My Sisters are Strange

At my words, Liliana and Viola hardened.

 

A moment later Liliana raised her voice.

 

“Daisy!”

 

I was a little surprised by Liliana’s radical reaction, but I was prepared for those two’s opposition.

 

Despite the opposition, I replied in a calm voice because I had a reason to get engaged.

 

“I didn’t just make up my mind.”

 

Why do my precognitive dreams continue?

 

What on earth do the dreams want to tell me?

 

Sisters’ rebellion, the destruction of the family, and the destruction of the empire.

 

These dreams, which were connected after the dream that showed the Empire’s fall, were definitely related.

 

‘So this time, I can’t easily let it go.’

 

How devastating it would be if the future that I had worked hard to change would be restored to its original state in an instant.

 

Grandmother was a person who prioritized the Imperial family over her family, so I didn’t know what she would do.

 

Just by looking at Grandmother changing the target and pushing for my engagement with Ronald again, there was a good chance.

 

‘This is the best way to change the future for sure.’

 

Knowing the future, I could avoid the worst.

 

I clenched my fists as I recalled the blood-splattering scene I had seen in my dream.

 

‘At least I won’t fall for the First Prince, so I won’t get hurt instead. I can beg them to cancel the parade altogether.’

 

I smiled as much as I could to reassure my sisters.

 

“The First Prince was more affectionate than I thought. So don’t worry too much.”

 

Liliana couldn’t overcome her frustration and hit her chest.

 

“It’s because you don’t know him well. He’s…!”

 

“Lilliana Liviatan.”

 

Then I heard a cold voice behind me.

 

“…Grandmother.”

 

“Your voice is too loud.”

 

Liliana closed her mouth at Grandmother’s words.

 

“I made up my mind for the sake of the family.”

 

At my words, Liliana gave me an expression of outright disapproval, and Viola looked at me with her usual expressionless face.

 

In this situation, the only one who had a satisfied expression was Grandmother.

 

“Good decision.”

 

I was a little surprised by Grandmother’s positive response that I saw for the first time.

 

She gave me a friendly smile for the first time ever and said.

 

“Your decision will prosper the family, and furthermore, it will be for the imperial family. Very well done.”

 

“Thank you, Grandmother.”

 

Ironically, even though it was a compliment that I’d been longing for since I was a child, I wasn’t happy at all.

 

✲ ✲ ✲

 

“Long time no see, Daisy!”

 

A bright smile bloomed on my face at Iris’ bright voice.

 

“Why is it so hard to see your face these days? Do you know how much I missed you, Daisy?”

 

I burst into laughter at Iris’ playful voice.

 

Since I entered the Imperial Palace as an imperial princess, I had no time to go out because I had to receive the etiquette education again.

 

Because of that, I hadn’t seen Iris for a long time, so I felt even more happy to see her like this.

 

“I’ve been a little busy lately. I missed Iris, too.”

 

“If you say it like that, I can’t show more sadness.”

 

Iris sat in front of me and Isabel brought the tray.

 

It was the first time I smelled the subtle scent wafting from the teapot.

 

The sweet scent naturally made me feel better, so I asked.

 

“What kind of tea is it?”

 

“It’s the tea sent by His Highness the Prince. I heard that it was a precious tea that came as a tribute from the Kingdom of Celtoria.”

 

Iris was surprised at the word ‘his highness’.

 

“Oh, my goodness.”

 

And I was surprised, too.

 

“Oh, my God. I guess the rumor I heard is correct.”

 

“Rumors?”

 

Iris smiled shyly, her cheeks turning pink.

 

“There are rumors in the social world that the First Prince likes Daisy.”

 

I didn’t go outside, so I didn’t know this rumor was going around.

 

I knew that the Prince was sending me a gift, but…

 

‘It sounds as though I asked the tea on purpose to show off somehow.’

 

I coughed in embarrassment.

 

“Haha. He must be such a sweet person that rumors like that circulated.”

 

‘I guess he wouldn’t move quietly due to his personality.’

 

Without knowing how I felt, Iris complimented the tea.

 

“It smells really good.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

I put down the cup with a smile.

 

I was thirsty, but I didn’t want to drink this tea.

 

“I wanted to tell you in person, not through rumors, but I’m sorry.”

 

“Don’t be sorry!”

 

Iris said without a moment’s hesitation.

 

“You’re telling me before anyone else. Don’t be sorry.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Iris smiled softly at my words.

 

These days, my nerves were sensitive as if I were walking on thin ice, but just meeting a friend made me feel better and I was able to breathe.

 

“But I hear there is opposition from your family members… Are you okay?”

