Chapter 64

After finishing up various tasks after school, it had become completely dark.

Lars and Johan had already left the library, but I felt at ease thanks to their presence.

I don’t think they came down to the basement, but still, it takes courage to face it alone... I think that’s true for the princess.

A thin crescent moon hung in the twilight sky. Seeing the shining evening star, I couldn’t help but think of Noah. I suddenly missed those gentle purple eyes that held a calm light.

After getting ready to leave and stepping out of the library, I saw a carriage stopped in front of the gate.

I hadn’t asked for a pick-up today, and it wasn’t our carriage. That crest... could it be the Radine family’s?

As if answering my thoughts, Wendy got out of the carriage.

She was supposed to have left already, so what was she doing here?

"Alicia, good work today."

"What’s going on? I thought you had already left..."

"Yes, I just felt like chatting a bit on the way back. I’ll take you home, so would you like to come with me?"

"Thank you. I’ll accept your offer then."

Wendy smiled and nodded, and the coachman opened the carriage door for us.

It might be related to Lars being assigned as my bodyguard. Perhaps the Radine captain was asked to send me home.

I felt a mix of gratitude and unease. I should probably ask Mark for a pick-up tomorrow, for my sake and everyone else’s.

"Alicia Bloom?"

Just as Wendy and I were about to get into the carriage, a voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned around to see three figures approaching. I could see the coachman tense up at the edge of my vision.

"Yes, is there something you need?"

Under the streetlight, I could see them clearly.

Two maids from Anheim and one soldier. I had a bad feeling, but I had to respond.

"Hehe, we finally get to talk."

A clear voice echoed in the evening darkness.

Not just me, but Wendy, who was about to get back into the carriage, also froze in her tracks.

One of the maids lifted her head and untied the scarf covering her hair.

Golden hair flowed in the wind, and her blue eyes sparkled with delight.

"Princess Camilla, greetings—"

"Oh, no need for formalities. Please, be at ease."

Just as Wendy and I were about to kneel, a cheerful voice stopped us.

I was scared, but then I noticed my supervisor watching from the library window. I hoped he would run for help.

"You see, I just wanted to talk to Alicia, but I keep getting interrupted. Neither Prince Sieg nor your master can find the time for me."

She pouted, looking cute, but I felt a cold sweat on my back. My mouth was dry, probably from nervousness.

"Um... walking around without a bodyguard is... dangerous..."

Wendy’s voice was also trembling.

The coachman moved a bit closer to us.

"It’s fine. I don’t intend to do anything dangerous. If everyone listened to my wishes, I wouldn’t have to do this."

She sighed, placing a slender hand on her cheek.

I thought her wish was about Noah.

"Hey, Alicia. I really want to take Einhard with me."

"But he has refused, hasn’t he?"

"Yes, but that’s because you are his fiancée, right?"

My chest felt uneasy, and despite the approaching summer, I felt goosebumps.

"If you break up with Einhard, he might come with me, don’t you think?"

"..."

I didn’t know what to say. No matter how hard I searched for words, I didn’t think they would reach the princess.

She smiled beautifully, ignoring my state.

"I heard you broke off your engagement once before. I think you can handle it again. You’re used to it, after all."

"Wh-what...!"

What was this person saying?

I was angry, but my thoughts and emotions were jumbled, and I couldn’t speak. All that came out were trembling breaths.

"Princess Camilla, your words are too harsh."

Wendy’s voice was stiff.

It sounded distant, as if I were underwater, and my ears and eyes were blurred.

"Is that so? If you really want to get married, I can introduce you to the son of a merchant I know. It might be better for your family’s business, don’t you think?"

"No, I... I have no intention of breaking off my engagement with him."

"Is that so? ...That’s a shame. I believe your family had business with Anheim... I hope your business goes well."

Her veiled words were unbearable.

Because... it was like a threat.

Why did I have to go through this?

I didn’t care about being disrespectful anymore. Just as I opened my mouth to retort, I heard multiple footsteps approaching.

"Oh dear, is time up?"

"Hey, Camilla! What are you doing, wandering off like a maid?!"

Prince Sieg’s angry voice echoed.

Behind him, I could see the knight and Captain Radine, probably alerted by my supervisor.

"I was just having a chat. See you later, Alicia."

With a laugh, the princess walked back to the palace with her maids and the soldier.

Prince Sieg chased after her, still angry, but it seemed like nothing was getting through to the princess.

Our shadows stretched long under the streetlight.

Feeling ashamed of my slumped shoulders, I tried to stand up straight, but it didn’t seem to help much.

Thank you for reading!

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