Case 53: As the glass swan starts to crack.

*****

''...''

''...''

Post-match, infirmary room.

Only a static chime rang in the air as the nurse exercised her healing magic. She was originally just a quiet person who happened to be exceptionally good at her job, and the two people she was using her power on didn't have anything to say, either.

In every sense, it was an uncomfortable silence, especially when one could practically feel the tension between two political giants still brewing. Yet, it was perhaps usual for the nurse. She had seen much loftier people in her lifetime.

''—thank you, Kyrie.''

''It's only natural, miss.''

It wasn't until the door gently opened that the quietness disappeared. After thanking the imperial princess's maid for letting her in, Cecilia took calm steps toward the two, who were sitting on different beds.

''Cecilia...''

''Lady Cecilia.''

Somewhere in their calls, a sense of reluctance could be heard. Was it because neither of them could defeat the other and bring victory home? Nonetheless, Cecilia only smiled awkwardly at them before turning to the nurse,

''May I ask of their treatment?''

Right then, the healing magic began to fade. With a countenance as impassive as ever, the nurse replied, ''It's done.''

''...Thank you. Can they be discharged immediately?''

''Sure. There's no reason to keep perfectly fine people inside the infirmary room.''

''Fufu, I suppose you're right.''

Then, Cecilia held out her hands to the two ladies. Perhaps some of the fight's residue dopamine was still floating in their brains, but both Rachael and Penelope didn't feel like quarreling like usual.

No, perhaps it was because Cecilia's fragile and somewhat lifeless smile made them unwilling to... mess things up. They could only be obedient and take her hands.

''Wait up.''

Yet, before their fingers could even touch, the nurse once again spoke up,

''We don't keep healthy people, but we tend to keep ill ones.'' She said, lifting her glasses. ''You don't look good, Lady. May I take a look at your body?''

Keeping her face cold, Cecilia eventually shook her head after pondering, ''Thank you, but I won't need it.''

''...I see.''

After dragging her partners to a remote balcony, Cecilia let out a sigh.

The wind was a bit rowdy, fluttering her hair toward the sunset. That was when she turned around, her smile erased. Before long, without any warning—

'''' ...! ''''

—Cecilia planted a kiss on each of the two's cheeks.

''You both did a really good job. I'm proud of you.'' She said. ''Thank you for fighting so passionately for me. I'm honestly flattered.''

''Cecilia...'' One of the two—Rachael muttered.

''And... I'm sorry.''

In an instant, Cecilia's shaky apology triggered some sort of premonition within Rachael and Penelope. At the moment, their lovable crush seemed more vulnerable than ever. It was a feeling harder to describe than any novel experience, but a desire to hold this woman closely and protect her at all costs was apparent.

Almost as if not wanting to let her go, they took her hands, and almost as if bracing themselves for the words that were about to escape her mouth, they tightly gripped them.

''I... I've been thinking about it a lot recently. Looking back, I feel like I was deceiving you both the whole time.''

'''' ... ''''

Biting her lips, Cecilia tried to divert her gaze, but... she had already resolved to face them at this moment. If she couldn't even do that, then what could she even do?

So, this time, she determinedly raised her head and uttered,

''I know what's already been done cannot be reserved, and I won't complain if you want to take your anger out on me, but if by any chance... that... that you still want to love someone like me, I want to tell you something.''

''...Go ahead,'' Rachael replied, cautiously observing the girl's emotions as she took a deep breath.

Looking at such devoted faces, Cecilia couldn't help but feel bitter. Still, if her effort meant something for the greater good, then... this much sacrifice was justified. However, she wouldn't want to abandon the bits of selfishness she had allowed for herself.

''I probably won't be able to marry any of you—anyone, for that matter. So... the most we could do is a casual, light-hearted relationship. I-I mean, just don't get too invested in it...''

''I don't understand.''

As someone who had tried to take Cecilia in as her girlfriend and future wife for certain, Rachael was always left utterly confused and anxious when her partner said something like this.

Now, it was perhaps the perfect time to confront her about it.

''Do you care to explain why that is? It's been frustrating with all the reluctance you show when asked.''

''That...'' Cecilia stammered, her eyes shaking. ''I... you know how my body is a bit weak, right? With this constitution, I probably won't be the same after giving birth... if I even survive, that is.''

''...''

Rachael felt as though a thorn had pierced her heart. It was an unpleasant, icky sort of pain that would haunt her for months on end. Laughably, she only realized she could feel such emotions after this experience.

Nevertheless, the matter with Cecilia took precedence, and it didn't take long for Rachael to decide on her answer.

''That doesn't matter. We can do something about it even if you don't give birth. The imperial family has many suitable children to adopt.''

''But... aren't you going to become the crown princess? If you have an heir problem, then...''

''Yes, I am, and I will find a way to do it. So—''

''Or.''

All of a sudden, Penelope, who had been quiet the whole time, intervened. Caressing Cecilia's cold cheek, the magnate shot a mocking gaze at Rachael.

''Or you can just marry me.'' She calmly said. ''Our family doesn't care about blood, and I frankly care less about our potential children than I do about you. Even if continuing the bloodline is a problem, my parents can just make another child. It is more or less a non-issue with me.''

''U-Um...''

''Go out with me, Cecilia. I'll make you the happiest woman in the world.''

At some point, it had appeared—Penelope's unintentional yet killer smile. This unexpected face sent Cecilia blushing, her eyes threatening to melt into puddles of blood.

And, of course, it angered the fiery princess.

''Bourbon. What nerves do you have to say that in front of my face?'' Rachael growled. ''Know your place.''

''Nerves? Didn't I already show my nerves earlier? Is it that Your Highness wants another duel?'' Penelope chuckled. ''Such a violent mindset won't go well with someone as delicate as Cecilia.''

''S-Stop, stop!''

With the previous gloominess seemingly gone, Cecilia appeared flustered at the development. Almost... embarrassed.

''Don't fight again...!''

'''' So, what's your answer? ''''

Faced with the ultimate pressure, Cecilia's expression started to crumble... again. This would have been the time for her to fidget with her fingers, but unfortunately, both of her hands were tightly held.

Yet... maybe the urgency of the situation had fried something in her brain at this critical moment. Her expression changed from awkward to nervous, from nervous to worry, and from worry to... happy?

Almost gleefully, Cecilia murmured, ''How about both...''

'''' ... ''''

It was a profoundly ridiculous situation, one that sent all three people into a daze. Realizing her slip up a beat too late, Cecilia quickly tried to defuse it,

''I-I mean, I've already had something with both of you and then... um... it's the truth that I l-love both of you, and...''

It was clear by the second that the more she talked, the more disastrous her stance would become.

And she began to notice it, too.

''Ah... um... h-have you ever thought about doing a threesome...?''

It was on this certain afternoon that Cecilia died from embarrassment.

*****