Many months have passed since Lata’s debut. Many meetings between Lata and Janthe, wherein they’ve become closer, have passed as well. The new closeness has also left Lata very confused.

Her first impression of Janthe - a kind looking person - still holds true. In no way does she resemble the villainess from the book she read. Even in instances when there are other ladies currying favours with the prince, she doesn’t show an inch of jealousy. Only a longing look with a beautiful crimson tint on her cheeks.

‘Maybe she just doesn’t see the other ladies as competition? But she does see Madelief as one because she has some serious chemistry with the prince and that awakens Janthe’s darker side?’

‘But it honestly doesn’t seem like the Janthe I have gotten to know…’

Lata sighs and takes a sip from the teacup in front of her. Her gaze falls upon the two ladies sitting in front of her - Janthe and a lady called Randa.

She was introduced to Randa by Janthe during the ball. She didn’t realise at first, but after being invited to Randa’s estate on several occasions for afternoon tea, Lata remembered that Randa was a somewhat important character!

‘I can't believe it took me several visits before I realised who she was! While she wasn't as involved in the book, Randa still was part of Janthe's clique! She even joined in on harassing the heroine on some occasions! And most importantly of all: she was the lover of the main villain that appears in the book’s second half, after Janthe’s downfall!’

‘I can't believe how slow I can be sometimes!’

When she initially realised who Randa was, she became a bit antsy whenever she visited one of Randa’s tea parties, but as time and tea parties went by, she became more relaxed. It’s not like Randa has any reason to plot against her - she isn’t the heroine after all.

Currently, Janthe and Randa are engaged in a conversation about perfumes. Specifically, Randa is introducing her to yet unreleased perfumes, since she seems to have connections in the perfume industry as of late. Janthe is quite excited about the fact as she is quite taken with every last of the perfumes Randa introduces her to.

Lata, meanwhile, isn’t so fond of them.

‘The smell is so strong! My nose is way too sensitive to this! I wish those perfumes were poutpuris instead...or that I could just skip Randa's tea parties.’

‘But Janthe loves these tea parties, so I really have no choice...’

Lata looks at Janthe who is sporting a big smile as she inquires about the perfume she’s currently holding.

‘She really doesn’t look like somebody who’d harass someone. Will she really start to make trouble for the heroine? Well, I guess I will see the answer soon - there’s only a month left until the heroine’s appearance and the original story’s beginning.’

Lata sighs again, but that sigh doesn’t go unnoticed this time.

***

Janthe and Lata bid their goodbyes and enter Janthe’s carriage. Once seated, Janthe speaks up.

“Does something worry you?”

“Uh?” Lata goes wide eyed at her sudden question.

Janthe, showing a genuinely worried look, continues, “I did not want to inquire before, in case it is something you can not talk openly about, but I did see you heave a rather big sigh during the tea party.”

“Oh, no, um, I’m just a bit worried about the upcoming ball!” Lata waves her hands frantically as she tries to come up with an excuse, “I haven’t attended one so big before, so I’m just worried about messing up.”

Janthe’s worried look turns into a slight smile as she seems to be buying Lata’s excuse.

“It is the ball held in honour of the Crown Prince’s day of birth, so I quite understand. Yet you do not need to be plagued with worry! In case you do mess up, as you say, I will help you out right away. I promise you that.” She takes Lata’s hand and gives her a reassuring squeeze, “But I do not believe that it will come to that. As far as I have observed you, your manners are immaculate.”

She gives Lata a sweet smile, stealing a heart skip from Lata.

“I guess the endless etiquette lessons from my mother were good for something…” Lata mumbles quietly.

“Pardon?”

“Oh, I mean, thank you, Janthe! It’s truly a load off my mind if you’re there to help me!”

“I am happy that I can be of help to a dear friend.” Janthe gives her another sweet smile, making Lata slowly take her hand from hers. Feeling her cheeks grow a bit hot, she averts her eyes for good measure as well.

‘I can't deal with so much sweetness at once - I'll get diabetes!’

Trying to escape the current topic for various reasons, Lata tries to change the subject.

“A-anyway, have you already decided on your outfit for the ball?”

“I have! My dress is from….” Janthe excitedly goes off on a tangent about her chosen outfit. The more she gets into describing it, the more her hands start to aid her in painting a picture of her dress and everything accompanying it.

Lata leans back on the carriage seat with a smile as she looks at the enthusiastic Janthe before her. Suddenly, the smile on Lata’s face receives a small tint of sadness as she remembers Janthe’s future role.

‘...Truly, how does this person become a villain?’