Everyone Was Obsessed With Me After I Became the Youngest Princess Favourite - Chapter 167

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How naturally infuriating and detestable he appeared!
For a moment, I even found myself wondering if Lucio truly failed to notice the piercing gazes my family was directing at him.
It was then that the Emperor, standing upon the elevated dais, raised his glass in a toast. After offering a brief welcome to all those gathered at this momentous celebration of the Empire’s founding, he drained his cup, and the rest of the assembly followed suit.
As if on cue, the orchestra began to play. Seeing couples take their partners’ hands and move toward the center of the hall, I hastily withdrew my hand from Lucio’s arm and made my way toward my family.
“Grandfather!”
I called out cheerfully as I rushed toward him, and his stern expression from moments before instantly softened as he spread both arms wide, exclaiming, “My dear granddaughter!”
“Oh, my child. How wonderful to see you here.”
“It’s wonderful for me too. Was the journey difficult?”
“Not difficult at all. Rather, I wasted time quarreling with Ivan.”
“With Uncle?”
“Indeed. He insisted on coming to the Capital, saying that since you had traveled all the way to the Empire, he ought to see your face at least. As if Marquis Diapel has nothing better to do than guard the border—tsk, tsk.”
I suppressed a smile as I watched my Grandfather click his tongue.
Unlike the Countess, who had been banned from entering the Bellus Duchy, my Uncle could not easily leave his territory after inheriting the Marquis title, so I had not seen him until now.
Still, we had exchanged letters and looked forward to meeting someday.
“I’m disappointed too. I’ve always wanted to see Uncle more often. Oh, but after the Founding Festival ends, it would be nice to visit the Marquis Territory!”
At my excited words, Grandfather’s face hardened noticeably.
His already fierce expression became even more menacing, and I could feel the surrounding nobles shrinking back in fear.
But I understood. That face merely expressed disappointment and hurt feelings.
“Grandfather?”
I asked in confusion, and Grandfather spoke in a dejected tone.
“Child, are you saying it pains you that this old man came instead of your Uncle? Hmm. Yes, I suppose enduring seasickness every season and traveling all the way to the Duchy would grow tiresome.”
“Oh, that’s not what I meant at all. I’m so happy to see you right now.”
“Anyone can say such things. He should simply guard the Marquis Territory, yet here I am, dragging my weary bones all this way for nothing….”
“Grandfather, if you keep saying such things, I’ll sulk.”
He was already in better spirits from my first words.
When I continued with playful teasing, he quickly laughed and gently pinched my cheek, shaking it affectionately.
“Is that so? I cannot let my beloved granddaughter pout.”
When I grumbled that he thought I was still a child, his hearty laughter grew even louder.
My pouting lips soon gave way, and as I laughed along with Grandfather, I found myself suddenly reflecting on when his gruff manner had become so warm and tender.
Looking back, it seemed to have been quite some time ago.
Yet Grandfather had only ever shown this side of himself in front of family….
“My, my. This is the first time I’ve ever seen the former Marquis Diapel smile!”
“We knew he visited the Duchy frequently after passing down his title, but I never imagined his affection for his granddaughter ran so deep.”
The nobles, well acquainted with Grandfather’s stubborn nature, all stared with wide eyes in astonishment.
Duke Elrad in particular wore an expression as though he had finally witnessed something truly extraordinary.
‘Hehe.’
And I was deeply delighted by this moment.
Though he had become an object of fear due to his fierce appearance and his title as Marquis Diapel, it seemed everyone had now discovered that our Grandfather was truly such a warm and gentle person.
Of course, they likely thought of him as merely “a grandfather who cannot help himself before his grandchild,” but I was content with even this.
“By the way, my granddaughter is so beautiful today—it truly worries me.”
My Grandfather furrowed his brow once more, his expression fierce and unyielding.
“What if those rotten bastards look at you with improper thoughts? No, if any dog dares such a thing, I’ll gouge out their eyes.”
“G-Grandfather….”
The warm atmosphere that had finally settled instantly turned cold.
Moreover.
‘It seems like he’s speaking for someone’s benefit.’
While he spoke words of concern for me, Grandfather’s gaze had already fixed itself on Lucio, who now stood beside me.
Anyone could see those words were directed at him.
Father’s expression as he looked at Lucio was equally unfavorable.
That was when it happened.
“Not the second son… the eldest?”
At the ominous tone that made my spine tingle, I turned to see Mother glaring at Duke Elrad with a murderous intensity.
As I looked on in confusion, Father questioned Lucio.
“You… are you the same age as our Askart?”
“Yes.”
…It didn’t seem like he was asking because he didn’t know.
At Lucio’s calm response, Father’s face flushed crimson in an instant.
