Chapter 141: A Secret Relationship
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 141: A Secret Relationship
“Welcome, Princess.”
“I greet the Imperial Father.”
As I entered the banquet hall, I performed a perfect curtsy toward Dantalion. He looked at me with a satisfied expression.
Being a Sword Master, Dantalion’s appearance hadn't changed much from ten years ago, much like my grandfather.
Perhaps the only difference was his hairstyle since becoming Emperor. Before, he used to have his bangs down, but now, more than half was swept back, giving him a much cleaner look.
But that wasn't the only change. It was hard to put into words, but back when he was a Crown Prince with an unstable position, he carried a prickly aura—as if he were draped in thorns even when he smiled. Now, that feeling had completely vanished.
“Our busy Princess is finally here.”
“Oh, Mother, please.”
Despite her face lighting up the moment she saw me after so long, Mother always had something to say about how busy I was traveling back and forth to the Magic Tower. Instead of curtsying to her, I walked over and gave her a tight squeeze.
The reason Dantalion had changed was partly because his position as Emperor was now secure after defeating the Empress Dowager and her faction, but more than anything, it was because he had finally united with his long-time first love—my mother.
Mother seemed to have had a very difficult time while I was asleep for ten years, but it looked like she had endured it well with Dantalion by her side.
Dantalion, too, had lost much of his sharp edge through his love for her. It was truly a remarkable transformation.
“Sister, are you staying for a long time this time?”
“Yes, I’m going to play with our Kai a lot.”
“Hehe.”
Kairen approached and gave me a big hug. Dantalion, looking slightly awkward, cleared his throat and came over to join the hug.
After creating such a heartwarming atmosphere, we finally came to our senses, sat down, and began our meal. Unlike the food at the Magic Tower, the table was overflowing with mouth-watering delicacies.
The food at the tower wasn't bad, but it couldn't compare to the Imperial Palace's cuisine. While maintaining my manners, I busily sliced into my steak. The meat melted the moment it touched my tongue.
“The Moon of Abundance Ball is coming up soon, so the Princess should stay in the palace until then.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
As autumn approached, the season for the Imperial balls was returning. Specifically, the Moon of Abundance Festival.
I nodded in agreement with Dantalion while eating my steak. Since I wouldn't be able to return to the Magic Tower for a while, they had piled a mountain of homework on me. On top of that, I had to fulfill my duties as a Princess. In truth, even when I was resting, I wasn't really resting.
“It’s the Princess’s birthday soon; how about we hold the ball together with it this time?”
“That is a wonderful idea.”
“Pardon?”
Hearing their words, I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth.
Coincidentally, the birthday of this body I possessed, Claudia, was at the end of October. It wasn't far off from the Moon of Abundance Ball, which was held on a grand scale in early to mid-October.
Since ancient times, if an Imperial family member’s birthday or a major event coincided with the Moon of Life or the Moon of Abundance, the balls were often combined. In such cases, the Imperial member would become the protagonist of the ball, receiving all the attention.
I had never actually celebrated a birthday since possessing this body. As Claudia, and as a Princess, I had fallen into a magical slumber before my birthday could arrive.
‘A birthday ball is burdensome enough, but you want me to be the star of the entire festival?’
Unlike a one-day birthday ball, the festival balls lasted for over a week. Other royals might enjoy being the center of attention for such a long time, but not me.
“Um, it might be fine for Kai, but wouldn't it be a bit much for me to be the star of the festival?”
“What?”
The moment I spoke tentatively, Mother’s eyes sharpened. She set her cutlery down with a sharp clatter and stared at me with a fierce gaze.
“Who told the Princess such a thing?”
“It’s not that, it’s just…”
“How dare they.”
Thanks to Dantalion’s careful management of public opinion, I was recognized as the Empire’s only Princess despite not having Imperial blood.
However, there were still those who viewed me with disapproval. It was inevitable.
