Chapter 33

“Josephine, are you done yet?”

“I’m all dressed, but… I feel a bit embarrassed to show myself.”

“That can’t be! I picked that outfit for you.”

“But, Your Highness—”

“Didn’t I ask you not to call me that when we’re alone?”

With a sigh, Josephine spoke her name.

“…Lady Estelle.”

“Come on out. Let me see.”

“Understood.”

When Josephine pulled back the curtain and stepped out, someone let out a playful cheer.

A slender, elegant woman with bright peach-blonde hair.

Named after the stars, she was the daughter of the monarch Josephine served—the princess of this country.

Estelle nodded with conviction and said,

“It suits you perfectly. It was worth moving the entire boutique here.”

“Was that really necessary?”

“Of course! Come look in the mirror. You’ll love it too, I’m sure.”

Urged on by Estelle, Josephine reluctantly stepped in front of the full-length mirror.

Then she gave a troubled look.

“A dress and heels… They’re far too much for me, and this kind of airy outfit isn’t exactly appropriate for the situation either. I’m currently assigned as the close protection of Your Highness…I mean of you young lady.”

“So what? This palace is being guarded by reliable royal guards, isn’t it? Besides, I highly doubt a few ornaments would keep Josephine from doing her job. Am I wrong?”

“You’re not wrong, but…”

“Then it’s a royal order. I’ll hear no more objections.”

Estelle smiled elegantly.

She insisted Josephine use her name but only pulled rank when it suited her.

Josephine thought to herself that such playfulness hardly befitted someone of royal status.

From what Josephine had overheard while working with the Royal Guard, Princess Estelle was said to be more intelligent and composed than her siblings, which earned the respect of those beneath her.

But to think she’d actually be like this…

Back when they first met, Estelle had flustered Josephine by ordering her not to use the formal title “Your Highness” when they were alone.

To Josephine who viewed royal protection duty as a serious responsibility, Estelle’s playful demeanor was baffling.

But if asked whether she disliked it… that wasn’t quite it either.

Estelle’s attitude toward Josephine came from a place of genuine kindness.

After all, wasn’t it proof enough that she dragged Josephine here just to gift her clothes, even though Josephine was merely assigned to guard her?

And yet, Josephine couldn’t help but feel conflicted about accepting such generous treatment.

As she hesitated, Princess Estelle suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

“Are you upset? I just wanted to become friends with you, Josephine. If I made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry.”

“What? No, no. Not at all…”

“So you’re saying you’re fine with it?”

Seeing the smile tug at Estelle’s lips, Josephine brought a hand to her forehead.

I walked right into that.

Estelle stuck out her tongue playfully.

“But I meant what I said about wanting to be friends. I’ve been alone ever since I was little, so I always wished I had an older sister like you.”

“But don’t you already have two siblings, young lady?”

“They were both born after me. And… neither of them really likes me. Maybe because we have different mothers.”

“My apologies. That was a thoughtless question.”

“Everyone knows, so it’s fine.”

King Richard of Laurencia had three children.

The eldest Estelle; the crown prince Henry; and the youngest daughter Roberta. The last two were Estelle’s half-siblings.

Since the heir apparent was the eldest son Henry, Estelle, as the second in line, had been subjected to direct and indirect pressure and scrutiny ever since she was young.

“But with Henry’s appointment as Crown Prince scheduled for this summer, I can finally breathe a little easier. Once he’s formally named the heir, maybe people will stop whispering about what the ‘illegitimate firstborn’ might try to pull. Oh, and of course, that’s not public knowledge yet… so please don’t mention it to anyone, alright?”

“Of course.”

“Because I was afraid people might misunderstand and think I was building a political faction, I’ve pretty much been confined to the palace all this time. Coming out today really took a lot of courage. So please understand if I seem a little excited.”

“If that’s the case, then by all means.”

At last, Josephine gave her a warm smile, and Estelle grew delighted and tugged at Josephine’s hand.

“Come on, let’s head back to where everyone is. You didn’t dress up just to hide here, right? We’ve been gone quite a while. That person might already be here.”

“That person?”

“Baron Winslet!”

“What? Why would he be—”

Josephine trailed off mid-sentence.

This was an exhibition hall, and guests coming to visit an exhibition were perfectly natural.

If Winter had come here, it would have nothing to do with Josephine.

He probably didn’t even know she was here in the first place.

And it wasn’t like he was going somewhere he wasn’t supposed to as her fiancé, so Josephine felt a sudden wave of embarrassment at her inability to separate personal and official matters.

“By young lady, do you know Baron Winslet?”

“Are you joking?”

“Huh?”

“Who doesn’t know the baron? Especially if you live in the capital. Sure, I’ve never been to a social gathering or even gone out much, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on in the world.”

“I misspoke.”

“It’s fine. That happens. I mean, he’s your fiancé, right? You two must really be passionate about each other.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Sometimes lovers are so in love that they fall into the illusion that they have to have every part of the other person to themselves. Like, they can’t even imagine what their partner might be like when they’re not around.”

“That’s not—”

Josephine couldn’t continue.

Estelle had hit the nail on the head.

“Ah, your face is red. You’re embarrassed, aren’t you? Oh wow, you two must really be in love. You like the baron that much? I bet your eyes are practically dripping honey. Oh! A drop just landed on my arm! See it? It’s so sweet it gave me goosebumps!”

