Bluebird Lady and The White Lion Family

 — It’s a diary. I’m always in the habit of keeping a diary. Sophina, why don’t you join me in a shared diary? 

I wonder if the woman who spoke these words was the original heroine.

 

The voice was definitely that of the informant, but there was something odd about it.

 

A sense that I was missing something.

 

‘When did all this weirdness start, anyway?’

 

The pocket watch. When I got the pocket watch, I saw the original heroine and Sophina together.

 

The fragmentary scenes she had seen in the secret place, the visions she had heard in the clock workshop, and the memories she had just recalled, all seemed to be connected.

 

Sophina reflexively reached into her pocket and pulled out the pocket watch she had found in the secret location.

 

Along with the one she’d gotten from the first informant.

 

‘That’s what he said. It means exactly what it says on the back.’

 

‘The one thing that never changes is memory.’

 

The pocket watch I found in the secret place must be old.

 

The one the informant gave me looks exactly the same, so there must be a connection,

 

‘I wonder if these pocket watches are related to the original heroine.’

 

So maybe they’re showing some memories.

 

While Sophina was still speculating, Ricardo spoke softly to her. Her complexion was so pale.

 “Lean on me if it’s hard, milady.” “Yes, thank you.” 

Sophina didn’t take no for an answer and leaned her head on Ricardo’s shoulder.

 

Though she wasn’t tall enough to hang from his forearm like a sloth.

 

As Sophina slumped, the procession drew nearer with the sound of hoofbeats.

 

Rihentheon leaped from his horse and rode toward them.

 

After exchanging affectionate greetings with his mother and sister Ririela, he turned to Sophina.

 

The corners of her lips tugged upward, and she spoke in a more subdued tone.

 “It’s been a long time, Young Master.” “We’ve missed you, brother.” 

Rihentheon moved to embrace Sophina as he had done with the rest of the family, but was stopped by Ricardo.

 “Stay away from my wife.” 

Ricardo shoved his brother’s cheek with his large hand, breaking the embrace.

 

Then Rihentheon gave him a look of exasperation, and he glared at Ricardo.

 “That’s what you say as soon as you get here! And what is that about your attire?” 

Rihentheon’s eyes were fixed on the colorful tropical shirt.

 

Ricardo’s throat tightened. He lifted an eyebrow slightly and waved his hand dismissively at Rihentheon.

 “Mind your own business. Go away.” 

Rihentheon clicked his tongue in response, then turned to look at Sophina.

 “And, unfortunately for you brother, Sister-in-law likes me, don’t you?” 

Rihentheon smirked, his demeanor even more condescending.

 

Well. He’s always been a stickler, but when he comes back from the war, he’s all smirks.

 

Or maybe they’re in love.

 “Me? Who are you?” 

Sophina asked, unaware.

 “Ah, Sister-in-law!” 

Rihentheon stamped his foot in disbelief.

 

She smirked and turned her attention elsewhere.

 

At the edge of her sharpened vision was the original mistress.

 “Excuse me, Young Master. Is she…?” 

As if sensing Sophina’s stare, the original heroine walked over with a vague smile on her face.

 “Hello. Please call me Ilya.” 

A greeting not unlike the one she remembered from earlier.

 

Sophina’s lashes fluttered lightly. She studied Ilya with a coy glint in her eye, trying not to appear reticent.

 “…What’s your full name?” “Ilya Liam.” 

The name of the original heroine, obviously. I had guessed it, but my mouth went dry at the sudden memory.

 

‘But where do I know her from?’

 

Rihentheon interjected, sensing Sophina’s wary demeanor.

 

As if he were trying to protect her.

 “She is the heir to the deer family. And the one who saved my life.” “Ah…” 

Sophina murmured.

 

At that moment, Ricardo tugged at her sleeve. She looked up at him in surprise.

 “Ricardo?” “There will be a victory banquet this afternoon, so I’ll see you then, little brother.” 

Ricardo spoke as if to inform Rihentheon, who didn’t even respond.

 

Then he casually intertwined his fingers with Sophina’s and led her to a corner of the garden.

 

Once they were in the shade under a large Zelkova tree, Ricardo spoke up.

 “You look uncomfortable.” 

Looking her straight in the eye, he added,

“You told me not to pay attention to her, so you shouldn’t pay attention to her either.” 

Ricardo’s eyes were serious as he said this.

 

‘I don’t know what that deer is thinking.’

 

I didn’t like it. 

 

He hated anything that took away Sophina’s attention, animate or inanimate, man or woman. Ricardo was a very jealous man.

 

Sophina, on the other hand, rolled her eyes and sat back in her seat with a flourish.

 “…Yes!” 

The corners of her mouth twitched upward in amusement.

 

Of course…

 

‘Ricardo certainly doesn’t seem to like the original heroine.’

 

The original heroine seemed to be more friendly with him. Her heart seemed to be more open.

 

Unfortunately, I forgot to tell her that if she had an affair with a married man, the three generations would suffer from athlete’s foot.

 

‘Was I conscious that I was being a little dramatic?’ 

 

Maybe not.

 

Sophina glanced at Ricardo, who had finally sat down next to her.

 “It’s a nice breeze. Isn’t it?” “It is.” 

There was an uncomfortable silence between them.

 

Sophina broke the silence and leaned in closer to Ricardo.

