Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 54
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 54
Deshion, who had easily captured everyone’s attention, straightened his back.
Heidi also turned her head to look at Deshion’s face.
As he turned his head to meet eyes with each of the nobles looking at him one by one, he appeared so perfectly fine and healthy that it was impossible to imagine he was the same person who had been leaning on Heidi for support just moments ago.
“Among those gathered here, there must be some who remember His Majesty the King’s wedding banquet.”
Deshion spoke while looking at the elderly white-haired elders. Among them was Duke Delern, the prime minister.
“Of course, I wasn’t able to attend that banquet myself, but I have read about it through records. What the gift sent from the Grand Temple was at that time.”
Duke Delern, who had been lost in thought with narrowed eyes, opened his mouth.
“It was a tiara, I believe.”
“Yes, that’s correct. It was a magnificent crown. Do you also remember the moment when Her Majesty the Queen wore that crown?”
Then the nobles with white hair began to stir. Amazement spread across the faces of those who had dredged up old memories that had grown dim with time.
“A bright light spread out. That’s right, it did.”
“Just like today…”
Deshion nodded.
“They put His Majesty the King’s and Her Majesty the Queen’s blood into a magic stone, so it would shine brightly the moment it touched both of them. Isn’t that right?”
Deshion turned his head toward the priest. The priest, who had been silent for a moment, parted his lips.
“…That’s correct.”
At this brief acknowledgment, Duke Delern’s eyebrows twitched.
“Then today as well…”
“It would be the same principle. They put His Majesty the King’s blood into the magic stone, so it would emit light when touched by someone with royal blood flowing through them.”
Suddenly, the banquet hall became as quiet as death.
“Then…”
People’s gazes moved confusedly between Heidi, the King, and Anastasia.
Anastasia stood with her arms crossed and a stern expression, while the King stared down at Heidi’s hand with a dazed look.
They all vaguely realized what Deshion’s words meant. But overwhelmed by a truth too enormous to handle, they could hardly bring themselves to speak.
The first to come to his senses was Clovis Ervin Pretium. He had been observing the atmosphere of the space with a dazed expression when he raised his voice.
“What do you mean by those words you just spoke?”
Deshion tilted his head slightly and answered.
“I have no ulterior motive. I was simply answering other people’s questions.”
“Can you take responsibility for what you’re saying?”
“Responsibility? Didn’t the priest confirm my opinion?”
“Look here, Count Haizen. There could be a problem with the object, and nothing has been proven yet. You should refrain from words that could cause trouble for the Princess.”
Clovis approached roughly as if he might pounce at any moment.
“Enough.”
Then the lips of the King, who had been frozen like a statue all this time, parted. His sunken voice settled heavily in the banquet hall.
“Amar.”
The King called the priest.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Tell me honestly. What are the chances that there’s a problem with the magic stone?”
Then the priest clasped his hands together and answered.
“Magic stones do not lie. Unless there was a major mistake in the processing, such as other blood being mixed in, the result is accurate.”
“I see.”
The King slowly closed his eyes.
Looking tired, he pressed his eyelids firmly with his fingers and steadied his breathing.
“Amar, I know you’re not someone who would make mistakes, but…”
“…”
“Since this concerns the royal family, we must be cautious. I’d like you to contact the Grand Temple and inquire about the procedures. Can you do that?”
“Of course.”
The King’s gaze, after nodding, reached Heidi. Complex emotions swirled like a whirlwind in his deep eyes. After staring at her face for a long while, he parted his trembling lips.
“Heidi Ermetel.”
Heidi, who had been hesitating, answered in a small voice.
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I will provide you with the West Palace, so stay there until communication comes from the Grand Temple.”
“I will do as you command.”
“You shall be treated with courtesy befitting a state guest, and special care shall be taken to ensure no inconvenience in your daily life. And…”
The King’s gaze reached Anastasia, who was trembling pale as a sheet on the stairs. Even from a distance, her reddened eyes were clearly visible.
After keeping such an Anastasia in his sight for a long while, he deeply bowed his head.
“…My head aches. Let’s adjourn for today and discuss the lengthy matters another day.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please rest.”
The banquet was immediately adjourned after the main figure’s departure. The banquet hall, from which the King and Anastasia had withdrawn, was instantly filled with the murmuring of nobles swept up in shock.
“What is this all about?”
“What on earth happened… So, does this mean Princess Anastasia isn’t of royal blood?”
“It’s not certain yet. It’s just that there’s a possibility.”
“Then that lady…”
The gazes of people who had been confused and flustered gradually turned to one place.
“…”
Deshion whispered softly in the ear of Heidi, who stood there in a daze.
“We should get out of here too. Before it’s too late.”
“…”
“Heidi.”
Focus returned to Heidi’s eyes, which had been vacant due to the chaotic situation.
“…Deshion.”
“You need to pull yourself together. This is just the beginning.”
Deshion lightly grasped her shoulder.
“You’ll need to get used to a new life. One that’s different from now.”
“…”
“You can do it.”
* * *
Heidi belatedly realized that staying in the Royal Palace meant being separated from Deshion’s protection.
‘Well, of course. They wouldn’t want to keep a young man and woman in the same space overnight.’
When Deshion, who had escorted her to the front of the West Palace, returned, Heidi suddenly found herself alone.
‘But I’m scared…’
Of course, she would see him again when morning came, but his absence felt enormously large.
“It’s our first time meeting you, Lady Heidi.”
About twenty Royal Palace servants greeted her in unison. A middle-aged maid with a tall stature and gentle features came forward, smiling brightly as she spoke.
“His Majesty commanded us to prepare the West Palace. We prepared it hastily, so there may be many shortcomings, but please tell us about any inconveniences and we’ll correct them as quickly as possible.”
“Ah, yes…”
“Would you like to look around first? I’ll personally guide you.”
The maid, who had draped a shawl over Heidi’s shoulders so she wouldn’t be cold, smiled warmly.
“The garden will look much better if you tour it tomorrow morning. Although it’s smaller in size compared to the eastern or southern palaces, the West Palace has the most beautiful garden.”
“Yes…”
“We’ve prepared the bedroom on the second floor for now. If you tell us your preferences, we’ll have it ready by tomorrow.”
The maid, who had softly lit the room, gently stroked Heidi’s arm as she spoke.
“You must feel unfamiliar and nervous because of the suddenly changed environment, right?”
“…”
“That’s perfectly understandable. But you’ll adapt quickly. I’ll help you a lot while serving you.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
“Put off complicated thoughts until tomorrow, and just sleep well tonight.”
Heidi’s frozen heart gently melted at the gentle voice and warm smile.
‘Right. This is also a place where people live… I don’t need to be so frightened from the start.’
Heidi entrusted herself to the maid’s gentle touch and steadied her mind.
“Um…”
“Yes, Lady Heidi. Is there anything you need?”
Heidi shook her head.
“I don’t think I asked for your name.”
The maid’s fingers paused at Heidi’s words. She gently placed her hand on Heidi’s back and spoke.
“Sheila. You can call me Sheila.”
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————