Chapter 3

"Princess"

At the sound of the maid's voice, the young girl forced a smile through her tears. Standing before the maids and servants who looked at her with pity, the usual plain-looking maid—Yuria—bowed gracefully.

"Please, cry as much as you need. No one will enter this room today, so you can rest assured."

"...Thank you, Yuria. Everyone else too."

"I will bring you some lemon water."

"Yes. Everyone except Yuria can leave."

With a light wave of her delicate hand, the princess's attendants bowed in unison. Yuria, the only one left, maintained her expression as she took the lemon and water from the maid and approached the girl who was trying to hold back her tears, walking elegantly towards the window.

Yuria is 21 years old, and Primera is 10. The ever-brilliant girl, unlike the game's setting, has never become plump and has stopped asking the king to be her "father," continuing to grow into a graceful and splendid lady. All of this is thanks to Yuria, a fact known only to a select few, primarily those who serve the princess.

"Would you like something hot or cold?"

"...Something hot, please."

A beautifully crafted cup floated gently at Yuria's fingertips and settled into her hand. She added a few slices of lemon and water, then wrapped her hands around the cup and closed her eyes for a few seconds. Immediately, the water in the cup began to steam.

This is a magic Yuria is particularly skilled at. She isn't especially powerful, but she has mastered this for Primera's sake. She is also known among some for being a maid who actually makes cakes, which is unusual for a maid.

Taking the cup of hot lemon water from Yuria, Primera smiled faintly. She never doubts the food or drink Yuria serves her. While it is common for royalty to have their food tasted for poison, Primera never does this with Yuria's service.

This is because, when Yuria serves, the food is prepared by trusted maids and cooks selected and supervised by Yuria. When Primera occasionally dines with the king and queen, the food is pre-tasted and prepared by the castle's cooks. However, Primera usually eats alone, and the reason lies with the queen.

Despite her position as the mother of the crown prince, the queen fears the existence of the talented princess. Although the 3-year-older Prince Alvarbat Daum is also highly capable, the princess Primera, known for her fairy-like beauty, reminds the queen of the deceased concubine, causing her irritation.

Today, while studying the country's history, the teacher praised Primera, but the queen coldly dismissed her, saying, "This is the bare minimum you should be able to do," "Don't think you can rely on the king's mercy just because you are a girl," "This is not praiseworthy for a princess of the country," "You should be far ahead of what you are taught," and "It is unseemly to be happy about being praised."

Prince Alvarbat Daum, who had just finished his sword training, was also present, but the queen said, "The prince should be grateful when praised but not become arrogant," "He is a source of pride for the king," "He should not neglect his studies to protect the country," and "His sister, who has no such responsibilities, should not be pampered—ah, education is a difficult word for a concubine," and then left.

While the queen's remarks were somewhat harsh, her attitude towards the concubine remained unchanged even after her death, and her harshness increased, directed at Primera. Prince Alvarbat Daum, perhaps feeling sorry for his sister, said, "Don't worry about it," in a way that the queen wouldn't notice, but it provided little comfort to Primera.

Yuria, who was naturally by her side, felt more than just anger; she felt a desire to kill, but she did not show it. She immediately led Primera back to her room, adjusted the rest of her schedule, and brought her to this point.

"Princess Primera"

"...Yuria!"

With no one else around, Yuria softly called her name, and Primera, placing the cup on the table, clung to her and began to sob. Yuria had told Primera many stories about her mother, the concubine, from when she was young. The queen did not approve of the concubine's family serving Primera because of their low status, and Primera has never met her grandparents, though the concubine was from a wealthy merchant family.

Despite being told she has no responsibilities, Primera, who will eventually marry into another country or a powerful noble family, strives to avoid disgracing the royal family. This effort is encouraged by Yuria, who tells her that it is not in vain. However, it is frustrating to be criticized, and it is even more painful to have her mother's name tarnished. As a young girl, her sensitivity can be both soft and sharp, sometimes even hurting herself. Primera, feeling intense anger, could not shout and blamed herself.

"Princess Primera, you are not at fault. You are working hard. I am proud of your efforts, though it may be presumptuous of me to say so. You are a beautiful and lovely princess, the kind people dream of. No matter what mistakes or successes you have, I will always be on your side, sharing your sorrows and joys."

"But, my stepmother... the queen does not recognize me!"

"Is it not enough that I am like a mother to you?"

"...No, that's not it. Yuria, will you be disappointed by me when I'm down or crying?"

"I will not."

Yuria laughed softly, hugged her gently, and tenderly combed Primera's golden, lustrous hair.

"Encouraging a child when they fail, scolding them when necessary, and rejoicing in their success—these are the roles of a parent. Parents are supposed to be a burden to their children, and through this, children grow into adults and become parents themselves. They then pass on what they have learned from their parents to their own children. ...Though I have no experience with childbirth."

"Yuria... Am I a good child to you?"

"Yes, very much so!"

With a bright smile, Yuria responded, and Primera finally smiled. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she used the handkerchief Yuria offered.

"Don't rub it. It will turn red."

"...Yuria, you were the eldest daughter of the Fandied Viscount. From what I know, they didn't seem like good parents... I'm sorry, I don't really know."

"No, that is not the case. My parents were not bad people, and my brother was adorable. But if I were to meet someone who could love me even if I were late in life and have a child, I would want to be the kind of parent I described."

"...Yuria, you would make a great mother. If you become one, will you still be my maid?"

"Of course."

Yuria answered without hesitation, but Primera, who had asked, felt a little worried. Is it okay?

The girl did not voice this concern, however, because the idea of Yuria, her "mother," possibly leaving was still a bit threatening to her.