Chapter 44
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Parkro Ducal House
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44.
Parkro Ducal House.
A noble family that stood alongside the founding of the Adea Kingdom, meritorious retainers of the realm and the royal family's staunchest allies.
Having produced many queens across generations, their prestige as kin to the royal house overshadowed even their status as founding nobles.
Yet the Parkro Ducal House had no ties to the central court.
In the history of the Adea Kingdom, the Parkros had rarely wielded influence over national politics.
And even then, only when the throne was weakened—only to bolster the royal house.
A house that stepped back from succession struggles, accepting whatever outcome arose.
The only family in Adea capable of checking the royals, yet no royal ever viewed the Parkros with suspicion.
Truly, a loyal house boasting a legacy of history and tradition—a friend to the crown.
Eirana, having skimmed the Parkro family history, murmured in a peculiar tone.
"So the reason the Adea Kingdom has remained a great power for so long is the Parkro Ducal House."
"That's right."
Celia smiled faintly as she brushed Eirana's hair aside.
"How is that even possible?"
Eirana muttered in wonder.
Not long ago, there had been a scuffle between Princess Lea and the daughter of the Parkro Duke.
A trip and a splash of spirit magic water—it seemed like mere childish play. But when it involved the pyramid's pinnacle of high society, a princess and a duke's daughter, the story changed.
Yet it hadn't erupted into any major scandal.
That alone showed the Parkros' prestige was no less than the royals'.
Those with power crave to wield it.
It's human nature, inescapable.
"Even the first Duke Parkro was utterly free of ambition. He was the first king's sturdiest pillar and closest friend."
Celia spoke with a nostalgic lilt, her voice lifting slightly.
"Until the day this kingdom's history ends, our two houses shall never betray one another."
Celia praised the sentiment fondly.
At those words, Eirana—whose hair Celia was tending—asked,
"You must have ties to them, then, Aunt."
"......"
Celia fell silent at the piercing remark.
Eirana had a sharp side that often caught people off guard.
After a pause, Celia gave a wry smile.
"Whenever a generation changes in the royal house or the Parkros, I pay them a visit."
Eirana nodded, recalling how Celia had once mentioned knowing the king and great nobles here.
Finishing with Eirana's hair, Celia stepped back and said,
Her lustrous locks shimmered even more brilliantly than usual.
Gazing at her, Celia looked regretful.
"You look stunning now, but a pretty dress would suit you even better."
Eirana had been assigned as the princess's guard.
Originally meant for Crown Prince Winsor, but others vied to serve him closely, so she'd been reassigned to Lea.
It was a political shuffle, but Eirana didn't mind.
In any case, Celia had volunteered to coordinate her outfit, dressing her for guard duty in practical attire.
Eirana shook her head inwardly as Celia eyed a dress in the corner with longing.
A princess's guard couldn't wear a dress.
Not that she'd want to anyway.
"Is there anything else to prepare?"
"All done."
At Celia's words, Eirana rose from her seat.
Celia was joining the event as Eirana's handmaid.
It felt a bit awkward entrusting the role to an elder, but Celia seemed to enjoy it.
"Shall we go, then?"
Celia asked with a gentle smile, and Eirana nodded.
The royal contingent celebrating Duke Parkro's birthday was quite large.
Three direct royals were attending, accompanied by nobles: Delon Parkro, Count and heir to the dukedom, and his daughter, Lady Benea Parkro.
The rest were their retainers and the Royal Guard for protection.
The itinerary involved departing the capital via the warp gate bordering the city to reach Parkro territory.
From palace gates to ducal castle would take roughly a week.
For Princess Lea, it was a rare venture beyond the capital.
Normally, she'd feel invigorated, but not today.
'S-so uncomfortable.'
As Lea prepared to board her carriage, she inwardly grimaced at the presence behind her.
Standing there was none other than Eirana.
Eirana, drawing every eye with her striking looks, was right beside Lea because of Winsor.
Upon hearing she'd been assigned to Lea, Winsor had arranged for her to guard the princess up close.
Rumors swirled that Lea adored Eirana.
Normally, Lea would cherish her beloved brother's thoughtfulness, but this time she resented him.
As preparations to depart the palace wrapped up, someone approached Lea's carriage.
"Lea, did you sleep well?"
It was Winsor.
Lea glanced furtively at Eirana while smiling at her ever-gentle brother.
"Yes, I slept fine."
