Chances to Another Life

8. I Took a Course with Princess

I have nothing to do but wander aimlessly around the palace corridor and rather than be stared at by the guards, so here I am, embroidering a blanket with Adellia and Aunt Alexa.

After returning from the hunt this morning, I immediately carried out my assignment from the king to monitor Adellia's activities. However, I didn't expect to end up embroidering with them.

Well, I have no problem with embroidery or sewing. I used to sew my own torn clothes because my mother was always busy working. I don't consider it a woman's job, but sitting in a luxurious room with tea and delicious snacks turned out to be something I enjoyed.

However, my life feels completely different from this morning. Just this morning, I was being chased by Thorn-tailed Panthers, and now I'm feeling the gentle breeze from the open window as I embroider wool threads.

"Adellia, you are already 23 years old, aren't you? No wonder your father insisted I teach you the household chores," Aunt Alexa said.

I glanced at Adellia, who frowned, but quickly returned to her usual expression. I thought all mothers were the same everywhere; Aunt Alexa was no exception.

Does she know what it's like to be asked when we're going to get married when we don't even know what we want to do with our lives?

"That's why my father made me," Adellia whispered quietly.

Aunt Alexa adjusted the position of her glasses and looked at her niece. She is the younger sister of Adellia's mother, the Queen Consort. My first impression of her was quite good; she had a well-built figure, a friendly face, and a motherly smile.

I had prepared myself for Aunt Alexa to be one of those evil, belittling characters that often appear in the novels I read, but she accepted me well and even taught me how to embroider.

How kind!

"Cedric, right? A handsome and accomplished young man, perfect to stand by your side as you lead the kingdom," Aunt Alexa replied.

I saw Adellia bow her head; I thought the more someone mentioned her bethrothal to Cedric, the more the color drained from her face.

I tried to think of something to add to their conversation, but then I realized that I was only a hunter (a Cupid of love) and had no right to speak unless asked.

So I concentrated on sewing a small blanket that I didn't know what it would be used for. Perhaps to wrap a baby or my arrows, which I thought of as my own children.

I tried my best not to react to Adellia's gaze, which seemed to signal me to stop Aunt Alexa from babbling about how handsome Cedric and the other soldiers were.

I raised an eyebrow at her, what did she want me to do?

"Ah, it turns out that sewing is quite enjoyable. I really enjoy making blankets, maybe next time I can make clothes."

I boasted. Of course. I had no problem with this activity, but the situation was really difficult for me. I couldn't possibly refuse Adellia, who looked like she was about to cry.

Apparently, my words earlier had managed to draw Aunt Alexa's attention to me. Her blue eyes sparkled from behind her square glasses. "You have good taste, Mr. Hunter! Let's see, even though I said it would be a blanket, it has many uses. It could be a towel, a baby blanket, a tablecloth..."

Adellia gave me a small smile; she seemed happy because now Aunt Alexa shifted her chatter to the origins of her embroidery skills. To be honest, I didn't care; I had convinced myself that this embroidered blanket would be used as a doormat!

I wasn't fond of people who talked too much, but I always held back. I just nodded in response to Aunt Alexa's words, while occasionally answering "yes" and "no".

I had a bad feeling that this situation would continue as long as Adellia insisted on maintaining her relationship with Elliot.

Frankly, I didn't know how she could fall in love with the Prime Minister who was already married, and I was determined to dig deeper before deciding what steps to take.

"Adellia will definitely be a good mother and wife. Our family always upholds courtesy and dignity. I can't wait to make a dress for Adellia's wedding. There will surely be a grand procession throughout the kingdom of Swinggelir. Imagine how beautiful it will be!" Aunt Alexa chattered.

She looked up, she must be daydreaming. Then she shifted her gaze back to Adellia, losing interest in me as quickly as her hand continued sewing the thread.

"This kingdom has stood for over 2000 years! We have managed to defend it despite many rebellions. Oh, praise the king and queen."

Besides being talkative, Aunt Alexa is also full of drama. Still, I can tolerate her. Still, Adellia seems uncomfortable. Her hands tremble, which I suspect is not due to excessive embroidery. She forces a smile with a somber expression like dark clouds.

"Auntie, now is not the time for a history lesson," said Adellia, ignored by her aunt, of course.

