Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 46

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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 46

 

“A priest?”

 

Anastasia frowned as she asked after hearing the governess’s story.

 

“What do you mean by that? Speak clearly.”

 

“He’s quite incoherent in his speech, so it’s not entirely reliable, but he said His Majesty ordered two magic stones. Since it seemed unrelated to Your Highness, I didn’t report it beforehand.”

 

Anastasia’s eyes widened.

 

“Two?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Anastasia began gnawing at her fingernails with her teeth.

 

Magic stones were precious minerals with many uses, obtainable only from the Holy Kingdom and worth whatever price was asked. It wasn’t strange for The King to acquire magic stones.

 

‘But why exactly two?’

 

That was precisely what bothered Anastasia. Unable to shake off her uneasy feelings, she asked the governess irritably.

 

“Was there anything else he said?”

 

“Something about containing blood… He was rambling incoherently about such things.”

 

“What?”

 

Anastasia shot up from her seat. An ominous premonition spread through her spine to every corner of her body.

 

‘If it’s magic stones containing blood, could it be like that tiara…?’

 

Anastasia suddenly recalled The Queen’s crown that she had thrown into the flames. The red jewel embedded in it vividly came back to life in her mind.

 

‘Is he trying to remake that crown? Since he treasured it so much… But why two? Why exactly two?’

 

Anastasia’s hands began to tremble finely. After pacing in place and pondering for a while, a resolute expression appeared on Anastasia’s face.

 

‘I can’t just sit still like this. I need to act.’

 

Anastasia, having regained her usual composure, spoke to the governess.

 

“I’ll need Clovis’s help. Send someone to the Pretium Duke’s Residence.”

 

“Yes, understood.”

 

“And to the Haizen Estate as well.”

 

The governess asked back with a puzzled expression at Anastasia’s words.

 

“Pardon? Are you saying to send someone to the Haizen Estate as well?”

 

“I should see my teacher after such a long time.”

 

Anastasia answered with a slight smile.

 

“So you’ll need to prepare some tea. Something very precious, befitting an honored guest. You know what I mean, don’t you?”

 

* * *

 

“I’m surprised. To think you’d want to meet with me.”

 

In a beautifully decorated pergola in one corner of the garden, Deshion, seated at a place prepared for him, spoke first.

 

Anastasia shrugged her shoulders in response.

 

“Is it so surprising? A teacher and student sharing a cozy cup of tea together.”

 

Anastasia continued in a gentle voice.

 

“When I was bored, you often held lessons like this in the garden. Do you remember?”

 

“I remember.”

 

“Even back then, we had quite a good relationship… How did we become so distant?”

 

“…”

 

“I find that truly regrettable. You may not believe it, but I was very fond of you, teacher. I thought of you as one of my people.”

 

Deshion silently gazed into Anastasia’s eyes. Then Anastasia smiled brightly and picked up the teapot.

 

“Let’s have some tea first. The air is cold, so it’ll cool down quickly.”

 

Golden liquid filled the teacup with a gentle splash. A subtle fragrance touched the tip of their noses.

 

“…”

 

Though Anastasia had pushed the teacup toward him, naturally, Deshion didn’t pick it up.

 

Watching this, Anastasia’s lips curved upward in a twisted smile.

 

“The trust between us has really hit rock bottom.”

 

“I don’t particularly prefer tea.”

 

“Now you’re even lying. I know perfectly well what you like, teacher.”

 

Anastasia chuckled and filled another cup to the brim with tea.

 

“I’ll drink with you. I arranged this meeting to really have an open conversation today, so there’s no need to be so on edge.”

 

“…”

 

“If you wish, I’ll even switch teacups with you. How’s that?”

 

After switching her cup with Deshion’s, Anastasia took a sip of tea. Only then did Deshion’s expression relax slightly.

 

Deshion, who had politely taken a sip of tea, immediately got to the point.

 

“What did you want to discuss with me?”

 

“I wanted to know what picture you’re painting, teacher.”

 

Anastasia said while cupping the warm teacup in her hands.

 

“I don’t know how you’ll think of this, but I want to get along well with you, teacher. Truly.”

 

“…”

 

“There might be some misunderstanding, and perhaps I could fulfill what you’re asking for.”

 

Deshion, who had been looking down at the table with an unreadable expression, raised his head. His red eyes gazed directly at Anastasia.

 

“What do you think I would ask for?”

 

“Anything.”

 

Anastasia continued with a confident voice.

 

“Tell me. What do you want? Money, estate, power – if it’s something I can give, I want to give it to you. I don’t want to have this uncomfortable relationship with you, teacher.”

 

Deshion, who had been quietly looking into Anastasia’s eyes, opened his mouth.

 

“I want an apology.”

 

His heavy voice settled over the table.

 

“An apology? What kind of random talk is that…”

 

Anastasia burst into laughter.

 

“I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry. Is this how I should say it?”

 

Then Deshion let out a chuckle. As he tilted his head slightly, shadows deepened on his cool face.

 

“What are you apologizing for?”

 

Anastasia shrugged and smiled brightly.

 

“I don’t really know either. You’re making such a sudden, absurd request.”

 

“You do know. You just can’t open your mouth because you don’t know how much I’m aware of.”

 

“…”

 

Anastasia’s mouth shut tight. For the first time, a crack appeared in her previously relaxed expression.

 

Watching her lips twitch for a moment, Deshion spoke.

 

“You may not believe it, but there was a time when I genuinely cared for you. Though brief, we shared a teacher-student bond. Back then, I considered it my mission to help you become a good ruler.”

 

“…”

 

“This proposal I’m making now comes from the affection of that time. As a teacher to a student.”

 

Deshion spoke slowly.

 

“Apologize properly and make amends. Go to every single person you’ve harmed and caused damage to, confess the wrongs you’ve committed, and ask for forgiveness.”

 

“…Ha.”

 

Anastasia let out a hollow laugh.

 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, teacher. I might have made a few mistakes in life, but I don’t really remember anything significant.”

 

At those words, Deshion burst into low laughter. He slowly nodded his head.

 

“Yes, I suppose you would say that.”

 

“What happens if I answer that I can’t do that?”

 

“Well. I suppose we’d have to end this meeting? There would be no point in further conversation.”

 

At Deshion’s words, Anastasia ran her fingers through her long hair and let out a short sigh.

 

“That’s unfortunate. It seems like today will be the last time we sit face to face and share tea like this.”

 

“I feel the same way.”

 

The two looked into each other’s eyes as they drank the remaining tea.

 

A cool breeze swept over both their heads.

 

“Farewell, teacher.”

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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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