Chapter 61
A Rose in the Greenhouse
“I get goosebumps whenever Mother act like this.”
Daphne wasn’t a daughter who often saw the tender side of her mother.
Amber Green, the woman who never once offered even a single hug when Daphne was hurt or crying, was standing before her.
‘Well, I guess that’s just how it is. She’s always so busy with work outside.’
Amber clenched her fist briefly as Daphne slipped out of her grasp.
“Whenever my lovely daughter, Daphne Beaucater, doesn’t listen to me like this…”
She cut off her words. The smile that had been spread across her face vanished, leaving Amber looking as though not a drop of blood would flow if you pricked her with a needle.
‘I really want to try it. Would green blood come out?’
Daphne fiddled with her ear. She felt a sudden urge to use her earring to poke her mother’s hand or somewhere else just to see her reaction.
“It would’ve been easier if you were a flower or a pet bird.”
Daphne’s jaw dropped slightly at Amber’s words. Those words likely carried the implication of “I could break your stem or clip your wings.”
“Mother, do you see me as some kind of rose in a glass greenhouse or a lark in a cage?”
“If you were, Amber Green’s plans might have progressed more smoothly.”
‘And what exactly are those Amber Green plans? Selling her daughter on the marriage market for money?’
Daphne glanced up at the starry night sky.
‘There’s no way Celestian is hiding a kingdom somewhere, right?’
At that moment, an old conversation came to mind. Celestian, back on the ship, had casually mentioned the idea of “the Grand Duchess.” It wasn’t a reality she could pin her hopes on, though.
“If I’m going to be treated like that, it better be by a handsome, intimidating man. I’m not into older women.”
“And why did you break off the engagement with such a handsome, intimidating man?”
She was referring to Romeo.
“Romeo and I are just siblings. We grew up seeing every side of each other, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mom, it’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Daphne never lost an argument with Amber. However, she knew that in practical battles, she would inevitably lose, so she playfully teased her instead.
A prolonged cold war with her mother wasn’t good for Daphne. Not just for her, but also for the people in her household.
“Daphne, why do you like a man who doesn’t love you? Do you really have that much time to waste?”
‘Ah, that’s a low blow.’
Daphne hesitated for a moment but quickly answered without batting an eye.
“Probably because of my competitive streak. I want to have him no matter what.”
Even with her daughter’s bold response, Amber didn’t smile. Instead, she calmly turned to the sink and washed her hands.
“That’s unfortunate.”
“What is?”
Whether she had sobered up or hadn’t been drunk in the first place, Amber returned to her usual demeanor and spoke in an even tone.
“Get some rest. You’ll be very busy for the next few days.”
Daphne sighed, rubbing her eyebrow at those words. She didn’t even want to ask, “Why?”
“You’ll need to clean up after your beloved prince.”
This particular aristocratic—or royal—way of delivering the main point at the end of a sentence always irritated Daphne. She raised one eyebrow in response.
*****
“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”
Celestian tilted her head to the left. Kisha also seemed wary of the appearance of the unfamiliar figure.
“Do you know me?”
“Roughly.”
No one could enter Daphne’s room without prior approval. Yet here was someone, wielding nothing more than a royal document, having made their way into the reception room to wait for Celestian. That person was none other than—
“Izmel.”
Izmel had once been Celestian’s aide during his days as a prince.
Celestian walked over slowly and sat on the sofa in front of Izmel. Kisha continued to watch the scene intently from a distance.
“Are you still working for the royal family?”
“Yes, well. A stable government job is a treasure for commoners, after all.”
Izmel, a commoner by birth, had flamboyantly secured a position in the royal palace, only to quietly leave when talk of rebellion began to surface.
Still, Izmel had been one of the few people Celestian could trust. However, with the palace constantly shifting like quicksand, Celestian couldn’t be sure whose orders Izmel was now following.
“How have you been? Are you having fun lately?”
Not “having” fun, but “providing” it? Kisha, who was eavesdropping intently, tilted her head at the strange phrasing.
“Fun? What kind?”
Izmel shrugged and gestured toward a round picture frame on the wall. Inside the small frame, a young, sulking Daphne stared out. Celestian turned his head and stifled a laugh behind his hand.
“Haha… Is this guy insane?”
“You still have such a filthy mouth, Your Highness. Judging by your reaction, it seems your dark secrets are well-hidden from the young lady.”
Celestian stopped laughing and brought a finger to his lips, then glanced at his wristwatch.
