Chapter 9
A few days later.
After recovering somewhat, Anesa was summoned by her father, the king, and headed to his chambers.
The only time she had ever stepped into the central palace where her biological father resided was in the past, when she had gone with Damien to receive permission for their marriage.
She could still vividly remember how, in front of Damien, he had spoken as if the daughter whose face he didn’t even know was his most precious person in the world.
Under that pretense, he had extorted an enormous dowry from Damien. As Anesa recalled the memory of that day, she gathered her thoughts.
‘There’s no need to reveal that I’m a Guide.’
If her biological father learned about her abilities, his attitude toward her would certainly change, but it would also bring troublesome complications.
Thus, she planned to simply placate the king’s mood appropriately.
By the time Anesa finished making up her mind, she had already arrived at the king’s office, and an attendant led her inside.
There she saw her father sitting at his desk, working.
White strands occasionally visible among his golden hair, the same color as Anesa’s, hinted at his age.
“Your Majesty, the Second Princess has arrived.”
At those words, the king lifted his head and looked Anesa over.
His face was cold, showing not the slightest trace of delight toward the daughter he was meeting for the first time.
Without changing his expression, he began to speak.
“To think you were suffering such malicious treatment. As your father, I feel remorseful about how I have been so inattentive.”
It was a routine remark that carried no sincerity. In the first place, the only reason he was meeting her now was probably because there were many eyes watching.
In truth, he likely considered what she had suffered to be trivial.
“No, Your Majesty. A man who leads an entire nation does not need to concern himself with such minor matters. Instead, Edelite is so peaceful and prosperous under your rule, and that alone brings me joy.”
At her flattering words, Graham looked at Anesa with interest.
He had heard that she had been locked away in her room and had learned nothing. Yet the way she spoke cleverly showed that she was naturally intelligent.
“You speak quite eloquently.”
His gaze toward Anesa softened slightly. Because she hadn’t eaten well for so long, she looked younger than her age, but if she were properly groomed and cared for, she would surely become quite beautiful.
“Now then, how old are you?”
“I am twenty-one this year.”
“Twenty-one, is it. I suppose it is time to look for a suitable match for you.”
That meant he would pay attention to arranging her marriage. The flattering words she had spoken earlier seemed to have pleased him.
“Alex.”
Then he called the head attendant.
“Send gold coins and jewels to Anesa’s room. How could a daughter of this king be dressed so poorly?”
It was also an implicit order to pay attention to her from now on.
At those words, Anesa gave a proper bow and expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
There was no reason for her to refuse.
* * *
After meeting her father, Anesa’s life changed.
The newly assigned maids were polite and kind to her, and no one played tricks with her food anymore. Because of that, the once-gaunt Anesa gradually gained weight and began to look healthier.
As for Sophie, the one who had been dragged away that day, it was said that her tongue had been cut out and she had been made a slave for attempting to poison a princess. After seeing the fate of a colleague who had acted insolently toward royalty, the other maids treated Anesa with caution.
“Please call if you need anything.”
Anesa withdrew her gaze from the maid who bowed respectfully and looked out the window. Carriages were entering the castle one after another.
“What occasion is it? There seem to be many people entering the castle today.”
At Anesa’s question, the maid answered,
“A prince from the empire is visiting. In four days, a welcoming banquet will also be held for them.”
“Ah.”
Only then did the matter she had forgotten pass through her mind.
They had come under the pretense of inspecting Kaltzberg, the border region, but their true purpose was arranging an engagement with Elodie.
And Elodie’s fiancé was…
‘First Prince Kyren.’
He was the most powerful candidate for the throne of Altrevion. In terms of bloodline, no one could surpass him. In another country, no one would have objected to him becoming the empire’s crown prince.
But the Altrevion Empire was different. In a land where monsters frequently appeared, the requirement to become emperor was being the most powerful Esper.
In other words, as long as someone was strong enough, even an illegitimate child, whether man or woman, could become emperor.
‘And Kyren has the strongest power among the imperial family.’
