Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 61
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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 61
“Wow….”
Heidi’s eyes widened slightly as she faced her reflection in the mirror.
Heidi turned her body this way and that. Each time she moved, the silver dress densely studded with small gems sparkled fantastically.
And what about the pure white fur cape draped over her shoulders? Every time she touched it lightly with her hands, its softness was so incredible it gave her goosebumps.
It seemed like she should be used to it by now, but Heidi still felt awkward seeing herself all dressed up.
‘How much would something like this cost? Even working until death with a maid’s salary wouldn’t be nearly enough, would it?’
Never mind the dress. She probably couldn’t even afford one of those tiny gems embedded in the dress.
Heidi’s expression became subtle as she realized this fact.
“Princess, you may proceed now.”
Heidi nodded her head.
Walking along the short corridor, a massive closed door soon appeared. Once that door opened, hundreds of people would be looking at just one person—her.
Heidi swallowed dryly.
“You may enter.”
Two servants forcefully threw open the doors. Bright light poured in like a flood through the gap.
‘I can do this.’
Heidi, who had clenched both fists tightly as if making a resolution, slowly took a step forward.
Just as she had practiced countless times, she straightened her back and opened her shoulders.
But the moment she felt hundreds of gazes instantly clinging to her, goosebumps rose all over Heidi’s body. Her body felt like it was hardening into stone.
That’s when it happened.
“…!”
A particularly tall figure came into Heidi’s view.
‘Deshion.’
The moment she recognized Deshion’s presence, Heidi felt her breathing clear up.
He was perfectly groomed from head to toe.
The wine-colored formal wear that fit his body perfectly was several times more splendid than the clothes he usually wore, and his hair was also neatly combed back to reveal his forehead.
‘Well, today’s meaning must be significant for Deshion too.’
She could never fully comprehend that heart that wanted revenge even if it meant betting his entire life.
But she could vaguely understand it. She could even share in that anger.
Eloise’s face came to mind. She who had to be engulfed in flames without any fault of her own was only eighteen.
Heidi steadied her momentarily shaken heart and took careful steps forward.
She could see The King waiting for her on the platform.
Draped in a red cape and wearing pure white formal attire, dignity overflowed from him.
Heidi, who had slowly climbed the stairs, paid her respects.
“May the Sun God’s blessing always be with you.”
“Lower yourself.”
At The King’s command, Heidi slowly knelt down.
Then the long dress train flowed down the stairs in waves. As the gems caught the chandelier light and sparkled like the Milky Way, gentle gasps erupted from among the people.
The King, who slowly looked around at those filling the ballroom, unrolled a scroll with a solemn face.
“In the name of I, King Alexander Linkheim Cherot de Panther, I bestow upon you a new name.”
His voice paused briefly. Heidi saw his hand holding the scroll trembling faintly.
It was a minute tremor that wouldn’t be visible to the others gathered there, but Heidi, who was right in front of him, could feel it.
“Heidi Beatrice de Panther.”
The moment The King announced Heidi’s new name, sounds of sharp intakes of breath could be heard from here and there.
Heidi could understand the reason too.
‘Beatrice….’
That name that The King cherished so much that he didn’t even give it to Anastasia.
Beatrice Gillian de Panther.
Because it was the name of the deceased Queen.
“I recognize you as a princess of the Panther Royal Family and grant you the West Palace.”
The King, who had carefully set down the scroll, extended his hand. Then someone who had been waiting approached slowly, carrying a tray wrapped in velvet.
On it lay a tiara so splendid it would make one’s eyes widen.
“As proof of this, I bestow this crown….”
The King slowly placed the tiara on Heidi’s head. A heavy weight was added to Heidi’s head.
“Princess, rise and show yourself to everyone.”
The King extended his hand to Heidi.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Heidi, who lightly placed her hand on his, slowly rose to her feet.
The moment she turned her head to look down at the area below the platform, thunderous applause filled the ballroom.
“….”
Heidi made eye contact with each person looking up at her from below the platform. There were some familiar faces, but most were strangers.
Though she didn’t know for sure, if they were invited to this occasion, they must be renowned nobles from the capital city.
If she had lived as ‘Heidi Dalton,’ she wouldn’t have been able to even make eye contact with them.
No, in fact, there would never have been any chance to encounter them in the first place. There was no way those people would set foot in a slum like Everton.
But at this moment, they were below the platform, and Heidi was above it. Everyone looked up to her.
And this eye level would never change for the rest of her life.
The moment she realized this, all the fine hairs on her body stood on end. Heidi gripped the railing tightly with trembling hands.
‘Everything has changed.’
Heidi’s heart beat like crazy.
‘Everything has….’
* * *
This was only the beginning.
Everyone who attended the banquet came forward one by one to offer their greetings. Some made a big fuss, while others wore reluctant expressions.
‘Even just smiling brightly isn’t something anyone can do….’
After dealing with about a hundred people, her cheek muscles were having minor spasms.
She wanted to run to her bed immediately and throw herself on it, but a grand banquet followed.
Exhausted, Heidi danced with The King according to the predetermined order, then took Deshion’s hand.
“Are you alright?”
Deshion, who was leading her to the music, tilted his head. He whispered softly in Heidi’s ear.
“Pardon?”
“You look pale.”
Ah, her complexion.
Heidi smiled awkwardly.
“I’m fine. Just a bit….”
“Just a bit?”
“I’m nervous. It’s starting to feel real, and I’m getting tired too.”
Heidi quickly changed the subject.
“By the way, why did you dress up so much today?”
At Heidi’s words, Deshion raised his eyebrows sharply.
“Why? Is it strange?”
“No!”
Heidi answered urgently.
“No. You look incredibly handsome. You look so good.”
At Heidi’s firm answer, Deshion burst into laughter.
Was that too much? Heidi’s face turned red with embarrassment.
“You don’t usually wear such fancy clothes. That’s why I was curious.”
“Ah.”
A little more strength went into the hand placed on Heidi’s back. Deshion answered with a grin.
“I wore red tones to stand out. That way it would be easier for you to find me.”
“…Ah!”
“I’m not sure if it had any effect. There were so many people dressed so splendidly.”
Heidi’s eyes widened. So that’s why he dressed differently than usual.
“You stood out the most.”
Heidi’s lips, which had been stiff with tension the entire time, curved softly.
“You probably would have regardless of what you wore. But dressed up so neatly like this, there’s no way you wouldn’t catch everyone’s eye.”
“Isn’t that only natural? Since I was chosen as your debutante partner.”
Deshion’s eyes curved into crescents.
“Princess.”
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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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