Chapter 148
Until this morning, Eve’s mood had been soaring as if she could fly.
It was partly because Izriella kept praising her endlessly, telling her how wonderful it was to be returning to the Academy. It was also because she was wearing Madame Crevel’s dress instead of the ordinary clothes she had been wearing for outings.
But more than anything, it was because the Royal Knights, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, were escorting her to the Academy.
A large, ornate carriage. Dozens of knights guarding the surroundings.
Her beautiful dress.
And Izriella bowing respectfully in front of her, followed by the maids.
While inside the main palace, she hadn’t realized it—but stepping outside like this, Eve finally felt like a true princess of the empire.
‘I wish Dad were here too.’
Then everyone would bow even lower and act even more respectfully.
Everything had gone well until she arrived at the Academy…
“Lady Eve, if I may begin, the most important building here at the Academy was constructed in the architectural style of about 350 years ago…”
“Wait, didn’t you just say the previous building was the most important one?”
Eve shot Principal Seraphina a glare, clearly annoyed.
But Seraphina remained shameless.
“Under His Majesty’s glory, is there any place here that is not important? Everything here is cherished by His Majesty. And I trust that a perceptive Lady Eve will understand His Majesty’s intentions. My explanation has simply become a bit long.”
“….”
So smart, huh? You get it, right? The Emperor says it’s important, so underline it and memorize it.
Eve could only bite her lip in response; she couldn’t say anything.
‘Izriella told me not to throw a tantrum with this person.’
Though she looked like a cool young woman, Seraphina was said to be the empire’s most powerful mage.
So Eve had to make a good impression.
Besides, Seraphina had been the one to certify that Eve was royal.
If she had said, “Ah, the magic went wrong. I don’t like you, so you’re not royal anymore!” what could Eve have done?
“And Lady Eve, now, if I may direct you to the main building…”
Eve stopped listening altogether.
Her deliberately fancy hat was cumbersome, and the new shoes were slightly uncomfortable to walk in.
Moreover…
“When the building tour is complete, the professors in charge of each subject will explain all the Academy’s classes. I hope Lady Eve will show great interest.”
At that, Eve’s mind had settled on just one thought:
‘I want to go back to the palace!’
She wanted to return and nap on a soft bed, ignoring Eve or anyone else.
Then her eyes caught someone.
“Ah! Oh!”
A boy, ignoring the commotion around Eve, had walked straight into the main building without even glancing her way.
‘That’s him!’
The boy she had met at Madame Crevel’s shop, the one she had accidentally revealed a lot of things to.
It had to be him.
“Lady Eve!”
Ignoring the calls, Eve ran toward the main building.
But after just a few steps, Hilde immediately stopped her, as if blocking her path.
“Where are you going, Lady Eve?”
Startled by Hilde’s sudden action, Eve just glared at her and pushed her aside, continuing toward the building.
Hilde sighed and followed.
‘Same age… seven years old…’
Hilde couldn’t help but recall Evebien.
The little girl who had bowed politely with a shy smile. The one who had held her hand tightly, giving her confidence. Who had worried about asking inappropriate questions and gratefully bowed when escorted to the dormitory.
Compared to Evebien, the Eve in front of her now was someone Hilde should be protecting and serving. Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t help sighing.
On one hand, it was cute childlike behavior, but Hilde couldn’t stop comparing Evebien and Eve.
‘It must be because the Emperor cherishes her.’
Thinking of the Emperor, Hilde almost sighed again.
At the villa, the Emperor had been so relaxed with Evebien.
Sleeping in the hammock, the Emperor and Evebien together as if it were natural, the knights had to hold their breath to avoid waking them.
Seeing that, Hilde had thought the Emperor might end up adopting Evebien…
‘Too late now.’
Even if it were possible, it didn’t seem like it would turn out well. And even if the Emperor adopted Evebien, it didn’t seem good for her.
‘At least it’s for Evebien’s future.’
Meanwhile, Eve pushed open doors as she entered the main building.
Students and professors preparing for class were startled by her sudden entrance and bowed.
The staff, too, looked flustered, unsure how to handle a princess roaming freely through the building.
Finally, Eve found who she was looking for.
“Found you!”
As soon as she opened the door, she spotted Arcel and shouted with joy.
But her expression immediately twisted.
“You’re here too?”
In the room were not only Arcel but also Evebien.
Eve scanned the room.
It was a small but cozy classroom.
Not only was the boy she sought there, but another boy with a surprised expression, yet very handsome.
And the girl sitting beside him was so pretty she looked like a doll.
“Lady Eve.”
Arcel spoke to her.
“This is not a suitable place for you, so perhaps you should step outside first.”
Hearing that, Luska’s heart sank.
To an outsider, it might sound like Arcel was politely informing a distinguished guest.
But Luska knew Arcel’s personality all too well.
‘You fool! How can you tell her to leave? She’s a princess!’
“Wait, you knew my name?”
Fortunately, Eve didn’t notice.
“Yes.”
Arcel replied briefly, smiling faintly as if he didn’t want to answer.
“By the way, what’s your full name? You never told me back then.”
“…Arcel Kaelen.”
Hearing that, Luska clicked her tongue in frustration. This brat is determined, isn’t he?
“Kaelen?”
Eve remembered the surname. It belonged to a ducal family serving close to the Emperor.
‘The Count and Izriella didn’t like them.’
They had spoken poorly of the Kaelen family before. Eve had been told to avoid them and remove them when she became Emperor.
But seeing Arcel, she immediately forgot all those warnings.
‘Even if you’ve done something wrong, I can forgive you.’
Satisfied that she knew his name, Eve turned to Luska and Irene.
“Who are you two?”
Royalty was still royalty.
The two girls stepped forward and bowed politely.
“I’m Luska Ragselve.”
“I’m Irene… Terins.”
Between Irene’s silence, the sound of gritted teeth could be heard—but Eve didn’t notice.
Thanks to that, only Luska broke into a cold sweat.
‘Two crazy ones!’
Why did only she feel chills?
Eve then nudged Evebien lightly.
“You’re fine.”
Fine? What does that mean?
Irene’s gaze sharpened, and Luska shook her head desperately.
No, no, not yet… hold on.
Before Evebien could say anything, Eve sat in her desk.
“I’m going to study here with you today.”
The faces of Hilde, Seraphina, and Izriella twisted in shock.
Not just them—Arcel, Irene, and even Luska stiffened at that statement.
Meanwhile, Evebien fidgeted, unsure what to do.
“But that’s Evebien’s seat,” Arcel said, unable to hold back.
“Hmm, but from today on, it’s mine.”
Eve didn’t care. She then knocked over the pencil case on the desk.
“Move this.”
“….”
Everyone squinted at the princess, who had appeared out of nowhere and was being so rude.
“Who is this?”
Professor Malres, the classroom’s original owner, appeared.
“Ah, Master. This is Lady Eve, whom Count Aradman brought…”
“That’s none of my concern.”
Professor Malres shepherded Evebien in front of him protectively.
Then, waving his hand at Eve as if shooing a fly, he said indifferently:
“You’re here to study, so leave.”
Luska held her forehead. There were three crazy people in this room.
