After finishing a packed schedule that lasted late into the evening, Sylvia returned to the mansion and collapsed onto her bed, exhausted.

As she stared blankly at the ceiling of her darkened room, her mind swirled with various thoughts, including the scenes she had witnessed at the Academy.

“…I never imagined that Lady Scarlet would be interested in things like dieting or makeup.”

Wanting to look good for someone she likes is something very ordinary that could be seen among young girls at their prime.

However, the fact that it was Scarlet, who had left the mansion not long ago, performing such actions complicated Sylvia’s emotions.

Scarlet Evande.

Born into a tragic fate created by the darkness of the Astra family.

With her default expressionless face and her ability to accomplish tasks that ordinary people could not even dream of, Sylvia always secretly thought of her as someone far from ordinary.

But today’s events made her realize something.

Deep within the seemingly extraordinary girl was a completely normal girl’s heart that just wanted to look good for someone she liked.

Recalling how she blushed and denied there was someone she really liked when teased by the other kids, Sylvia couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

She realized she knew nothing at all.

She had selfishly assumed that enjoying a luxurious life in the mansion while eating good food would bring her happiness.

That was merely her own desire to want to spend time with her.

Scarlet’s appearance, happy being away from the hellish mansion and spending time with someone she loved, seemed truly ordinary yet filled with joy.

The person who could bring her happiness wasn’t her.

That undeniable truth weighed heavily in her heart, mixed with a hint of jealousy and an even thicker sense of resignation.

Overwhelmed by a sense of devastating defeat, Sylvia impulsively made a phone call.

The recipient was,

[…Sylvia? What’s up?]

Yoon Si-woo.

It was such an impulsive call that Sylvia never imagined he would pick up, leaving her slightly flustered as she asked.

“Are you busy right now?”

[It just happens to be a break time. I’ve got a moment. By the way, what’s up?]

“Um… well…”

In response to his question, Sylvia found herself reflecting.

Why on earth did she call Yoon Si-woo?

After thinking for a moment, she realized the lowly emotions lurking in her heart.

She didn’t want to admit it.

That Yoon Si-woo could do what she couldn’t.

“…Do you remember what you said during the last interrogation? That if Lady Scarlet was a threat to humanity, you would kill her yourself?”

[…Yeah.]

“Was that for real?”

When she regained her composure, she found herself asking that.

Wanting to catch him in a trap to feel better about herself.

[…What if it was?]

“…So, you wouldn’t care if Lady Scarlet died?”

As she awaited his answer, Sylvia questioned him with a tone of disdain.

Perhaps it was as if she had been smiling while asking that.

She cared more for Scarlet than Yoon Si-woo.

Thus, she convinced herself that she was someone who suited Scarlet far more than Yoon Si-woo.

Even knowing that tearing someone down is a cowardly act, she could find solace in such thoughts.

[…That can’t be true.]

However, upon hearing Yoon Si-woo’s voice from the other end of the line, Sylvia’s expression hardened.

[Imagining Scarlet dying is something I don’t even want to think about… But, Scarlet is someone who hates causing trouble for others more than dying. If such a thing were to happen, she would definitely be incredibly sad…]

His trembling voice expressed that he didn’t even want to imagine Scarlet dying.

Yet, the weight of his concern for her was palpable, and Sylvia found herself understanding.

“…Lady Scarlet asked you to do that, didn’t she?”

[…!]

The sound of him taking a deep breath over the receiver confirmed her suspicion.

Sylvia let out a hollow laugh.

So, he was prepared to that extent for a hypothetical situation.

Now, she finally understood why Scarlet had tried to distance herself from her.

Worried that she would be sad, she deliberately.

In such a painfully gentle manner, concerned for the future where she would be sorrowful.

Yes, Sylvia knew that Scarlet was that kind of person.

Because of that, she could also understand why Scarlet had never asked her to kill her.

As much as she knew about Scarlet, Scarlet must have known about her too.

