A Real Princess

Cries and pleas filled the corridor for some time.

Aya begged to see Roniel, though she knew it was futile. Of course, it was. Lorenz acted under Gallahan’s command, and she herself was bound to it. She couldn’t be by her stepfather’s side while still serving her punishment. To her, this was the true retribution.

Lorenz gave a summary of the investigation report with a solemn tone and expression.

According to him, the house and the bookshop were found on fire around the same time the wild beasts attacked the royal capital. Roniel had managed to escape but passed out immediately after. Initial assessment suggested incapacitation from smoke and severe burns. However, circumstances surrounding the body raised suspicion of foul play. Subsequent examinations determined that he had been poisoned before the fire began.

The possible scheme here, therefore, was to use the fire to conceal an assassination.

“Forgive me for hiding it. You've had so much going on, but even then… I think you deserve to know the truth,” Lorenz said as Aya broke down in tears even more. “I promise you this, Miss Aya. I will ensure that he survives and recovers, but for that to happen, I will have to bring him with me to my territory.”

“...T-To the Aerowenlore Isle?”

“Yes. I cannot remain in the royal capital for too long. I must return to fulfill my duty as an island chief. Even so, I vow to reunite you with Sir Roniel. I will look after him in my castle.”

“B-But why…? W-Why can’t he stay here?”

“Someone wants to get rid of him, and we don’t know who it is. He needs to be somewhere safe. I can help with that. Moreover, someone at home is capable of concocting the antidote for the poison.”

“R-Really? Will he be okay?” she snivelled.

“I’ll do whatever I can. Don’t worry.”

She nodded. “Then, I’ll believe you…”

“You don’t have other relatives, I heard. This is the best choice for now. You have your own matters to deal with. You should focus on them and leave this to me.”

Problems kept coming in, one after another. A child definitely couldn’t cope alone. Even an adult would probably cave in. That's why Aya was fortunate to have someone she could depend on. While she loathed being separated from Roniel, she was still grateful to Lorenz for all his help.

Finally, she wiped her tears away. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden on him. Despite being busy himself, he always made time for her and watched over her. This wasn’t how she intended to repay his kindness. She had to pull herself together.

‘Just who would do this to Dad, though? He doesn’t have any enemies-’

Her thoughts stopped short. She remembered one crucial detail.

“U-Um, Lord Lorenz!” she called, “I told you about the masked man who went after me during the wild beasts’ attack. Could it be connected to this?”

“...Perhaps. It does seem too coincidental—both parent and child getting targeted the same day.”

“Maybe I can do something to help?”

“No, Miss Aya. I’m afraid you'd have neither the time nor the energy to assist with this, especially with your crowning ceremony happening so soon.”

“M-My crowning ceremony?”

Still carrying her in his arms, he started walking towards the main hall. “It is where you will be formally invested with regal power, where you will officially assume your new role and responsibilities. The whole Kingdom of Theovaleo shall bear witness to your accession to the royal house. Needless to say, there will be rituals that you must prepare for, though the hardest part is likely what comes before those. You will need to start practicing for your performance in the Anointing.”

Aya was familiar with the Anointing. 

People would talk about it more than the ceremony itself whenever a royal was crowned. From what she heard, the new member opened the event with a magical performance that showcased their skills and talents, setting the stage for the coronation. Nobility was inclined to place great value on such extravagant displays. Last time was particularly memorable, albeit for the wrong reasons.

‘The prince messed up his spell and suffered public humiliation. Ever since, he's known as the ‘Prince of Weeds,’ even though it's a mistake any kid could make. Poor guy.’

Lorenz stopped in front of the doors to the main hall, then looked Aya straight in the eye. “I understand you are worried about your stepfather, but I need you to be brave. The crowning ceremony, in reality, is a test to prove your worth—to convince the masses that you deserve your position. You must do your utmost to leave a good first impression and earn their acceptance. Failure can be an ineffaceable scar.”

