Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: The Second Princess's Debut
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Princess Elizabeth... no, now she's an imperial princess?
Anyway, after the shock from Princess Elizabeth's arrival had passed and enough time had elapsed for everyone to grasp the situation to some degree...
"Beautiful..."
"Two imperial princesses...?"
"This can't be real...?"
"But Princess Alexandrine..."
"We should watch until tomorrow..."
The once-quiet banquet hall filled with a buzz of murmurs.
From those simply praising her beauty, to people doubting its authenticity, those wary but trusting Princess Alexandrine, and the cautious ones holding their tongues.
Everyone muttered their thoughts to acquaintances while fixing their gazes on Princess Elizabeth.
It was chaotic, but calmer than expected.
For the emergence of a princess hidden behind a veil for over a decade, this was downright serene.
Whether it stayed calm or not, the reactions of these young nobles weren't all that important.
What mattered was after these kids went home and reported the facts to their parents.
Aside from the tiny faction loyal to the Emperor, this would be news to most, so tomorrow's Founding Day would be a heated, intense affair in more ways than one.
"Sir William, isn't that your partner? Aren't you going to her?"
As I focused on the reactions around me and stared blankly at Princess Elizabeth, Princess Alexandrine quietly sidled up and whispered, pointing toward her as she nearly reached the bottom of the stairs.
I was her partner for this Founding Day week, and the proper move was to hurry over and escort her, but I just nodded lightly without budging an inch.
"Yes, but actually, she needs more time alone."
"Why?"
At my declaration of abandoning my partner even further—which flew in the face of common sense—Her Highness furrowed her brow and shot me a sharp glare.
I turned my head slightly, met her venomous gaze, and flashed a sly smile.
"It's her debut, isn't it? Princess Elizabeth needs more time to shine on her own."
"Oh... I see. Such profound intent."
"Hahaha..."
Viewing from afar versus up close.
And being seen amid a crowd versus having all eyes solely on you—huge difference.
In most cases, being up close and the sole focus is always better.
Could she pull it off? The distance from the stairs to us was about 15 meters, weaving gracefully through the crowd would take roughly 20-30 seconds.
Plenty of time to etch 'Elizabeth' into everyone's minds.
No effort needed—her face was cheat-level.
Beautiful, and you remember it whether you want to or not.
"Ugh...!"
As Princess Elizabeth fully descended the stairs and paused briefly, the lights—except around the stairs—flicked back on.
With expensive magic lamps crammed into the ceiling, it was brighter than expected.
Squinting as the sting in my eyes subsided.
People between the two princesses hesitantly stepped back, clearing a small path in the banquet hall.
A short runway formed in an instant.
Now at eye level with me, Princess Elizabeth smiled softly and resumed her steps.
The chattering crowd fell silent one by one, focusing on the two princesses.
The distance closed, tension filling the hall.
"......"
Thus, those eternal 20 seconds passed, and Princess Elizabeth stopped about a step away from Princess Alexandrine.
"...Elizabeth."
Alexandrine spoke first.
Her voice trembled, thick with emotion.
"Sister."
Elizabeth shyly replied in kind, and the sisters clasped hands warmly, exchanging tender gazes in silence for a moment.
"...Hearing you call me 'sister' after all this time... it tickles my heart."
"Ten years... no, even longer."
"It really has been."
Alexandrine's eyes reddened slightly, growing misty.
What on earth happened behind the scenes for such an affectionate welcome?
If it was acting, Her Highness was phenomenal; if genuine, what heavy circumstances?
For Her Highness to tear up in public, no less.
"I want to stay by your side longer, but lingering too much isn't good. You need introductions, and I should yield to your partner."
"Hehe... but now we can be together more often, so bear with it just this once."
"Regrettable, but yes."
Alexandrine nodded with a wistful expression, gently released her hand, and stepped back.
She glanced around, then proclaimed loudly.
"Welcoming my younger sister and Second Imperial Princess, Victoria, I hereby announce the start of the eve festivities!"
Clap clap clap!
At Princess Alexandrine's declaration, thunderous applause erupted in the banquet hall.
The bright lights dimmed slightly to a soft, warm hue, and the orchestra waiting in one corner began playing.
The true eve celebration began.
As music filled the hall, the applause gradually faded.
