Chapter 9
On the day of Crown Prince Adrian’s unofficial visit, Johan kept his promise.
Before that, he ran up against Grandfather and Father’s opposition, but when he said he would skip breakfast, both finally gave their permission.
They considered meals very important.
Even when they were busy, they always checked what I’d eaten, how much, whether they had served dishes I liked—never once forgetting.
As my appetite gradually increased, they were proud of it. They even bragged about it, in fact.
In any case, I felt bad for them, but I acted petty about food.
It was the morning I would meet Crown Prince Adrian.
From early morning, Basha did her utmost to dress me as if it were some grand occasion.
She brought the newly tailored dresses and had me choose.
After some thought, I pointed to one with red in it.
I usually insisted on subdued colors, so everyone was surprised when I chose something bold for a change.
Somehow, I felt shy.
It felt as if I’d made a mistake. Maybe I should have picked a modest color like usual?
Just as I was about to switch to something else, the maids chimed in, all excited.
“Young lady, you chose wonderfully. This design is the most fashionable in the Empire right now.”
“This red will suit your beauty perfectly, my lady.”
“How can it suit you so well—so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes…”
With nothing but praise from every side, I started to doubt whether any of it was real.
There were even maids who trembled while looking at me, or dabbed at tears, or shivered with delight.
The maids here are a little strange. Why are they like this?
Basha clapped her hands a couple of times. The maids collected themselves and straightened up.
“All right, we don’t have time to stand around. Today, the young lady must look the most beautiful in the entire Empire. Understood?”
In a firm voice, Basha steadied the staff. I thought she was impressive.
The grooming that started at dawn was tremendous. Even before, getting dolled up had always felt awkward to me; today it was several times more excessive and burdensome than usual.
When the preparations were finished, I stood before the mirror and looked at myself.
My wavy platinum hair was neatly braided and tied with a ribbon. A small hairpiece studded with gems sparkled here and there.
The striking red dress floated with lace and was embroidered in places, giving it a luxurious feel.
Would this be enough to stay in Crown Prince Adrian’s memory?
The maids once again twisted themselves up with over-the-top praise.
It was quite overwhelming.
I forced myself to ignore their words. If I listened to them, I’d start to feel like the Empire’s saint.
I was only the heir to the sacred relic—nothing more. If they knew what kind of person I really was, would they still think of me this way?
All I did was think about how to take revenge on those who had driven me to a miserable death before my regression.
If they knew about the horrible thoughts filling my head, would they still see me as they did now?
They might call me monstrous and throw stones.
While I was lost in thought, Basha’s voice reached me.
“Shall we go now, young lady?”
“Ah, mm.”
On the way to meet Crown Prince Adrian, I made up my mind.
This is where it begins!
He was still a prince and not yet crown prince, but I was the only one who knew he was the true heir.
Because the sacred relic had chosen Adrian, not Caron.
This time, I would help him ascend the throne no matter what. It was something only I, who knew his future, could do.
For today, I would focus on building rapport with him.
The door to the receiving room—the place where I was to meet Crown Prince Adrian—opened.
Huh? What’s this?
The moment the door opened, the eyes of those inside turned to me.
I had expected the prince and Johan to be seated, of course.
But Grandfather and Father were there as well.
When Father saw me, his face lit up. He gestured to the seat beside him.
“My darling is here. Sit next to me.”
Before he finished speaking, Grandfather’s urgent voice cut in.
“What nonsense. She should sit by her grandfather.”
Johan sprang to his feet and protested.
“Grandfather, what are you talking about? Rob will sit next to me. Right, Rob? Come sit by your oppa.”
They made a commotion as if sitting next to them were something of enormous consequence.
I didn’t even have to think about where to sit; I chose the seat directly across from Crown Prince Adrian. It happened to be between Grandfather and Father.
Grandfather and Father bickered over who I should sit beside, but I didn’t get involved. Only Johan stuck out his lower lip.
Grandfather introduced Crown Prince Adrian to me himself.
“Pay your respects. This is His Highness Adrian de Felix, First Prince of the Arkan Empire. Your Highness, this is my granddaughter.”
“Roblien of House Calix greets His Highness, the Star of the Empire.”
I offered the greeting exactly as I had been taught. Sharp gazes—from Johan, Grandfather, and Father—all converged on the prince.
Why are they like this? Did I do something wrong?
Either oblivious or unconcerned, the prince welcomed me.
Fortunately, no one but me was looking at him just then.
When our eyes met, Adrian closed one eye in a cheeky wink and smiled.
I felt embarrassed. Father’s eyebrow twitched, as if displeased.
“If our Roblien hadn’t asked first, Your Highness would never have been granted an audience.”
“I am aware. Rumor has it House Calix cherishes her greatly.”
One corner of Grandfather’s mouth lifted.
“But of course! As you can see—so lovely. It’s obvious wolfish types will flock to our girl. The sheer nerve!”
The armrest of Grandfather’s chair cracked and snapped.
Startled, I widened my eyes, but the others only bobbed their heads as if nothing were amiss.
Grinding his teeth, Johan seconded Grandfather.
“I won’t let scum like that off. I’ll break all their legs!”
“Will breaking legs suffice? Gouge out their ey— Ahem, no, their eyes—ahem.”
Father, too, suddenly looked incensed at Johan’s words. I was certain he’d almost said he’d gouge their eyes out.
Only Crown Prince Adrian calmly lifted the teacup before him. The elegance of the way he drank was worthy of royalty.
Setting down his cup, he spoke.
“Indeed, a lady of House Calix who is dearly loved.”
At last, I added a word.
“I’m overwhelmed by the affection I’ve been given.”
The three men of the Calix grand ducal house nodded—smiling in satisfaction.
Crown Prince Adrian’s gaze turned to Grandfather.
“Which brings me to a proposal.”
Grandfather’s expression soured.
“What proposal might that be?”
“I hear from Johan that Lady Roblien is to hold her first gathering to make friends.”
This time Father asked,
“And so?”
Adrian’s eyes curved like a drawn bow as he smiled.
“As Johan’s friend, it’s only right that I assist. I will invite her to a function hosted by the imperial family.”
Johan shot to his feet and bristled at the prince.
“That’s not what we agreed.”
I looked between Grandfather and Father. Both were glaring at the prince as if they meant to kill him.
A function hosted by the imperial family was, of course, something everyone longed to attend.
I remembered how, before my regression, Raili had tried everything to get into one of those.
Perhaps this was an opportunity for me.
Grandfather raised his hand, ready to refuse.
“That would be diff—”
I hurriedly cut in.
“Grandfather, I want to go.”
I looked at him pleadingly. He faltered, unable to continue.
Father then took my hand and asked,
“Why do you wish to attend a palace function?”
“You told me before that it would be good for me to make friends.”
Grandfather and Johan both shot Father a look. Flustered, Father stammered.
“I—I didn’t… That’s not what I meant…”
Grandfather and Johan simultaneously cried out at him in reproach.
“My son!”
“Father!”
At that moment, Crown Prince Adrian set down his teacup and sealed the matter.
“Then I shall take that as permission.”
He flashed a victorious smile.
Crack.
It was the sound of the other armrest on Grandfather’s chair breaking.
Crown Prince Adrian glanced at Johan, who was glaring at him, wearing a puzzled expression.
Father kept muttering under his breath—so softly that, sitting beside him, I was likely the only one who heard.
“I’ve heard he’s cunning, but to be taken in like this…”
Why is everyone like this!
