Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 99

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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 99

At Heidi’s words, the smile completely vanished from Anastasia’s face. Cracks appeared in the confident attitude she had maintained with such composure.

“What are you saying right now…?”

Heidi shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m just asking out of curiosity.”

“How truly rude.”

“Calling my adoptive parents here and making them stand around awkwardly wasn’t rude? Since Father granted them the title of baron, they are proper nobles.”

Anastasia snorted derisively.

“With a life peerage that doesn’t even have a proper estate…”

“And even if they weren’t nobles.”

Heidi cut off Anastasia’s words sharply and continued firmly.

“Disrespecting my parents is no different from disrespecting me.”

Heidi slowly scanned the faces of the ladies who stood awkwardly frozen behind Anastasia.

“Everyone who laughed, chattered, and stood by watching also participated in this, and I will definitely hold them accountable for this matter.”

Heidi looked straight into Anastasia’s violet eyes and said.

“No matter what tricks you pull, there’s something you can never take from me.”

“…”

“My bloodline. The fact that I, not you, am the true daughter of this nation’s king.”

A hot flame ignited in Heidi’s chest.

‘I’ll take everything away.’

She would take it all, one by one. Everything that Anastasia held in her grasp, she would claim for herself.

The more she had possessed, the greater her sense of loss would be. The higher she had been, the more dangerous her fall would be.

Venom flashed in Heidi’s eyes.

“I’ll show you exactly what that means.”

* * *

What kind of trick of fate was this?

Not even a few days after they had so sharply turned their blades against each other, Heidi and Anastasia had to board the same carriage.

“…”

“…”

Outside the window, pure white wildflowers bloomed abundantly, but the air inside the carriage was as cold as midwinter. The two stubbornly ignored each other, fixing their gazes straight ahead.

“I hope this will be an opportunity for you two to have many conversations and grow closer.”

Despite The King’s request, his wish seemed unlikely to come true. Heidi quickly pulled her skirt hem that had drifted toward Anastasia back to her side.

“It is the royal family’s duty to look after the people’s hardships. You two should go and observe their difficulties and comfort their wounded hearts. Think of it as an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned from the Duke.”

As Deshion had suspected, this inspection seemed to be a kind of aptitude test. If they could show something here, they would surely make a strong impression not only on The King but also on the Prime Minister and other ministers.

Perhaps due to his lingering affection for Anastasia, The King tried to treat Heidi and Anastasia fairly.

Though he didn’t speak directly about succession to the throne, she was certain that The King’s heart hadn’t definitively leaned to one side.

While it was orthodox opinion that Heidi, who carried the king’s bloodline, should become the successor, there were still many who supported Anastasia.

Anastasia made full use of the nobles’ secrets to hold them in her grasp and manipulate them. House of Pretium, the family with the greatest influence in social circles, still firmly supported her.

‘Many people seem to feel uncomfortable about me having been a maid…’

Heidi shook her head vigorously as if trying to dispel her complicated thoughts.

‘I absolutely must show my best this time.’

This was an opportunity to prove her abilities through her own strength. Heidi clenched her fists and steeled her resolve.

But…

“Don’t worry anymore. I will soothe all of your pain.”

Heidi’s ambitious plan started to go awry from the very beginning.

* * *

“How difficult it must have been for all of you… Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes, so I pleaded with Father. I told him I wanted to help you.”

As soon as they arrived at Hitchins Estate, Anastasia immediately began actively communicating with the estate’s people.

“Oh my, how adorable. How old are you?”

“I just turned four, Princess Anastasia.”

“Such a lovely age.”

Anastasia pulled a hair ornament from her own hair and placed it in the child’s hair.

“This suits you much better than me. How precious you are.”

“How can you give us something so valuable…”

“I think a child’s smile is far more precious than such accessories. Don’t feel burdened.”

Anastasia gently stroked the child’s cheek and smiled. At this benevolent sight, exclamations and praise poured from the people.

“What an angel! How can someone have such a kind heart…”

“Princess Anastasia came all the way here because she truly cares for us.”

“I heard the carriages following behind are full of food. We won’t have to worry for a while.”

As soon as Anastasia stepped out of the carriage, she skillfully captivated the crowd. She seemed to know exactly what people wanted. She said what they wanted to hear and captured their attention with perfect performance.

Heidi, standing beside Duke Delern watching this scene, bit her lips tightly.

‘I don’t want to admit it, but she’s definitely outstanding. I can see why she was so confident…’

Then Duke Delern, who had glanced at Heidi, spoke up.

“Don’t be too anxious. This isn’t the only moment. During the few days we’re staying, there will be many opportunities to approach the people.”

“Yes, I know.”

Heidi forced the corners of her mouth up, pretending to be relaxed. But seeing Anastasia quickly growing close to the people, anxiety surged again.

‘Should I do the same?’

After pondering for a moment, Heidi shook her head. Since Anastasia had perfectly seized control of the atmosphere, if she clumsily tried to join in now, she would only serve as a supporting character to make Anastasia shine even brighter.

Then Anastasia looked at the gathered crowd and said.

“Tomorrow evening, I’m thinking of hosting a meal for you all. I’ll prepare plenty so everyone can eat and drink their fill, so I hope you’ll all come.”

Anastasia’s words drew thunderous applause from the villagers. To those who hadn’t eaten their fill in a long time, Anastasia’s words felt like sweet rain.

‘She’s going to make food and share it? Like a banquet?’

Though it was only a temporary solution, there would be nothing better for capturing and soothing the hearts of the starving estate people.

The Viscount seemed to think the same, nodding with a satisfied expression.

“It will surely bring great joy and comfort to the estate people.”

“That’s fortunate. That’s what I came this long way for.”

Heidi, who had been listening to the conversation between The Viscount and Duke, asked.

“Are there enough servants working in the castle? Even if we brought ingredients, preparing enough food to feed everyone in the village would require quite a lot of work.”

“That’s…”

The Viscount scratched his forehead as if he hadn’t thought that far. Then Anastasia, who had approached at some point, answered instead.

“That can be solved by calling the village women. Who would dare refuse?”

Anastasia looked at Heidi and smirked.

“Your empathy for the maids’ position must come from experience, I suppose?”

“Anastasia.”

“That was meant as a compliment about your overflowing consideration. I’m worried you might misunderstand my words.”

A strange tension flowed between the two princesses.

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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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