PRKE 10

CHAPTER 10…………………………….

So, in the end, this whole affair was nothing more than the Crown Prince of the Empire playing a game.

Like a frog getting hit by a stone thrown by a child for fun, the kingdom had merely been tossed around.

“If that happens, not only our family but all of Riorr will be dragged into war. It won’t just be the Lorenst family’s problem anymore. The King will intervene, won’t he?”

“You’re ridiculously optimistic.”

Hubert clicked his tongue. I flinched inwardly.

Had he noticed my little white lie?

My heart pounded, expecting him to pull his hand away at any second. But instead, he gripped my hand tighter.

“Still… thanks to you, I feel like I’ve woken up. The matter is so enormous that I couldn’t remain calm and just floundered about.”

He shook his head sheepishly, then looked back at me, his gaze warmer and more tender than before.

“I didn’t realize you thought so deeply about this.”

A family of scholar-nobles. That was the pride of the Lorenst family. Hubert had been raised to treat anyone who could reason with him with respect.

I simply listened to what he said, even if I had my own opinions.

I thought it would be presumptuous to speak.

I was a former thief’s maid, and bowing before nobles had been the way of life for people like me. That couldn’t be changed easily.

Not unless one survived something as shocking as death itself.

“I’ve grown up, you know. I can think about these things now.”

“Hmm… You still look young to me. Lovely, cute Igrein, that’s what you are.”

I fought the twitch at the corners of my mouth at his sweet tone. Seeing my expression, Hubert looked worried.

“You don’t look well. Are you all right?”

Seizing the moment, I placed my hand on my forehead.

“I’m feeling a little unwell. I guess I worried too much.”

“You must have been quite startled by today’s events.”

I had indeed used my head a lot.

When I feigned stumbling, Hubert quickly supported me.

A shiver ran from head to toe.

This bastard is disgustingly caring!

Even after leading me to the bed, he didn’t leave.

“I’ll wait until you fall asleep.”

“You don’t have to. You’re tired too.”

“Not as much as you.”

Ugh, just go away.

His face, incapable of leaving mine, looked worried and gentle, making my already fluttering heart beat even faster.

Behind him, Jenny watched with a face full of delight, utterly unable to contain herself.

It felt as if the world had tilted—only I existed in a different reality here.

Then there was a knock at the door, helping me come back to the moment.

Surprised, Jenny caught my gaze and opened the door.

The late-night visitor was Georgiana, Aris’s maid.

Jenny’s expression darkened instantly. She seemed to anticipate what would be said.

“My Lord Count.”

Georgiana bowed deeply, her face serious.

“What is it?”

“Lady Aris seems to have an upset stomach after dinner and has been unable to sleep. As you know, she is delicate and cannot rest properly without you, my Lord.”

“Good heavens… again?”

Hubert sprang up, then glanced at me with a worried expression, as if concerned I might dislike him rushing off to Aris.

Dislike him? No way!

I wanted to grab Georgiana’s hand and thank her for coming.

I made a face of understanding and concern.

“Seems she was startled today. Go see her quickly.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

“She’s physically weaker than I am. She’ll need your encouragement.”

“You’re so considerate, Igrein.”

He murmured that lowly and bowed his head to me.

I didn’t even have a chance to stop him.

The soft touch of his lips brushing against mine made me flinch as if a caterpillar had touched me.

I held back and forced a weak smile, and Hubert whispered gently.

“Take care of yourself, my lady. Call me if you need me.”

If I call, you’ll come, right?

I smiled faintly.

“Thank you, Hubert.”

Now just leave already.

At the palace’s ceremonial hall, a modest yet decent princess conferment ceremony was held.

The steward, entrusted with the King’s authority, pronounced solemnly:

“Igrein Lorenst, daughter of the Lorenst family. In recognition of your devotion to the nation alongside Hubert Lorenst, you are hereby granted the title of Princess and the royal surname.”

The steward sprinkled water over my head and placed a small tiara on me.

I struggled not to roll my eyes.

Can I really keep this? It looks like real diamonds.

I felt my chest pound with excitement—one could probably sell it to a fence for the price of a mansion.

“Isn’t this happening a bit too quickly?”

“His Majesty seems impatient.”

I heard whispers around me.

It is quite fast.