 “So, Ricardo, what kind of person do you like?” 

She added, in a terse tone,

“I mean, the opposite gender.  

Sophina winked at Ricardo as casually as she could, trying not to let her selfishness show.

 

Ricardo turned his head toward her and frowned.

 “Why are you asking me that?” “Um. Well?” 

She shrugged.

 

‘Just curious.’

 

The original heroine was pretty enough for everyone to recognize, and if not now, who knows, maybe he’d be attracted to her later.

 

‘I need to know the ideal so I can be prepared.’

 

Ricardo replied firmly to Sophina’s question with that intent.

 

As if he could see right through her.

 “My wife is you, Sophina Chadwick.” 

Ricardo’s blue eyes flashed with a dark obsession rather than the coolness they used to have.

 “And you want me to turn my attention to another woman?” 

The gaze of a predator chasing a prey that tries to flee.

 

Embarrassed, Sophina shook her head, biting back a laugh.

 “No, not that.” “Either that, or the lady has her eye on someone else.” 

Ricardo closed the distance, as if to say, don’t move away. His back felt like the hard, unpleasant texture of a wooden beam.

 

Sophina pressed her lips together unnecessarily and shoved Ricardo’s shoulder lightly.

 

‘What are you saying?’

 

She jumped to her feet.

 “One glance. I can’t believe it’s been so long.” 

Sophina held out her hand to Ricardo.

 “Let’s go, Ricardo.” 

Ricardo took her arm and pulled her close. Letting Sophina pull him into her arms.

 “…Huh?” 

Her words came out one after the other, her voice shaking with agitation. She had somehow ended up on Ricardo’s lap.

 

Their gazes entwined.

 

Sophina blinked dazedly, forgetting how to breathe. Her gaze locked on the blue eyes that reflected her disheveled form.

 

‘I feel weird.’

 

A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over her, and she hung her head deeply.

 

In doing so, she didn’t realize that the back of her neck was bare, as was Ricardo’s.

 

Ricardo used his other free hand to rub the nape of his neck, trying to control his emotions.

 

Finally, his lips curled into a grim smirk.

 “Yes, let’s go, my lady.” 

In the end, Sophina’s eyes could see nothing but Ricardo’s gaping face.

  “Little lady, you look so good!” 

Jane’s nervous exclamation could be heard. 

 

She had parted with Ricardo and was dressing for the victory banquet.

 

Sophina smoothed down the hem of her white, flowing dress and asked nonchalantly.

 “So, the victory banquet isn’t going to include that deer heir who saved the Young Master, is it?” “Well, she’s the head of the defeated race, after all, so I’m sure she won’t be able to come because it’s inconvenient for her.” 

Jane added daintily,

“It’s a party for the lions, after all.” “I know.” 

Sophina chimed in.

 

‘The original heroine may have been captured as a slave, but she’d saved the Master’s life, so she’d be treated as a guest.’

 

We’ll have to talk with her…

 

Aside from the fact that the original heroine was unpleasant, I think it’s important to know what kind of person she truly is.

 

That wasn’t the only feeling I had,

 

‘Now that I think about it, she seems familiar for some reason.’

 

While Sophina pondered, Jane slipped on a sparkling sapphire necklace.

 

The design was made of gold bands, not silver.

 “There, that’s it,”

she said.

 “Thank you, Jane.” 

Sophina smiled and looked in the mirror.

 

Déjà vu.

 

As she gazed at the necklace, a strange feeling crept over her.

 

‘The pocket watch had a gold band.’

 

As if mesmerized, Sophina grabbed her pocket watch and left the dressing room.

 

Ricardo stood in the doorway. His hair was as immaculate as the first time around, his eyes darker than usual due to his mood, and his full lips curved up at the corners.

 

And the completion of the man, his indigo-blue suit.

 

‘Crazy!’

 

Sophina was speechless and awestruck.

 

It was the same for Ricardo.

 

Adorable little cheeks that were redder than usual, light blue half-braids that were tied into a pretty bun, and lovely chestnut-colored eyes that sparkled with life.

 

Sophina looked more like an angel than a bluebird.

 

Ah, well, they both had wings, so I guess they’re similar.

 

Ricardo cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance, and extended his large hand.

 “Hand.” “Huh?” “Take it.” 

Before she could say anything, he took her arm and put it in his.

 

With that, Sophina walked hand in hand with Ricardo to the banquet hall.

 “The lord and the little lady, please enjoy!” 

Soon, they arrived at the banquet hall and greeted the family.

 

Soft classical music filled the hall.

 

Ricardo spoke to Sophina in the manner of a gentleman.

 “Would you like to dance, my wife?” “I would be honored, my husband.” 

She smiled bashfully and took a step closer to Ricardo. His callused, rough but trusting hand slipped around Sophina’s waist.

 

She placed a small hand on Ricardo’s broad shoulder and followed suit.

 

Their breath mingled in the air.

 

They waltzed a little awkwardly, feeling the other’s body heat.

 

‘Wait…’

 

Out of the corner of her eye, Sophina spotted an unexpected figure in the garden outside her window.

 

The original heroine was strolling along, wearing only a thin shawl.

 

At that moment, as if by magic, she gazed into the building where Sophina was.

 

When she made eye contact with Sophina through the window.

 

The original heroine winked.

 Hmm?