C2 Part6

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

I’m aware there is already a translation of this part (that reads a lot better than mine tbh ;-;), but since I only found out when I was basically almost done with the chapter, I decided to finish it and upload it because I feel like it’d be a waste not to. I’m also aware that there is a novel pick-up request on NU, which is all good. I’ll *probably* end up translating a *few* more chapters until it gets picked up. Anyway, enjoy.

Chapter 8 (2 – 6)

Ignoring Robert who chased after him trying to somehow convince him to turn back, Clovis walked away across the carpet. Alicia felt pain in her chest, as she watched his back go further away.

There remained neither the pride from carrying out state affairs, nor fragments of the exaltation of having been invited before the King, but only the figure of a youth filled with anguish, tormented by a binding curse from a past he cannot escape from.

Isn’t this a bit much, thought Alicia.

Even if what Riddhe had spoken about were the truth, the person who should bear the blame is certainly not Clovis but that Zac Graham. Yet Clovis was acting as if he himself were truly the criminal and was receiving the unreasonable hounding.

Alicia finally grasped why she was not acquainted with Clovis in her previous life. It was likely that he disappeared from the political stage at the end of this celebration. He likely also declined Otto’s invitation and avoided such things as ceremonies and evening parties in order to get away from the nobility who looked at him with cruel, merciless eyes.

What course of events transpired before he could appear before her on the night of the revolution, Alicia’s knowledge did not extend that far. However, he was smart and although he had withdrawn from the centre stage of politics, she guessed he had been attentively watching over the fate and future of the kingdom.

The dissatisfaction towards the current assignment/promotion system, the distrust of the new sovereign from the neighbouring country, or possibly the vexation towards Alicia who descends from Heilland’s royal family…while smouldering such feelings deep within, in the end, Clovis who could not stand being involved with the monarchy finally marched into the castle in the form of a revolution.

Before she realised it, Alicia was running down from the platform.

Bewildered gasps of shock broke out from the nobles enjoying themselves in conversation, as they witnessed the 10-year-old princess abruptly run off from the side of the King. “How adorable”—such a remark could be heard in response to Alicia whose light and airy pale blue skirt swayed as she ran.

Alicia chased after the tall Clovis who was walking straight ahead. He had made Robert who was hot on his heels give up, and was now weaving his way alone through the gaps between the waltzing nobles enjoying themselves.

Seeing his lonely back, Alicia was for some reason reminded of herself from the night of the revolution. Having words of despise thrown at oneself, not having any allies and feeling like the whole world was your enemy—how much of a frighteningly harsh and painful experience it is—Alicia had learnt the hard way. No matter how much he pretended to be outwardly calm, Alicia could see that his heart was shedding bloody tears.

“Ah!”

“Princess Alicia!?”

As her small body burst past, those who were waltzing rounded their eyes and parted left and right. The hems of red, yellow and various other coloured dresses gently swayed, opening a path for Alicia like a valley between hills of blooming colourful flowers.

At the front of the crowd, Alicia at last caught the tall man who stubbornly did not even try to look back.

“Wait, Clovis Cromwell!”

“……Alicia-sama?”

Clovis, whose right wrist had been seized by a small hand, looked back with his almond-shaped eyes opened wide. It was at this moment Alicia met his eyes without looking away for the first time.

His violet eyes that she had so greatly feared were noble and beautifully clear, while his dark lustrous hair highlighted his fair and flawless complexion. His handsome face was staring straight at Alicia.

Alicia sighed when she observed a faint look of apprehension mixed in the depths of his eyes. Just what in the world was she afraid of? Although the Clovis she confronted previously and the current him were the very same person, they were also like completely different people.

“Princess!”

“Naizel, is this man capable!?”

While holding onto Clovis’ hand, Alicia asked the question, having sensed that the chief advisor who had come running after her was now standing behind her.

When Alicia looked back at him with big sky blue eyes, Otto gasped. This was because her appearance—how she was standing to protect Clovis with strong determination and will dwelling in her eyes—was simply too beautiful and noble for a 10-year-old little girl.

“I’ll ask once more. Is Clovis Cromwell capable?”

At Alicia’s unusual seriousness, even nobles who had been watching with smiles inclined their heads in surprise and curiosity as they attentively watched how things would play out. Even the royal court orchestra had stopped playing their instruments.

In response to Alicia who stared fixedly at him, Naizel came back to his senses and answered honestly.

“Yes, I do not know of a more excellent man than this one in this generation.”

“That answer is enough for me.”

With a dignified smile, Princess Alicia suddenly turned to face Clovis. Alicia locked eyes with the young man with jet black hair. She would no longer fear this man who looked bewildered nor maintain her distance.

“As your princess, I command you, Clovis, serve by my side!”

Ohh!

Their surroundings stirred with sounds of surprise. There were some nobles among the crowd, who upon realising the person Alicia was speaking to was Clovis, knit their brows and frowned. However, before any cruel words could reach his ears, Alicia repeated herself in a voice charming like that of a small bird.

“I will appoint you as my—the Princess’ Advisor. Will you undertake the role?”

“However, I…”

“Isn’t this good?”

Instead of Clovis who eyes wandered, flustered, a cheerful voice resounded in the hall. The King, who was standing behind Naizel unnoticed, alternately looked at Alicia and Clovis who stood facing each other, and broke into a broad kind-hearted smile.

“I too ask of you. My daughter will not change her mind once she has decided on something.”

“Your Majesty! But I already warned you about him!”

“Ah, indeed, but I am soft on the princess. I do not want to turn down my cute daughter.”

The King impishly dealt with Riddhe, who had hurried over, before turning toward Alicia and winking at her. In other words, do as you like now.

“Please, I’ve even promised the head lady-in-waiting that I will properly attend events from now on. Even during my free time right now, I will have a lot to ask of my advisor. …Are you dissatisfied with me as your master?”

“No!”

By deliberately looking dejected, the idea was vigorously denied by a flustered Clovis. As Alicia looked up at him seeking an answer, Clovis drew his lips tightly together like he was preparing himself for his decision. For some reason, to Alicia, he looked like he was on the verge of tears.

The young man took Alicia’s hand and knelt with his head lowered.

“I, Clovis, will devote all of myself to serving Alicia-sama.”

“…the words of your vow are serious, Clovis.”

Alicia gave him some frank advice about his use of words, specifically “all of my self” and “devote”. Judging from the events of her previous life, it’s not like Alicia knew what Clovis would do.

Whether he interpreted Alicia’s remark as a joke, Clovis raised his face—

…and smiled.

(He looks like a prince…)

With her hand taken by Clovis, Alicia, who was briefly stunned with astonishment, engraved it into her memory at the age of ten. Being flashed a smile one could entrust with their heart on his flawless handsome face was intense to the point it felt like her heart might thoroughly be taken away.

*Many thanks to Claire Lilly for providing the LN & images*

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