with ease.”


  If she was talking about a difficult time, it was clear that she was talking about the time when the Countess was so sick that she couldn’t even leave her room. Leticia felt a sense of melancholy, she smiled sadly, and held the Count and Countess’ hands.

  “It’s a relief that I gave you strength.”


  Their heavy hearts became lighter little by little.

  ‘I hope you two have children.’


  Deep down in her heart she wished for the Count and Countess to be blessed.

  ***

  She was on her way back to the Achilles mansion after having a good time with the Aster couple. She arrived at just the right time, and ran into Mary at the door as she returned as well.

  “Did you have a good trip, my lady?”


  “I did, Mary. Did the visit with your brother go well?”


  “It did, thanks to my lady’s consideration.”


  Leticia felt bad for Mary, who couldn’t meet her younger brother Ronan often. So, she pushed her to go visit him today. Even though she pretended to be reluctant, Mary’s expression brightened up as she’d been missing him a lot recently.

  “How is Ronan doing?”


  “He’s doing well. He’s been working very hard lately because he’s become healthy.”


  Mary, who was happy to see her brother after such a long time, smiled brightly and spoke about the conversation they’d had today.

  “Well, I don’t know. They had to make a potion that blooms, but they made a potion that grows leaves.”


  “Oh, my.”


  “They say that potions made by mistake can be sold after being tested by the professor to make sure they aren’t dangerous, but who would buy such useless potions?”


  “Um…”


  She wanted to say that there would be at least one person, but she couldn’t think of anyone would buy such a potion no matter how hard she thought about it.

  “There will be someone who needs it someday.”


  “I really hope so.”


  Leticia and Mary both entered the mansion while thinking it would be difficult for such a person to appear. As soon as they entered, Leticia was hugged by a waiting Elle.

  “Sister, sister…”


  “Elle, you’re here.”


  “Yes… I thought I was going to die from exhaustion.”


  Leticia wondered if the recent surge of pink diamonds was too much to manage, and that was why Elle looked gaunt and tearful. It was really sad when Elle looked at her so sadly.

  “You must have worked hard.”


  “Yes… It’s all thanks to someone…”


  “Hmm? Is the owner of Pegasus giving you a hard time?”


  Feeling worried, Leticia stroked Elle’s head while she held her in her arms. However, Elle replied helplessly.

  “The truth is that it’s one person’s fault. I’ve never seen such a thing in my life.”


  “Who was it?”


  “It’s hard to say right now.”


  Elle, who pouted her lips like she was in a dilemma, hugged Leticia harder and said.

  “Anyways, I’ll tell you later, so please give them a good scolding.”


  She was curious about who Elle was talking about, but Leticia didn’t ask more. Seeing her speak, she thought it was someone she knew for some reason.

  It wasn’t until a few days later that she would find out the true identity of the person.

  ***

  “Did the meeting with my uncle go well?”


  “Yes, thanks to you, we were able to have a good talk.”


  Leticia, who was attending an evening party, smiled as soon as she ran into Melony.

  After saying a brief thank you, the surrounding area suddenly became noisy. As she looked around, she saw Enoch had just entered the banquet hall. Leticia, who was about to approach him and greet him, stopped walking without realizing it. That was because of the nobles who were approaching Enoch.

  Perhaps because of Enoch’s unique cold atmosphere, they were unable to approach, and maintained a certain distance. However, the gazes on Enoch increased.

  As soon as she saw the ladies peeking at him, Leticia’s heart sank.

  ‘It’s not that I don’t understand…’


  Even though she was confident in her fiancé, she still felt annoyed for some reason.

  Now that Levion decided to suddenly study abroad, Enoch was now considered the most coveted bachelor by the young noble ladies.

  It was only natural now that everything was going well for him, like he was sailing in fair winds. Along with being one of the most talented people in the Imperial knights, and having the title of Duke, he also attracted people’s attention with his well-groomed appearance. At first, the ladies were uncomfortable with his sharp impression, but now more and more young ladies began to admire him. They said that he gave the feeling of being strong, and reliable.

  “Miss Aster.”


  “….”


  “Miss Aster?”


  “Oh, yes. Did you call me?”


  Leticia dropped her gaze from Enoch, quickly managed her expression, and looked at her friend. Melony had a worried look on her face, before she could ask why, Melony asked her question first.

  “What’s wrong?”


  “What?”


  “Your face doesn’t look good.”


  “Ah…”


  Leticia sighed, smiled awkwardly, and shook her head.

  “It’s nothing.”


  “It’s okay, you can tell me.”


  “But…”


  “You might feel better if you tell someone.”


  Melony told her that she can speak comfortably, but it didn’t go as well as she wanted, and Leticia’s lips began to quiver.

  “That…”


  “Is it because of Duke Achilles?”


  “….!”


  Leticia hadn’t expected her to realize right away, and asked back.

  “How did you know?”


  “How did I know… You kept looking at him.”


  “No, that’s…”


  Leticia wondered if she should be honest, but eventually she reluctantly confessed what was on her mind.

  In short, she talked to Enoch about marriage, but he hadn’t proposed yet. That’s why she was starting to worry that she was the only one who wanted to get married.

  Melony quietly listened to Leticia, and made an unexpected suggestion.

  “Then why don’t you propose first?”


  “M-me?”


  Thinking that she heard her wrong, Leticia’s eyes opened wide, and she pointed a finger at herself. Melony nodded as if it were completely normal.

  “The courageous person catches the beauty.”


  “But…”


  She imagined herself proposing first, and that made her face hot. Eventually, she couldn’t bear it, and bowed her head. Melony sighed briefly, and grabbed Leticia’s hands.

  “Miss Aster.”


  Leticia slowly looked up at the voice calling to her so seriously. As soon as she made eye contact, Melony said with a very determined look.

  “You won’t feel secure until after you get married.”


  “….”


  Leticia immediately understood what she was saying, and became pale. However, Melony spoke more firmly hoping to make Leticia more proactive.

  “There’s nothing you can get from just waiting.”


  With Melony’s unwavering voice, Leticia felt shocked, as if she’d been hit by a heavy rock. She stared blankly at Melony for a moment before she took a slow breath that helped clear her head.

  ‘That’s right.’


  If there was something she wanted, she needed to win it first.

  ‘I’ll propose to him first…’


  Just thinking about it caused her face to heat up. Leticia, who’d been hesitating for a while, bit her lip, and clenched her fists.

  “You can do it, Leticia.”


  She was able to confess her feelings, why couldn’t she propose too?

  ‘If he won’t do it, then I’ll propose.’