Vanessa knew that the current Edwina was somewhat abnormal, but her overly erratic behavior still left Vanessa stunned.
What was going on? How did it feel like she was the one with the problem? Why was Edwina looking at her as if she were the strange one?
“Are you serious, Edwina?”
After a moment of silence, Vanessa could only squeeze out those few words.
“Of course. Rather, Vanessa, what on earth are you talking about? Even though Mother’s gender is different, she is clearly Mother no matter how you look at it.”
Edwina gazed at her sister, her eyes full of confusion.
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
Vanessa could not comprehend how Edwina could use the title “Mother” to refer to both Corellia and Cain at the same time.
It was simply unreasonable. Were these really the words of a sane person?
Even Vanessa, who took Corellia as her role model and tried to remain calm, dignified, and solemn at all times, could not help but frown.
The two princesses, like black and white, could not understand each other’s statements at all.
If it were just the two of them, the conversation would surely have reached a dead end.
Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, Cain was still present.
Even though Cain felt the situation was becoming increasingly troublesome and wanted to avoid it, he did not know how.
Ultimately, as expected, Vanessa, unable to communicate with her sister, looked back at Cain.
“How do you explain this situation? Are you still going to claim you aren’t a fraud?”
Vanessa was not particularly agitated, but her stance was becoming increasingly firm. Her attitude toward Cain was like that of a criminal — full of wariness and hostility.
“I am sorry. I cannot explain this situation either. But what I can be certain of is that I am indeed the prince of this country in another world.”
Cain tucked away his polite smile, which the other person might find provocative, and assumed a serious expression. Standing tall, he first shook his head and then defended himself slowly and firmly.
That serious attitude was by no means an act. Cain truly did not know why everyone except Vanessa believed he was Corellia, and even Corellia herself felt that way.
Could it be that there was something different about Vanessa?
For example, was she actually not that close to Corellia?
‘That shouldn’t be the case…’
“I see. It seems you intend to keep up the act. Very well. I have no evidence against you right now, so I have nothing more to say. But remember this: I will definitely unmask you, shatter your conspiracy, and make you regret deceiving Edwina by using my Mother’s identity!”
Perhaps she knew her aura was still lacking.
In order to make Cain feel the pressure, Vanessa, dressed in her silver-white armored skirt, walked right up to him. Almost pressing against him, she glared into his eyes with her red orbs full of fighting spirit and hostility.
Then, without waiting for Cain’s response or for Edwina, she brushed past Cain and left the room alone.
Unfortunately, her attempt to bolster her own momentum only served to highlight the height difference between her and Cain as she drew closer. Instead of feeling pressured, Cain simply thought she was cute and bothersome.
‘This is truly a hassle. I’ll find an opportunity to explain this to Corellia later.’
Watching the straightforward princess close the door and leave, Cain had a troubled look on his face, much like an old father distressed by a lack of communication with his daughter.
“I — I’m sorry, Mother. Vanessa was so rude. She must have eaten something strange. Please forgive her rudeness.”
Due to her personality, Edwina had not known what to say until now.
She could not bring herself to interject while Vanessa was being so forceful.
But once Vanessa left, she immediately lowered her small head toward Cain in a panic, her entire body trembling slightly from nervousness.
It was not because she was afraid of being scolded; she was simply nervous because she felt she had done something wrong to the mother she admired — even though it was not her fault.
“It is all right. I didn’t take it to heart. I will explain it to Corellia tomorrow. Even if that child doesn’t believe me, she will surely believe Corellia. On the other hand, Edwina, you are far too polite. This isn’t something worth you being so nervous about. Please, relax a little.”
Although their attitudes toward Cain were polar opposites, both Vanessa and Edwina were actually good children. It could not be said that they were being intentionally unreasonable.
Therefore, Cain treated them with the same polite attitude.
“Yes… Mother.”
However, even though Cain comforted her, Edwina did not look much more at ease.
Her face was still written with melancholy, and her entire being exuded an aura of gloom and sorrow.
But since she was usually like this, it was her natural state, so Cain did not press the matter further.
Instead of continuing to comfort Edwina, he said with a light, teasing smile, “In any case, you don’t need to worry. All right, it’s getting late. Edwina, is there anything else? You aren’t planning to stay and sleep here with me, are you?”
“Ah… I — I’m sorry! I’ll leave right now.”
“Wishing you sweet dreams, Mother.”
Edwina, who had been deep in thought, felt a bashful red flush quickly rise to her pale cheeks upon hearing his words. She hurriedly bowed to Cain.
“Goodnight, Edwina.”
Cain nodded to her with a smile. Having received a response, Edwina did not linger and quickly left the room.
Since the upcoming events were not considered major issues, Cain soon settled his mind and prepared for bed — or rather, to wait for his guest.
However, while these matters were inconsequential to Cain, they were very serious to Vanessa and Edwina.
Vanessa’s thoughts were clear enough.
But as for the seemingly honest Edwina, she did not return to her room immediately after leaving Cain’s. Instead, she stood at the door and fell back into deep thought.
She believed she knew Vanessa quite well. Given that Vanessa might do something excessive, she should probably prepare some defensive measures of her own.
She absolutely could not let Vanessa ruin her relationship with Mother. That was the highest priority.
If necessary, it might be fine to use some “strong medicine.”
Having thought this through, Edwina began to walk toward her own room, deciding to prepare something to deal with her sister.
“…”
Meanwhile, in the Queen’s bedroom, the Queen, who had watched everything through a magic mirror, silently put away her magic with a cold expression. She then began to take off her heavy royal gown and change into her nightclothes to prepare for sleep.
Yes, she had seen everything, but she did not intend to do anything.
There was nothing wrong with her daughters having such initiative, as long as it did not interfere with her actions.
***
Today I am also being a lazy dog, owing one more chapter.
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