Chapter 15.
Did You Think I Wouldn’t Know?
“Miss Chanel?”
Princess Lydia of the Kingdom of Campton called out to Chanelrica, who had gone blank from the unexpected encounter.
“Miss Chanel, you need to answer.”
Unable to bear the silence, Vane stood up and whispered near Chanelrica.
“Ah, yes. This is my first time interpreting, but I’ll do my best!”
Chanelrica’s eyes were still fixed on Derwin. But as soon as she felt Lydia’s gaze intersect with hers, she quickly turned her eyes to the princess.
“Alright, come stand next to me. When the guests come to greet us, you’ll interpret each time.”
So Chanelrica stood a little to the right of Lydia, and Vane stood beside her.
From that spot—clearly the place of honor—the entire banquet hall could be seen. But unlike earlier, Chanelrica didn’t pay attention to the hall. Though her eyes were technically on the crowd, her mind was entirely focused on Derwin, who stood next to Lydia.
Don’t pay attention.
She told herself that. Yet, the thoughts about Derwin refused to leave her mind.
What on earth is the Lord doing in the human world, standing here like this?
But soon, as waves of distinguished guests began arriving, Chanelrica’s distracting thoughts completely vanished.
“Great job today, Miss Chanel.”
“Not at all. I made many mistakes.”
“No, really. It’s amazing! How did you manage to interpret all five languages? Even translator exams only test for three!”
As she looked at Lydia’s beaming face filled with praise, Chanelrica recalled how she had felt while interpreting.
Overwhelmed.
She had thought she only needed to interpret Larta, as per Stern’s instructions, but it turned out there were four more languages beyond that. While she could interpret them all thanks to her dragon abilities, she regretted it afterward. Knowing multiple languages wasn’t common for humans.
“I just know the basics. But thank you for the compliment, Your Highness.”
“No, really—it’s an incredible talent. Learning foreign languages is my hobby, but I haven’t even started learning Garionese yet. I was so surprised seeing you interpret it so fluently! Have you been to the Principality of Garion?”
The Principality of Garion was a small nation in the southwest of the Western Continent. Due to its unique tribal culture, the Kingdom of Palantal had recognized it as a principality. Though little known due to its size, the Garionese language was famous for its smooth and beautiful pronunciation. Lydia’s admiration wasn’t surprising.
The problem was, Chanelrica had absolutely no idea what kind of place Garion was.
So she replied,
“I haven’t been there, but I once met someone from Garion and learned the language from them.”
A half-lie, told to avoid trouble. Lydia’s sparkling eyes hinted that if she’d said she had been there, the princess would have demanded to hear a full travel story.
“I see.”
“Your Highness, it seems the guests are waiting.”
Thankfully, Lydia’s flustering questions were interrupted. The one who helped once again was Stern. He seemed to have arrived during Chanelrica’s interpretation duties.
“Oh, then Miss Chanel, I’ll see you later.”
Lydia smiled gently and moved to the center of the banquet hall. The black-haired man also followed her. Chanelrica’s eyes followed his back.
Why is he following her?
Derwin had no obligation to acknowledge her. Still, seeing him silently follow a beautiful woman left her with an odd feeling.
“Chanel.”
“…Captain.”
Stern approached Chanelrica.
“You did great with the simultaneous interpretation—five languages, no less.”
“I know, right? Even I was surprised by Miss Chanel’s ability,” Vane chimed in.
Chanelrica took a slight step back. Vane’s curious expression looked exactly like Lydia’s earlier.
“It was really impressive. Who would’ve thought guests from so many nations would show up? And you still managed flawless interpretation. How many languages can you speak?”
“Five.”
“Those same five from earlier?”
She had just decided that five would be her official number. In truth, she had no idea how many languages existed on this continent. She’d simply interpreted everything she could understand in the moment.
I just need to live quietly for a year. There’s no need to show off any more ability than this.
Still a hatchling, she had to be cautious. Chanelrica decided she would review the five languages she had heard today—memorize their characters and sounds—so she could pretend not to understand if a different language appeared.
“Yes. Luckily, I already knew all five. By the way, I’ve finished my work now. Can I enjoy the banquet?”
Chanelrica smiled, skillfully changing the subject.
“Of course. Enjoy to your heart’s content.”
Stern looked at her with warm eyes as he answered.
“What’s going on?”
