Chapter 29

After leaving the garden, Eleonora was led to one of the libraries.

"Such a magnificent place..."

The library, located in one of the castle's towers, was lined with books from wall to wall. As she ascended the spiral staircase, she gazed at the books. The room was brightly lit by magic crystals, allowing her to read even in the tower where light hardly penetrated.

There, she saw a head slightly reflecting the light from the magic crystals. It was Sergei.

"Prime Minister, good day to you."

"Ah, Lady Eleonora! You were looking around here, I see."

Eleonora decided to ask Sergei if Alexei had ever been to the Enchanted Forest to determine if he was Ham.

"May I ask a personal question? Has His Majesty ever been to the Enchanted Forest?"

"Yes, he has. For about three years when he was very young."

(So, the Emperor was Ham! Ham! I'm so proud of you. Why didn't you tell me you were Ham?)

Eleonora's face changed, and she gasped.

(It's my fault! I said Ham was smarter and kinder than the Emperor. Because of me, the Emperor can't call himself Ham. I'm sorry, Ham. I'm so sorry, Ham!)

She couldn't help but tear up.

"Lady Eleonora, you are so kind. To be so saddened by His Majesty's three years in the Enchanted Forest..."

Unable to deny it, Eleonora felt guilty towards Alexei.

"Indeed, it is a great joy to see a beautiful lady like Lady Eleonora capture His Majesty's heart. Speaking of which, when I asked His Majesty about his preferred type of woman, he said he likes green, squishy skin. It's a rather bad joke, isn't it? There's no such person."

(There was. The person Ham used to call Pie had that kind of skin. Ham liked the old me. Ham, Ham...!)

As she was deeply moved, a maid called out to her.

"Excuse me, but it's time for dinner. We have prepared a change of clothes for you. Would you please return to your room?"

Eleonora came to her senses at the sound of the maid's voice. She nodded and descended the stairs, leaving the library.

(Ham is the Emperor. The Emperor liked the old me! I'm so, so happy, but I'm not the same person anymore. I don't want to go back to that form, but if it would make Ham happy, I would. Then, Ham would like me again.)

Upon entering a room in the castle, she found that the bath was already prepared.

(Noble ladies have their baths prepared by others. This is my first time. In such situations, it's best to leave everything to them.)

Surrounded by maids, Eleonora bathed and received a massage.

(What bliss!)

The dress prepared for her was a smooth, light green satin with a white ribbon tied below the bust.

(This is comfortable! No, no, as a lady, I shouldn't eat too much. But I think it's okay to eat more than usual. It's not a party, it's dinner.)

Her golden hair was left down, with a half-updo. The hair accessory was adorned with sapphires, the same color as Alexei's eyes. The necklace around her neck, made of silver to match Alexei's silver hair, was also adorned with sapphires, as were her earrings.

Eleonora was amazed by the maids' efficiency.

(As expected, the ladies who serve in the castle are different. They are so refined!)

"Thank you all for making me look so beautiful. I'm very happy."

Smiling, she thanked them. The maids were moved to tears, and even the stern head maid was awed by Eleonora's divine presence.

She was then led to the dining room where the dinner was to be held. Despite the old castle's few windows, the room was bright due to the magic crystals. Instead of a long table, a small square table was placed in the center.

At the table, Alexei was already seated.

"Thank you for inviting me."

Eleonora gracefully bowed.

"Please, sit down."

A servant pulled out her chair, and she sat down. Thanks to her governess's training, her manners were perfect. The only issue was her words.

"Shall I cast a soundproofing spell if you're concerned?"

Shaking her head, Eleonora replied.

(If I cast a soundproofing spell in public, it might lead to unnecessary speculation.)

"Let's enjoy the meal."

Eleonora loved eating, but with Alexei in front of her, the food wouldn't go down.

(I hurt Ham. And Ham likes the green, squishy-skinned me. What should I do...?)

"Your favorite ham is served as an appetizer. What's wrong? Aren't you eating?"

(Ham... Ham's ham...)

Eleonora forced herself to put the ham in her mouth.

(It tastes like nothing.)

In both her past and present life, Eleonora had never been so troubled.