Chapter 198: Jealousy is a Frightening Thing

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“The cough just won’t go away.”

A rough, stifled sound, as if her breath were clogged. Ianne watched Ione pitifully as the latter covered her mouth with a handkerchief, coughing incessantly.

Ione merely raised a hand, either to signal she was fine or to shoo Ianne away.

“At least tell me the cause. What’s the problem?”

“There’s nothing—cough—for you to worry about. Cough—Nothing at all.”

“Haah…”

Even while coughing, she spouted such nonsense. Ianne couldn’t help but sigh.

“Honestly, I’m too anxious. And I have good reason to be.”

“…”

“Well… Mother was like this too before—”

“Ianne.”

Ione cut her off sharply.

“I’m fine.”

A single phrase, spat out. Its meaning was no different from before.

There’s nothing for you to worry about. Everything is fine.

Ianne lowered her head and stood up.

Do I still look like nothing more than a little sister in your eyes?

A little hurt, she left without another word.

****************

The atmosphere in the Holy City had been uneasy lately. Naturally, when its leader’s health was in such poor condition, even a secret known only to a select few would seep into the air like a heavy fog.

“What did you say to Sugar that day?”

“I merely gave her a slight warning.”

That was the answer Ianne received from Miriam as she accepted the Fragment of the Stars. When she’d asked Sugar the same question earlier, the response had been similar.

“What kind of warning?”

“To be more cautious in her actions.”

So, what actions?

If only it were just a warning about her romantic escapades.

Miriam was the Guardian most sensitive to the Holy City’s safety. When Ianne had announced her intention to enroll at Steele, Miriam had opposed it vehemently.

‘Her Holiness, what—! This is unprecedented in history! You’re a woman, for heaven’s sake! If anything were to happen to Lady Ione, you’d have to succeed her—’

Just recalling it made her ears burn.

‘…People like her really exist, huh.’

Cedric was laissez-faire, and Nova adhered to principles only when it suited her. Even Ione, as the leader, wasn’t the type to take proactive action.

So it was no surprise Miriam was the most vigilant. Because no one else would be. She was the only one who scrutinized everything so rigidly.

‘But… even so, if she’s targeting Sugar…’

Ianne’s expression soured.

She hoped Miriam hadn’t said anything unnecessary to Sugar. Sugar was a precious friend—someone Ianne would call a turning point in her life.

A friend who stood by her, improved her relationship with her sister, and grew up alongside her as a childhood companion.

Had Sugar not been there—had they not become close—Ianne might have ended up in the worst possible relationship with her sister.

Though she adored Ione now, cold logic led her to that conclusion.

A family that wouldn’t listen, stifled by the oppressive air of the Holy City—a younger, more foolish Ianne might have lashed out. She might not have waited until adulthood to leave.

Thanks to Sugar, she matured, learned patience, and understood her sister’s true feelings.

She was deeply grateful for her friend. She cherished her like a younger sister, admired her femininity and personality, and loved her dearly.

And because of Sugar, she’d also met Leon.

‘Am I giving Sugar too much credit?’

To think all these outcomes were thanks to Sugar—that someone so small could have such a profound impact on so many. It almost made her laugh.

“…”

But soon, her expression hardened.

‘Did Sugar even enjoy being friends with me…?’

Due to her status, Ianne couldn’t easily befriend others, so she’d only spent time with Sugar. Naturally, Sugar had only been close to her.

Had that loneliness been imposed on Sugar? If they hadn’t become friends, Sugar might have met all sorts of people, laughing and living a lively life.

—What are you talking about, Ianne!

Haha. That’s exactly how Sugar would respond.

I hope you’ve been happy, my kind-hearted friend. May you and your beloved live peacefully together.

Even if you’re sometimes terrifying. Even if those two lately make me roll my eyes. Still, it’s a good sight.

Don’t let heretics break you. Please. I beg you.

She prayed, recalling the thick, acrid aura around Sugar—now too potent to ignore.

By the name of our great Progenitor, may blessings grace your path.

‘And… may blessings grace mine as well!’

With trembling hands, Ianne picked up the communication device.

“Leon. Do you have time now? Ah, well. I have something to give you… and I’d like to see you.”

A woman in love truly has no choice.

***************

She headed for the Holy City’s infirmary.

She’d contacted Leon, planning to deliver the Fragment of the Stars and go on a date, but he was already there.

“I-Is this not too weird…?”

She had let her hair down and removed her suit jacket, though she kept the bandages on. Still, it would give off a different impression.

It was a look Leon saw every night back in the dorm, but seeing it under the sunlight during the day would be entirely new.

Especially her platinum-blonde hair, shimmering in the light—Leon loved that color.

“But… ahh. Whenever I see that sunlight-like hair swaying… I… I…”

A confession she once overheard in the confessional. Back then, she had assumed it was about Riley, never imagining it could be about her.

Only now did she realize the true direction of those feelings. Even if Leon had fallen for Ian the man, she couldn’t just give up.

