Side Story: Elisabeth von Eulheim
There is a man I have feelings for.
As the daughter of the von Eulheim family, it was originally important for me to secure an engagement with Eric, the eldest son of the Eltor family, to receive their support.
Originally, my elder sister was supposed to be the one to enter into this engagement, but due to her frail health, I was chosen in her place.
“Elisabeth, I’m truly sorry. You might not understand at just five years old, but I beg you to make this marriage successful for the sake of our family.”
My father made this request with a sorrowful expression.
At first, I didn’t understand, but my mother strongly impressed upon me that if this engagement didn’t succeed, our family would face dire consequences.
In truth, due to my sister’s illness, our family was in financial distress. The Eltor family had offered their support if the engagement went through.
At five years old, not understanding much, I carried the weight of this necessity and went to the Eltor family.
Seated across from me were two boys: one older and seemingly intelligent, and the other, who looked somewhat absent-minded, was about my age.
Just as the conversation was starting to go smoothly, I accidentally spilled my tea, committing a grave faux pas.
At that moment, my face turned pale, and I was left in a daze, unable to think.
My parents could only apologize to the ducal family, and I was on the verge of tears.
“Hahaha, you look like a villainess but you’re quite a cute girl, aren’t you? Right, brother?”
“Ah, yes. That’s right. As Fly says, Lady Elisabeth, don’t worry about it. It’s natural to be nervous.”
The one who saved me was the boy I had thought was absent-minded—Fly-sama. I didn’t understand what he meant by his words.
But with his remark, the atmosphere changed.
The head of the ducal family said, “Don’t worry about it. More importantly, your dress is wet,” and suggested I go change.
Furthermore, he assigned Fly-sama to keep me company.
“Fly-sama, thank you.”
“Huh? I didn’t do anything.”
“That’s not true. Because of your kind words, everyone smiled.”
“Is that so? I just said whatever came to mind.”
“Um!”
“Yes?”
“What is a villainess?”
The story Fly-sama told me was something I had never heard before—it was thrilling.
And to think that Fly-sama himself came up with it?! He must be a genius.
At five years old, I didn’t realize the feelings that were awakening within me.
Every time I visited the Eltor family, Eric-sama was busy with studies and swordsmanship training, so Fly-sama would keep me company.
Each time, he would tell me exciting stories, and before I knew it, I had come to admire Fly-sama more than Eric-sama.
But it was an unattainable love.
I am Eric-sama’s fiancée. No matter how much I thought of Fly-sama, it could never be.
“What’s wrong? You seem down.”
“Fly-sama!”
By the time I turned ten and began to realize my feelings, Fly-sama also noticed the change in me.
Troubled over how to explain, I decided to lie.
“My sister’s condition isn’t very good.”
“Your sister?”
“Yes. She has always been frail, and despite being born with an extraordinary amount of magical power, her health is poor and she may not live long.”
It was a lie, but not entirely.
In truth, my sister was always in poor health, and doctors frequently visited, charging exorbitant fees for her treatments, which strained our family’s finances.
“Hmm, I see. Can I visit her?”
“Eh? Fly-sama, you would come to visit my sister?”
“Yes. She’s family to my future sister-in-law. I’m concerned, so I’d like to visit.”
“Of course!”
At that moment, I was so excited that I didn’t think about my sister. The mere thought of Fly-sama visiting our home was thrilling.
“Then, I’ll come by tomorrow.”
“Yes!”
I had been visiting the Eltor family almost daily, so there shouldn’t be any problem with him coming to our home tomorrow.
However, my parents were furious.
They were angry about inviting Fly-sama and my lack of consideration for my suffering sister.
Only after being scolded did I feel ashamed.
Why am I so foolish? I only think of myself, not considering my parents, my sister, or even Fly-sama.
This makes me just like the villainess in the stories Fly-sama tells.
Only thinking of my own desires, not considering others.
“Prepare to welcome Fly-sama!”
Since we couldn’t cancel the invitation, my parents prepared to receive the second son of the ducal family with all due respect.
“Welcome, Fly-sama.”
“Thank you, Count von Eulheim. Don’t worry about me. I’m just here to visit. I’ll leave after seeing Lady Elisabeth’s sister.”
“I-I see.”
“And here’s a little gift. I thought it would be rude to come empty-handed.”
At ten years old, Fly-sama was very composed and handed something to my parents.
He gave me flowers and brought fruits for my sister to help her regain her strength.
“Now, Lady Elisabeth, could you show me to your sister’s room?”
“Yes!”
I feel sorry for my sister. But I can’t help being happy that Fly-sama is visiting our home.
Please forgive this childish me.
