Epilogue: True Identity

“Good morning, Lux-sama.”

“Florence-san! Good morning!”

The next morning, arriving at the Noble Academy, I exchanged greetings with Florence-san, who sat beside me.

“Lux-sama, how did you spend this holiday?”

“Uh! W-Well, this holiday…”

It wasn’t something I could proclaim loudly, but it should be fine to share with Florence-san. Lowering my voice, I answered honestly, “Actually… I was invited by the Third Princess, Felisiana-sama, to the royal castle.”

“…!?”

Florence-san, unusually flustered, spoke with concern. “Lux-sama, are you alright? Nothing strange happened to you…?”

Something strange…? I didn’t understand why she asked, but I stated the facts. “Nothing strange happened. In fact, she was very kind to me!”

“I see… That’s a relief, for now.”

Deciding it was best to keep our dance a secret to avoid causing trouble for Felisiana-sama, I held back. As I mulled this over, Florence-san paused briefly before speaking again.

“Lux-sama, do you still remember the promise I made to invite you to my estate?”

“Of course!” I replied eagerly. I’d been looking forward to it—there was no way I’d forget.

“I’m glad. I’d like to fulfill that promise on the next holiday. Would that be convenient for you?”

“Yes! It’s fine! Please, I’d love to!”

“Thank you. I’ll look forward to it, then,” Florence-san said with a gentle smile.

I had just spent time with Felisiana-sama at the castle, and now I’d get to visit Florence-san’s estate…! The holiday had only just ended, so it might be early to think about it, but I couldn’t help feeling excited for that day.

◇

“On the next holiday, it seems Rodell-sama has been invited to Florence-sama’s estate.”

Returning to the mansion, Violet immediately reported to Siana. Hearing this, Siana muttered with a cold expression, her tone icy, “That was quick… But I won’t let that woman have her way, no matter what.”

◇

“Welcome, Lux-sama… and Siana-san.”

The next holiday arrived, and Siana and I came together to the Florence ducal estate.

“This is your second visit, isn’t it?”

“Yes! Thank you for allowing both me and Siana to visit today!”

Originally, it was supposed to be just me, but like at the tea party, I had suddenly requested Siana’s accompaniment this time as well. Expressing my gratitude for her approval, Florence-san shook her head.

“Please don’t worry about it. Shall we head inside the estate?”

With that, Florence-san invited us into the mansion.

“This is amazing. Compared to my mansion, the walls and ceilings of the corridors have so many decorations, and they’re all wonderful!”

“Thank you… Though, this corridor was designed by my father, so it’s not something I can take pride in.”

“Your father… Are there any places designed by you, Florence-san?”

“Yes. The garden where we held the tea party, my room, and part of the grand hall were designed by me.”

“What!? That garden was designed by you, Florence-san!?”

“Yes.”

Florence-san responded calmly, as always. To think she designed that beautiful garden, surrounded by flowers… She said it so casually, but she truly was an incredible person.

Struck by this realization, we arrived at the guest room. Florence-san and I sat on the sofa, while Siana stood behind me. As Florence-san poured tea and placed it before me, she said, “Lux-sama, before we enjoy our conversation, I have something I’d like to discuss with Siana-san. Would you mind waiting here in the guest room for a bit?”

Something to discuss with Siana… Maybe about tea? Or perhaps, since they both tended to gardens, it could be about that. Either way, it would make me happy if they got along.

“Got it! Don’t worry about me and take your time talking.”

“Thank you.”

“Siana, be polite, okay?”

“Yes, Master!”

“Then… if you’ll excuse us.”

The two bowed to me and left the guest room.

◇

“Florence-sama, what exactly is it you wish to discuss with me?”

Stepping into the corridor, Siana asked Florence-san from a slight distance. Florence-san’s eyes turned hollow, her voice taking on a dark tone. “I truly cannot stand the disgust you inspire…”

Her gaze slowly swept over Siana’s entire form as she continued, “To think you’d deceive Lux-sama and approach him with such a false guise…”

“…What are you talking about?”

As if she hadn’t heard Siana’s question, Florence-san pressed on. “I’ve felt this disgust from the start. Unlike Lux-sama, you’ve been hiding your true self.”

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say—”

“…But now, I’m finally certain.”

Florence-san’s words did not falter. “You have no right to be at Lux-sama’s side. You may not realize it, but you’re already far too tainted to be worthy of him, Siana-san… No.”

Her eyes opened wide, locking onto Siana with a hollow gaze as she declared,

“—Third Princess, Felisiana-sama.”