PRKE 17

CHAPTER 17…………………………………………………………………………………

“I was too tired to say anything yesterday. Good work. Thanks to you, suspicion was avoided.”

“Only because you told me everything step by step, my lady! What about you? Did everything go well?”

My hand froze for a moment, then I moved naturally and pushed the wash water aside.

“Well… I can’t really say it went well. I’m not sure.”

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I just don’t know yet.”

Jenny knew I was planning something, but not what exactly.

She sighed and muttered gloomily.

“The whole house feels like thin ice.”

“Poor Jenny.”

I murmured with pity.

“Eh?”

“It’s only going to get worse from now on.”

“…Whaaat?”

Jenny looked like she was about to cry. Her innocent, honest expression made me laugh—until reality reminded me of my actual situation. Worry rushed back in.

If the prince doesn’t accept my proposal, I’m in trouble too. Do I have to find another way?

No better solution came to mind yet.

“But the younger maids are all excited. They’re too childish to even notice the atmosphere in the house.”

I looked at her, who was shaking her head.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Jenny tilted her head. The blush on her slightly chubby cheeks made her look even younger.

The child is calling other children childish.

I gave a small laugh and asked again.

“No reason. Why are they excited?”

“Because of the palace ball, of course. Rumor says it’ll be especially extravagant this time because of the imperial prince. Everyone’s excited.”

“What’s there to be excited about?”

I was puzzled. Only a small number of nobles could even attend the palace balls.

“Oh come on! Romance always blooms at those events! Everyone wants to know which handsome nobleman will ask who for an escort.”

“So everyone’s interested in gossip, it seems.”

“It’s not just the maids. Even the young ladies… like Lady Aris…”

Jenny quickly covered her mouth and checked my expression. I reassured her.

“It’s fine. There’s no one else here.”

Only then did Jenny lower her hand and grin brightly.

“Hehe. Anyway, the young ladies are all keeping a close eye on which handsome gentleman might ask them. The Count will probably escort Lady Aris, right?”

“Probably.”

I nodded indifferently. Noticing my reaction, Jenny forced a bright smile.

“You’ll have a wonderful gentleman escort you too, my lady! You’re so beautiful and graceful! And you’re the talk of the town after your ennoblement as a princess…”

“Nobles who obsess over pedigree won’t bother.”

As I carefully wiped my face with the cloth, Jenny drooped again.

Was I too blunt with the kid?

I understood her desire to see things work out for me, but honestly, who escorted me at the ball wasn’t my concern.

“Stuff like that is only interesting to gossip papers. What matters is not making mistakes. The princess title may be superficial, so they won’t be overly strict, but people will still be judging me from everywhere.”

“You’ll do wonderfully, my lady.”

I smiled at her firm faith.

“I will.”

I prepared breakfast as usual and had a short tea time in my room.

To prove I’d been at the library, I casually flipped through the book by DuPen I borrowed.

Knock, knock.

“Come in—”

Before I even finished, the door burst open.

“What on earth did you do?”

Aris marched in, fuming.

Her open hostility and irritation were startling for just a moment—then anger surged in me at her attitude.

Sure, I used to cower in the past, but did she expect me to grovel again after dying and coming back?

I snapped the book shut.

“Barging in like that—what are you talking about?”

My cold voice made Aris widen her eyes. Then she folded her arms and glared.

“Ha. Unbelievable.”

“…”

“What do you mean, what am I talking about? This is no time to act carefree, sister.”

“How am I supposed to know anything when you don’t explain? You’re being rude, my lady.”

“Rude?!”

She gaped like she’d never heard that word before. It was almost comical.

“Stop wasting time and tell me your business.”

Aris looked like she was deciding whether to explode or not, then finally spoke.

“The prince sent someone.”

My heart dropped, but I kept my voice calm.

“For what reason?”

“You really have nothing to feel guilty about?”

Scrape.

My chair slid back.

I stood, towering over her small frame. Aris flinched back.

“You don’t know why he came?”

“…N-No.”

“And without knowing that, you ran to me?”

“Are you seriously blaming me right now? Sister, what’s wrong with you?!”

She frowned.

“What’s wrong with me?”

“You’ve been acting… weird! Talking to me like this! Don’t you care how anxious I’ve been?!”

Why should I care about your feelings?

“I’m just asking for a proper explanation.”