 

“The rumor must have spread in quite a detail.”

 

I smiled awkwardly and nodded softly.

 

My parents said they wouldn’t object if that was what I had decided, but my sisters weren’t.

 

My sisters were stepping up to protest against the engagement, which was agreed upon by both Grandmother and our parents.

 

My sisters persuaded me to reconsider my engagement every day.

 

‘He’s not a nicer person than I thought.’

 

It was true that Liliana’s earnest voice shook my resolution, but…

 

“I am fine. Don’t worry too much.”

 

The reason I decided to get engaged until the end was, of course, for my family.

 

“I was worried about who Daisy’s fiance would be, but I’m glad you got a good person.”

 

“Of course. His Highness is a good man.”

 

“Did you fall in love at first sight?”

 

Iris’ eyes sparkled with interest.

 

“Haha. It’s a secret.”

 

I guess I was also infected by the social world because I laughed on the outside and thought about something else inside.

 

‘For the family.’

 

I made the right choice for the happiness of my parents and sisters, and for the day when we all would be happy.

 

“He sent a present like this, and he seems to like Daisy too. That’s great.”

 

“It’s something to be thankful for.”

 

I sipped the tea at the right timing.

 

The tea was sweet and fragrant, but not enough to break my guard against Ronald.

 

Is it because I know that no matter how friendly he pretends to be, his inner thoughts are different?

 

He just wanted to obtain the power of Liviatan for the position of crown prince, nothing more, nothing less.

 

‘It’s obvious that he’s going to use me and then throw me away.’

 

Like he did with Liliana, no, maybe he would make fun of me by abandoning me even more ruthlessly than that.

 

After thinking about it, I sighed with bitterness.

 

Iris’ smile disappeared at the sigh that I involuntarily exhaled.

 

She put down the teacup and came closer to ask.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

At her genuine concern, I smiled slightly.

 

“I am not sure, actually.”

 

I thought it was the right choice, but I wasn’t sure if this was the right path.

 

‘Because I’m anxious.’

 

Because I didn’t know what the consequences would be, I just avoided the worst and decided on the lesser evil.

 

“You don’t have to force yourself to do something you don’t want.”

 

“It’s not like that.”

 

“I know it must be burdensome since it’s like taking Liliana’s place instead. But I am sure Daisy will do well. You’re a kind and warm person.”

 

Am I really such a spineless person?

 

At Iris’ words, the anxiety that I had been burying quietly rose up.

 

As my hands were shaking before I knew it, Iris grabbed my hand tightly.

 

“Daisy. You look so tired.”

 

“No, I am not. I’m really fine.”

 

Despite my answer that stayed the same, Iris pressed my hands and said without a hint of annoyance.

 

“Is there anything I can do for you? I want to be helpful to Daisy.”

 

“Thank you for your concern. You’ve encouraged me enough.”

 

“I don’t know what’s going on, but… I don’t want you to make a decision that you’ll regret, Daisy.”

 

The tip of my nose was touched by the warm consolation that she brought out as if she understood how I felt.

 

All I could say to the warm consolation was a thank you.

 

I smiled again and she smiled along.

 

“Oh! I heard that my family is starting a new business these days. I’ve found a new route to connect with Poporian Island.”

 

Iris deliberately changed the subject while looking at me.

 

Seeing her bring up things unrelated to my engagement, I felt touched by her thoughtfulness.

 

‘I can do this.’

 

However, apart from that, the anxiety that bloomed in my mind didn’t disappear.

 

✲ ✲ ✲

 

Even after Iris went back, my agitation didn’t subside for a long time.

 

I couldn’t sleep.

 

I leaned back on the terrace and sighed deeply.

 

I saw the pendant as I brushed my arm in the chilly wind.

 

I looked at the pendant, which was colored with blue light under the large full moon, and suddenly, I couldn’t seem to see that moon floating high in the sky.

 

I wanted to see the moon comfortably in a wider and more open place, not on the terrace of the mansion.

 

No, I wanted to get out of my present frustration.

 

Maybe that’s why.

 

A man resembling the moon came to mind.

 

The man with his blue eyes, who generously gave me kindness, couldn’t be erased from my mind.

 

My body started to move because I couldn’t leave behind my desire to see him right now.

 

I changed my clothes without hesitation and left the room.

 

“Lady? Where are you going at this hour?”

 

Isabel, who was standing in front of my room, was surprised to see my outfit and hurriedly chased me.

 

“Isabel. I want to go to the temple now.”

 

It was the first impulsive decision I ever made, but I had no regrets.

 

I was full of desire to meet him right away.