Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 60

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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 60

Her large eyes curved into crescent shapes with a gentle smile.

Clear, transparent skin. Delicate features like a doll.

Heidi up close looked exactly like an angel. Even from a distance, one could tell she had quite a pretty appearance, but facing her natural demeanor felt different.

“….”

Dazed.

Those who had been staring at Heidi in a trance belatedly rose from their seats.

To remain sitting even after seeing the princess! Realizing they had unknowingly committed a tremendous rudeness, their faces flushed red.

“We, we greet Your Highness the Princess.”

“We greet Your Highness the Princess.”

At their belated greeting, Heidi smiled brightly and nodded her head.

“Everyone, please sit. Let’s have some tea first and talk, shall we?”

Is she just letting this slide?

Those who had been tense exchanged glances with each other.

‘The Florence’ was practically a gathering place for the ladies who were publicly known as Anastasia’s people in the social circle.

Even if it was difficult to openly distance themselves due to their families for now, if Anastasia were to be expelled later and Heidi became the sole heir to the throne, they would instantly become like kites with severed strings.

Those who had expected a cold reaction rolled their eyes around.

‘If it had been Princess Anastasia….’

Just imagining it sent chills down their spines.

Anastasia would give substantial rewards to those who pleased her, but the moment someone fell out of her favor, she was merciless.

‘Is she a different style from Princess Anastasia?’

They busily tried to guess Heidi’s true intentions as they took their seats.

“I don’t know what everyone likes, so I prepared what I like for now. If you tell me what you prefer, I’ll prepare that next time.”

“…Thank you.”

Heidi treated the seven ladies warmly with a cheerful, smiling face. She complimented their hairstyles and asked about their families.

“Clara, how are your eyes so clear and beautiful? They’re just like jewels.”

“Your, Your Highness has truly beautiful eyes. Hehe. Actually, not just your eyes, everything about you is beautiful….”

When a rare beauty poured out endless compliments, how could their hearts not waver?

Her affectionate and informal attitude, like treating old friends, made them unconsciously spill their inner thoughts.

But they didn’t completely let their guard down.

No matter how recently she had entered the social circle, Princess Heidi surely knew well that The Florence was Anastasia’s closest circle.

If she approached them knowing this, there must be some definite reason.

‘She must be hiding some dark ulterior motive behind that pretty face!’

Sure enough. After about an hour of conversation, Heidi carefully brought up the main topic.

“Actually, there’s a reason I invited you all today.”

Of course there would be. What grand thing is she going to demand?

The ladies gathered there gulped and swallowed their dry saliva.

“As you all probably know from the rumors, I haven’t been in the palace for very long. Except for Count Haizen, I don’t know many people.”

Heidi let out a small sigh.

“Because of that, there’s a lot I don’t know about social life. Father has decided to hold a grand debutante ball for me soon, but I don’t even know what to wear.”

Heidi made eye contact with each of the ladies one by one and lifted the corners of her mouth.

“So when I saw you at the last banquet, you particularly caught my eye, and I sent invitations on a whim. You’re the most beautiful flowers in Panther’s social circle, after all.”

“Then today is….”

“I think I need to choose a dress to wear at the debutante ball. Would you help me?”

It was a less significant request than expected. Those whose shoulders had risen from Heidi’s compliments all readily nodded their heads.

“Of course we can help you with that.”

“If my opinion would be helpful, then….”

Seeing the faces of the ladies whose wariness had softened, Heidi’s smile deepened.

“Great. I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

* * *

Heidi had reached out to The Florence.

‘How dare she.’

That news naturally reached Anastasia’s ears through Sheila.

She was visiting the Western Palace several times a week to help with debutante preparations. The atmosphere was said to be very harmonious.

‘Switching sides….’

Anastasia’s lips twisted upward. Gritting her teeth, veins stood out on her forehead.

‘Have I been too lenient all this time? They have no fear. They should know what I’m holding.’

She would crush them thoroughly. So that everyone could see how miserable the fate of traitors was.

But not right now.

Everything had priorities, after all.

‘First, I need to deal with Father.’

As the sun began to set westward, Anastasia headed toward the Sun Palace.

Since she knew the King’s movements perfectly, creating a seemingly chance encounter was all too easy.

“…Anastasia.”

At the King’s voice calling her, tears welled up in Anastasia’s large eyes.

As if choked up, she paused to steady her breathing before parting her trembling lips.

“Father.”

“….”

“I can still call you that, right? I’m still….”

Before she could finish her words, Anastasia covered her mouth. Pearl-like teardrops rolled down her snow-white cheeks.

Seeing this, the King’s face turned white as plaster. He abruptly rose from his seat and approached Anastasia with a bewildered expression.

“No, child.”

“….”

“Asking if you can call me that. What are you saying such things for? Hmm? Don’t cry.”

Anastasia threw herself into the King’s arms as if she had been waiting for this. The King then gently patted her as she wailed and poured out her grievances.

Leaning against the King and pitifully shedding tears, Anastasia secretly observed his expression.

‘Father is truly easy to handle, in many ways.’

Sheila’s words were right. Truly right.

Anastasia decided to accept Sheila’s advice. To use the King’s guilt.

Then the King’s cold and distant attitude, as if disappointed in her, vanished completely.

He began to act like someone who would do anything if it could heal her wounds.

‘Ha.’

Anastasia snorted inwardly.

Whether it was because of the tender affection between parent and child as Sheila said, or simply because he didn’t want to be a petty and bad person, she didn’t know, but it didn’t matter.

She would use everything she could use.

“I was so scared, Father. That I might no longer be someone you need… I thought I would be abandoned just like that.”

“Abandoned! How could I ever….”

“But that’s what everyone in the world is saying.”

“…Child, that’s.”

“I’ll go down to the estate you granted me on my tenth birthday. Then people will forget all about someone like me….”

“…That won’t do!”

Anastasia melted the King’s heart with her pitiful yet lovely appearance.

The two people now sitting side by side on the bench seemed to have perfectly restored their once tender relationship.

The King held Anastasia’s hand tightly and said.

“Anastasia. No matter what anyone says, you are my beloved daughter. Don’t forget that.”

“Yes, Father.”

Anastasia’s eyelashes trembled delicately.

“But people won’t think that way. They’ll all ignore me and gossip, calling me a fake princess who’s just a facade. Just thinking about it makes my face burn.”

Deep wrinkles formed on the King’s brow.

“When I cherish you, who dares to gossip carelessly? Tell me. I’ll warn those who speak recklessly!”

“You know how loose the nobles’ tongues are.”

Anastasia said, gripping their clasped hands tightly.

“So Father, I have a favor to ask.”

“Tell me.”

Anastasia’s eyes sparkled.

“Please show others that your heart feels the same way. That I’m still the daughter you love most, Father. Please?”

* * *

Time passed, and the debutante ball arrived.

“Whew.”

Heidi took a deep breath with her eyes closed. A moment later, she opened her eyes with a determined expression as she stood before the mirror.

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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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