Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 30
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 30
“…Lawrence?”
Heidi’s eyes widened in surprise.
It was a name she had heard countless times from Deshion.
‘So this person is the princess’s fiancé.’
From head to toe, the man practically sparkled, and she could somewhat understand why Anastasia had coveted him as her match.
He was making polite gestures befitting a noble, but each of his movements was smooth and graceful. His bright smile was incredibly beautiful, though it also felt somewhat frivolous.
Lawrence tilted his head toward her with a gentle eye-smile.
“Do you know about me?”
Should she say she knew, or that she didn’t?
Just as Heidi hesitated and was about to carefully part her lips.
“Lord Lawrence.”
A familiar voice cut between the two of them.
Heidi quickly turned around to see Deshion approaching with a glass in hand.
Deshion wore a gentle smile as he offered the glass to Heidi.
“Please drink. I was delayed because many people wanted to greet me.”
As Heidi carefully received the glass with both hands, Deshion turned his head to meet Lawrence’s eyes.
“It’s been a long time, Lord Lawrence.”
When Deshion extended his hand, Lawrence grasped it firmly as if he had been waiting.
“Well, if it isn’t you. It’s been so long since we last met that I almost didn’t recognize you. When did we last see each other, hmm, about three years ago?”
“That sounds about right.”
“I heard you’ve been busy traveling here and there for business. You must have accumulated many interesting stories during that time.”
The cheerful conversation flowed naturally. However, with each word, Lawrence’s gaze kept drifting toward Heidi.
‘Why does he keep looking at me?’
The moment Heidi slightly frowned, Lawrence asked Deshion.
“But you should introduce me as well.”
The corner of Deshion’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Ah, you mean my partner?”
“I haven’t heard any particular news… Did you perhaps get engaged in the meantime?”
Heidi’s eyes widened in surprise. Her cheeks flushed red.
‘Engaged? That’s ridiculous.’
Heidi and Deshion’s eyes met. Deshion looked away from her and answered calmly.
“No. She’s a distant relative. She’s been living on the estate and came up for her debutante this time.”
“Ah, I see.”
Lawrence nodded and cast his gaze toward Heidi again.
“Then…”
“Let’s save the rest of our conversation for when we meet next time.”
Deshion smoothly cut off Lawrence’s words. His tone was polite, but there was a subtle wariness in it.
Lawrence let out a short laugh and raised his hand.
“Understood. I’ve taken up too much of your time. However, we’re planning to hold a party at our house soon. Please do attend.”
Lawrence looked directly at Heidi as he spoke.
“The easiest way to establish yourself in social circles is to take Pretium’s hand, after all.”
Deshion nodded without any hesitation.
“Thank you for the invitation. We’ll visit you.”
“Then I’ll see you again next time.”
He gracefully bowed one last time, then turned and left the balcony.
After confirming that Lawrence’s presence had completely faded, Heidi slumped into a chair prepared on the balcony.
“I can’t seem to relax.”
As Heidi muttered quietly, Deshion stood beside her, looking down at her before gently lifting the corners of his mouth.
“You did well.”
“Are all parties this exhausting?”
“I wish I could say no, but…”
Deshion shrugged his eyebrows.
“But you’ll get used to it. Soon enough.”
Really? Heidi fiddled with the star-like sparkling crystals on her dress and let out a small sigh.
“But that person called Lawrence… he’s quite peculiar.”
As Heidi carefully spoke up, Deshion nodded as well.
“He’s a bit different from ordinary nobles. He seems infinitely frivolous, but he’s definitely not an easy person.”
“The way he kept glancing over bothered me.”
“It means you’ve caught his interest. In social circles, having Pretium extend their hand is actually a good thing. I thought it would take longer.”
Deshion said this while briefly looking at Heidi.
Heidi looked around awkwardly and asked.
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
After staring at Heidi’s face for a moment, Deshion soon looked away and shook his head.
“It’s nothing. By the way, did you see His Majesty the King? The seat was a bit far though.”
“Yes. I saw him.”
Heidi’s voice dropped low.
“But… I didn’t feel much, contrary to my expectations. It didn’t feel real, and I couldn’t see any resemblance to myself. I thought meeting blood-related family would feel different somehow, but it’s strange.”
Deshion nodded.
“That can happen. Some people feel a connection the moment they first meet, but there are also people who become connected as they get to know each other.”
He paused to choose his words, then shifted his gaze to the lights of the ballroom beyond the window.
“It might actually be for the best. You won’t be unnecessarily nervous when you meet the King.”
Heidi carefully set down her glass on the side table and asked.
“…Will I be speaking with His Majesty the King today?”
Deshion took a breath and nodded.
“Yes. Right now, Noah is speaking with the King. He’ll naturally pass the conversation to us soon.”
“Noah?”
As Heidi blinked, Deshion smiled gently and explained.
“My friend who came with me to persuade you before.”
“Ah, I remember.”
Heidi nodded.
“The person you said was a relative on your mother’s side, right?”
“That’s right.”
Deshion looked directly into Heidi’s eyes as he spoke. His expression was quite serious.
“You probably won’t have a long conversation today. However, when you meet the King, remember just two things.”
Heidi straightened her relaxed posture and asked.
“Two things?”
“First, don’t be nervous. Of course, it won’t be easy. But you must be as composed and confident as possible.”
“…Yes.”
Heidi took a small breath.
“I understand why that’s important. Then what’s the second thing?”
Deshion answered.
“It would be best if you smile as much as possible.”
Heidi opened her eyes wide as if puzzled.
“Why is that?”
At that moment, Deshion’s eyes wavered briefly. He spoke in a low voice like a sigh.
“…Your smiling face really resembles the late Queen.”
Heidi drew in a short breath.
‘My birth mother.’
Heidi touched the corners of her mouth with her hand. Her smiling face resembled her. Somehow, a tingling wave stirred in her heart.
‘How was my smiling face?’
Just then, the clear sound of footsteps came from in front of the balcony door. When Deshion opened the curtain, a uniformed attendant bowed his head and spoke.
“Count Haizen, Your Excellency.”
“What is it?”
“His Majesty wishes to see you. I shall escort you to the audience chamber.”
Deshion nodded briefly. Just before leaving the balcony, he whispered low in Heidi’s ear.
“Two things. Don’t forget.”
Heidi took a deep breath and rose from her seat.
It was time to face her biological father for the first time.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————