Episode 05
Something… something about that felt off.
Was that scene just now really the same as I remembered?
The lines were correct—word for word. And yet, there was an unshakable sense of unease. I became so absorbed in thinking that I nearly forgot to breathe. Clements, apparently worried, even tapped me lightly through the fabric of his clothes.
In the original story, the moment Bella saw Clements, she froze—shaken to her core, unable to speak at first. Her first words came only after a delay:
“…Could it be… Your Highness, the Crown Prince?”
And what she felt upon seeing him for the first time—
Wasn’t pleasant.
An inexplicable hostility. A creeping fear. The dissonance of facing a man anyone would call attractive only sharpened her discomfort.
So of course her tone had been cold.
But what about Clements?
Had he really spoken so… dryly in this scene?
Of course, even in the novel, the beginning wasn’t all sweetness and warmth. But still—there should have been something more. Something that hinted at an unchanging, fated love…!
And hadn’t he lingered a little longer back then? I was sure there had been a line about him watching Bella’s retreating figure for a moment.
“I’m hungry.”
“Once we arrive at the estate, dinner will be prepared.”
…Maybe it was nothing.
I couldn’t read their hearts now. Perhaps I was just overthinking it. Or maybe there had been something in the atmosphere that couldn’t be conveyed from inside a pocket, hearing only their voices.
Right. Just being present at their first meeting was already a miracle, wasn’t it?
They were destined for each other. Somehow, things would work out.
For now… I should worry about my own situation.
* * *
Ah… I’m doomed.
Even as a chick, I still had instincts.
And those instincts were screaming:
I am completely, utterly doomed.
This place—illuminated by dozens of elegant candles—was the grand dining hall of the Monahan estate. Only family members and honored guests were allowed to dine here.
There were only four people invited to this dinner.
Clements.
Marquis Dupre.
Bella.
And Count Monahan.
Under normal circumstances, my place as a maid would be far behind the guest table—close enough to attend to my mistress, yet distant enough not to intrude.
But now?
I had been given my own seat—right beside the Crown Prince.
A small table draped in a pristine white cloth, mirroring the grand dining table. On it sat a luxurious silver dish filled with grains. Instead of a chair, warm stones had been arranged beneath me, radiating gentle heat for my tiny, temperature-sensitive body.
I felt like I was burning alive.
Not because of the warmth.
But because of the stares.
The most intense one came from the man seated at the head of the table—dressed in flamboyant finery.
The master of this estate.
My employer.
Bella’s older brother.
Count Monahan was glaring at me as if he wanted to incinerate me on the spot.
And why wouldn’t he?
The Crown Prince of the Clatia Empire traditionally toured the frontier before ascending the throne. As the lord of the western territory, the Count had undoubtedly envisioned this moment countless times.
He would introduce his beautiful younger sister—
Catch the Crown Prince’s interest—
Secure her future as Crown Princess.
It was a perfect plan.
A plan that was now being utterly ruined by—
A chick.
“Why isn’t it eating?”
Regardless of the Count’s murderous gaze, the noble Crown Prince spoke gently—his voice soft and affectionate.
Unfortunately… he wasn’t looking at Bella.
He was looking at me.
Damn it. Damn it! Damn it!
I don’t even want to be here!
Please, just ignore whether I eat or not! Remove this ridiculous chick-table and look at Bella sitting right next to you!
“Is this not the right feed? Does the estate have other grains stored?”
“Ah—ha ha… of course, of course it does, Your Highness…”
…Sigh.
At this point, I had no choice.
If I didn’t eat, Clements would keep fussing—ordering new feed, focusing all his attention on me.
So—
Peck.
“…!”
The grain I picked up tasted good.
Too good.
Maybe it was because I had wandered the forest starving all day. The fresh oats from Honwood melted in my beak.
That was the problem.
“Don’t eat so quickly. Drink some water too.”
Before I knew it, Clements had gently placed his finger bowl beside me.
Ahhh! This is bad. This is really bad!
The Count’s burning glare intensified once more…
The whole situation had unfolded like this:
Not long after parting with Bella, the Count had rushed out with his attendants, greeting Clements with exaggerated politeness.
“Your Highness! It is the greatest honor of my life to receive you. The journey from the capital must have been arduous—please, allow me the joy of offering you rest and a banquet!”
At that time, I had still been hopeful.
Even though I had turned into this… thing… the destined lovers had finally met. The love I had worked toward for eight years was about to bloom.
Until Clements said this:
“At dinner, I would like a separate portion of feed prepared for my chick.”
“…Pardon? A chick?”
In front of the stunned Count, Clements calmly pulled me from his pocket and stroked me.
“I found it on the way. I intend to raise it as befits a companion of the imperial family. Do not treat it carelessly as a mere creature.”
…What?
Wait—what?!
A chill ran down my spine.
This wasn’t just a passing whim.
He might actually be serious about raising me.
The Count’s face was a spectacle—struggling desperately not to twist in front of the Crown Prince.
Reject him! Just refuse!
“Your Highness! Of course, we would care for anything you cherish with utmost devotion. So please, entrust it to us. Surely you should enjoy your meal without concern—ha ha…”
Yes! That’s it! I don’t need to be there!
But Clements was firm.
“Such a small and fragile creature must be watched at all times. If anything were to happen to it beyond my sight… I would not be inclined to forgive those responsible.”
“…But, Your Highness…”
The Count faltered.
He had no grounds to refuse.
At that moment, Marquis Dupre stepped in.
“Taking it to the banquet may distress the chick. I can look after it safely during the meal.”
The Count’s face briefly brightened—
Then darkened again.
Of course. Dining with the head of the Dupre family was just as valuable as hosting the Crown Prince. And now he might lose that opportunity… because of a chick.
“Um…”
Then, unexpectedly, a servant stepped forward.
Alfin—a boy from the rural villages.
“I’ve raised many chicks before. They need warmth. If we prepare a nest with heated stones, it can stay comfortable even in the banquet hall.”
…Did he just use honorifics for me?
Am I really a “respected chick” now?
Well—his suggestion worked.
Everyone agreed.
And thus—
A ridiculous yet elaborate “chick banquet seat” was prepared.
Warm stones, carefully selected and arranged. Decorative branches and leaves added for flair.
The result?
Even long after dinner began—
All attention in the hall was on me.
Originally, Clements should have been exchanging words—and more importantly, lingering glances—with Bella.
But so far?
The only thing he had said to her was a formal greeting.
And worst of all—
My seat was wedged right between them.
Because as his “pet,” I had to be beside him.
But as a mere animal, I couldn’t sit above him.
So the compromise?
I was placed directly between Clements and Bella.
Right in the middle of their destined, fated romance.
…Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.
I’ve completely ruined everything.
