Flower of Steel

d woman, my plan became easier.
These kinds of people have specific characteristics.
They seem to stay loyal to one another if no betrayal happens.
It was just ironic that she first placed her trust in Elise and now me.

“Matilda, I have misunderstood you as well.
It’s because I didn’t know you well.”

Yes, a lot.
I was even worried that you would trust Elise even while you were being accused.
But now I know that there was no need to worry about that.
Thank you for being actually much more stupid than I thought.

“But I envy your courage to come up, apologize, and accept your wrongdoings.
You are an amazing person,” I said.

I didn’t think she wouldn’t have standards or pride.
If I had known that her pride that seemed unbreakable would be destroyed so easily then I wouldn’t have done so to this extent.

I didn’t feel too good about it.
I couldn’t forget that the Crown Prince was looking at me.
Usually, I wouldn’t feel bad about using someone, but why did it keep appearing in my mind this time? It felt like my hair was stuck on something protruding, unpleasant, and uncomfortable.

***

“Marina!” Rave approached me while I was out alone on the terrace.
Why was he looking at me like that? There was sadness in his eyes.
“Why are you always… trying to take every burden by yourself?”

I thought about his words.
But that’s obvious.
My every action, word, and everything is under my control.
Who could take responsibility besides me?