However, the Crown Prince already had a fiancée. Their close and affectionate relationship was well-known, and they were even a source of admiration for Alice.
(I don’t want to become someone who would tear those two apart.)
The ability Alice had received allowed her to see future visions visible only to herself. As long as she didn’t speak of it, no one would ever know. She resolved to keep her heavenly gift a secret for the rest of her life.
But Alice was kindhearted.
Whenever she saw an unfortunate future for someone, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was a way to avert it.
She would drop subtle hints or make small adjustments, ensuring her interventions didn’t seem unnatural.
Through her efforts to prevent misfortunes around her, her ability grew increasingly precise.
Eventually, Alice realized she could understand how her words or actions might alter the future. Even now, she was trying to change the fate of a young lady in front of her, who was destined to face an accident.
“Lady Resia, the eastern garden has many rare flowers blooming this season. Some may only last until tomorrow—you might enjoy visiting there,” Alice suggested.
“Oh, truly? Thank you as always, Lady Alice, for such helpful advice.”
“Not at all. Please enjoy yourself.”
Alice carried herself with care, ensuring her guidance came across as natural and unobtrusive.
(With this power, I feel like I can get along well with anyone.)
Believing this, Alice continued to live her life and turned ten years old.
* * *
During the party held at her home, Alice sat at a table with Lambert.
Four years had passed since their engagement, and the slight kindness and gentlemanly demeanor Lambert once showed had completely vanished.
Lambert now found Alice’s thoughtful nature, which earned her the title of “considerate lady,” irritating.
There were many other things about her that he apparently disliked.
“You were ranked first in the academic test the other day, weren’t you?” he asked.
“Yes. I’ve put particular effort into my studies to ensure I won’t bring shame as your fiancée, Lambert,” Alice replied.
“Yeah, about that—don’t bother. It’s annoying when someone’s better than me,” he said bluntly.
“Is that so…?”
“And another thing—you won the vocal competition recently, didn’t you? Could you try not to outshine me?”
“…My apologies.”
Alice felt disheartened for having upset him.
It was painful. Sad.
She sank into her feelings, staring down at the table.
But as her thoughts cleared, a question emerged in her mind.
(Why am I being scolded?)
She had worked hard to improve herself so she wouldn’t disgrace him as his fiancée. She had done nothing shameful, yet she was being reprimanded.
A quiet anger stirred within her.
“It’s your party, so wouldn’t a dress with more frills and ribbons have been better?” Lambert added.
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