“My lady looks gorgeous. It reminds me of my young days.” Olivia praises me while making my hair. I already said it’s fine and a maid can do it, but she keeps on insisting.
“My beauty is no match to Miss Olivia’s.” I carefully glance back to not ruin the hard work she put in.
“You flatter me, my lady.”
I changed into a golden yellow dress, one of Her Majesty’s old yet new dresses, still fashionable. I thought they’ll give me a simple dress to wear.
Olivia finishes styling my hair with a long twisted crown braid style. It’s done very neatly. After finishing giving me a makeover like a doll, Olivia escorts me back to the banquet hall. We were having a good chat until bumped into Azher on the way.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness. Are you on the way to the banquet too?” Olivia asks. Judging by her tone, it seems she’s very much familiar with Azher. Not that questionable since she’s Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting.
“Yes. I have to settle some
“Please enjoy the snacks. I order only the finest for you.” Aiden says, pointing to the multiple types of desserts serve on a dark green multi-layer cake plate with gold lines. “I appreciate the thought, Your Highness. Thank you.” But does he expects me to finish all this? I just ate lunch! “By the way, I never got the chance to tell you. You don’t have to be so formal.” ‘How can I not? Even if he’s the catastrophe I have to stop, he’s still a prince.’ “Just relax. Call me Aiden.” He adds. “That’s impossible. You’re a prince. I-” “Well, I’m the one who talked casually first. Or should I order you to talk casually with me?” He cuts me off. He leans his body to the front, in my direction. “Say my name.” The words sound like a demand. Seeing how this prince doesn’t know a thing about personal space, I back away a bit, eyes avoiding the front. “A-Aiden…” I finally stutter his bare name, can no more stand this uncomf
I scoff. “How thick-skinned. Still lying even when the truth is clear as water?” “Believe me, my lady! It really wasn’t me!” “Do you have proof that it wasn’t you?” I ask. “N-No… But my lady also has no proof that I did it!” “Says who?” I glance at Aiden and he nods, understanding my request. He uses magic to reveal the fingerprints on the teapot. “All humans have different fingerprints.” I take the teapot passed by Aiden. “And somehow…” I harshly grasp her wrist. “Yours perfectly matches these.” Like a grocery store staff got caught stealing, she shivers in fear, sweat runs down her face. I release her hand, standing up and looking down at her. “Not so mighty now, huh?” “F-Forgive me, my lady! I have committed a crime!” “You know it’s a crime, yet you still do it.” ‘Can’t tell whether you’re reckless or just dumb’ is what I wish to add, but no can do. “I’m not mad because you tried to po
The carriage departs towards the duke’s manor. The atmosphere is quiet, neither of us tries to merry the mood. I stare at the scenery of people and lands outside while arranging my script. How should I ask him? “I have a question.” Azher states, startling me a bit. “Yes?” “Whose side are you on? Me or Aiden?” “…!” I flinch, so hard that I almost fell from my seat. My head slowly goes down. His question fills my heart with rage, annoyance, and disappointment. How could he… No. It’s been two months. I can’t stand being doubted for everything I did. We can’t reach our goal if we don’t have faith in each other. “Still doubting me? Even after everything I’ve done? Unconditionally helping you and obediently wearing this necklace?” I ask like a psycho. Really, I’ve had enough of this. “What?” He asks as if he doesn’t know a thing. Oh, how great is his acting skills that I almost fall for it. Pissed, I harshly pull Purple Tears
Time quickly flies and it’s already Julian and Yuri’s engagement ceremony. Thankfully, everything goes as planned. Like nature is also celebrating this special day, the birds are chirping wonderfully, the flowers bloom beautifully and the sky is brilliant and sunny as ever. Today’s indeed a delightful day. “Congratulations on your engagement, Yuri.” I congratulate the female lead of the day. “Thank you, my lady.” Yuri smiles while linking arms with Julian like a real engaged couple. I turn to my brother, giving him a look. “Take good care of Yuri or I’ll crush you to pieces.” He sneers. “How will you crush me with your current skills?” “…” I don’t say anything, looking at him with annoyed eyes. I beat a whole group of bandits, yet you dare to question my skills? But I can’t expose, can I? The couple laughs, watching my irritated face. Seeing them standing side by side, laughing, I smile. At this point, maybe both of them will genuinely
“A-Amazing!” I gasp as my gaze lifts onto the tree. Isn't this the shady tree I rested that day? It looked so different! It’s blooming beautiful silver and gold Sakura-like flowers. “The tree itself is a rare species, but its flowers are rarer. This is the first it bloomed after 11 years.” “That’s a very long period. But… the flowers look more appealing and charming because of that. Don’t you think so?” I share my opinion. “…Yeah.” “The person who planted this must be delighted to see its flowers. Who planted this? The palace gardener?” I ask, curious to know who’s the very patient person. “Me.” Azher answers. My jaw drops. “Y-You?!” He, an arrogant proud prince, plays with dirt? I can’t imagine the sight of it. “Is there a problem?” He asks with a poker face. “No. I asked because I want to plant one in the manor too.” I answer quickly, but I didn’t lie. It’d be great to have one in the garden. “Even if you want
The crown prince election becomes the main talk in Ardiane, including in our manor. During lunch, we dine together like always. My parents, Julian, and Yuri discuss who’s the most suitable person for the throne. “Prince Adam would be perfect for the position. He’s wise in decision making and cares the folks the most.” Mom states. “I agree with Mother. His Highness is an excellent choice.” Yuri agrees with Mom’s opinion. “No. Prince Aiden fits better. He’s a magic student graduate from Fyn empire.” Dad voices his opinion. “Dad… We’re talking about the next emperor. Not the next empire’s high-ranking mage.” Julian reminds, cutting his meat steak. We all know how much Dad admires mages. I wonder how he’ll react to knowing I’m a liv. “Besides, Prince Azher should sit on the throne. He invented multiple useful inventions and is a prodigy swordsman. He even defeated the capital bandits. Ardiane would be strong when the emperor himself is strong.” Ju
“His Majesty purposely chose white because it represents a new beginning or fresh start. In Ardiane history, this is the first crown prince election.” Azher answers. Looks like he’s back like normal. “Were the previous sons of empresses always the crown prince?” “Yes. All the late empresses have more than one son.” Now that he mentioned it, I recall Her Majesty had some kind of disease, making it hard for her to get pregnant. “I see… What do I have to do? During the parade, I mean.” “Smile.” “Only?” “And don’t burn down anything.” “Noted.” My finger shows the ‘okay’ sign. “We should get going.” He stands up and offers me his hand. I look at it confused, then at his face. It’s facing me alright, but eyeballs somewhere else. Maybe he’s shy. Without further delay, I accept his hand, except that I abruptly pull him out of the room. “Come on! This is your parade and you’re gonna be late!”
“Not really. This is the first time I got to look around properly.” “Don’t you think you’ve bought too much? Can you finish all that?” He points to the countless different types of food I’m carrying. “Who said anything about eating?” I smirk. “Hmm?” Azher hums curiously. I walk towards a secluded street where the poor are. Even in the capital, many people are staying in the streets and have struggled to find food. Especially orphans and elders. For a noble to contribute free food for them personally is a rare, no. A once in a millennium sight. Not to say if it’s a prince. This will surely increase Azher’s qualification as the crown prince! “What are you standing there for? Come help me give these out!” I invite and wave at him. ***** ‘She’s really…’ I shake my head, a grin on my face. Airis is eagerly waving and calling me to join her. Right when I stand beside her, she shoves a ful