The nobles began moving, though most stole glances at the princesses while doing so.
Princess Elizabeth moved first.
"William."
She smiled at her sister, dipped her head slightly, then approached me slowly, calling my name in a gentle voice.
Now, as her partner for the remaining time, I had to stay by her side.
Tension surged in an instant.
"Hoo..."
First, a deep breath. I took her approaching hand, bowed, and kissed the back.
"Princess Victoria, Your Highn—"
"Ahem...!"
"...?"
Before I could finish, a sharp reprimand.
Looking up in confusion, I saw Her Highness pouting with pursed lips.
"Not 'Princess Victoria,' but 'Elizabeth,' right?"
Eh? Princess Alexandrine clearly introduced her as 'Victoria' to everyone.
"Princess Elizabeth...?"
"Sigh..."
Perplexed, but at her request, I corrected—but her face soured further.
"When we first started working together, what did I ask for?"
"Informal speech...?"
"Right. So why stop when I never said to?"
"...Pardon?"
"Informal speech and address, just like always."
"......"
Here?
In the heart of the Imperial Palace, just introduced as princess, welcomed lovingly by her sister—and use informal speech and her name openly?
Even for her, that's too much.
Straightening up, I looked at her troubledly, but she just glared with sharp, venomous eyes.
"However, Your Highness..."
"Oh? Is an Imperial Knight talking back to royalty now?"
"Yes?"
As I tried to persuade her against it, Princess Alexandrine—now beside us—uttered a dizzying remark.
"Princess Alexandrine, even so, that's a bit forced..."
"Forced? Honorary knight or not, you're part of the Imperial Knights. Hate the 'Sir' after your name but love the knight treatment?"
"Or is a long-hidden princess's order not worth obeying?"
"Kuh..."
They were ganging up too hard.
Even without the Emperor's official recognition, with Alexandrine's backup, I'd call her Princess Elizabeth informally in this life.
"Elizabeth."
No point resisting further—I moved my lips and called her Elizabeth plainly.
The moment 'Elizabeth' slipped from my lips, surrounding gazes turned scorching.
Beyond favor from the Emperor, close to his heirs too.
I could almost hear my stock skyrocketing.
"Haa..."
"Hehe~ That's it. Sounds nice."
"Hehe~ Such intimacy is lovely to see."
As I sighed faintly and swallowed, the sisters—grinning ear to ear—nodded contentedly.
Separately, they seemed so different, but side by side? Identical.
A bit annoying, but their closeness was heartwarming.
"Heh..."
A chuckle escaped at the sisters' sight. I rummaged in my pocket and pulled out a small box.
Perfect timing to give it.
"For your first society debut, I prepared a little gift."
"Oh my."
The velvet-adorned luxury box drew twin gasps of admiration.
I carefully opened it and lifted out the necklace inside.
"Blue...?"
The sapphire-embellished necklace gleamed; Elizabeth's eyes widened.
Trembling, she pointed and asked.
"How... did you know I like blue...?"
I'd just learned now.
"Hehe..."
But acting like I knew made it more dramatic, so I smiled meaningfully.
"Ugh... haa..."
The effect was huge—her face flushed, breath quickening slightly.
Seizing the moment, I approached.
"Excuse me a moment."
"Eh? Ah... uh..."
I brushed her stole aside and gently clasped it around her neck.
Our faces close.
Her burning cheeks sparked mischief.
"Elizabeth, know what blue and yellow make?"
"Huh? Um... well..."
Not clicking, or brain stalled—her face showed clear pondering.
"No idea?"
"Yeah..."
I waited until fastening it fully, but she just sadly shook her head.
Chuckling, I stepped back and tapped near my eyes.
"Green."
"Ah..."
"Better to weave in meaning you ponder over than spell it out."
That was my real intent.
When I thought of it, I nearly yelled in joy at midnight.
Nothing more romantic than 'I chose it thinking of you.'
"......"
Spot on—she pressed trembling hands to her cheeks, eyes darting wildly.
"So sweet it's rotting my teeth..."
Watching from the side, Princess Alexandrine narrowed her eyes and shuddered.
"Heh..."
I lifted my chin smugly.
Worried about getting 'steamed buns' in the palace, but damn, that was cool.
Whatever the future, I'd seized the moment.
Probably...