Being quick to sense even her desire for macarons, she had clearly realized that Sylvia was someone who could never promise to fulfill that request.

While she could do anything for her, that was something she could never do.

The very thought of killing her with her own hands, just imagining it was enough to drive her mad with grief.

The contrast was starkly evident.

Even though her feelings for her had grown so vast, Yoon Si-woo, who could put aside his own sorrow to make choices for Scarlet, might indeed be someone far more suitable for her.

At least, he definitely prioritized Scarlet’s feelings far more than she did her own.

Without room for excuses, it was her defeat.

With a sigh, Sylvia conveyed her apologies over the phone.

“…I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I know Yoon Si-woo likes Lady Scarlet, so I also unintentionally…”

[Wait, wait. Why does everyone just assume that I like Scarlet…?]

At Sylvia’s unexpected question, Yoon Si-woo sounded dazed for a moment.

Then, genuinely incredulous, she shot back at him.

“…You didn’t think people wouldn’t notice you were head over heels for her, did you?”

[…Looks like I was pretty obvious. I thought I was hiding it well… not that it mattered.]

“Come on, it’s not like you could hide that from me. I even know you two are living together.”

[…That’s true.]

Sylvia couldn’t help but chuckle at Yoon Si-woo’s reaction.

He seemed like he’d faint if anyone found out that he was living with a girl.

To be honest, the two of them had progressed that far…

As that thought crossed her mind, a playful spirit bubbled up inside her.

Just a little teasing should be fine.

Sylvia subtly nudged him.

“By the way, even if you just started living together, please don’t lead a too wild lifestyle. After all, Lady Scarlet is a student.”

Expectedly, Yoon Si-woo reacted strongly.

[W-what do you mean by wild!? Scarlet and I are not…!]

“Come on, I know about your little trip to the motel in District 15. While it’s fine for lovers to do what they want, since you’re a public figure, you should be careful about being seen. One wrong step, and you might end up on the front page of the newspaper!”

[That’s not true!!! I mean, yes, we did go to the motel… but we just talked, nothing happened! Anyway, Scarlet and I are not like that!]

Sylvia was slightly flustered by Yoon Si-woo’s outburst.

She could genuinely feel his emotional frustration from his words.

Wait, but just how could two people who like each other go to a motel and come out with nothing happening?

And furthermore, how were they not in such a relationship…?

“Um, Yoon Si-woo. Are you two actually dating…?”

[…No. Of course, I like Scarlet, but… I think she doesn’t feel the same about me.]

“…But you’re living together now!”

[…It feels more like we’re just roommates to her.]

Yoon Si-woo’s sad murmur left Sylvia at a loss for words.

Then, overwhelmed by a sense of absurdity, she exhaled in exasperation.

“Lady Scarlet mentioned she’s on a diet lately. She’s become interested in cosmetics she wouldn’t even glance at before.”

[…Really? Is there someone she wants to impress?]

“…Who could she possibly want to impress? With a guy she lives with.”

[…!]

The reaction as if he just realized something caused Sylvia to shake her head in disbelief and continue speaking.

“…Perhaps, Lady Scarlet has never experienced romantic feelings, so she might not know how to express them. It seems like both of you are somewhat clueless, so I think it would be good if you took a bolder step.”

[But how should I be bold… ?]

“How about asking her out on a date during the weekend? She’ll surely appreciate it.”

[Date… ?]

After hesitating momentarily at the word “date,” Yoon Si-woo seemed to reach a decision.

[…Alright, I’ll muster the courage. Thanks for the advice, Sylvia.]

“…No need for thanks.”

Sylvia shook her head at his gratitude.

She required no thanks.

What she desired was simply…

“…Please make Lady Scarlet happy.”

Only Scarlet’s happiness.

Overcome by embarrassment, Sylvia hung up the call without waiting for a response.

“Ahh, why am I saying such embarrassing things like I’m her ex-boyfriend…!?”

And that night, Sylvia spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to sleep.