After being relentlessly teased like that, Josephine finally covered her face with both hands.

“I surrender. Please, stop.”

“Ahaha, I’m sorry. Your reaction was just too funny. I couldn’t help myself.”

Josephine had to fan her flushed face vigorously until the heat died down.

It was a relief that she had changed into something lighter and more breathable.

“Anyway, I didn’t know you were interested in him.”

“Well, it’s kind of like what I said earlier. Everyone’s curious about famous people. But the baron does hold a slightly special meaning for me.”

“What kind of… special meaning?”

“Oh, that expression…you’re really curious this time. Fufu, is it because he’s your fiancé that you’re interested?”

“…Honestly, yes.”

“Then I won’t tell you right now. But if you agree to be my guard again next time, I’ll tell you then.”

“Next time?”

“Mhmm. Once this assignment is over, you’re not going to get sick of me and start avoiding me, are you?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Then you’ll guard me again next time? Promise.”

Josephine had the odd feeling that she was once again being drawn into the princess’s pace.

Not that she found it unpleasant or anything.

The princess once again tugged gently at Josephine’s hand.

“Alright, let’s really head back this time. It’s been a while since I’ve been out, so I should at least make a few polite rounds.”

“Didn’t you waste too much time just picking an outfit?”

“This is actually the perfect amount. Most of the people I’ll run into are bound to just nag anyway. Oh—there’s one now.”

As soon as they returned to the lobby which was bustling with people, Estelle gestured with a nod toward one direction.

A middle-aged man with an authoritative air about him. His hair was parted like a half-opened thick book and there was a neatly trimmed mustache just below his nose. He recognized Estelle and began walking toward them.

From the man’s steady stride and solid build, Josephine could tell he was a soldier.

Since guarding the princess was her current duty, Josephine leaned in and quietly asked,

“Who is that?”

“Viscount Milo. He’s the younger brother of Marquis Milo, commander of the Eastern Legion. His official title is Lord of Longano Fortress, but he’s actually the one who handles the legion’s external affairs.”

“You seem to have memorized the details quite well.”

“I’ve been studying lately.”

Perhaps because she had only seen the princess being playful and lighthearted until now, Josephine found Estelle’s serious expression interesting.

This was probably the version of Estelle the palace staff usually saw.

Still, Josephine couldn’t help but think that the cheerful, talkative Estelle was closer to her true self…though she quickly pushed the thought aside.

Viscount Milo had come within a few steps of them.

Since she had no intention of intruding on their conversation, Josephine quietly stepped back a couple of paces and took an observing stance.

“Good evening, Viscount. It’s a lovely night.”

“A good evening to you as well, Your Highness.”

Estelle extended her right hand to him.

The back of her hand was facing upward. It was an act in line with court etiquette.

However, instead of bowing and kissing the back of her hand, Viscount Milo simply grabbed it and gave it a firm shake up and down, committing a breach of decorum.

Estelle gave a flustered smile.

“Um, I wasn’t trying to shake hands.”

“Ah! Please forgive this old man’s rudeness. I’ve spent my life with a sword in hand, so I’m not well-versed in courtly manners.”

Though he called himself a man of the sword, the Viscount frequently came and went from the palace to attend to matters of the legion. His excuse was as lame as could be.

Though she was being openly dismissed, Estelle didn’t let her polite smile falter.

“Did you come to see the exhibition as well, Viscount?”

“I did. But perhaps it’s just the nature of my profession. If it’s not something with a sharp edge, I find it hard to see any beauty in it. So I’ve just been wandering around, looking for someone to chat with.”

“Aha.”

Viscount Milo looked at Estelle with a probing gaze.

“And what brings Your Highness out today? It’s been quite some time since I last saw you outside the palace.”

“I’ve been a bit withdrawn, haven’t I? You know how hard it is for me to come to events like this.”

“That only makes me more curious.”

Estelle asked playfully,

“Are you wondering if I might be up to something?”

“Hahaha, forgive me. I’m no saint myself. But people’s hearts are fickle things. Even if one has no such intentions, a little encouragement from others can make the heart waver like a paper boat on a river.”

“Don’t worry. There’s no one around me. You know I’ve been living like a ghost just to avoid misunderstandings.”

“Even so, I’ve heard you’ve been quite busy lately with private lessons. I thought you never had much interest in academic pursuits?”

At that, Estelle flinched slightly and squared her shoulders.

“You even know that? I’m starting to feel a bit annoyed.”

“There are that many people interested in your every move, Your Highness. Enough that word reaches even me.”

“I’ve just been preparing in advance. I’d like to work in diplomacy someday. You know how difficult and time-consuming it is to learn on the job without any foundation.”

“How diligent of you. No wonder so many officials admire you. Though that’s exactly why I’m more concerned.”

Viscount Milo glanced briefly at Josephine standing beside Estelle, then lowered his voice.

“The court is full of foxes who won’t hesitate to use others for their own gain. Please be cautious of them, Your Highness. Has anyone tried to push you in a certain direction?”

“I’m simply trying to carve out a place for myself. Just because I’ve been pushed out of the line of succession doesn’t mean I should sit around wasting my life away.”

“You could always get married. Whether to someone from a neighboring kingdom or the Empire, suitors would line up for someone of your beauty. Get married, have a whole bunch of children, and lend your family some influence through marriage. That’s a fine way to fulfill your filial duties, don’t you think?”

Estelle finally let out a sigh.