Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 90
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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 90
“….”
Heavy air circulated in the audience chamber. After a long silence, the King’s lips parted.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Deshion bowed his head respectfully.
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
Deshion raised his head again and met the King’s eyes.
“My thinking was short-sighted. At the time, I thought it was the best way to present Princess Heidi to Your Majesty.”
“I understand your sincerity well, but the fact remains that you deceived me with lies. Do you acknowledge your wrongdoing?”
“Yes, I acknowledge it.”
“I will give you a chance to make excuses.”
“I will not make excuses.”
The King sitting on the throne spoke in a solemn voice.
“Then I will impose punishment.”
“….”
“For the time being, quietly reflect at your residence. Though your crime is not small, this decision takes into account that it was made to protect the Princess.”
Deshion placed his hand on his chest and showed respect.
“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s great magnanimity.”
The King relaxed his shoulders and leaned back against the throne. He opened his mouth with a tired-looking face.
“Anyway, there would be nothing good about showing you and Heidi together right now, would there?”
“That is a correct observation. I will pay special attention to my conduct.”
“I intend to punish severely any rumors that might tarnish Heidi’s honor.”
Deshion bowed his head.
“Yes, I will also ensure that no words leak from my household.”
“Please take care of it.”
The King let out a deep sigh.
“That aside….”
The King’s eyes sparkled.
“According to the Prime Minister, Heidi is quite intelligent. Beyond just being able to read and write, she knows all the basic knowledge. He said it’s not the knowledge level of a maid, and he couldn’t believe it even after hearing the rumors.”
The King, who had been rattling off praise for his daughter, asked.
“Did you teach her everything?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Deshion nodded.
“She is intelligent and learns quickly. Though I couldn’t teach her foreign languages or musical instruments, I taught her all the subjects that noble ladies learn.”
“Excellent!”
The King lightly tapped the armrest of his chair.
“Honestly, what use are foreign languages or musical instruments in living? Especially for Heidi, they’re of no use.”
“That’s right.”
“When conversing with envoys, interpreters will accompany us, and when we want to hear music, we can simply summon musicians to the palace, can’t we?”
A smile had appeared on the King’s lips. He looked like a father eager to boast about his daughter to someone.
“Do you know what Heidi first requested of me?”
After briefly searching his memory, Deshion answered.
“Wasn’t it maids?”
“Correct. When I received that request, I was quite puzzled. I wondered what reason she could have for needing more maids.”
“I heard the maids’ working conditions improved noticeably?”
“Now I understand everything. Since she had experienced and seen things herself, her heart went out to them. Isn’t that admirable?”
The King’s eyes sparkled brightly.
“Others may gossip about Heidi being a maid, but thanks to that time, Heidi became better able to understand the hearts of the people.”
Deshion quietly looked at the King’s face. He seemed to care nothing at all about Heidi’s past.
“The Prime Minister acknowledged it too. He said Heidi has the qualities of a good ruler.”
Deshion’s eyes widened slightly.
“Duke Delern said that? Did he really say such a thing?”
“Isn’t it surprising? That strict man who never gave even one word of praise to Anastasia gave such high praise.”
The King smiled proudly.
“Marquis, I will not hide Heidi. I intend to continue having her appear before people.”
Deshion asked in a worried voice.
“Right now the situation is…. Won’t it be a great burden on the Princess?”
“This isn’t a situation that will be resolved by avoiding it, is it? The rumors might even become more inflated.”
The King spoke in a serious voice.
“I will continue to be by her side. With my protection, who would dare insult Heidi? Heidi is this country’s princess, no matter what anyone says. She is my precious daughter.”
Deshion’s lips softened gently.
“My thinking was short-sighted. My worry for the Princess came first, so I failed to understand Your Majesty’s deep intentions.”
The King, who had been watching him quietly, slowly opened his mouth.
“Marquis, no, Deshion.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I called you today because there was something I really wanted to say. Of course, I did impose the punishment of reflection…. But separate from that. There are words I should have said long ago but couldn’t.”
Deshion met the King’s eyes. The purple eyes that reminded him of Heidi were sparkling softly with a warm light.
“Thank you. For finding my daughter. And for protecting that child.”
“….”
“Please continue to watch over that child from beside her. I will do the same, but Heidi will feel more comfortable with you.”
Deshion knelt on one knee.
“I swear to you.”
The King slowly rose from his seat. He came down the stairs and stood before the kneeling Deshion.
“Until the day I die, I will protect the Princess with my life. Your Majesty.”
Deshion’s red eyes shone with determination. The King, who had been quietly watching those eyes, gradually reddened around the eyes. He placed his hand on Deshion’s shoulder.
“Thank you. Thank you so much….”
* * *
“I pay my respects to Your Precious Highness.”
Heidi lightly nodded her head to accept his greeting.
“Lawrence.”
Lawrence smiled and sat on the sofa across from Heidi.
“Thank you for meeting with me. Since there was no reply to my letter, I almost became sad thinking you had forgotten me forever.”
“There have been many matters recently.”
Heidi met Lawrence’s eyes.
“I’m sure you’re well aware of them too.”
Lawrence smiled silently.
After hesitating for a moment, Heidi asked.
“Has your mind changed at all?”
“What mind are you referring to?”
“About joining hands with me instead of Anastasia. If you regret it….”
Lawrence’s eyes narrowed.
“Why would I regret it?”
“Well….”
Heidi let out a short sigh.
“It will be revealed soon, but I’ll tell you first. The rumors going around now, they’re true.”
“I see.”
“…It doesn’t matter to you at all?”
At Heidi’s question, Lawrence tilted his head.
“Should it matter?”
Lawrence said.
“Nothing has changed, has it? You are still a princess. You are His Majesty the King’s own daughter.”
“….”
“You are kind, cheerful, and thoughtful. Nothing has changed, so why would you think my resolve has changed?”
At that moment, Heidi’s heart felt like it had been released with a snap. The discomfort she had been feeling all along melted away in an instant.
“Thank you.”
At Heidi’s words, Lawrence shrugged his shoulders.
“Don’t mention it.”
Lawrence, who smiled broadly, brought up the main topic he had come for.
“I heard that Count Haizen has received a house arrest order from His Majesty.”
Heidi nodded her head.
“I heard. It was fortunate that it doesn’t seem like it will last long.”
“But he will be absent from the upcoming banquet. That’s why I came.”
“Pardon?”
Heidi’s eyes widened in bewilderment. What did Deshion’s absence from the banquet have to do with him?
Then Lawrence revealed his even teeth and smiled broadly.
“It means the Princess’s partner position is vacant.”
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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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