Noon. There was still a long time before Daphne would be home from work.
“You know why I’m here, don’t you?”
“I’d rather not.”
Izmel picked up the documents lying on the table and handed them to Celestian. With his arms lightly crossed, Celestian didn’t accept them.
“I know you hate receiving things, but just skim through it. You’re now officially a criminal.”
“Can I even be a criminal in Sacradion? I don’t exactly have a legal status here.”
“What do you mean? Check the news. ‘The Villainess’s Lover’ is a certified identity.”
Izmel smirked. Celestian gave the blue document a cursory glance before looking away.
“Do I really have to go? Daphne will freak out if I disappear.”
Though in truth, she’d probably just sigh and not bother looking for him.
Recalling a past escape where he had been the only one anxious, scared, and a bit desperate, Celestian pouted.
“Yes, well. If a grand trophy like you vanishes, Lady Beaucatee might indeed be surprised. But I have no power here. I’m just a government worker surviving on state funds.”
Celestian nodded absentmindedly as Izmel offered a businesslike smile.
“Don’t stall for time. I came specifically at this hour. Keeping the brainless, muscle-bound guards out of this room was enough of a favor, wasn’t it?”
Finally, Celestian began flipping through the documents at a sluggish pace. After two pages, he clicked his tongue and glared directly at Izmel.
“This is ridiculously long. Who’s behind this?”
Checking the time, Izmel narrowed his eyes at his former superior.
“Who else? The Sacradion royalty who adore Theriosa. A few of them might’ve been bought off by Green.”
“Ah, I see…”
“Stop stalling. I’m busy. If we delay any further, the guards will show up. Do you want your wrists tied and be hauled away? That’d be quite a scene. Lady Beaucater might even faint from shock.”
Left with no choice, Celestian stood. Waiting at the entrance was a royal carriage drawn by horses. Kisha, who had been following the two with wide eyes, alternated her gaze between Celestian and Izmel.
“Kisha, I’m being taken away.”
Celestian raised his brows and joked.
“Excuse me? By who?”
“I don’t know.”
Kisha looked serious as if thinking of something to say to Daphne.
Izmel, looking somewhat awkward, let out a long sigh. After a moment of thought, he quickly provided an answer to their shared curiosity.
“Officially, the records state that His Highness will be locked up in the royal palace’s underground prison. However, to be perfectly honest, as a gesture of goodwill, I’m informing you that I’m currently assigned as an aide to the Crown Princess’s palace.”
Celestian, who had climbed into the carriage with an air of nonchalance, turned back belatedly as if to say, What did you just say? Izmel closed the door silently and locked it with a latch.
Locked?
Celestian tapped the window with his fist.
“This carriage is headed to the Crown Princess’s palace,” Izmel muttered from outside, flinching slightly.
“I think I misheard you,” Celestian replied.
“You heard correctly. Her Highness the Crown Princess is waiting. It’s confidential information, but since even the guards overheard, I’ll ask them to follow us in the rear vehicle.”
“Excuse me?”
Kisha had been caught too.
Before anyone could react further, the carriage set off.
—Idiot prince.
Daphne’s playful voice seemed to echo in Celestian’s mind. Idiot? Not a single word of it was wrong.
“Ah.”
Celestian had initially cooperated because he believed the document originated from Romeo. He had assumed Romeo’s involvement—sending someone familiar—was just another one of his peculiar gestures of goodwill.
“This country is overrun with con artists.”
Feeling utterly duped, Celestian furrowed his otherwise handsome face in irritation. He kicked at the door three times, briefly entertaining the idea of breaking it down and jumping out. However, the royal carriage’s walls were sturdy, leaving only faint scuff marks.
“Damn it.”
The royal palace wasn’t far. Celestian swept his bangs back in frustration as the carriage steadily moved forward.
****
Celestian disappeared. And Kisha, too.
“This is the first time I’ve ever not enjoyed leaving work.”
Daphne noticed the silver tray Misha was holding and hit her forehead with it. With a slap, a red mark quickly appeared on Daphne’s forehead.
“I think I’m going to scream.”
“Please wait a moment. I’ll bring you a clean handkerchief to bite on,” Narid responded dutifully and left the reception room. Daphne clasped her hands tightly over her mouth.
Well, at least he didn’t leave on his own this time. Or… is that even a relief?
Left behind, Daphne’s gaze fell on the luxurious documents resting on the silver tray.
To be precise, her eyes locked onto the summons, printed on blue-tinged paper and stamped with the royal seal.
