The Prince Who Loved Me - Chapter 58

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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 58

 

The Countess, who had been quietly listening to this, opened her mouth.

 

“Very refreshing.”

 

“….”

 

From experience, Bada’s face hardened as she knew that phrase wasn’t a compliment. Then the Countess smiled at her.

 

“This time it is indeed a compliment.”

 

“Is, is that so?”

 

“Yes. You understand it perfectly. Above all, the Crown Princess position is essentially equivalent to a high-ranking civil service job. In other words, it’s a lifelong career with obligations. You understand well thanks to your rich experience in professional life. Excellent.”

 

Bada smiled brightly at the Countess, who wore a satisfied expression like a teacher looking at an honor student.

 

“It’s all thanks to your precious teachings, Countess. I’m so grateful that you’ve taken time out of your busy schedule for me. Teaching people isn’t easy without passion, after all.”

 

“This old woman only did what she had to do. I’m simply grateful that you followed along so well.”

 

The Countess, who rarely showed a warm smile, cleared her throat and changed the subject.

 

“Your etiquette is now flawless, so I guarantee you’ll make a good impression on high society at the Royal Summer Gala.”

 

“Royal Summer Gala?”

 

“The summer ball hosted by the Royal Family. It seems you haven’t heard about it yet.”

 

Bada searched her memory carefully, but she had never received an invitation to a ball.

 

“No, I haven’t heard about it yet.”

 

“You’ll probably receive an invitation soon. It’s an annual summer event held in the Royal Ballroom of Windmere Palace, where the Royal Family directly invites nobles, high-ranking officials, and distinguished citizens who have contributed to the country throughout the year for a banquet and ball.”

 

“Then it must be a very important event?”

 

“Of course. It will be your first official event, Lady.”

 

Bada swallowed nervously.

 

‘…My first official event. I’m getting a bit nervous.’

 

* * *

 

Clarissa finished the etiquette lesson and left Windswood House.

 

As she passed through the garden, her eyes caught sight of hydrangeas in full bloom.

 

She narrowed her eyes as if displeased with something and approached the flower bed where the hydrangeas bloomed.

 

Then she carefully touched the petals with her fingertips and clicked her tongue.

 

‘Looking at how the hydrangeas’ colors are all mixed up, it seems the soil quality isn’t being managed well.’

 

Just then, a low voice came from behind her.

 

“Don’t be too harsh. Still, the different colors harmonize quite beautifully together, don’t they?”

 

“Your Highness.”

 

As the lady curtsied, Damien waved his hand dismissively.

 

“It’s just the two of us, so please speak comfortably, Grandma.”

 

Clarissa looked around and sighed. Then she looked at him with reproachful eyes.

 

“You were supposed to be in Monaco but were found in Bali instead. A fellow who had no interest in women his whole life suddenly brings home a fiancée. Looking at the strange behavior you’ve been exhibiting lately, I wonder if you’ve been possessed by the ghosts of your ancestors.”

 

Damien smiled brightly and changed the subject.

 

“How was today’s lesson?”

 

“Since we’re on the topic, let me ask. Are you now trying to use this old woman as a teacher?”

 

“It would be a waste for such high-quality talent to just tend gardens at home. As Crown Prince, I can’t stand by and watch such a waste of national human resources.”

 

“Really, what a smooth talker!”

 

In fact, Clarissa had been the most cherished confidant of the late Queen Dowager, that is, Damien’s grandmother.

 

Damien followed Clarissa like a grandmother, as she was a great elder of noble society in place of his deceased grandmother.

 

He asked with a grin.

 

“So, what are your thoughts on the prospective Duchess of Wexley?”

 

“Considering how you acted recklessly on your own without even getting the Royal Family’s permission, I can’t say anything nice, but…”

 

Clarissa rolled her eyes once before continuing.

 

“From what I’ve observed closely these past few weeks, she’s pleasant and has an excellent character. I deliberately acted strict to test her, but she followed along well without showing any signs of difficulty. Though sometimes the things she says as jokes can be quite bewildering.”

 

“Well, if polished well, that might become an unexpected weapon.”

