Chapter 211
Chapter 211
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 211
Chapter Title: Drunken Resignation and Release
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The intoxication was rising.
Her Highness was jumping straight to some bizarre suspicion.
I did my absolute best to explain, even spilling things I really didn't want to say, but with my hazy mind, I watched her glare at me fiercely, insisting there was no way that could be true. In that moment, a surge of frustration welled up inside me.
I had plenty of grievances of my own.
Did I ask to come here?
I'd parted from my previous life's family on empty terms, spent my infancy lost in delusions like 'Even if the heavens split open...' to claim some mental victory.
When even that crumbled, I just drifted through days in listless apathy.
Thanks to my family and Emily, I overcame that numbness and was finally trying to do something worthwhile.
Yet everyone around me was nitpicking, calling it moral corruption or heresy.
When you really break it down, what had I even done besides making some slightly provocative clothes?
It's not like only saints surround me—they're all singling me out.
I'm the one constantly explaining myself and watching my step every damn day.
I subtly lifted my head to gauge Princess Her Highness's expression.
"......"
Hmm... Was she angry?
No, wait—depressed?
I couldn't read that look at all.
But it sure wasn't positive.
"Haa..."
We're doomed.
I thought I'd done my utmost with my sluggish brain to clear things up, but she clearly wasn't buying it.
I had no idea what more I could do here.
The Empire is a nation of laws— you need evidence of wrongdoing to punish someone.
But there's one exception: when His Imperial Majesty raises an objection.
Obviously, the law still reigns above the Emperor for now.
And right in front of me was the Emperor's own sister?
"Your Highness, at this point, I just don't know... You already seem full of suspicions. Can you even believe what I'm saying...?"
"......"
Irritation, injustice, annoyance, gloom—a whirlwind of emotions left me not wanting to do a thing.
No matter what I said, she looked ready to kill me anyway, so maybe dying cleanly would spare her some displeasure.
"My family knows nothing... So just cut me down neatly and be done with it..."
I spilled words verging on despair and closed my eyes.
"Hoo..."
Now she'd either kill me herself or call in a knight to drag me away—whatever she pleased.
Death scared me, sure, but with the boozy haze dulling everything, it wasn't that terrifying.
Felt like waiting for the IV drip to kick in.
If dying feels like this, maybe keeling over young twice wouldn't be so bad.
Just like how picking the wrong dad three times etched 'Daddy Chooser' into history as a moniker.
Dying young twice could be an achievement, right?
"Open your eyes."
Lost in nonsense like 'What chooser will I be dubbed now?' while slumped in my chair, my body lightened as Princess Her Highness issued her command.
Did she want to watch me die up close?
But for that, her tone—sharp as facing an enemy—had softened back to its initial warmth.
Ah, could this be push-pull?
I'd heard somewhere that giving hope like the lunchbox to Sun Ce, then yanking it away, makes the ultimate seduction tactic. So Princess Her Highness was trying that!
Terrifying, but no choice—I opened my eyes.
What if I refused? She'd just pry them open anyway.
"...?"
But the sight that greeted me was a bit off.
The table had somehow returned to its proper place, and the chill on Princess Her Highness's face now held a hint of pity.
"I'm sorry for pressuring you so harshly."
"Y-Yes..."
"It might not sink in, but it was because of a promise I made to my niece. Don't take it too much to heart."
"Uh..."
It ended so anticlimactically I was stunned.
If I'd talked my way out with brilliant rhetoric, fine—but I hadn't done anything special...?
"So then... am I off the hook?"
"For now, I've decided to keep watching you a bit longer. It could all be an act... but you're far too frail to pull anything off."
"I see..."
On hold, but alive—for now.
"Hwe..."
Tension released, and the tenuous grip on my mind floated buoyantly away.
"Don't get too comfortable. To learn more about you, I might drop by unannounced now and then—or summon you to the palace."
"As long as it's not too often, I'd be delighted..."
More imperial attention is a hassle.
But surveillance out of suspicion? This was a hundred times better.
"Hoo..."
Quarterly brushes with death—how could anyone not tremble themselves to death?
At this rate, stress might give me cancer or something...
_
After Princess Her Highness stepped back a pace, the conversation continued in a reasonably pleasant atmosphere.
I wasn't fine at all, but since she wanted a jovial vibe, what could I do?
I'd nearly become Wil/liam over nothing—a forced chat was barely a light jab.
And "conversation" was generous; it was mostly her chattering away solo.
Drunk as I was, words wouldn't come, and I couldn't recall what she'd just said.
I barely remembered what Princess Her Highness was even talking about.
She'd rambled on about Elizabeth, but nothing stuck.