“You shouldn’t act like this! Do you even know how badly things are going because of your stupid mistake?!”

“I don’t know what mistake you’re talking about.”

“I asked you—begged you—to handle it properly!”

My face hardened beyond control.

Aris didn’t seem to notice and bit her lip pitifully.

“You’re stronger than me. You grew up as a maid, so you must be more used to these things.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Put on the spot, Aris fidgeted. She clearly couldn’t say it out loud.

“You mean I’m used to sleeping with higher-class men I barely know?”

Aris froze. I laughed coldly.

“I wonder what expression Hubert would make if he heard you say that.”

Aris’s eyes widened.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

I ignored her and walked away.

“A guest is here. I should at least show proper courtesy.”

I yanked the door open and walked out.

“Sister, wait!”

Her hurried footsteps followed.

I could feel her nervousness behind me.

“You don’t have to go down. Hubert is already dealing with the guest. You’re not needed.”

“A distinguished guest is here; of course I should be present.”

“You don’t have to!”

I dodged her hand and quickly went down the stairs. My dress fluttered from the speed.

Tap, tap.

Aris’s footsteps grew louder as she tried to catch up.

“Hold on! What are you going to say to Hubert? If you’re going to bring up what just happened—don’t. It’ll be bad for you.”

Is that supposed to be a warning? Not scary at all.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t pretend! Just stop—why are you walking so fast?!”

A ridiculous chase broke out.

Even if I’d behaved meekly here for years, nimble feet are a thief’s essential skill. Spoiled Aris never had a chance of catching me.

Moving half walking, half running, I reached the parlor quickly.

I caught my breath and raised my hand to knock.

“Got you!”

Aris shoved me from behind.

I lurched forward. My hand flailed and hit the door.

Slide—

The door I expected to be locked swung open.

“Huh?”

I grabbed for the knob, but it was too late.

Everyone inside turned toward us.

“…”

“…”

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

Unbelievable.

I shot Aris a glare—but she opened her mouth faster.

“Hubert.”

Her eyes were already brimming with tears.

A small sniffle followed.

“Sorry. I tried to stop sister from running away in shock…”

This little—!

Hubert shot me a disappointed look that made my head throb.

Meanwhile, Aris gracefully apologized to the unfamiliar visitor as if I had caused a scene.

“I’m so sorry you had to witness this disgrace, after coming all this way.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine.”

The stranger raised a hand lightly. Only then did I look directly at him.

Unlike the royal men who admired softness, the first thing noticeable was his disciplined posture.

His skin was dark like melted copper—very unusual in this kingdom.

He might as well have had “Imperial Citizen” written on his forehead.

Aris glanced at him with open curiosity.

“Aris.”

Hubert’s stern voice made her flinch.

“Mind your manners in front of the guest.”

“Sorry…”

Her deflated look made Hubert’s expression soften.

“You may sit.”

Aris quickly sat beside him.

Hubert then looked at me.

After a moment’s hesitation, I walked over and sat on his other side.

Once the bustle settled, Hubert gave the guest an awkward smile.

“My apologies for the scene, Mr. Kichev.”

“Not at all. It’s understandable. People of the Kingdom look at Imperials as if a clown had walked by.”

It took me a moment to realize he was being sarcastic—he sounded so casual.

Huh?

It was unexpectedly refreshing, and I looked at him.

Kichev grinned back.

“Besides, I had to wait anyway.”

Aris blinked at Hubert, then whispered, unable to contain her curiosity.

“What does he mean?”

“Hmm…”

Hubert began to answer, then frowned slightly. The Imperial man chuckled.

“No need to make it difficult. I’ll explain.”

Kichev cut in. Hubert frowned again.

He must’ve noticed, but Kichev didn’t care. He looked between Aris and me with interest.

“So. Which one of you is Igrein Lorenst?”

I jolted. It felt like being attacked before understanding the situation.

“I am.”

When I answered calmly, he looked surprised. Then a strange coldness flickered in his eyes.

What is that?

I had a bad feeling.

Hubert folded his arms.

“Well, the person you wanted is here. Can you speak now? Or do you need someone else?”

“No, this is enough.”

Kichev easily brushed off Hubert’s mockery and pulled out an elegant gold-embossed letter, placing it on the table.

All eyes turned to it.

“A letter from His Highness the Prince.”