Chapter 8

"Good, good, they're growing nicely."

Bathed in sunlight, the tomatoes in the field shone like jewels. They would be ready to harvest and use in cooking once they ripened a bit more.

"Lady, the carrots over here seem ready to harvest."

"Oh, how wonderful. Could you go ahead and harvest them? I want to... yes, I want to make a carrot cake first."

Hmm, as the crops ripen and I get to eat what I've harvested... could there be any greater happiness? No, there couldn't be.

The small garden I started has now expanded significantly.

I, who was left behind in the palace, have been making the most of my position as the Crown Princess.

When I was in the mansion, I used to tend a small home garden by myself, but now I can just ask the maids, and they bring in excellent help.

The hired farmers, who were initially very formal, now call me "Lady" casually.

It's a bit sad to say, but I have no regal bearing at all. Maybe that's why they find it easier to talk to me.

Since I'm here, why not invite everyone to the palace and have a small party?

While thinking about this, I noticed a maid running towards me from the palace, looking flustered.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened!"

Oh, this situation feels familiar...

Could it be that the Prince is suddenly visiting again—?

"The Prince is coming here tomorrow..."

Oh, thank goodness... It's tomorrow!

Relieved, I sat down right there.

"Your Highness!? What's wrong!?"

"No, I'm fine... thank you."

It seems the Prince remembered to make an appointment this time because I looked so shabby during his last visit.

Hmm, does this mean I should dress up to greet him? That sounds troublesome, but I can't complain given my position.

But why is the Prince coming to this palace?

Before I could even think about it, the maid, looking delighted, started talking rapidly.

"Since that's settled, we must hurry!"

Wait, hurry for what...?

"To prepare for the Prince's arrival! Body massage, facial mask, hair spa... oh, so much to do!!"

No, I don't think the Prince is expecting that kind of treatment... Before I could say that, I was kidnapped by the enthusiastic maid.

◇◇◇

"I have been awaiting your arrival, Prince Alexis."

The Prince looked rather awkward when he saw me, dressed up properly this time, unlike the last visit.

See? No matter how much I dress up, I still look awkward!

I don't mind, but I feel bad for the maids who worked so hard to get me ready.

Prince, you should compliment me even if it's a lie in situations like this.

To change the awkward atmosphere, the Prince cleared his throat and began speaking formally.

"Today, I will appoint a personal knight for you. The selection has already been made."

"A personal knight... for me?"

I've heard that each royal family member has a personal knight, but do I really need one?

This palace is peaceful, and there are already guards. If I had a personal knight, they would have nothing to do and it would be a waste.

When I gently conveyed this, the Prince looked offended.

"Listen, Magdalena. You are my wife. It will be too late if something happens to you. Do you understand?"

...Huh?

Who is Magdalena?

If he's calling me his wife, he must mean the Princess, and I am the only Princess right now...

Oh, could he mean... me!?

It seems everyone around us noticed the Prince had called me by the wrong name.

The air became tense, and the only one who didn't seem to notice was the Prince.

This is bad, really bad...

Everyone is reading the room and staying quiet, but if someone accidentally points it out, the Prince will be embarrassed!

I decided to pretend I didn't notice and quickly move the conversation along.

"Your Highness, it is a great honor that you are so concerned for my safety. I would be delighted to meet the knight."

"Good...! Danforth, come here."

Following the Prince's call, a young knight stepped forward.

Wow, quite a handsome guy. It's a waste for him to be my personal knight.

"I am Danforth, Your Highness. It is the highest honor for a knight to serve a noble and beautiful lady like you. Please allow me to serve you."

With a theatrical gesture, Sir Danforth knelt before me.

Um, in this situation, I should...

"I grant you permission."

As I extended my hand, Sir Danforth kissed the back of it.

I glanced around, but thankfully, everyone was smiling.

This seems to be the right way to handle it.

The Prince nodded in satisfaction.

Ah, now might be the time...

It's not often that the Prince visits, so I made sure to prepare some gifts today!