As Father grasped the back of his neck, unable to find words to continue, Grandfather, who had been watching, was about to step forward with a click of his tongue when—
“Your Highness the Grand Duke, His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence. We shall escort you and your family.”
The Chief Attendant, who had approached without notice, bowed deeply.
The Emperor—perfect timing.
* * *
“Oh, you’ve finally arrived! I waited so long for you to come pay your respects that I summoned you myself!”
The Emperor rose from his seat the moment he saw us, greeting us with rough enthusiasm.
The Empress looked slightly embarrassed at his display, but I skillfully feigned ignorance and offered a proper greeting.
The Emperor then addressed me directly.
“Tell me, are you enjoying the ball?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to your kindness, I am having a most pleasant time.”
“How wonderful! Now then, do introduce yourselves. This is my son.”
As the Emperor introduced Nicholas as if he had been waiting for this moment, Serphin’s expression hardened.
“At the welcome banquet last time, I was occupied with matters and could not exchange greetings. Though late, I welcome you to the Empire, Imperial Princess.”
I watched Nicholas greet me with his characteristic affable charm, placing my hand over my heart and offering a light bow before straightening, as he was merely imperial family and not the Emperor or Empress themselves.
There was no need to kneel to anyone but the Emperor and Empress.
“It is a pleasure to meet you this way, Imperial Princess.”
And before Nicholas could finish his greeting, Serphin herself spoke in a gentle voice.
Her demeanor was so warm that I wondered if her fierce gaze from moments before had been my imagination.
“I am delighted to meet Your Highness the Imperial Princess.”
Recognizing that she was no easy opponent, I responded with a bright smile.
Yet my heart remained deeply uneasy.
The matter with Lucio aside….
“Every time I encounter the Imperial Princess, I get chills.”
It was because of what Diana had said that was weighing on my mind.
This morning, Diana had cautiously suggested that I keep my distance from the Imperial Princess, aware that I had been watching Serphin during the opening ceremony.
Though I now received training to control my divine power and no longer saw others’ souls as clearly as I did in childhood, I could still sense their purity—and from Serphin, I only ever felt malevolent energy.
‘Now that I think about it, Diana was afraid of Serphin even as a child.’
I vaguely recalled hearing from Raezl that when Diana was young, she would perceive those whose souls were hideously corrupt beyond measure as grotesque, monstrous forms—and it seemed this was precisely such a case.
While I felt pity for young Diana, who must have been terrified all those times alone, I couldn’t help but wonder what on earth was wrong with Serphin’s soul.
“Come to think of it, we haven’t designated who will perform the Dance of Honor at this year’s Founding Festival Ball.”
The Emperor spoke suddenly.
“The Dance of Honor?”
I found myself asking, and the Emperor eagerly explained in detail.
“Yes. It is a gift I bestow upon those who have greatly contributed to the Empire over the past year. Those who receive the Dance of Honor cannot refuse any dance requests from that person.”
“…But isn’t that the prize awarded to the winner of the Sword Tournament?”
“Oh! You know of this? It seems the Grand Duchess studied extensively before visiting the Empire!”
The Emperor laughed heartily with delight, but my gaze turned cold.
‘Why would someone who knows this bring it up now, when the Sword Tournament hasn’t even ended yet?’ I wanted to demand.
Soon the Emperor ceased his laughter and spoke.
“However, you are mistaken. That is merely a convention. Originally, it is granted to those who have made great contributions to the Empire or brought honor to its name.”
‘So Jack is supposed to win confidently the day after tomorrow and bring honor to the Empire!’
I couldn’t fathom why he would ominously mention a prize that should rightfully belong to Jack.
Of course, in the past, Jack had confidently claimed victory and received the honor of performing the Dance of Honor, but he had declined it, claiming he was not a skilled dancer.
However, Jack declining and having the prize taken from him were entirely different matters.
My ominous premonition continued to grow.
“This year, I wish to designate Nicholas as the one to perform the Dance of Honor. Nicholas, you have worked very hard.”
The Emperor spoke with satisfaction while looking at Nicholas.
‘Of all people, Nicholas—who is practically Jack’s rival!’
Of course, for Nicholas, who aspired to the position of the next Emperor, and Lucio behind him, this would be welcome news, but my heart ached just as much as Serphin’s, whose eyes widened in shock and whose lips trembled.
Nicholas, who had momentarily looked startled with wide eyes, soon bowed respectfully and said, “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
‘He will surely ask Diana for a dance.’
Just as Aiden, who would lose the dance with Diana right before my eyes, I felt melancholy thinking of Jack, who knew nothing and was preparing for the preliminaries tomorrow.
That was when it happened.
I blinked slowly.
Even as I looked at the hand suddenly extended before me, I could not comprehend the situation.
Staring blankly, Nicholas smiled brightly and spoke.
“Might I request the honor of the Dance of Honor with the Grand Duchess?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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