Everyone Was Obsessed With Me After I Became the Youngest Princess Favourite - Chapter 285

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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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Already flustered, I became even more bewildered at Uncle’s sudden remarks about children.
Grandfather seemed to share my confusion.
“Ivan, what are you saying? Children? Your niece hasn’t even married yet.”
“Father, there are matters you’re unaware of. And shouldn’t we begin thinking about the succession of House Diapel?”
“Succession? That’s your concern, not Lia’s….”
Grandfather trailed off mid-sentence.
Shock flickered across his eyes.
“Ivan, you don’t mean…!”
“I initially assumed Askart would naturally marry first, but it seems we should place our hopes on Adriana instead. Given their compatibility, they’re certain to have at least two children….”
“Enough of this nonsense!”
* * *
After Uncle’s shocking and ambitious declaration—that my unborn children, not yet even conceived, would become the heirs of House Diapel—was unveiled.
Our meeting concluded with Grandfather’s anguished cry, “Why is none of my children normal?!”—a lament that made one uncertain whether to laugh or weep.
We dined together, and Uncle had to depart for the Marquisate immediately afterward.
Suppressing my reluctance to see him go, I promised to visit the Territory next time, and his stern lips curved into a smile.
〈Yes, you should see the Diapel Marquisate properly.〉
〈Yes! Mother’s homeland…〉
〈The land that may one day belong to your children.〉
〈…〉
He continued speaking in this manner until the very end.
‘Looking at his expression, it doesn’t seem like he was joking…’
Grandfather was simply shy by nature; he wasn’t one to make light jokes.
Of course, Mother enjoyed mischievous pranks, but I’d never heard that Uncle shared her temperament.
‘Then was he truly speaking from the heart?’
In truth, it wasn’t an unreasonable proposition.
Second sons of noble houses typically had to earn titles through distinguished service, so having multiple children would provide security for their future.
‘Even Grandfather, who had hoped Uncle would eventually marry and produce an heir, seemed somewhat tempted.’
Though he’d relinquished the position of heir, Mother—whose affection for House Diapel rivaled that for the Duchy itself—would surely be delighted if her grandchild could continue her family line instead.
Yet deciding the future of a child not yet born felt presumptuous.
Moreover, since the Diapel Marquisate lay in the Border Territory, it constantly faced the risk of conflict, and unlike other nobles, we wouldn’t have freedom of movement—a concern that weighed on me….
‘Wait, what am I thinking about?’
When Diana had subtly broached the subject of nieces and nephews before, I’d been too embarrassed to know what to do.
How much time had passed since then that I was now contemplating this so seriously!
Of course, at that time Lucio and I had been nothing to each other, but we weren’t even betrothed now—yet I’d accepted it all so naturally that my cheeks burned.
I was just fanning my flushed face with a hand fan when—
“Sister!”
“Diana, you’re back?”
“Yes!”
Diana returned from the Ladies’ Room with a refreshed expression and nodded as she asked.
“Weren’t you bored waiting for me?”
“Not at all.”
“Then what were you doing?”
“Well….”
I had been watching the nobles gathered in small groups throughout the Banquet Hall’s second floor, and I recalled what my Uncle had said days ago. I couldn’t possibly admit that I had been deeply preoccupied with thoughts about the future of the niece he so eagerly awaited.
Avoiding Diana’s gaze, I answered awkwardly.
“I was thinking about the coronation ceremony I saw this morning.”
“Ah!”
Fortunately, Diana took my words at face value and nodded.
“That’s right—since we’ve both never seen a coronation before, it was fascinating!”
“Exactly!”
Though it was a hastily improvised excuse, it was certainly a scene worth remembering.
Nicholas, draped in a crimson cloak and bearing the Emperor’s stature, receiving the orb and scepter from Raezlo, the High Priestess, and being crowned—it all felt solemn and sacred.
The sight of the Empire’s citizens cheering for the new Emperor from below the balcony outside the Imperial Palace, scattering paper flowers in celebration, stirred something warm in my chest.
“Yes, it truly was magnificent,” I murmured, nodding, when Diana crossed her arms.
“So, Sister, shall we head downstairs and properly enjoy the banquet?”
“Yes? That sounds wonderful!”
Currently, we were attending the celebratory banquet that followed the coronation ceremony.
There hadn’t been a lack of such occasions since arriving in the Empire, but with so much on my mind, today was the first time I had resolved to properly engage in High Society activities.