Adults bragging about nieces or kids all follow the same script—no need to memorize.
"So Elizabeth was... Oh my."
"...?"
Forcing my drooping eyes open to pretend I was listening, she suddenly shuddered, lightly covering her lips with her right hand.
"Time's gotten away from us already."
"!"
Finally!
Finally free from Princess Her Highness's clutches!
Sure, off to another royal, but better a pampered breed like our Elizabeth than this tiger of a princess.
Elizabeth only swats with kitten punches—she doesn't bite. Not like every word from Princess Her Highness is a killing blow.
"Haha... I was so engrossed in Your Highness's tales, I lost track of time..."
But show too much glee, and she'd tack on extra time for insolence, so I feigned regret while gently caressing my teacup.
"Even empty words are appreciated."
"Oh, Your Highness, no way..."
"Then, may I ask what I just said?"
"I'm sorry..."
"Hehe~ Daring to deceive imperial blood? Can't let that slide."
"Yes...?"
Her sly grin and rolling eyes stirred a creeping dread.
"The tea I poured for you is still mostly full."
I glanced at the teacup, its surface tension artfully displayed, and shuddered.
No way.
If she had any kindness, surely not...
"Leaving tea is poor etiquette. Please finish it neatly before you go."
"......"
Checkmate.
Damn right.
"Your Highness... I have plans with Elizabeth later..."
"It's fine. I'll smooth it over. If it's too much, crash here—or do you need me to help you drink?"
"......"
I tried using Elizabeth as an out, but she beamed, levitating the teacup right to my lips.
"Drink up."
"Yes..."
Tears in my eyes, I took the cup.
"......"
As I brought it to my lips, I desperately prayed this wouldn't lead to disaster.
__
It was about time for William, caught by Auntie, to be released.
Yet with minutes left, no word from her side.
"Haa..."
I'm anxious.
William has this condition where prolonged time with nobles breaks him—the longer with Auntie, the worse my unease grew.
What if he shows up exhausted? I didn't expect much, but I wanted some sweet moments with him.
Especially today—I'd planned to gift and have him try on the outfit for my birthday banquet.
But like this, pushing the gift would just burden him more...
When he arrives, I'll shower him with sympathy and praise first.
He's quick to recover anyway—if I cling to his arm and whisper sweetly, he'll muster energy for me in an hour or two.
*Clunk!*
"......"
Mid-worry and prayer for his safe return, someone flung the door open without knocking.
Already on edge, this rudeness—
Who the hell? I glared at the door, fury unmasked.
"Do you know where this—"
"It's me, Elizabeth."
"Auntie?"
Through the wide-open door: Auntie, leading a staggering, barely upright William by the hand.
"Wi-William? Auntie, what on earth...?"
"Your gift."
"Uhhe..."
Before I could process, she shoved William inside like a discard, flashed a meaningful smile, and gripped the door handle.
"I've set everything up—just play with him as you like."
"W-Wait, Auntie...!"
Her cryptic words hung as the door shut and the lock clicked smoothly.
"Haa..."
What the heck just happened...?
I rubbed my forehead and approached William, who stood blankly by the door.
"William, you okay?"
"Ah... Eliiizabeeth... Hngh, finally met youuu..."
Staring into space, he turned at my voice, met my eyes, and grinned dopily, tottering unsteadily toward me.
He was in bad shape.
Probably done in by Auntie's special tea.
"William, snap out of it—let's sit you down somewhere first."
No way to do anything like this, and too precarious to leave be, so I grabbed his arm to guide him to bed or chair.
"Eliiizabeethh..."
"Right... Ungh...?! "
But the instant I gripped his arm, he yanked me in, scooped me into his embrace, and wrapped around my waist.
"I had... so much happen..."
He buried his face in my nape, whispering in a languid, relaxed drawl.
"Wa-Wait, William, this is too clooose..."
"Haa, so tiiiired..."
"Eut..."
Dangerous.
The intense booze on his breath was making me tipsy too.
And that lower, lazier voice tickling my ear—it had my solar plexus itching like mad.
"William, get a grip and stand straight—this isn't the time for cutesy antics."
But I couldn't crumble yet—I gritted my teeth, pushed him back, and scolded firmly.
"As expected... our Elizabeth is the best... Feels so comforting..."
Yet he shook his head obliviously, tightening his arms even more.
"Ah..."
His arms slowly cinching my waist.
His breath inhaling near my nape, voice whispering.
His broad chest pressing hard against me.
William's sensations everywhere bleached my mind white, sapping strength from my pushing arms.
"Hehe... You smell so goood..."
"......"
At those words, my dazed mind snapped—something inside broke perfectly clean.