 

Clarissa raised her gaze to watch the sunset settling over the manor.

 

“There aren’t many people who can handle the weight of the Crown Princess position. There are many young ladies who vaguely dream of wearing a crown, but when faced with reality, most of them couldn’t last a day under that pressure. Only young ladies like diamonds, solid both inside and out, can withstand that pressure.”

 

“So, do you think Lady Yu has diamond potential?”

 

“There are still many parts that need polishing, but…”

 

Clarissa slowly turned her gaze toward the Crown Prince. Then she showed a meaningful smile.

 

“Let’s say she has Crown Jewel potential.”

 

Damien couldn’t hide his surprise at the Countess’s statement.

 

Crown Jewels referred to the gems that decorated the crown and scepter used in the King’s coronation.

 

So the Countess’s words meant that Bada was perfectly suitable talent to occupy the center of the Royal Family.

 

‘I knew Bada was adapting better than expected, but to make that picky Countess give her a Crown Jewel evaluation. How surprising.’

 

The Countess wasn’t the only one giving Bada generous praise.

 

Even Reginald, who was second to none in being difficult, gave Bada generous praise.

 

He found her impressive for her efforts in everything and her pleasant nature of approaching the servants first.

 

Even the gardener didn’t spare praise for her. He said the Crown Princess-to-be rolled up her sleeves to help when there was a lot of garden work, which was a great help.

 

“How many years have I been rolling around in high society? I can tell just by looking. Your fiancée seems like a good person.”

 

“Since I chose her, how could she not be?”

 

The Countess rolled her eyes at Damien’s arrogant attitude.

 

“You rascal. Do you even know why that child is trying so hard?”

 

“….”

 

“Because she truly loves you.”

 

The Countess sighed before continuing.

 

“She’s probably doing it out of impatience, wanting to quickly get used to her loved one’s world and be of help to him.”

 

In fact, the Countess had keenly penetrated Bada’s feelings that even Bada herself hadn’t realized.

 

‘That child is probably afraid. Afraid that her foreign existence might cause cracks in the Prince’s perfect world and bring down the tower he’s carefully built.’

 

So she was trying to quickly squeeze herself into the perfect Crown Princess mold.

 

Because she didn’t want to be a burden to Damien. Because she wanted to become someone he needed.

 

If she were a young lady whose only goal was social advancement, she would have thought about the privileges she’d enjoy rather than her duties. But from the Countess’s perspective, Bada was the complete opposite.

 

Damien smiled with a somehow complicated expression and said.

 

“Then please speak well of her to those around you. That she’s a good person.”

 

“Well. I’ll try within limits that don’t go against Windmere Palace’s wishes.”

 

“As expected, I only have Grandma.”

 

“We’ve talked too long. I should be going now.”

 

“I’ll escort you to your car.”

 

The Countess lightly took Damien’s offered arm and walked toward the main gate.

 

The moment Damien opened the car door for her, she turned around as if remembering something to say.

 

“And it seems that child hasn’t received an invitation to the summer ball yet. Shouldn’t you check on that?”

 

“If she’s not invited, we just won’t go. I don’t like them holding such events when Charlotte hasn’t been dead for long anyway.”

 

“Charlotte’s death is tragic, but the world can’t stop forever. It’s also the Royal Family’s duty to remain steadfast and always maintain their position even in chaos.”

 

“….”

 

“The King and Queen are proceeding with the event because they know this too.”

 

Seeing the sorrow deepen in Damien’s eyes, Clarissa felt her heart ache and turned her head away.

 

Charlotte and Damien had been close siblings who relied on each other from childhood through the difficult royal life.

 

The sudden death of such a sister must have been shocking.

 

And with the absurd rumor circulating that the Crown Prince was involved in her death, how must he feel?

 

“I’ll be going now.”

 

“Get home safely, Grandma.”

 

Damien stood in place and watched until the car carrying her disappeared from view.

 

He stood tall, lost in thought.

 

‘The Countess still wields great influence in high society. So there’s no better card than Grandma for waging a war of public opinion.’

 

He deliberately asked the Countess to give Bada etiquette lessons.

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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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