Winsor looked puzzled at his sister's awkwardness but soon offered an apologetic smile.
"I wanted to keep you company on this long trip, but I have some duties left."
"It's fine. I'm not a child anymore."
"Such a good girl."
Winsor chuckled softly, patting Lea's cheek.
Eirana, overhearing the siblings, marveled inwardly.
'Work even while traveling? Impressive.'
"Then, Eirana, take good care of Lea."
"Yes, I'll look after her well."
Eirana replied somewhat flatly to Winsor's charming smile.
It wasn't rude—just businesslike.
Lea blinked in surprise at the sight.
Just then—
"Crown Prince!"
A clear, lovely voice called to Winsor.
The three turned toward it.
Lea unconsciously frowned.
Winsor looked pleased; Eirana lost interest in the unfamiliar girl.
The vibrant, healthy girl beamed before Winsor.
"It's been a while, Your Highness!"
"Indeed it has, Benea."
With her light blue hair and sparkling eyes, she was Lady Benea Parkro.
Benea shyly smiled at Winsor's warm welcome.
Then, her gaze sharpened piercingly toward Eirana.
Finishing with Winsor, Benea smiled at Lea.
"I hope you've been well, Princess."
"Quite well."
"I feel I went too far with my prank last time. I wanted to apologize again."
"It's fine. These things happen."
They exchanged kind words, then dissolved into elegant laughter—ho ho ho.
Winsor gave a wry smile at the display.
Then Benea tilted her head at Eirana.
"And who's the lady behind you...?"
"She's Lea's tutor. She's agreed to guard her on this trip."
"Ah, the famous one!"
Benea covered her mouth in delight, lifting her skirt slightly.
"Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise."
Eirana's greeting was crisp and precise.
Lea watched blankly, inwardly flashing a wicked grin.
The royal carriages set off for Parkro territory.
Eirana, Lea's close guard, sat impeccably opposite her in the carriage.
Lea gazed out the window at the passing scenery, eyes alight.
Eirana's presence was burdensome, but travel thrilled her all the same.
After humming a tune, Lea cautiously addressed the seemingly dozing Eirana.
"Lady Eirana."
Eirana opened her eyes and met Lea's gaze squarely.
Lea stiffened under the stare but mustered her courage.
"How did you end up as my tutor, Lady Eirana?"
"Dissatisfied?"
"N-no!"
Lea flailed her hands in panic.
"I just realized you became my tutor on my brother's recommendation out of nowhere. I'm curious about how it happened. I heard you were guarding him too."
To work so closely with royals was extraordinary.
"I happened to catch the crown prince's eye."
Lea looked puzzled at the answer.
"Doesn't my brother make any impression on you?"
"What kind?"
"Well...... how to put it."
Even to his sister, Winsor was captivating.
Strip away his title, and he was still ideal.
Looks, talent, personality—all exceptional.
Every noble daughter in Adea dreamed of marrying him.
Yet Eirana treated him with utter nonchalance, despite serving at his side.
Recalling earlier, Lea tilted her head.
She'd never seen a woman so indifferent to Winsor.
'Brother seemed interested in her too.'
Winsor kept work and personal matters distinct.
That smile he'd given Eirana wasn't for a mere subordinate.
As Lea pondered, Eirana muttered offhandedly,
"Come to think of it, there was this arrogant girl who blabbered nonsense on first meeting me—claiming to be the crown prince's lover or concubine."
Lea's blood ran cold.
Why did I ask? she screamed inwardly, paling as she shrank into the carriage corner.
Eirana glanced at her, then looked bored.
Calming her pounding heart while eyeing Eirana warily, Lea tried again.
"What's your first impression of Lady Parkro?"
"Similar to yours."
"Like mine?"
Lea asked hesitantly.
"Yeah. Felt like she'd need a good thrashing."
Shouldn't have asked.
Lea sweated coldly at the thought, as Eirana turned to the window.
"Oh, right—the Parkros sent a letter once, wanting to hire me as a tutor too."
Recalling the flood of letters she'd received, Lea perked up.
"What did you do?"
"Burned it in the fireplace. No interest in teaching anyone but you right now."
Lea looked disappointed.
She clearly wanted Benea to taste the same torment she'd endured.
Eirana smirked inwardly at the sight.
'Well, she'll probably pick a fight anyway.'
Benea's smile had been polite enough, but her eyes burned with clear hostility.
If she started something, Eirana's response was simple.
Just smash her.