Chapter 46
“Pardon?”
Despite my mind trying to make sense of the princess’s words, my lips had betrayed me, echoing her meaning back in simple disbelief.
Fortunately, the princess was still smiling beautifully.
“Oh, it’s nothing important. I just meant that I find myself interested in you, Miss.”
Excuse me?
I barely held back a flurry of questions in my mind, spinning my thoughts as brilliantly as I could. What could this mean, really?
Do these royal people have some kind of personal speech habit no one else understands? By now, it was no longer surprising to see each of them speak in their own unique way.
And yet, sharp glances from nearby prickled my cheeks and skin.
Feeling that delaying would only draw more attention, I quickly opened my mouth.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Ah, so stiff.”
Seeing me freeze, the princess leaned back slightly, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Could navy hair, like the midnight sky, truly suit her so perfectly? I marvelled silently.
“Don’t be embarrassed. That wasn’t what I intended.”
Embarrassed or not? Her words were always direct, and it was this candidness that had comforted me in my previous life. Still, it was a difficult situation.
‘I don’t even know how to respond.’
I muttered this to myself silently, lowering my head.
When our conversation ended, the table seemed to fall into an awkward silence, but the princess soon turned her gaze to everyone.
“Sorry for letting the conversation veer off immediately upon arrival. I hope everyone is doing well.”
Her playful remark was met with natural responses.
“Your invitations are always welcome, Your Highness.”
“It’s been a while, but your garden is as beautiful as ever.”
The princess’s gaze swept over each guest, pausing at Rowan.
“Miss Fortian, this is your first tea party, yes? Don’t be too nervous—it’s similar to other gatherings.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Rowan, finally regaining her composure, smiled naturally, though slightly more reserved than usual.
The rest of the conversation passed lightly—exchanging pleasantries, discussing current news, and enjoying simple chatter.
I had wondered how the princess’s tea party might feel, but it seemed no heavier or more formal than any other young lady’s gathering.
‘This is more enjoyable than I expected.’
Setting aside the earlier tension, I found myself relaxing into the gentle flow of conversation. Only a few lingering glances from the Marchioness and her companions reminded me of the subtle social war that had taken place earlier.
As the day drew to a close and sunset bathed the garden in warm light, the princess spoke to everyone.
“Shall we call it a day?”
One by one, guests began to rise. By tradition, those nearest the head table stood first, which meant I rose almost immediately.
“Thank you for a wonderful time, Your Highness.”
Others followed suit, and as we prepared to depart for the waiting carriages, the princess tapped my shoulder.
“Would you accompany me for a short walk, Miss Clodi?”
The wind ruffled her thick, wavy hair, the sunset catching it in golden light. Her golden eyes sparkled in the evening glow, capturing even the departing gazes of others.
“Ah, yes…”
I nodded without thinking, letting the awkwardness between us vanish.
We arrived at a quiet, secluded part of the garden, well-tended even in its depths, and I couldn’t stop feeling tense. My hands, clasped together, were clammy.
“Miss.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
Halfway through the garden, she spoke.
“You don’t particularly enjoy high society, do you?”
“What?”
Her seemingly random question struck straight to my hidden thoughts.
‘How could she possibly know?’
Perhaps seeing my surprise, the princess chuckled softly.
“You seem that way. You interact candidly with others, yet don’t appear to fear friction with them. It’s noticeable.”
My vision blurred for a moment.
‘She heard what I said before she arrived.’
There was no other explanation. We had barely met before, so this impression could only have formed from the brief earlier encounter.
A half-smile escaped me, acknowledging her insight, and I looked away discreetly.
“You seem to have returned to society out of necessity. Is there a particular reason?”
Her next question silenced me. I couldn’t recount the events of my previous life, nor did I wish to disclose my family’s affairs.
The brief quiet that followed was broken when she spoke again.
“You don’t need to answer if it’s uncomfortable. I was just noting my impression.”
Her words, apologetic and gentle, revealed what a good person she was.
“No, you’re right. It’s not that I dislike it—I just have some unpleasant memories, so I prefer not to get too close.”
“I see.”
The princess blinked slowly, smiling brightly as she regarded me.
“And what about me? Or the Crown Prince?”
“My…?”
‘She’s asking me about her and the Crown Prince?’
My pupils darted wildly, imagining dozens of possible responses, yet none seemed adequate.
“Ha, you’re too tense. I didn’t mean anything. I only asked because I’ve heard rumours involving Haelon recently.”
Relieved by her lighthearted laugh, I muttered, “Yes…” and drew a breath. The princess’s gentle smile returned, softening the moment.
“Miss, I invited you because of the Crown Prince.”
Walking beside her, I replied, “I see.”
It made sense. I had never been invited to the princess’s events before. If anyone close enough to influence her was tied to me, it would likely be the Crown Prince.
“The Crown Prince seemed to care about you a little,” she continued.
I only listened quietly, curious.
“He began acting differently after meeting you. Of course, in a good way. I wanted you near him, perhaps to influence him positively… Too selfish of me?”
“No, not at all.”
The princess’s brows relaxed, lips curving into a soft smile.
“Even I thought it might be too much, but I wanted to help Haelon, one way or another. Though after hearing your words today, I suppose I can’t insist anymore.”
“My words?”
“I don’t force someone who wants to do as they please.”
‘Live freely, doing what you wish.’
She had heard what I said earlier.
“Still, I find I like you more than I expected. You have a similar vibe to me.”
Her gaze, once on the garden, now rested on me.
“So, I won’t consider a third party or approach differently. Will you be my friend this time?”
“My… friend?”
“Exactly. My confidante and companion. With a title, too—it won’t hurt, right?”
Her expression mirrored that of the Crown Prince. Relaxed, smiling, and entirely approachable.
‘Ah… so they really are siblings.’
The situations might mirror each other, yet one key difference existed:
“I’d be honoured.”
This was an offer I could accept without hesitation. I bowed slightly and met her gaze.
As I recalled her satisfied look, I noticed a flicker of something awkward in her pupils.
“How did you know what I was going to say?”
Her low murmur, so different from when addressing me formally, made me glance behind me.
‘…Haelon?’