Less than a month had passed since talks of an honorary princess began to the ceremony itself. It was like frying beans in lightning speed.

In my previous life, the country had been in turmoil around this time due to the duke’s daughter’s suicide—but this time, it was entirely different.

Clap, clap!

People clapped for congratulations. I felt neither nervous nor proud.

It was like picking up an unknown gold nugget while walking down the street.

Lady Emmern, on the other hand, looked smug, her nose held high.

Everyone knew the purpose of the ceremony, yet a princess was still a princess.

In a line of royal families often plagued by weak heirs, my name rising among the few princesses strengthened the Lorenst family’s prestige as expected.

I smiled inwardly.

Don’t know how long this will last.

The Lorenst family’s prosperity no longer interested me.

Tap, tap, tap.

Someone approached me.

“Lorenst heiress.”

The King’s steward.

Finally, here.

I had suspected someone would come to brief me on the next steps, and indeed, that was the case.

He glanced at the sparkling tiara on my head and the red sash, and a fleeting smirk crossed his eyes.

Ah, of course. It must look ridiculous.

“The imperial delegation arrives in a month, as you know?”

“Yes.”

“You are to host them as a member of the royal family, per His Majesty’s orders.”

“Host them?”

“Originally, Princess Laratute would have done so, but she is too frail to attend this event.”

I immediately understood the King’s intention.

While the imperial delegation is at the palace, he intends to keep his cherished daughter well-hidden.

It would be disastrous if the precious princess drew the attention of some uncouth barbarian.

I remained silent for a moment. The steward’s gaze became impatient.

“Is something troubling you?”

“A bit… it’s sudden.”

“You’ve likely overseen many of the Count’s banquets before?”

“…”

“Well, you can’t compare a minor count’s banquet to a royal one, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. The royal maids, not just me, will assist you.”

Perhaps formalities meant to reassure me, but the words grated on my ears.

“What do you mean?”

The steward looked down at me arrogantly.

“Simply attending as Riorr’s new princess and gracing the event with your presence is sufficient.”

So I do nothing but show up.

To present a new princess to the Fifth Prince of the Empire.

Do they really think showing me like this will make them see me as a princess?

I studied the steward closely. His expression was blank, yet confident—as if all would go according to the royal will.

They’re seriously underestimating the Empire.

The Empire held a strange place in the kingdom.

Sure, they were the continent’s dominant power. But what else? In culture and refinement, they fell short of our kingdom.

A strong but uncultured nation.

That was the Empire that Riorr despised.

I had met the Empire’s famed warriors and knew this was arrogance—but not this steward.

Still, the Desert King shouldn’t be underestimated.

From a petty thief’s perspective, royals or emperors were all impressive, but to these exalted figures, it seemed different.

Putting aside my confusion, I answered obediently.

“Understood.”

I would treat it as an opportunity to expand my network.

News that the Lorenst family’s adopted daughter had become a princess spread quickly.

But the important thing remained: the royal family honored the Lorenst family’s contributions by granting their daughter this reward.

The citizens, unaware of the details, praised the King’s generosity and Hubert Lorenst’s virtue.

Igrein Lorenst remained a fortunate woman with a remarkable family.

“Please, Igrein.”

I knew it. Even after receiving the title, he’d still ask for something.

Hubert held my hand tightly with one hand while the other covered his face, revealing his anguish.

“What is it?”

My voice trembled slightly.

Perfect.

His jaw muscles tensed as he clenched his teeth.

Seeing him like this, he really is remarkable.

Even a second-time victim like me could almost believe he truly suffered by making this request.

“Go to the prince’s room. Make sure he doesn’t notice Princess Laratute.”

“You mean I should… be his nighttime companion?”

“I know it’s shameless to ask this. Especially since you’ve already accepted the princess title.”

“…”

“But this cannot be avoided. Aris herself can’t do it—she wouldn’t endure it.”

I had thought about this in my past life.

Then what about me?

At the time, I couldn’t even ask. I was too afraid of the answer.

I let out a dry laugh.

I’d already faced death once. What could be scarier than repeating a known future?

“So… me?”

“Huh?”

“Do you think I can endure it?”

“You…”

After a brief pause, he whispered:

“I think you’re strong.”

I nearly let out a bitter laugh.