Chapter 18
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Hard Day Pretending to Be Human
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Time passed quickly and smoothly.
Fortunately, Rusla's skills had risen to the level I'd pegged for a sure winner. At this rate, unless she ran into some freakishly skilled opponent, victory was all but guaranteed.
Ivan, the assassin who'd seen Rusla's abilities firsthand, remarked:
""This is what you call winner level? You've turned her into a Royal Guard knight...""
To my eyes, she was still sorely lacking, but by human standards, she was more than overflowing with talent.
Once training wrapped up, I sent Rusla back to the arena. It was so she could focus on stamina drills and steel her nerves in the time left.
Before departing the annex palace, she wore a teary expression and declared:
"I'll definitely return with the championship medal."
"Uh, y-yeah."
Truth be told, I'd planned to tell her that if she won, she could head back to wherever her family was waiting. But the words stuck in my throat. Having a trusty subordinate wasn't exactly a bad prospect for me either.
The Empress, who'd been supporting the event from the shadows, sent word via a maid that it was time to uphold her promise.
'After the event ends, stand by my side at the New Year's banquet instead of Loreil's... or something like that.'
And she'd probably stick Loreil next to Jeina. The fact that she'd sent a maid directly suggested she no longer needed to watch the Emperor's mood.
In other words, the Emperor was tacitly approving the Empress's scheme.
'I'd figured Loreil would make a move at least once by now, but it's been surprisingly quiet.'
That day when he brought up the Black Hand, right before we parted, he'd given his farewell with these words:
'Your Highness, I hope to see you often.'
'Aren't you busy?'
'I don't like giving up.'
A clear signal that he wasn't dropping his suspicions. I'd waved him off with a casual "handle it yourself," and he'd left with a beaming smile.
For the record, Liribel, who'd witnessed the exchange, was over the moon.
'See? He has to be into you, Princess! Kyaa! He says he can't give up!'
I'd tried explaining that wasn't what he meant, but her mind was already lost in a flower garden of delusions.
She was no doubt fantasizing about some 'fated romance between the black mage and the dark-haired noble youth.'
Anyway, time flew by, and morning finally dawned on the arena's opening day.
It was chilly, but the sun shone brilliantly—a perfect day for the event.
I arrived at the arena veiled to cover my eyes.
The veil was purely to spare the staff extra hassle.
"No way, that's the Princess?"
"Don't look her in the eyes. You'll be cursed..."
Showing my eyes would just force the staff managing the crowd into policing people for near-blasphemous chatter.
In the Empire, golden irises were as good as a devil's mark.
Nobles around the organizer's seats and commoners in the cheap seats alike kept stealing glances at me.
Some earnestly fretted that lightning might strike from the heavens, while a noble lad actually burst into tears, wailing that I'd curse him into a monster.
'Feels like I've got the plague or something.'
Their loathing was so intense it was almost fascinating. These things used to hurt as a kid, but now they barely registered.
"Our Princess wouldn't curse anyone like that..."
That seemed to apply only to me, though. Liribel, trailing behind, clutched her skirt hem with a teary face, muttering under her breath.
I flashed her a grateful smile for standing up for me.
"You came out in such a pretty dress—loosen up that expression."
Though she was just a maid, I'd had her wear an outing dress so she wouldn't feel out of place attending me.
"But..."
"I said it's fine."
I comforted her and took my seat as organizer. It was a lavish spot overlooking the entire arena.
The decorations around the seats bore the imperial crest.
'They said all the big events like New Year's or finals have imperial family as organizers.'
It was the Empire's most popular sport, so no surprise there.
Of course, this was the first time a princess had taken the role.
"Alright then, the New Year's Arena is finally underway...!"
As I scanned the surroundings, the event kicked off amid the roaring crowd's cheers. A staffer handling the organizer's box approached cautiously.
"As reported, the national anthem is next. After that..."
"I remember the whole program. No need to tell me."
"Y-yes, ma'am!"
His trembling explanation was almost pitiful. I gave him a small smile.
"Must've been tough with all the rumors flying around. Rest up after it's over. I've got a bonus envelope ready—pick it up on your way out."
"Th-thank you!"
His eyes went wide, like he'd never expected praise. He snapped to attention, nodding furiously as he retreated.
Near the exit, he chatted excitedly with colleagues—probably spreading word of the bonus.
'Not that I prepared the money, of course.'
It was the Empress who'd promised it. As if I had spare cash.
'Wait, speaking of which, I borrowed money from Loreil too.'
The funds I'd taken to sponsor Rusla went unpaid.
'Eh, I'll settle it eventually.'
It was an interest-free loan anyway—no big worry.
Lost in such thoughts, my turn for the opening ceremony arrived before I knew it.
The competitors stood in a line at the arena's center, facing this way. At the far end, I spotted Rusla in her shabby starter armor.
"And now, the organizer for this arena season—um, er—Her Highness, Princess Deyna Ripeon!"
The announcer hesitated, clearly agonizing over whether to say my name, before finally calling me.
Stumbling over an imperial's name was grossly rude, but I let it slide.
I memorized his face, though.
'Some noble's son as announcer, right? From that entertainment-obsessed count's family... I'll deal with him later.'
I rose slowly from my seat and addressed the crowd.
"First, my thanks to the Empire's Sun, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Bernard, for making this event possible. Prior to the proceedings..."
The rote, predictable opening speech droned on. Knowing no one cared, I aimed to wrap it up quick.
"Wearing a veil and all—some nerve, acting so shameless."
"What can you do? One slip-up and someone gets hurt..."
"Pfft, heh."
Sneers and jeers started bubbling from the nobles' section.
Highborn brats, by the look of them.
They couldn't badmouth the Emperor or Prime Minister's house, but a cursed princess? Fair game for gossip without real backlash.
I ignored them and pressed on with the ceremony, but their mockery spread like wildfire through the stands.
"Ugh, gives me chills. Swear I glimpsed yellow eyes just now."
"Why's her dress so tacky? That's like twenty-year-old fashion. Makes her look like a granny."
Snide remarks laced with jokes spread like a plague. Soon, my voice drowned in laughter.
'How childish.'
Mocking an imperial was jail-worthy in normal times, but this was a festive New Year's event—no draconian measures.
'Even the palace guards the Empress loaned me are standing idle.'
Commoners who'd been watching the guards' inaction smirked too. It was as good as imperial sanction for the jeers.
I could see exactly which instigating nobles were behind it, but there was nothing I could do.
My utter powerlessness in the face of such treatment was almost laughable.
'Just hurry up and finish.'
This sort of judgment would fade eventually. No real anger stirred in me.
I tuned out the noise and kept speaking solo, when I noticed Rusla.
"..."
She stared my way, fists clenched tight. Her killing intent was so fierce I felt it from afar. The fighter next to her trembled in terror.
'Don't waste energy on this.'
Still, it warmed me that someone was furious on my behalf.
And I sensed the same joy from behind—mingled with a touch of fear.
"Those damn bastards."
"..."
"I'll remember every single face. No—already have."
Her rage transcended limits; Liribel ground her teeth, muttering curses.
Her venomous oaths and dialect sent chills down my spine—even after facing an assassin unfazed.
If curses were cast through profanity, this was it.
"Filthy scum I'd chew up and spit out."
I decided to ignore Liribel.
Somehow, I muddled through the speech and signaled the event's start.
"...May the Sun God's blessing ensure a safe and thrilling competition."
"Yes, yes! Thank you for the opening address!"
Thankfully, the announcer had the wits to swiftly hush the chaos and move things along.