Vane murmured to himself. This was far from what he had expected. Though dressed like a lowly maid, Chanelrica was naturally mingling with the nobles, chatting casually.
“Isn’t that canapé delicious? I just had one—it melts in your mouth!”
“The weather’s perfect today, isn’t it? Just feeling the spring breeze makes me happy.”
“This gemstone is so pretty. Where did you get it? May I touch it?”
She moved about nonstop, sampling all sorts of treats and smiling brightly while striking up conversations. It was impressive. What was most surprising was that not a single noble seemed put off by her status as a maid when she approached.
Miss Chanel really is someone you can’t hate…
Still, as someone familiar with noble society, Vane found it remarkable.
“Vane.”
“Yes, Miss Chanel?”
“Where’s the restroom?”
“I’ll escort you.”
“Oh come on, you’ve been keeping an eye on me enough. I’ll be right back. Just tell me where it is.”
Her softly curved eyes contained nothing but sincerity. Vane, enchanted by her beauty, nodded without even realizing.
Of course I’d get a stomachache after eating so much…
Chanelrica rubbed her belly, regretting her behavior. It had been ages since she’d had such fancy desserts. She’d tried every type and eaten more than she normally did at a meal—enough to nearly burst. Still, she knew how happy it was to eat until full, and that thought made her chuckle.
Tired from all the fun, she decided she’d go find Vane by the banquet entrance and ask to leave.
“Lady.”
A small but familiar low voice came from behind her. Chanelrica quickly turned around.
“…!”
From behind a hallway pillar, Derwin stepped into view. It was a quiet corridor with no one else in sight. She blinked as he began walking toward her.
“Why are you in the palace?”
It was a sudden and unexpected question. But the content barely registered—her mind focused only on how well his stern expression suited his low voice.
Ugh, no. I can’t be thinking like this right now!
She shook herself mentally. No matter how handsome he was, he always left her emotionally shaken.
“Uh…”
Trying to snap out of his devastating charm, she thought about her current situation.
Then said,
“Who are you?”
She decided to play dumb.
“Do I know you?”
She hadn’t planned to see him again when she left the Cartel estate. She was ready to live for a year without worrying about any of it. This meeting was pure coincidence. Not her fault—how could she have known he worked in the palace?
“Don’t pretend not to know me.”
“Hmm, I think you’ve got the wrong person. I have to go now.”
Chanelrica tried to sound casual as she turned away. She needed to meet up with Vane and get out of the Royal Residence as quickly as possible.
“I know you kept staring at me.”
“…”
“Everyone at the reception could tell you were surprised to see me. Even Her Highness the Princess.”
“…”
“Even while interpreting and speaking to the princess, your gaze would return to me. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
Just walk away.
But her legs wouldn’t move. Against her will, she turned back to him and said,
“You’re too handsome—what do you expect me to do?!”
“…What did you just say?”
“Can you not walk around with that ridiculously good-looking face? You’re exactly my type—I couldn’t take my eyes off you!”
“…”
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
“You’re quite shameless.”
Embarrassing or not, speaking her mind brought a strange sense of relief.
“So, why are you here in the palace? Did you come to see me?”
“What?”
“You didn’t want to stay trapped in the mansion, but you still wanted to see me—so you came to where I work. Isn’t that it?”
“…”
“I’m concerned you may have forgotten the terms of the agreement.”
Chanelrica was at a loss for words. Sure, she wanted to see him because he was handsome and cool—but their meeting here really was pure chance. And yet, he still thought she was obsessed with him.
“I remember the terms. Don’t worry. I’m only here because of you—though I had no idea you worked here.”
Now that the truth was out, she figured that as long as she didn’t reveal they were engaged, he wouldn’t bother her.
“Then why are you here?”
His suspicion didn’t seem to have eased.
“To get a proper job?”
“Did you need money? I gave you plenty when you left.”
Money. That cursed topic again.
“The more money, the better, right? I just enjoy translation work, so I applied and got hired. That’s all.”
She didn’t tell him she lost the money. She didn’t want pity, sympathy, or scolding. Her pride couldn’t take it.
“Should I… not be concerned about you?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Your mental state…”
“I’m perfectly fine. You saw for yourself earlier—I’m good at foreign languages and great at translation. You don’t need to worry.”
With those final words, Chanelrica turned and left Derwin behind.
Though her mind burned with curiosity about what he did here and what kind of relationship he had with the princess, she forced herself to ignore it.