Should I do something?

"Finally, it's done!" I exclaimed deliberately as I spread out the finished blanket.

The thread that serves as the base is blue, then I added yellow and white colors. I randomly imitated clouds, suns, and skies. I have been bad at arts and crafts since childhood, but this time I can appreciate my work.

I plan to open an embroidery class when I return home.

Aunt Alexa squints her eyes as if she is paying attention to every detail, then she pulls back and looks at me for a few moments. Perhaps she is surprised and begins to question whether or not I am a real hunter, given my expertise in this activity.

Aunt Alexa suddenly applauds loudly, making me jump. "Amazing! You have extraordinary skills!"

She takes the blanket out of my hands. Without missing a beat, Adellia also spreads out her finished work.

"Auntie, mine is ready too." She unfolds her small, plain white blanket. "Today's lesson is over, see you tomorrow!"

Without waiting for Aunt Alexa's answer, we quickly run out of the room. When we reach the hallway, Adellia exhales heavily as if she has been choked.

"All old people are the same," she complained.

Then she leads me to a double door made of fine wood. Just by looking at it, I'm sure this is the room of an important person, especially when several guards are passing by.

"Come in," Adellia invites me as she opened the door.

Immediately, my eyes are blinded for a moment as the shimmering objects hurt my eyes. When I can see normally again, I am stunned by the state of the room, where the furniture is covered in gold. Diamond necklaces lie casually on the dressing table.

This is Adellia's room! But instead of being embarrassed to enter a woman's room, I embarrass myself by not being able to stop gaping. It feels like one of her necklaces could support me until I die.

How rich is the kingdom of Swinggelir really?

"I just brought you here, right? My parents' rooms are even made of gold," Adellia said, further confirming that I am just a commoner.

This sight is extraordinary to me, but Adellia, who has been surrounded by such things all her life, sits on her sofa with a tired expression.

I have no choice but to quickly put an end to my embarrassing behavior and sit in front of her with a masculine demeanor.

"I want to meet Elliot," Adellia said.

"You know that's impossible. The King will be furious with you," I replied quickly.

Actually, I'm more afraid of what will happen to me. The King entrusted Adellia to my care so that she wouldn't meet Elliot. Who knows what he would do if I let her!

I hope Solace will be kind enough not to let me die in this unknown world.

Adellia changes position and lies down on the sofa. Apart from Katharina, I've never had any female friends before, so I'm not sure what to do, especially since she's a princess.

"Do you have a girlfriend, Joe?" Adellia asked.

"If I did, I wouldn't be here," I replied firmly.

"That makes sense," Adellia replied, as if to confirm that it was unlikely that I had a girlfriend.

"Elliot is my first boyfriend," she continued with sadness in her voice. "Believe it or not, I've never fallen in love with anyone before. But when I met Elliot, I immediately fell in love with him."

"Because of his job, he was always close to my father. And since I am the heir to the throne, we often talked about the kingdom. Unconsciously, I became interested in him and couldn't hold back my feelings."

Adellia shed tears, while I sat there listening to her like a fool.

"I miss him," she whispered again.

I didn't understand what it felt like to fall in love, but it seemed excruciatingly painful because Adellia had cried several times because of it.

"I can't help with that, it's also impossible for His Majesty to listen to me," I said when Adellia's gaze seemed demanding.

In reality, I was ordered by her father.

I also had to think of a way to bring Cedric and Adellia closer. However, I didn't know them well enough yet, so it would be difficult.

On the other hand, I couldn't freely meet the young man either because of his busy military profession.

I unconsciously tugged at my own hair until Adellia was surprised. "Joe! I'm the one who's lovesick, not you! Don't be crazy!"

She said it as if it would make me feel better. But in fact it gave me a terrible headache.

"Well, then, for the sake of our sanity, would you like to accompany me to the city library tomorrow? I haven't been there for a long time because my father forbids it. If we're together, I'm sure he'll agree," Adellia suggested. She really seems to care about me.

I thought for a moment. The library is not a bad idea, and besides, I like to read. There's no way Elliot will be there either.

Then I nodded in agreement. "It would be better if we go for a walk."

Now all I have to do is make my request to the king. Hopefully he will be generous and not draw his sword!