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ICBV Chapter 13

ICBV I Chapter 13

Edited by “Sid”

Chapter 013

At noon today, news arrived that Xavier would be visiting the Marceline estate. With news of a guest from the Imperial family, the maids began sweeping and cleaning the floors and windows early. Any mistake, no matter how minor, could lead to criticism from the Prince, and Count Marceline would not spare anyone in punishment. And of course, the revenge of Lady Aira, who exuded an icy presence, was not to be trifled with either.

“You all are working so hard,” Luna said kindly, walking down the hallway while encouraging the maids she passed. She extended her hand to gently pat their shoulders and spoke with a soft expression.

“Are you feeling okay, miss?”

“They said Lady Aira was being quite difficult in the carriage ride, causing you trouble.”

Luna’s maids expressed their concern for her, their eyes filled with sympathy. Luna shrugged slightly, appearing helpless as she shook her head.

“It’s something I have to endure.”

After giving them another encouraging word, Luna continued down the hall and soon disappeared from view. For a moment, the maids who watched her walk away began whispering among themselves.

“What could Xavier Prince possibly see in Lady Aira? Honestly, Lady Luna is far more charming…”

“Why do you think so? Lady Aira is the legitimate daughter.”

“True. It’s sad how Lady Luna struggles so much. With common blood mixed in, she endures so much hardship… and Lady Aira’s constant pranks leave her barely unharmed…”

The maids whispered quietly until they heard Aira’s approaching footsteps. As her figure appeared, they quickly fell silent and resumed their tasks.

Unlike the warm, comforting demeanor of Lady Luna, who had been encouraging them earlier, Aira passed through with a cold, expressionless face.

“Miss, we should deal with them immediately,” said Gemma from behind, her voice laced with anger. However, Aira simply smirked faintly and shook her head.

“Leave them. There’s no need to waste energy on foolish, ignorant chatter.”

“But…”

Aira’s lips twisted into a slight smirk. It wasn’t particularly bothersome, after all. Xavier was suited for Lady Luna, after all.

Still, seeing Luna triumphant was unacceptable. They would squirm like trembling insects, awaiting their inevitable judgment.

“Let’s go. Father is waiting,” she said briskly, quickening her steps.

Moments later, Aira entered the grand lobby and spotted Count Marceline and Luna standing together. Count Marceline adjusted the cuff of his tailored sleeve while Luna, dressed in a flowing, elegant pink dress, gently fixed it for him.

“It seems like the time has come for you to marry, too,” Count Marceline said with a fond smile.

“I don’t want to marry. Leaving the Count’s household… just thinking about it makes me sad,” Luna responded shyly, her voice soft.

“Luna…”

“I just want to keep living with you, Father. Please don’t think about arranging a marriage for me.”

For a while, Count Marceline simply gazed at his daughter, clearly pleased with her words. Gently, he reached out and stroked her hair.

Aira stood quietly by, observing them. As she had before, their bond as father and daughter was unbreakable. Count Marceline’s affection for Luna had always been undeniable, even more so than his love for his legitimate daughter.

At this point, Aira had no intention of challenging their relationship. However, she would not allow their close bond to remain unchallenged either.

After leaving the Marceline estate, Luna had cunningly used Count Marceline’s favor to consume the family’s wealth and possessions. She then quietly presented them to Empress Julienne, securing her loyalty.

‘I won’t let you run wild any longer.’

Thinking about the dinner, Aira decided on a method to erode Luna’s trust in the Count’s household. Approaching them, she smiled faintly and addressed Count Marceline.

“Father.”

Startled, he turned to face her, leaving his gentle gaze on Luna. Unlike the radiant pink gown worn by her, Aira was dressed in a calm, serene blue dress, standing quietly behind him.

“Oh, Aira has arrived.”

The loving gaze of Count Marceline dried up the moment he saw Aira. Though there had been changes in their relationship lately, it wasn’t as fresh as the way he used to delight in Luna’s affection, who had long charmed him with her sweetness.

“My, Aira. You look stunning today,” Luna said with a smile on her lips, her cold eyes fixed on her.

“Right, Count? I could never hope to match even a fraction of Aira’s beauty.”

“Luna. You’re beautiful enough. In fact, you look so stunning today that I almost mistook you for the star of the show.”

As Luna humbly downplayed herself, Count Marceline praised her with a smile, suggesting otherwise. Watching Luna beam triumphantly, Aira thought,

‘Pathetic.’

The childish display didn’t even provoke a reaction, not even a tickle. Smiling faintly, Aira raised the corner of her lips, causing a subtle tremor in Luna’s eyes.

“Such a warm family atmosphere,” Aira said casually.

Shortly after, Xavier descended from the carriage, his usual regal attire making him look effortlessly dashing as he entered the lobby. Count Marceline immediately stepped forward to greet him with the proper royal etiquette and a handshake.

“Welcome, Your Highness. It must have been a long journey.”

“Not at all. I arrived with joy and even whistling along the way,” Xavier said with a cheerful smile.

Behind Count Marceline, Aira and Luna both gave slight nods and greetings to Xavier.

“The Star of Kalantia, Your Highness.”

Xavier, with a warm smile, approached Aira, his gaze gentle yet calculating. In a soft voice, he said,
“From the moment I woke up this morning, I thought of you.”

“…Your Highness.”

“Interestingly, even now, as I see you, you’re the only thought on my mind.”

For any woman, this would be a heart-fluttering line. But not for Aira, who knew Xavier’s true intentions. She responded with a playful smile, her voice carrying a light tone.

“I think of you often too, Your Highness.”

Today, she had indeed thought of him. She had been thinking of ways to use him against Luna.

“Hm…”

Aira glanced briefly at Luna. Seeing Xavier gazing at her with dreamy eyes, witnessing the clenched fists trembling with jealousy, made her smirk even more.

‘Hold him tighter, Luna. Beg with all your soul and body. Burn for him, just to have this man,’ Aira thought.

“The chefs have prepared the meal, Your Highness,” Aira said as she led Xavier by the arm towards the dining room, followed by Count Marceline and Luna.


“Was the meal to your liking, Your Highness? Compared to the food from the palace, it must seem quite modest.”

“Not at all. Dining at Marceline reminds me of the times I used to visit my grandmother’s house as a child.”

“Emrich’s cuisine is renowned for its excellence. Truly a pleasure.”

After the meal, Count Marceline humbly inquired about Xavier’s experience, to which he responded with his usual gracious and refined tone.

“Winning the favor of such a husband is the greatest fortune of your life, Aira.”

Count Marceline often said this, and Aira had agreed. Besides wealth and influence, Xavier was known for his charm, even toward commoners or servants.

“Ah, I almost forgot. Today, I’ve brought a gift for your sister.”

Chuckling softly, Xavier gestured for his attendant to retrieve it. At the mention of a gift, Luna’s pink eyes sparkled with anticipation. Moments later, the attendant entered with something wrapped in fine silk.

It was a result of Aira’s subtle mention in one of her letters to Xavier.

I like translating novels for a hobby. Hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy translating it!

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