PWSHCB 08

Chapter 08 …

 Arrival at the Royal Palace

Perhaps out of consideration for Elze, who had narrowly escaped danger, the number of escorts was increased, and after that there were no major troubles as they entered the royal capital of Ernstal.

As they passed through the city streets, the royal palace of Ernstal finally came into view.

“Wow…!”

Seeing the scenery outside the carriage window, Elze’s eyes sparkled without her noticing.

Ahead of them stretched a massive lake so vast it could be mistaken for the sea, and within it stood an island crowned with an enormous palace.
The entire island itself served as the grounds of the royal palace.

Recalling the knowledge she had been taught before leaving her homeland—so she would not bring shame upon herself—Elze finally felt the weight of having reached her destination.
The bride selection was about to begin.

(First of all, I have to make Richardt fall in love with me and become a proper imperial empress instead of just a bride candidate! No matter what, he wouldn’t try to burn down the homeland of the woman he loves…)

However, she had no real strategy. She had no idea what kind of other bride candidates existed, nor how she was supposed to win over the cold and merciless Richardt.

(For now… if I get a chance to meet Richardt, I have to aggressively make my move. If I don’t, a princess from a small country like me will just end up as filler…)

Ernstal was a great power far surpassing all neighboring nations.
According to what Ulrika had taught her, most of the previous empresses and imperial consorts had been princesses from countries far more prosperous than Magriel, or noble ladies from prestigious Ernstal families.

Considering that, Elze had little hope of becoming Richardt’s bride.
But of course, she had no intention of giving up.

She would use everything she had, win the bride selection, and be loved by Richardt.

(I have to do this…!)

The carriage was about to cross the massive bridge leading to the island.

(I’ll be fine. I can do this.)

Reassuring herself, Elze steeled her resolve.

Even while feeling overwhelmed by the magnificent palace that was nothing like her homeland, Elze was formally received as an official bride candidate.

“We sincerely thank you for traveling such a long distance. During this bride selection, you will be staying in this palace, so we kindly ask for your cooperation.”

The one who welcomed Elze was a lady-in-waiting of Ernstal.

Her hair was tightly pinned up, and a pair of glasses glinted sharply on her face.
Her appearance alone conveyed that she was a strict and disciplined woman.

“Thank you for the welcome. I am—”
“I am aware. You are Princess Elze of the Kingdom of Magriel. I will guide you to your room, so please come this way.”

She cut off Elze’s introduction mid-sentence and continued speaking.

(…Eh?)

Elze was momentarily speechless.
But soon she understood the meaning behind the behavior.

(I’m… being looked down on, aren’t I?)

Regardless of rank, interrupting someone mid-speech was impolite.
There was no way a lady-in-waiting of Ernstal would not know that.
So the fact that she had done it deliberately meant—

(She’s looking down on me because I’m a princess from some rural little country.)

Elze sighed inwardly.

She had expected some degree of disrespect due to being a princess of a small nation.
But to be treated like this right upon arrival—it was harsher than she had imagined.

(Well, whatever. They say people perform best in adversity.)

Elze did not show her anger or dissatisfaction on her face, instead smiling brightly.

The lady-in-waiting looked momentarily startled at that expression, but quickly composed herself and began walking.
Elze followed behind her.