Chapter : 18
Why, how, and when did this happen?
“What on earth is going on?”
Itern stood there blankly, like a person completely drained, staring at the room in the princess’s palace where attendants came and went.
Zigkart had obtained Emperor Wintier’s permission with unbelievable ease.
No, it wasn’t so much that the emperor had easily granted it—it was more accurate to say that Itern herself had failed to find a reason to refuse quickly enough.
When you’re too shocked, you really can’t even speak. So this is what that feels like.
A place for making medicine should, according to Zigkart, be bright, well-ventilated, and open.
Itern thought even a three-year-old passing by would laugh at such nonsense.
A place like that wouldn’t be fit for making medicine—it would be perfect for making poison!
So she never imagined her father would accept such an obvious excuse so readily.
“Your thoughts, Itern?”
How am I supposed to say I don’t want this?!
This wasn’t just any matter—it was about whether or not her mother could be awakened. She couldn’t possibly refuse with such a ridiculous excuse.
“…Ha.”
The attendants under the emperor’s orders moved with frightening efficiency, as if a blade were pressed against their backs.
“Your Highness.”
A familiar voice came from behind her. It was Dola. Itern brightened instantly and nearly clung to the hem of Dola’s skirt as she looked up at her pleadingly.
“You brought him? Right?”
“Of course, Your Highness. I brought him as you ordered.”
“Thank goodness!”
At that moment, a visibly tense soldier strode toward Itern and Dola.
Itern smiled brightly at him. Startled by that smile, the soldier froze for a moment before dropping to one knee.
“Rance Tash greets Your Highness the Princess!”
“Oh, you don’t need to kneel. Get up, quickly.”
He was the same soldier Itern had once taken note of—the one who had risked his life to defend her in front of the emperor.
Instead of letting Zigkart stay in my palace, I brought Rance here! I’m glad Father agreed so easily.
Itern reached out as if to help Rance up, but he shook his head firmly and remained kneeling.
“I cannot look down upon Your Highness.”
“No, but you can’t always be kneeling in front of me.”
“I am fine, Your Highness. I am merely an insignificant soldier, but since Your Highness has chosen to take me in, I will obey any command. Even if you tell me to walk into fire, I will do so.”
“You don’t have to go that far!”
She waved both hands in an exaggerated, childlike manner, but inwardly she couldn’t suppress a satisfied smile.
Good. If I have someone who can use force on my side, I’ve got nothing to fear.
Clearing her throat slightly, Itern placed her hands behind her back and looked at Rance. He had clear, bright eyes that seemed to shine. She felt reassured.
“Thank you for promising your loyalty, Rance. If you faithfully carry out your duties, you won’t have to worry about anything in the future. I promise you that.”
“Thank you very much!”
“Then your first mission is…”
Itern glanced deliberately toward Zigkart’s temporary quarters where attendants were coming and going, then stepped closer to Rance.
“You already know that the young duke is staying in the princess’s palace, correct?”
“Yes, Your Highness. I know.”
“Good. Your first mission is to act as his personal guard while he is here.”
At that, disappointment flashed across Rance’s face.
“I thought I would be serving Your Highness…”
Startled, Itern quickly shook her head. He must have thought he was only temporarily summoned to guard the young duke.
“Protecting him is the same as serving me! I won’t send you away just because the young duke leaves. It’s only temporary. Do you understand?”
Rance’s expression brightened again. He still remained properly formal and did not smile widely, but his mood was clearly lifted.
That alone pleased Itern. People whose emotions could not be read were always dangerous to keep nearby.
“I understand, Your Highness. I will do my best.”
“Good. And if the young duke asks you anything, says anything, or… goes somewhere alone when I’m not around…”
“……”
“Report everything to me. Do you understand what I mean?”
A thought flashed through Rance’s mind. He clearly understood what the young princess was asking.
Guard him, but also watch him. What Itern truly wanted was surveillance.
“I understand, Your Highness.”
At his reply, Itern smiled brightly—like a dewdrop falling from a geranium petal, a smile that could soften anyone’s heart.
“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”
“I will devote myself fully.”
Only then did Rance rise, reporting briefly to his direct superior before leaving.
Dola looked down at Itern with concern.
“Your Highness, are you truly all right?”
“Hmm? Why, Dola?”
“I looked into that man Tash. He only recently joined the imperial army. It might be better to choose someone more trustworthy…”
“No. Rance is trustworthy. You don’t need to worry about him. I guarantee it, Dola.”
Dola hesitated, then smiled.
“If Your Highness says so, then it must be right.”
She didn’t show it, but Dola had begun to realize that the young princess she served had insights far beyond her years.
Even just seeing how His Majesty the Emperor has changed proves it. The princess is not acting recklessly without thought. That much is certain.
The palace maids often said the princess’s carefree charm had melted even the emperor’s iron defenses, but Dola did not believe it was that simple.
It was unclear when exactly Itern had changed, but something had certainly shifted. A very big change.
If only the empress would awaken as well, and the princess could live peacefully like a child… Oh Bellis, if only that could happen, I would be willing to die happy.
As Dola was holding her chest in relief, the subject of their thoughts appeared in the hallway.
“Oh, Your Highness.”
The young duke greeted her brightly, his crimson eyes shining. For a moment, Dola thought he looked strangely similar to Itern—and was startled by her own thought.
“Oh, yes… young duke.”
Itern turned slightly and gave an awkward smile, tilting her head. Inside, she was screaming for him not to speak to her, but she didn’t show it.
Zigkart spoke.
“There is something I would like to ask of Your Highness. Would that be all right?”
His gaze shifted toward Dola standing behind Itern. The fact that he deliberately showed that intention made it obvious he wanted her gone, and Itern understood that.
He wants to separate Dola from me. What is this request?
“Speak.”
Zigkart looked directly into Itern’s eyes and smiled faintly.
“The imperial palace of Cidnell is quite large, which worries me. If it would not be too much trouble, could Your Highness guide me around the palace?”