After days of emotional turmoil and contemplation, she had made a small resolution.

‘I’ll appeal to him, little by little…’

If she gradually exuded feminine charm, maybe one day he’d fall for a woman too.

Or maybe he’d fall for Ianne herself, just as she was.

“Heh… hehehe…”

With a wicked grin, Ianne stepped out.

‘Maybe I should’ve asked Sugar for some tips on physical contact…’

Originally, she had gone to ask a few days ago, but she ran into Miriam instead. And then those two were in the middle of some… questionable outdoor activities, so she couldn’t bring it up.

‘…No! This time, I’ll do it on my own. I can’t rely on others forever.’

She was Her Holiness, after all—a little more grown-up now.

Before long, she arrived at the infirmary. The entrance was bustling, but the moment people caught sight of Ianne with her hair down, they all froze.

If the perception-altering effect on her had any self-awareness, it would’ve been screaming right now.

—AAH! Overload! Stop!

Good thing it didn’t.

Ianne didn’t care who was staring—her focus was locked onto her target. So much so that she barely noticed anything else.

“Ah, Leo—”

“Ahaha… Yes, I completely agree.”

Her lips pressed shut at the sight before her.

On a bench outside the infirmary, Leon was chatting cheerfully with a female healer.

“Right, right, right? Ah…! Especially those piercing eyes of his—just thinking about it makes my heart…! This is just between us, but I bet every girl my age in the Holy City had him as their first love!”

“Is that so? Well… I can see why.”

“Exactly! That’s why some girls even tried to interfere with his white-haired friend! Talk about bold… though, well… I won’t say how that turned out.”

Leon laughed, a deep “Keh-keh,” at the healer’s words.

Ianne’s gaze darkened as she watched.

Leon was laughing. With another girl. Happily.

He didn’t even notice I’m here. Too busy enjoying himself.

How much fun must he be having? He didn’t even see me.

You never laugh. You barely smile.

So why are you grinning like that for her? Why do you look so close?

I can’t even laugh or cry properly because of you. My emotions flip a dozen times a day because of you—

“Lord Ian? Since when were you here?”

“Ah… H-Hi, Leon!”

Ianne beamed, her smile as bright as sunlight.

As if all her earlier thoughts had vanished.

***************

Sitting at her desk, Sugar pondered deeply.

The white letter in front of her tormented her endlessly.

Summer vacation was more than halfway over. Between the occupant in her head and the Holy City’s vigilance, there was plenty to worry about—but first and foremost, Sugar was still a student. So she had been groaning her way through assignments.

Then came a tap-tap at the window. A letter envelope was knocking. She opened it, and it settled neatly on her desk. In this world, this was just how mail worked—nothing strange about it.

The sender was Professor Trace, which wasn’t surprising either. She’d already exchanged letters with him earlier in the break regarding an auction. She’d even sent a thank-you note.

The problem was the content.

‘You. What kind of mess have you caused now?’

Just one line.

Was he treating letters like online chat? His last one had been just two lines—”Thought you might be interested. It’s summer break, after all.”—along with an auction catalog. Truly, a man ahead of his time.

“So what ‘mess’ is he talking about…?”

He probably meant something at Steele. Given how quietly she’d been attending school, there were more than a few possibilities. Was it that? Or that? What?

After much deliberation, Sugar reached a conclusion.

“Assignments first.”

Only assignments.

If it was truly important, he’d send another letter or the school would contact her.

With a determined glint in her eyes, Sugar picked up her pen. Nothing could stop her now. Nothing could stand in the way of Super-Sugar, fully focused on her work.

Unfortunately, the only thing standing in Sugar’s way was Sugar herself.

That was always the case. The greatest obstacle was oneself. Wasn’t life just a daily battle against your own limits?

She stood up, deciding to take a short walk to clear her head.

Strolling leisurely around the grand cathedral, she took in the fresh air. It was a well-known fact—whether working or studying, stepping outside for a breather always boosted productivity.

And indeed, walking past the majestic white buildings felt like airing out her cluttered mind.

She passed by the main hall, wandered through the gardens, and then casually glanced toward the infirmary—

“—What in the world is that?!”

For a moment, she thought she might faint.

On the bench outside the infirmary stood a familiar figure in an unfamiliar outfit. Dressed in a way that would make anyone mistake her for a woman—well, everyone had their reasons, so fine.

But those eyes—cold, devoid of any warmth, sharp as a hunter’s—were unmistakable.

Had she not imagined it that time in the carriage?

What could have driven that kind-hearted person to glare like that?

Trembling, Sugar scanned the area.

It didn’t take long to spot Leon chatting with a female healer.

One look at Ianne’s darkened expression and the pieces fell into place.

She immediately took a step back.

“Ugh… jealousy is terrifying… so scary…”

It was better to pretend she hadn’t seen anything. Rubbing her arms nervously, she quickly retreated, muttering to herself as she paced.

Just then, Natasha, passing by, shot Sugar an incredulous look.