Mother seemed to have been very concerned about that for a long time. She must have been watching like a hawk to ensure I didn't feel unwelcome in the palace, and it seemed I had spoken too carelessly.
“It was just my own thought, Mother.”
“Do not think such things. No matter what anyone says, you are the Princess of this Empire.”
Mother spoke with a stern face. The atmosphere was such that I couldn't possibly voice a dissenting opinion.
“The Empress is right. Don't worry about what others think.”
“That’s right, Sister! If anyone says anything, Kai will beat them all up!”
“Ha, haha.”
With Dantalion and Kairen joining in with huffs of indignation, I couldn't bring myself to say it was burdensome in front of people who cared for me so much.
[Master’s going to be busy soon, isn't she?]
[All that effort running away to the Magic Tower was for nothing.]
‘Be quiet!’
I shouted inwardly at the demons teasing me while letting out an awkward laugh. Meanwhile, the meal continued.
“By the way, who are you going to entrust with your escort?”
“Pardon?”
I was savoring my dessert when Dantalion asked in a casual tone. I looked up in surprise.
Not only Dantalion but even Mother was staring intently at me. Their gazes made a cold sweat run down my back.
I had recently realized my feelings for Nathaniel, and we were currently dating in secret. A secret relationship, in every sense of the word.
Nathaniel was the successor to the Pope, and I was the Princess of the Empire. While rumors about us had spread far and wide among the commoners, there was no telling how public opinion would shift if it were revealed we were actually dating.
Furthermore, I was worried about what Dantalion and Mother—the pinnacle of the Empire—would think. My guess was that both of them would oppose it. I unconsciously clenched my fists.
“The Princess is still young. Shouldn't I be the one to escort her?”
“No! I’m going to be Sister’s escort!”
“……Huh?”
Dantalion had first asked Mother in a relaxed tone, and Kairen immediately protested. I blinked, looking back and forth between the two.
“The Prince is still too young. An escort should be an adult.”
“I can do a good job too!”
“Oh dear. Come back when you’ve grown a bit more.”
“Hmph!”
As Dantalion teased him, Kairen puffed out his cheeks.
‘So cute.’
I had that thought for a moment before snapping out of it. I hurriedly spoke up.
“I can just pick someone suitable for the escort.”
“Who is ‘suitable’?”
“That is…”
Mother asked in a subtly sharp tone. It seemed she had already dismissed Dantalion and Kairen’s suggestions. The sight of the father and son sulking like kicked puppies was funny, but I couldn't focus on that right now.
“Well, there’s Abel…”
I first brought up the person I was most comfortable with. The House of Count Gideon, vassals of Winston, had always been loyal, so choosing him wouldn't arouse anyone's suspicion.
But for some reason, Mother’s sharp gaze didn't soften. If anything, she seemed to press me further.
“Not Nathaniel?”
“Pardon?”
“Nathaniel was your escort before, wasn't he?”
“Ah, well, yes, he was.”
Before I went to the Magic Tower, Nathaniel had insisted on being my escort at my homecoming ball. It seemed Mother remembered that and found my current choice strange.
‘Act natural. Just be natural.’
If I acted awkward, it would be like confessing that I was dating Nathaniel. I gave a bright smile and replied in a nonchalant tone.
“But Niel isn't my only friend. Abel is also a wonderful choice for an escort.”
“True. Every move the Princess makes draws gossip, so it’s not a bad choice.”
“Exactly. So…”
“But are you really going to choose Abel over Nathaniel?”
“……”
Did Mother really know something? Was I being that obvious?
I nervously met Mother’s crimson eyes. In her past life, her eyes had been so gentle, but as Veronica, they were anything but. My knees were starting to shake.
“Empress, why are you badgering the Princess so much? We agreed not to do this.”
“Sigh.”
Unable to watch any longer, Dantalion whispered to Mother. Both of them seemed to think I couldn't hear them, but unfortunately, I heard them loud and clear.
Had even Dantalion figured out my feelings? I began to feel even more tense.