Estelle Will Not Forgive a Second Time: The Condemned Noble Lady Returns in Elegance to Dance with the Incompetent Prince - Chapter 16

Even after we repelled the assassins who targeted me, life didn’t change dramatically.

—or at least, that’s what I wanted to believe. Yet deep in my chest, there remained a constant unrest.

I still attended social gatherings, took care of the Grandier family’s affairs, selected dresses, and conducted myself with grace… That’s what people saw from the outside.

But inside, I was always on edge, haunted by the thought: “The assassination plot might still be in motion.” The truth is, I’ve spent these days in constant unease.

Lately, as I’ve reviewed financial documents, I’ve started to sense an odd discomfort.

Just when I thought I was finally getting used to everything, more and more discrepancies began to nag at me.

Is this due to an error on my part… or is it a cleverly disguised scheme of embezzlement or fraud?

Unable to find the answer, the stress only mounted.

Whenever I stepped into the carriage, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh.

Knowing that someone wants you dead is one thing—but after nearly being killed, real fear clings to you.

Every time I look out the carriage window, tension coils in my chest as I think, “Maybe they’re aiming for me right now.”

This is my second life—I cannot die again.

Until I expose the Victor faction’s crimes, I must survive—no matter what.

Even the slightest jolt of the carriage makes my body tense. I feel ashamed every time I notice how jumpy I’ve become.

Sensing my mood, Lord Leonhardt—riding with me as my escort—spoke in his usual calm tone.

“Estelle, are you alright? You seem really tired.”

When I looked up, Lord Leonhardt, his face half-hidden beneath his black hood, was watching me with clear concern in his eyes.

Even though I replied with a vague smile, “I’m fine,” his eyes remained fixed on me, probing gently.

“Are you really alright? It hasn’t been long since the assassination attempt, and my brother’s faction is still making moves. Maybe you should take a break.”

His kind words pricked at my heart.

Honestly, while I don’t mind continuing to gather intel, the mental strain is certainly building.

These past few days, I’ve been constantly collecting rumors and tracking noble movements. I haven’t really allowed myself time to rest.

“Well… I am a little tired, that’s true. But if I stop now, it’s just giving Victor free rein…”

Even I could hear the stubborn edge in my voice.

Lord Leonhardt sighed quietly beneath his hood.

“I get it. It’s obvious to anyone that you’re pushing yourself too hard. But if you overdo it, your efficiency will drop, won’t it?”

As the carriage continued to sway, I saw him motion to the driver.

It seemed we had changed course.

I blinked, startled, and looked out the window.

“Wait…? Where are we going?”

We were still on our way home from the evening party. Turning into this alley wasn’t part of the usual route.

As expected, Lord Leonhardt let out a faint, amused chuckle.

“I heard there’s a night market set up in the nearby plaza tonight. Let’s stop by. Might help you unwind a bit.”

“The plaza…? But I still have to organize the information we gathered tonight…”

I began to protest, but he shook his head, gently cutting me off.

“That can wait. Whether it’s the connection between His Highness and Minister Gustav or Captain Rodolphe’s movements—no matter how much you fret over it, you’ll hit a wall. That’s why… take a little time to enjoy yourself.”

His tone was gentle, but his words carried an odd weight—strangely persuasive.

In fact, I couldn’t come up with a reason to refuse.

It’s something I’ve started to notice, spending time with him as a partner-in-crime: Lord Leonhardt possesses a curious sense of ease.

And that ease… helps me calm down, too. I can’t say I dislike it.

“…Alright. I’ll take you up on that offer.”

My reply came with a small sigh, perhaps because I’m simply not the type to be honest with myself.

Still, deep down, I felt grateful I could accept his proposal.

Even though I’ve already died once, I’m not strong enough to stay constantly on edge just because I know there’s an assassination plot looming over me.

“All right, it’s decided then. Head toward the plaza,” Lord Leonhardt instructed.

“Yes, sir,” the coachman replied, skillfully maneuvering the reins.

The carriage swayed slightly as it turned slowly down the narrow alley.

The night streets still required caution, but… as long as I’m with him, I feel like everything will be alright—or rather, I’ve convinced myself of that.

But maybe… that’s okay.

Right now, gathering information can wait. What I really need is to rest—both my body and my heart.

“Thank you, Lord Leonhardt. I feel a bit lighter now.”

When I spoke honestly, he looked a little bashful.

From beneath his hood, I saw his usually sleepy eyes narrow softly.

“No need to thank me… It’s just that—I get worried when I see you pushing yourself so hard. I need my accomplice to last for the long haul, you know?”

Though he ended with a playful remark, his gaze was truly kind.

He wasn’t speaking as royalty, but as someone who cared deeply—as a trusted partner. That sentiment came through clearly.

“You’re right. As fellow accomplices, we’ll have to take care of each other.”

We shared a small smile as the carriage continued toward the plaza.

In the distance, I saw lights and heard the faint murmur of a lively crowd.

The plaza was lined with food stalls from day into night, filled with the warm, bustling energy of commoners enjoying themselves.

Maybe right now, instead of focusing on the intel from tonight’s soirée, it’s better to just surrender to this comforting scene.

Thinking that, I prepared to disembark, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lord Leonhardt.

“Shall we go, Lady Accomplice?”

“Yes, Lord Accomplice.”

We laughed together and stepped out of the carriage.

Simply being with him eases the fear and helps me find some rest.

I can’t live in constant terror of assassination.

At the very least—just for tonight—I’ll let him lead me, and enjoy the cheerful bustle of the night market.