Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 10

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 10

Heidi’s eyes widened at Desion’s words.

“This was a lesson? But it seemed like…”

It felt like we just enjoyed a delicious meal.

Heidi tilted her head. No matter how she thought about it, she felt like she hadn’t learned anything particularly special during this meal.

Desion, who had been quietly observing such a Heidi, slowly opened his mouth.

“The lessons we’ll be doing from now on are ultimately like this.”

“Like this, you mean…?”

“We’ll practice getting accustomed to the finest things. The finest food, the finest clothes, the most delicate jewelry.”

“…”

“My goal is to return to you the life you rightfully should have enjoyed.”

The life she rightfully should have enjoyed.

Somehow those words pierced Heidi’s heart.

The beautiful seaside villa with ocean views and the large, luxurious bedroom. Soft clothes like the ones Eloise used to wear.

The uncomfortable feeling she’d had about enjoying things that seemed beyond her station melted away gently.

“There are things to learn through books, but there’s much more to learn through experience. When those two combine, that’s what creates a person’s taste.”

Desion continued speaking calmly.

“Later, you’ll be able to say which of today’s dishes was the best, which parts were lacking. Because your own taste will be firmly established, Heidi.”

Heidi nodded at Desion’s words. Confirming her brightened expression, Desion smiled faintly.

“That concludes today’s lesson. You may return and rest.”

* * *

“The princess’s debutante ball scheduled for next month has captured the attention of high society. Predictions suggest it will be the most splendid banquet in history…”

“The princess enjoyed dinner with the Valein delegation that visited the Royal Palace. Public interest has focused on the sapphire necklace the princess wore during the dinner…”

“Who will become the princess’s companion?”

Scattered newspapers lay across the wide mahogany desk. The articles published in those newspapers had one thing in common.

Anastasia Janette de Panther.

They were articles about the princess currently occupying the western wing of the Royal Palace.

“Anastasia’s debutante ball is next week.”

Tap, tap.

Worry spread across Desion’s face as he drummed the desk with his fingertips.

Was there anyone else in Panther who knew The King as well as Desion did?

The King was an exemplary monarch, but he had a weakness for sentiment.

The person who made him most vulnerable was Anastasia, his only blood relative.

Anastasia, the only daughter left by the companion he had loved dearly. A trace of their brief but precious married life.

Feeling sorry for the child growing up without a mother, The King had raised Anastasia with indulgence. Even when scolding Anastasia for her wrongdoings, if she sulked, he couldn’t hold out for long and would bend to her will.

“The North has blight causing people to starve to death, and The West is plagued with measles, yet in times like these, a lavish debutante ball.”

Desion clicked his tongue as he muttered lowly.

Even without seeing it, he could understand the situation. It would be the result of The King’s indecisiveness meeting Anastasia’s extravagance.

While Desion was away from Panther, Anastasia had steadily expanded her political foundation.

The wealth she had gradually accumulated using her subordinates’ names became her weapon, used to win over the nobility as her people. That the powerless common people had to shed tears of blood in this process hardly needed lengthy explanation.

“Now that she’s had her debutante ball, it’s only a matter of time before she’s officially recognized as heir to the throne…”

Desion’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Unless something extraordinary happens, that stage will likely be the New Year’s commemorative banquet. It’s always been that way historically.”

Therefore, Desion had only 8 months remaining.

Within 8 months, he had to perfectly prepare the real princess.

Heidi Dalton.

Observing her closely, she was a finer gem than he had expected.

At least she seemed much more suitable for the position of princess than Anastasia.

Her honest and sincere personality greatly resembled The King, while her delicate, girlish appearance took after the Queen.

Taking after both, she was also very intelligent. When taught something, her speed of learning was remarkably fast.

‘Anastasia was quite brilliant too, but this one seems to progress even faster.’

Perhaps because she had observed from Eloise’s side for years, surprisingly her posture and basic manners required little correction. She seemed to have talent for physical activities.

The problem was that she was clumsy with writing…

Swoosh.

Desion pushed away the newspapers scattered on his desk and pulled over a silver letter box from the corner.

Click, when he opened the box, identical pristine white envelopes were neatly stacked inside.

“To Teacher”

Handwriting that wasn’t elegant but was neat.

Seeing traces of smudging and bleeding here and there, as if unfamiliar with using ink, Desion’s brow softened gently.

“There seems to be no need to worry. Our new princess is remarkably diligent.”

* * *

The first lesson had been enjoyable.

Just having to enjoy fine cuisine that the head chef had created with all his heart and soul. She was confident about that kind of studying.

But it couldn’t continue to be only enjoyable.

The process of learning to write was more exhausting than most physical labor. She did the homework Desion assigned all night, and didn’t put down books even during breaks, so it was only natural.

Still, she was able to quickly learn to read. When working in a noble household and assisting the master, one inevitably picks up quite a bit by observation.

The problem was ‘writing.’

Desion said she was doing well enough and that it was fine, but Heidi couldn’t be satisfied.

‘How exactly do you write sentences? Why is this so difficult?’

Even sacrificing sleep time to invest in studying, only composition refused to improve.

Desion, who had been silently watching such a Heidi, suddenly suggested one day.

“Writing about everyday topics would be much more comfortable than stiff subjects. How about exchanging letters with me?”

Exchanging letters with Desion.

Honestly, it was a burdensome task for Heidi. Even though her status had changed, he was still not entirely comfortable for her.

But Heidi nodded.

‘Even if I return to ordinary life later, learning to write will be useful. I might be able to find a better job.’

She briefly dreamed such practical dreams.

“Aaaah. How exactly am I supposed to write this?”

Heidi clutched her hair, facing the pristine letter paper without a single crease.

Once she picked up the pen, her mind went blank as if no sentences would come to her.

“To Teacher.”

Heidi stared at the four characters she had barely managed to write, then picked up the quill pen again.

“I should start with a greeting.”

Heidi carefully dipped the ink and cautiously lowered the pen tip.

“Hel, lo…”

Just as Heidi began moving her hand with complete concentration.

“Miss!”

Startled by the sudden sound of the door bursting open, Heidi’s hand slipped.

Streeeeak.

‘Oh no.’

While Heidi despaired at the line drawn across the white paper, the maid came running breathlessly.

“Miss, this is terrible!”

The maid bent over, panting heavily.

“What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

“Soldiers from the Royal Palace have come in droves. There must be at least 30 of them.”

Heidi’s heart dropped. Her face turned pale as she grabbed the maid and asked urgently.

“From the Royal Palace? What, what’s the reason?”

“I don’t know either. They’re demanding we open the doors immediately and making a scene. We’re trying to stall for as much time as possible.”

Had everything been discovered?

‘I think I’m going to be sick.’

Her head was spinning. Heidi clenched both fists tightly and took a deep breath.

‘Let me calm down first. I need to stay composed, especially at times like this.’

Though she was scared enough that her hands were trembling, surely Desion would have anticipated even this kind of situation. He always had a plan. So there was no need to be frightened from the start…

“Of all times, the master isn’t here either… What should we do?”

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