Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 25

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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 25

“Wow!”

Heidi exclaimed at the sight of the street filled with lights.

“It’s truly so beautiful.”

On their last night in Aras, Heidi and Deshion participated in the lantern festival held by the riverside. It was because of Frida’s recommendation.

“The last night should be spent specially. The lantern festival is in full swing these days anyway. It has a very romantic atmosphere and is popular among young people.”

Large and small lanterns hung in rows swayed gently whenever the wind blew.

In front of the shops, temporary stalls decorated with colorful cloth and ribbons were lined up, and the appetizing smell of food spread through the air.

Street musicians playing instruments and dancing clowns in one corner of the square caught Heidi’s attention. The exotic music mixed with people’s laughter warmed the night air.

“I’m so glad we came. Does Panther have festivals like this too?”

“I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this in the capital. After all, there isn’t such a large river flowing through it.”

“I love Aras’s vibrant atmosphere so much. I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.”

Heidi looked around with a dreamy expression. She wanted to remember everything about this moment.

Then something caught Heidi’s eye.

“Sir! I want to try that over there.”

In the direction Heidi pointed, many people had gathered. It was a festival event where people sent their own candles floating on small boats.

“I think they float candles to make wishes. Isn’t it wonderful how the flames flicker on the water?”

Heidi said with sparkling eyes. But Deshion’s response didn’t come.

“…”

His expression had subtly hardened as he looked at the place Heidi had pointed to.

“Of course, I’m fine if we don’t do it. Just watching like this is pretty enough.”

At those words, Deshion turned his head. He pulled up the corners of his mouth in a faint smile.

“If you want to do it.”

“…”

Heidi sensed something different from usual in his brief silence and pale smile.

‘…Could it be.’

Something flashed through Heidi’s mind. She immediately turned her gaze elsewhere.

On one side of the riverside, a small dock slightly away from the bustling crowd came into view.

“How about that instead?”

There, few people were renting ferry boats, making it much quieter. The light from the lanterns spread long over the calm ripples, making it look as if the sky and river were touching.

“It looks like we can take a ferry boat. There are much fewer people too, so we probably won’t have to wait long?”

At Heidi’s words, Deshion shifted his gaze. After looking for a moment, he nodded.

“Good. Let’s take the boat.”

* * *

Soon a small ferry boat was prepared, and Deshion got on the boat holding the oars. The two began to move as if gliding over the calm ripples.

“…”

“…”

The two silently took in the lights of the festival. As they moved away from the riverside, only the sound of rowing and the lapping of waves filled the space between them.

Heidi, who had been quietly watching Deshion row, carefully opened her mouth.

“You looked a bit uncomfortable earlier. Was it because of the candles?”

He stopped rowing for a moment.

The current swayed just a little, and starlight gently illuminated the space between them.

“Yes.”

He readily admitted it and asked.

“How did you know?”

Heidi answered in a quiet voice.

“When I worked as a maid, there were several rules in the estate. One of them was about candles. In the bedroom, candles had to be kept as far away as possible and must be extinguished before going to sleep.”

“Then you can probably guess the reason too.”

Heidi nodded.

“It must be because of Miss Eloise’s accident.”

“An accident…”

Deshion’s red eyes darkened.

“You once asked me before. What was the reason for bringing you here despite all these risks and costs.”

Deshion, who had steered the boat to a deserted area, stopped rowing. With his back to the moonlight, he calmly opened his mouth.

“I think it’s time to answer that question now.”

* * *

“Brother, you’re really too much! You know last week was my birthday, right? You didn’t even come home, let alone say congratulations.”

Oh no.

Deshion’s face turned pale as he faced Eloise’s furious expression.

He had been feeling like he was forgetting something quite often these past few days, and this must have been it.

The real princess who had been switched with Anastasia. He had been investigating her whereabouts for months.

Far from resting, he couldn’t even properly take care of family affairs. He didn’t stay at the estate for even a week out of each month.

As a result, he naturally became neglectful of his only younger sister, Eloise. He knew Eloise was disappointed, but for now, he couldn’t explain the reason to her or be a good brother to her.

‘Still, I should have at least remembered her birthday.’

Deshion clenched and unclenched his fist as if blaming himself.

“I’m sorry, Eloise. I’ve been too busy lately to pay attention. Happy birthday.”

Even at Deshion’s gentle voice, Eloise’s sulky face showed no signs of softening.

“What should I do to make you feel better.”

“…”

“How about going out together now. Let’s go to that place you’ve been wanting to visit. We’ll have a delicious meal, and I’ll let you taste some alcohol as you wished.”

At Deshion’s suggestion, Eloise perked up her ears. Deshion added one more thing.

“You can buy anything you want.”

* * *

“Ah, I’m full. I can’t eat anymore.”

Fortunately, Eloise, whose mood had completely lifted, lightly held her bulging stomach and shook her head. Deshion asked in an amused voice.

“What do you think of your first taste of alcohol. You were so curious about it.”

Splash, splash. Looking down at the alcohol at the bottom of the glass, Eloise shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m not sure. It seems fragrant but also astringent. Is this expensive alcohol?”

“Yes. It’s very fine alcohol. Not easy to obtain.”

Deshion pulled up the corners of his mouth slightly.

“Come to think of it, since it’s your first taste of alcohol, it has meaning. I’ll give you one of these as a gift too. So you can reminisce and commemorate it later.”

“Really?”

Looking at the excited Eloise, Deshion nodded.

“When you become able to distinguish good alcohol later, you’ll be able to enjoy it more properly.”

Deshion raised his hand to call the manager.

“Yes, Marquis.”

“Can I buy alcohol that’s the same as this?”

The manager, who carefully checked the label, smiled and said “Ah.”

“If it’s this one, fortunately there’s exactly one more bottle left. However, you’ll have to wait a moment while I fetch it, would that be alright?”

“Please do.”

Then Eloise slightly raised her hand and interjected.

“Then while you’re waiting, I’ll go down to the first floor first. I’m feeling a bit queasy from the food smell.”

Deshion readily nodded.

“Alright. I’ll receive it and come down, so rest in the carriage.”

“That sounds good.”

After Eloise and the manager left, Deshion turned his head toward the window. From the restaurant located on the second floor, the quiet street scene could be seen at a glance.

Blood-red sunset colored the sky, and the merchants seemed to be preparing to close their doors, moving slowly. It was an utterly peaceful and ordinary scene.

Deshion watched his family’s carriage glide into view along that street. He also saw Eloise, who had likewise spotted it, step toward the carriage.

Then the manager called Deshion in a bright voice.

“Marquis, I’ve prepared the item you requested. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“There’s no need for that. I didn’t wait very long.”

Deshion received a new drink from the manager.

“Were you satisfied with today’s meal? I hope it was to your taste.”

“It was excellent. I came without any prior arrangement, yet you treated us so well. I’m grateful. I’ll be sure to repay the favor.”

“Please visit anytime. It was an honor to have you both at my restaurant.”

Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries.

Bang! Crash!

A tremendous explosion rang out as if it would blow the restaurant apart.

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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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