‘If I’m to marry Lucio, I’ll be living in the Empire, so it would be good to adapt to High Society beforehand, wouldn’t it?’
In truth, despite this being my second life, High Society remained an utterly foreign world to me.
My previous life as a commoner need not be mentioned, and even as a Crown Princess Bellus, I had lived in seclusion until the curse lifted, only making my debut at my coming-of-age ceremony.
Moreover, while I had gotten along well with the maidservants of the Grand Duke’s Castle, I had never made female friends, which made me all the more nervous.
‘Would the Young Ladies who have cultivated connections since childhood through salons and such actually welcome me, who suddenly appeared and captured Duke Elrad (Minor)?’
A perfectly rational anxiety followed, but I quickly shook it off.
And I offered a bright smile to my ally standing beside me.
“Eek! Sister, you’ll make my heart race if you smile like that so suddenly!”
At that, Diana quickly covered her eyes with her hands and cried out, as if she had learned the gesture from Askart.
‘I’m quite certain I started this kind of teasing first.’
The roles had somehow reversed, and I found myself in an awkward position.
But I suppressed my embarrassment and spoke honestly.
“I smiled because having you by my side makes me feel so reassured!”
“Me?”
“Yes! Diana, you said you’d introduce me to the Young Ladies yourself. If I were alone, it would have been difficult, but knowing I don’t have to worry about that makes me feel so much better.”
Upon hearing my response, Diana’s eyes widened.
“I’m glad my presence reassures you, but why would you be in a difficult position? Is it because you’re too popular?”
“Huh?”
“Don’t tell me you think others will ostracize or resent you for being a foreigner?”
Of course that’s what I thought would happen…
As I fell silent, Diana’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
Without thinking, I began to make excuses.
“Bellus Duchy maintains friendly relations with the Empire, and since I’m to be betrothed to Lucio, everyone will treat me well on the surface. But their kindness won’t be genuine, will it?”
“Hmm….”
“Of course, I know it’s not easy to find like-minded people in High Society. But still, I’d prefer to make friends I can truly connect with.”
Young in age but far more experienced in High Society, Diana must have found my words naive—perhaps even foolish.
As I fidgeted with my fingers and looked up, Diana, who had worn a peculiar expression, let out a deep sigh.
“Your kindness and warmth will become known to everyone eventually, whether I wish it or not. Just look at Aiden—he’s so selective about people, yet he speaks of wanting to see you every single day.”
“R, really?”
“Yes. If someone is truly worthwhile, they’ll naturally show you goodwill. Don’t worry.”
“Will they really?”
“Of course! Besides, I’ll make sure only the souls I approve of come near you!”
Wow! Not just anyone, but souls approved by a Saint herself. How reassuring that is.
“Our smart and beautiful Dana—when did you grow up so much?”
“Hehe, I haven’t grown up yet! I’ll always be your cute Dana!”
“But didn’t you call yourself a hero before?”
“There’s such a thing as a cute hero, you know.”
The way she stood with her hands on her hips, answering so brazenly, was utterly adorable and endearing!
I couldn’t help but laugh as I descended to the first floor.
* * *
The Grand Duchess Bellus, dressed in an elegant teal satin gown that complemented her pale pink hair perfectly, appeared with light, wing-like steps alongside Lady Elrad.
The nobles conversing in the hall immediately fell silent, their attention fixed upon them.
Interest in the Saint was nearly as high as in the banquet’s host, and with the appearance of the beloved of the new Emperor’s closest confidant, Duke Elrad (Minor), all eyes naturally turned toward them.
Of course, Marquis Diapel, Duke Elrad, Askart, as well as Allen and Jack all had their eyes gleaming.
They wished to approach immediately, but despite their desires, they remained motionless.
Before Lia returned to the Duchy, Diana had sternly warned them not to come near her, as they needed to lay the groundwork in High Society beforehand.
“Can we really entrust her solely to the Young Lady…?”
Askart murmured to himself, growing uneasy. This wasn’t the High Society of Bellus, where his mother, the Grand Duchess and mistress of the Duchy, held sway—this was an unfamiliar Empire, and entrusting Lia to the young Diana rather than the Duchess Elrad felt deeply uncertain.
Allen quickly responded.
“Don’t worry, Ascart. Our Diana has been faithfully attending gatherings and tea parties all this time for this very occasion!”

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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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