The Villainous Young Lady Would Even Risk Her Life for Her Beloved ～ Her Fiancé, the Prince? By All Means, Please Be Happy with the Heroine! - Chapter 1.14

Just as Maria had predicted, the Otis family hadn’t yet traveled far from the royal capital. Thanks to that, they were able to return before the first snowfall.

By sheer coincidence, Luca had been at the royal castle with Prince Leonhart when they arrived, so I received the news almost immediately.

According to Luca, Geoffrey had been utterly bewildered. He probably had no idea why the first prince had gone out of his way to summon him.

“Because I heard you were talented.”

Prince Leonhart had given that blunt response, or so Luca had said.

In the end, Geoffrey was given a room in the castle and remained there as a page-in-training, just as in the original story.

I asked Luca, “How is their relationship?”

“Unfortunately…”

Unfortunately?! But they had trusted each other so deeply in the original story! The angst they went through when they both realized their feelings for Iris had been painful even for the reader!

I clutched my head in frustration. Was it because the timing was different? Or… was it because Luca and I had unintentionally taken over Geoffrey’s role?

In the original, Geoffrey had been the smartest among the four main characters and had the best mana control. He was always blunt and unafraid to speak his mind, possessing a sense of ethics similar to Prince Leonhart’s.

But in this world, Luca was no longer the timid boy he had been in the original. He skillfully handled his magic and had extensive knowledge of magical artifacts—something Prince Leonhart lacked. And as for me, I had no problem shamelessly pointing out flaws in the kingdom’s governance with an air of self-importance.

Both of us had already earned Prince Leonhart’s trust.

Despite my concerns, time kept passing, and I still hadn’t been able to meet Geoffrey. Every time I tried, I was conveniently avoided.

“Today, I will meet him no matter what.”

“I refuse.”

“Come on! As your fiancée, I should at least be allowed to greet your future right-hand man!”

Prince Leonhart’s expression soured at the mention of Geoffrey—as it always did.

But I couldn’t afford to care. I had to get them to bond, no matter what.

“Why not? It’s not like it costs you anything.”

“You… you always praise Geoffrey so much!”

“Huh?!”

Prince Leonhart’s face was burning red as he glared at me.

…Was this jealousy?

I stared at him, wide-eyed.

“Your Highness, you have one of the most stunning faces in the kingdom, a flawless memory, and swordsmanship skills that are rivaled only by Lord Finley. You’re also kind, regardless of status, and you work incredibly hard.”

“T-That won’t work. You’re just flattering me to get what you want.”

(Ugh, this is exhausting…!)

Looking at Prince Leonhart, who had completely pouted, I had to remind myself: he’s only ten years old.

“Please don’t be so unreasonable!”

“Say whatever you want! I still won’t let you meet him!”

“You’ve completely given up on making sense, haven’t you?!”

Fine. If Prince Leonhart wouldn’t help, I’d do it myself.

During a break from my princess consort lessons, I sneaked into the royal library.

In the original story, Geoffrey had spent a lot of time here, gathering knowledge.

Since Prince Leonhart was avoiding me today, it was likely that Geoffrey was on his own.

(Found him!)

Never underestimate a true fan’s knowledge.

Just as expected, Geoffrey was sitting in a quiet corner, writing something.

He immediately noticed my presence and looked up.

His striking green eyes met mine.

“Nice to meet you. I am Lydiana Flores.”

As soon as he heard my name, Geoffrey hurriedly stood up.

“I am Geoffrey Otis. My apologies for the late introduction.”

Oh, no need for that. That’s entirely Prince Leonhart’s fault.

“What were you working on?”

I glanced at the thick book he had open in front of him.

“Oh… Actually, the librarian here asked me to help with copying manuscripts…”

He sounded awkward, as if he wasn’t supposed to be doing this.

Copying manuscripts? Was he working part-time?

It was true that the Otis family was struggling financially, but was their situation so bad that a ten-year-old had to work?

As a page-in-training, he should have been receiving some kind of stipend.

“I’m sorry. It’s not appropriate for someone serving His Highness, is it…?”

“Not at all! His Highness would never think so!”

At my words, Geoffrey looked a little relieved.

“Still… may I ask why?”

He hesitated for a moment before lowering his gaze.

“Actually… my mother received treatment for Frozen Stone Disease. Unfortunately, we are still paying off the medical expenses. The librarian found out and offered me this job in secret…”

So that was it. His mother had needed healing magic—an incredibly expensive treatment.

“My mother has made a full recovery! Without a healer, she wouldn’t have survived long enough for a cure to be found. That’s why I want to repay the cost properly.”

His voice was full of determination.

“So please, don’t look so troubled.”

Seeing my guilty expression, Geoffrey hurried to reassure me.

“Lady Lydiana… it is thanks to you that my mother survived. On behalf of my family, I offer you my deepest gratitude.”

It seemed Geoffrey even knew the source of the cure.

Among healers, there had been a new agreement regarding the treatment fees for Frozen Stone Disease. If a patient died despite treatment, healers were now prohibited from charging beyond a certain amount. This policy was primarily to prevent public backlash—especially now that it had been proven the disease could be treated without healing magic.

However, this measure only applied to those who had died.

“His Highness grants me three free days a week, so I am able to work without issue.”

The way he said that so sincerely—without an ounce of doubt—was almost painful.

At least Prince Leonhart’s jealousy had done some good…

“I don’t know how long I’ll be allowed to stay here, but until then, I’ll do my best.”

(Noooo—why is he such a good person?!)

I felt terrible for putting off meeting him just because of my personal bias.

His earnest smile tugged at my heart. Of course, with the way things were now, he wouldn’t develop the same deep bond he had with Prince Leonhart in the original story.

But this kingdom needed Geoffrey. Losing him was not an option.

“Would you allow me to help? With… improving your relationship with His Highness, I mean.”

“Huh?”

I had no idea if I could succeed.

But as someone who had already changed the course of this world, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.