“But I... I don't know anything about being royalty…”

“Someone will help you. Let me introduce you to her.”

Her eyes widened. “...Her?”

The doors opened to reveal a breathtakingly glamorous woman.

Her hair was the first thing Aya noticed. It was mesmerizing, styled in golden curls that twisted in soft ringlets. Next were the eyes, crystalline blue like glaciers under the moonlight. Then, there were her movements—refined and impeccable.

“Good day, Your Grace, and it is my deepest pleasure to meet you, Young Miss.” She curtsied and smiled at Aya with a warmth that instantly melted her nerves. “I am Maruscha of House Sorovia, and I shall be attending to your every need as head maid.”

‘Head maid? She looks more like a princess! A real one!”

“You have my gratitude for coming, Lady Sorovia. I entrust Her Highness to your care.” Her head abruptly whipped back to Lorenz as she noticed the cold edge in his voice. “I believe the assistant head maid, Lady Gayatri, will arrive with you. Where might she be?”

‘There’s another head maid? Her name sounds familiar...”

“Lady Gayatri will join us at the earliest opportunity. I was told of your departure, Rah Aerowenlore, and I came as soon as I was able. Allow me to take over from here, so that you may proceed with your preparations without further delay.”

“I assure you this is no trouble.”

“My, how reliable. But I truly wish to ease your burdens.”

“We were merely bidding each other farewell.”

‘Is it just me…?’ She looked back and forth at the two. ‘...Or don’t they get along?’

In any case, getting caught up between them wasn’t the best experience. Their dazzling faces left her almost blind. She felt like an ugly duckling among two beautiful swans.

“I’ll be on my way, then. We’ll see each other again in a month.” Lorenz placed Aya down and patted her head.

The gesture was reminiscent of her stepfather. It nearly made her burst into tears once more, but she held them back. There were others around right now, and she cried more than enough already.

“In a month…?”

“Yes, on your crowning ceremony.”

“O-Oh… Alright. Please be safe, Lord Lorenz.”

He crouched slightly, matching her eye level. “I wish you the very best, Miss Aya.”

Lorenz exchanged words with Maruscha and the rest before finally leaving.

The main hall was silent afterward. Then, the newly appointed head maid began ordering the servants. Aya stood in awe, having never seen them move so swiftly. The parlor was set up within a minute.

“Come along, darling.”

Aya looked at Maruscha in surprise. ‘...What did she call me?’

“If I may be honest, I am quite envious of the rapport you established with His Grace. I hope to foster the same connection, if that is alright.”

“Oh, um… Of course…”

“Thank you, dear.”

Her eyes brightened in delight, and she couldn't help but find her radiant.

She took her hand gently and led her to the parlor. Inside, the sweet fragrance of freshly brewed tea drifted in the air, and at the center was a small table draped in crisp lace. She felt her stomach rumble quietly at the array of scones and tarts. Probably noticing this, the woman guided her to sit.

“Your eyes…” she said out of nowhere, reaching a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Have you been crying?”

“A-Ah, sorry! I was just…sad to see Lord Lorenz leave.”

“It must have been lonely. I am here, though, and I promise to always keep you company. There is no reason for tears.”

She quickly rubbed her face. “D-Do I look okay now?”

“Sweetheart, you look lovely.” She smiled sweetly and caressed her cheek.

“T-Thank you.” Her chest fluttered, then again as she placed a plate of pastries before her. "For this, too.”

“Have as much as you please. Would you like some tea?”

For a while, they simply talked.

Aya told her about herself, about how she had been, about the book she had been reading—about everything that would get the woman smiling that pretty smile. She listened to every word without pretense. Whenever she looked up, those bright, blue eyes would be on her. She then came to realize how refreshing and comfortable this was.

Maruscha wasn’t like the other people in the palace. She was kind, tender, caring, and most of all, she didn’t treat her as though she were invisible.

“I have a feeling we would get along wonderfully, darling.”