Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 39

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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 39

 

“Come to think of it, it would go well with the necklace too. It would be nice if you wore that tiara to this banquet.”

 

Anastasia’s fingers, which had been fidgeting with the teacup handle, stopped.

 

Tiara.

 

That word pierced through like a shard of glass.

 

Her facial muscles stiffened, but Anastasia quickly pulled up the corners of her mouth. She answered in a nonchalant voice.

 

“Ah… what should I do? That’s gone now, Father.”

 

“What?”

 

The King’s eyebrows shot up.

 

“Gone now? What do you mean by that, Anastasia?”

 

Anastasia drooped the ends of her eyebrows as she spoke.

 

“Well… I accidentally dropped it into the forge fire.”

 

“What did you say?”

 

The King’s face hardened instantly.

 

“Say that again.”

 

Anastasia flinched at the blade-sharp voice. The smile had completely vanished from the King’s face.

 

‘It’s okay. No need to panic. Father will understand.’

 

Taking a deep breath, Anastasia continued in a calm tone.

 

“I was trying to burn some unnecessary items and… The flames were too strong to retrieve it.”

 

“You burned that?”

 

The King’s voice became agitated.

 

“That was the crown your mother wore on her wedding day. Something I treasured like a precious jewel my whole life…”

 

The King stopped speaking as if his throat was choked up. After looking up at the sky and catching his breath, he continued in a tightly suppressed voice.

 

“Do you know what that item means to me? I gave it to you because I believed you would also cherish it preciously. But how could you…”

 

The King’s voice cracked at the end. His tightly clenched hands trembled finely.

 

‘Did he just… raise his voice at me? Over some tiara?’

 

Anastasia was quite flustered by this side of the King she had never seen before.

 

No matter what wrongs she committed, he had always gently scolded her in a soft voice. To see him so excited and raising his voice like this.

 

Shrugging her shoulders, Anastasia spoke defensively.

 

“It was a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes.”

 

“…”

 

“Should I have stuck my hands into the fire pit just to retrieve some crown? I don’t understand why you’re so angry. I’m very hurt, Father.”

 

At that moment, the King’s tightly clenched fist relaxed with a thud. His eyes, which had been bulging with visible veins, also returned to normal.

 

“Yes. You’re right.”

 

Anastasia could easily read the emotion that appeared on his face.

 

Disappointment.

 

It was an expression as unfamiliar as his anger, or perhaps even more so.

 

Glancing at the King’s mood, Anastasia pulled up the corners of her mouth with a grin. She tried to lighten his mood with her usual coquettish voice.

 

“Father, I…”

 

“Anastasia.”

 

But what returned was the King’s sunken voice.

 

“I understand, so go for today. I want to be alone.”

 

“But…”

 

“I said I understand, so go.”

 

The King’s voice was calm as usual. He even smiled faintly as if he was fine.

 

‘He’s okay, right?’

 

Anastasia left the room as if pushed out, looking back several times.

 

‘What can I do? I can’t recreate something that’s completely destroyed… He’ll get over it soon. Father is weak when it comes to me.’

 

…Right?

 

Somehow the feeling wasn’t good.

 

* * *

 

A few days later, Anastasia held a tea party in the guest room attached to her palace.

 

The sunny room was filled with the fragrant aroma of tea. Sitting on the plush sofa, Anastasia was enjoying people’s compliments with a bright smile.

 

“The dress you’re wearing today suits you so well, Princess.”

 

“How do you become more beautiful day by day?”

 

“Your hair is just like silk. How can I have soft hair like yours?”

 

Anastasia waved her hand gracefully with a smile.

 

“Don’t flatter me so much, everyone. I’m embarrassed.”

 

Anastasia blushed as if shy, but inwardly she scoffed.

 

‘Desperately trying to get into my good graces… It’s really funny to watch. Like dogs wagging their tails.’

 

Then, a lady sitting beside Anastasia casually asked a question.

 

“You’ll be announcing your engagement with Praetorium Prince soon, right?”

 

“Well, that’s…”

 

Anastasia, who had been gracefully waving her fan, said “Ah” and brought up a new topic.

 

“There was a banquet at Pretium Estate recently, wasn’t there? You all must have gone.”

 

The ladies around nodded at Anastasia’s words.

 

“Yes, it was a party with a cheerful atmosphere as usual.”

 

“It was really wonderful. This time even Count Haizen came. He brought a partner too.”

 

“Her name was Heidi, wasn’t it?”

 

Perfect.

 

Anastasia smiled inwardly at successfully bringing up the desired topic. She put on an innocent expression and said.

 

“Ah, I remember seeing her at the royal banquet. But…”

 

Anastasia tilted her head slightly and continued.

 

“It’s surprising that lady was invited. Is she acquainted with Lawrence…?”

 

As she subtly trailed off, she could feel eyes rolling around her.

 

After a moment, Morein Countess, famous for her quick wit, spoke up.

 

“That lady seemed to be sticking right next to His Lordship the whole time. They looked quite close.”

 

Anastasia’s eyes widened.

 

“Is that really true?”

 

Excited by Anastasia’s interest, the Countess continued.

 

“His Lordship has such good manners, you know. He was probably just being kind to a guest. However…”

 

“However?”

 

“I’m a bit worried that the lady might have misunderstood that.”

 

The Countess looked around as if seeking agreement.

 

“It’s generally not proper to have such intimate conversations alone with a gentleman who has a fiancée. It was just… quite noticeable.”

 

“Really…?”

 

Anastasia cupped her cheek with a worried expression. She looked so pitiful that it drew everyone’s sympathy.

 

“I don’t think Miss Heidi had any bad intentions…”

 

“…”

 

“But it would be good to keep a close eye on things, right? What do you all think?”

 

Everyone nodded at Anastasia’s words.

 

Morein Countess grabbed Anastasia’s hand and said.

 

“Of course. We’ll all keep watch together. If she seems to be up to any mischief, we’ll let you know right away, so just trust me, Princess.”

 

“Thank you. Without all of you, I wouldn’t know anything…”

 

Anastasia clasped the Countess’s hand tightly and said.

 

“I’ll only trust you all. That’s okay, right?”

 

* * *

 

On the day of Anastasia’s coming-of-age ceremony, the palace was bustling from early morning.

 

The court orchestra’s fanfare rang out, and delegations from various countries formed long processions as they entered the Royal Palace. The golden carriages lined up were a spectacle in themselves.

 

Watching the scene, Heidi whispered in Deshion’s ear.

 

“The scale is enormous. Are princess coming-of-age ceremonies normally such grand events?”

 

“No. But since Anastasia is currently Panther’s only heir to the throne, other countries are showing their respect as well.”

 

“I see.”

 

After watching the procession of delegations for quite some time.

 

“…?”

 

Heidi suddenly felt a sharp gaze piercing into her back.

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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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