Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 97
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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 97
Although Deshion and Heidi tried their best to lighten the atmosphere, the Dalton couple continued to tremble with their hands shaking. For these people who had never even had occasion to deal with nobility in their entire lives, meeting with the King was something they could never have imagined even in their dreams.
It was unexpectedly the King who instantly dissolved that tense atmosphere.
“There was something I really wanted to ask when I met you both.”
“An-anything you wish to ask.”
“I was curious about what Heidi was like when she was young. I have no memories of those times…”
At the King’s words, Nora and Raymond’s eyes met directly. Nora’s lips, which had been frozen stiff the entire time, slowly parted.
“She was quite a sensitive baby. She would cry as soon as we put her down in the cradle, so my husband and I would take turns holding her.”
“But once she grew a little, there was no child as gentle and good as her. She crawled quickly, and walked earlier than others too.”
“When she was young, she loved playing outside energetically. Even with her tiny frame, she acted like the leader among the neighborhood children.”
Once the floodgates of conversation opened, the stories flowed endlessly without stopping. The King listened intently to both people’s stories throughout, and a warm atmosphere continued.
After the meal ended, the King said he had something to discuss privately with the Dalton couple and sent Heidi and Deshion out first.
The King, who had served warm tea, opened his mouth.
“After hearing today’s stories, I understand. How much you both raised Heidi with love.”
The King placed his hand on his chest as he spoke.
“I’m truly grateful. For saving Heidi and raising her so healthy and bright like this.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty.”
The Dalton couple bowed their heads repeatedly. The King, who had been watching them quietly, slowly parted his lips.
“However, I would like you to keep some distance for Heidi’s sake.”
At the King’s words, Raymond and Nora raised their heads. Their eyes were wide and round as if surprised.
“I won’t deliberately prevent Heidi from meeting you both. Heidi may invite you to the palace, and she may occasionally go to spend time with you. I understand that.”
“…”
“But Heidi has much to learn as a princess in the palace right now, and it’s time for her to work on establishing her position. I think you both already know what rumors are circulating in the streets. Please consider what would be best for Heidi.”
The King spoke in a solemn voice.
“There may be many who approach you. Perhaps they might even offer bribes. If you don’t want to put Heidi in a difficult position, stay away from them. I will continue to watch.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We will keep that in mind.”
Raymond and Nora lowered their eyelashes. Their eyes were moist with tears.
“I understand your disappointed feelings.”
“…”
“After taking away the daughter you cherished and raised your whole life, telling you not to see her often, not to think of benefiting from your daughter, and even saying I’ll monitor you for life… I’m sorry. Truly.”
At the King’s apology, Raymond shook his head.
“We are not disappointed.”
“…”
“I’m not just saying this – we are not disappointed at all, Your Majesty.”
The King slightly furrowed his brow in puzzlement.
“How…”
“What could be more important to parents than their child being happy and healthy?”
“…”
“Heidi, no, Princess Heidi will eat the best food, wear the best clothes, and sleep under the best blankets here. Your Majesty will give her everything that I cannot.”
Smiles appeared on Raymond and Nora’s lips. Looking at the King with eyes brimming with tears, he continued in a trembling voice.
“That is enough for us. We won’t be greedy for more. So please…”
“…”
“Please take good care of the Princess.”
* * *
“Don’t worry too much. His Majesty will treat them well.”
Deshion said, watching Heidi pace around the room anxiously.
“They’ll come here soon.”
“I suppose so. I know it’s unnecessary worry, but…”
“More importantly, I heard you’re going down to Hitchins Estate tomorrow. Together with the Prime Minister and Anastasia.”
At Deshion’s words, Heidi nodded.
“Yes, the drought is severe so there’s a major food shortage. I heard we’re going to deliver relief food.”
“That’s right. Anastasia has been on several such consolation inspections, but it’s your first time, so it might feel a bit unfamiliar.”
“What kind of place is Hitchins Estate?”
At Heidi’s words, Deshion quickly pulled out a geography book from the bookshelf. He pointed to a spot on the map with his finger and said.
“Hitchins Estate is a vast plain located east of the capital city, Panther’s representative granary region. It’s an area that mainly cultivates wheat.”
“But to have a drought there… That’s serious.”
Heidi, who had been looking at the map for a moment, asked.
“Are you coming along too?”
Deshion shook his head.
“I actually already asked His Majesty about that, but he said no.”
“He said no?”
Deshion shrugged as he answered.
“The Prime Minister seems to have some intention. It might be a kind of test.”
“A test?”
“That’s what I suspect.”
Deshion said.
“I think the intention is to compare each of your qualities by observing yours and Anastasia’s attitudes and responses in that situation. I don’t know if it’s the King’s order or the Prime Minister’s request though.”
Heidi’s expression became subtle.
“I’m feeling a bit nervous somehow. It would be a situation more familiar to Anastasia…”
“You don’t need to try to prove anything. Just act truthfully as your heart guides you.”
Deshion glanced at his pocket watch and said.
“I’m going straight down to the provinces as soon as I leave here. It’s not too far from Hitchins Estate, so we might briefly meet.”
“Around that area? What business do you have?”
Deshion answered in a calm voice.
“I mentioned before that I was tracking the list of attendants who went to Schuhights Castle with The Queen when you were born.”
“Yes. But you said most of them died…”
“Except for just one person.”
Heidi, who had been searching her memory for a moment, asked.
“You mean the coachman? But you said he went missing.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean he died. Norbert Albett’s older sister and niece live around Hitchins Estate. I’m going to check it out just in case.”
“That’s a good idea. I hope you get some results. Be careful on your way.”
“Be careful going down tomorrow.”
Heidi smiled brightly at Deshion. As she was seeing him off, Heidi suddenly tilted her head.
“But are they still talking? It seems like it’s about time for them to come…”
Heidi gestured to call the maid who was standing at the doorway.
“Go to The Sun Palace and find out what’s happening.”
“Yes, Princess.”
* * *
Meanwhile, the Dalton couple who had left The Sun Palace were clutching their chests and having a conversation.
“Phew… I was so nervous I couldn’t even taste the food.”
“Me too. My legs are still trembling.”
“We didn’t make any mistakes, did we?”
“You didn’t. I’m not sure about myself though.”
Just then, one of the palace maids approached them.
“Are you Baron and Baroness Dalton?”
The Dalton couple, thinking it must be someone Heidi had sent, nodded vigorously. Then the maid smiled and said.
“Princess Anastasia requests to see you.”
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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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