As the Villainess Who Was Dumped, I Am Saved by My Childhood Friend from a Noble Family and Spoiled in the Frontier - Chapter 18

“Ugh…”

After returning to the mansion, I was tormented.

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“But as your sworn sister and longtime friend, I must say one thing. When you unconsciously think about that person, when you worry about how they’ll perceive your fashion—isn’t that because Lady Nina is ‘in love’ with my brother Franz?”

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Maria’s words had pierced straight through my heart.

“Me? In love with Lord Franz?”

What even is love anyway? Had I been in love with the Crown Prince?

Since we’d been engaged since before I could form memories, I’d always thought marrying him was just natural.

But you know, if someone asked whether I liked him, I could only answer that I didn’t really know.

There were many times I felt affection toward him.

But was that love?

What exactly is love anyway?

How do you define it?

What makes it love, and what makes it something else?

Ugh…

Because I’ve had completely different experiences from others my age, I struggle with these things.

Even if they tell me I don’t have to become empress right away and should be free!!

That’s about as unreasonable as telling a bird who doesn’t know how to fly to just give it a try.

But Maria had also said this at the end:

“It’s alright. Lady Nina can take her time getting used to things. And when you’re troubled, just follow your feelings. You don’t have to keep forcing yourself anymore.”

Slowly, huh.

So then, what do I want to do right now?

As I asked myself that question, my feet began to move.

“Excuse me.”

“Hey, Nina! Were you able to take it easy today?”

“Yes, I ate in town with Maria and bought some clothes.”

“Is that so? I’m glad if you enjoyed yourself. So that’s your new outfit then.”

“Yes, I ended up buying quite a lot with the money you gave me.”

“Don’t worry about that. That was compensation for your work.”

Ugh, I want to ask.

But I’m scared to ask.

If he says it doesn’t suit me.

I can only imagine the worst-case scenario.

Just do it already.

“So you wear clothes like that too, Nina.”

It’s happening.

“Does it not suit me?”

“Not at all. You always look lovely in your dresses, but you wear those clothes young girls often wear quite adorably too.”

The moment he said that, my mind went completely blank.

I was happy, but my heart was pounding, and the world seemed to transform.

“Well, I just wanted to thank you, so I’ll take my leave now. I apologize for interrupting your work.”

“Not at all, talking with you was a nice break for me. I’ll continue counting on you from tomorrow onward.”

“Yes, likewise, I’ll be in your care.”

I somehow managed to compose myself and exit the room.

The pounding in my chest wouldn’t stop.