“—Please, stop talking about that damned first princess already!”
The loud shout swallowed up the words of the second concubine’s words.
The second concubine was momentarily speechless at Ferand’s behavior. He finally let out the frustration that had been building up.
“Please, just stop.”
“…”
“I know very well how much Mother cherishes the first concubine and the first Princess. More than me, your own child, more than your own life! I know it all too well!” Ferand, who had been shouting, let out a hollow laugh, his eyes filled with tears. “…Knowing it too well is the problem.”
“You, what did you just say…”
The Second concubine tried to say something, catching her breath, but Ferand gritted his teeth, swept past her, and entered the palace. Carlotta followed closely beside him as he strode away.
“Brother, what’s wrong with you lately? Have you gone mad?”
“Get lost. I’m not in the mood to deal with you too.”
Ferand spat out viciously. But Carlotta, undeterred, continued to follow him.
“Bro—!”
“Do you even know what they’re saying about us in the streets?”
“What?”
Finally, Ferand, overwhelmed, turned and glared at Carlotta. Carlotta simply looked bewildered. Seeing that, he let out a bitter laugh. I knew it.
Ferand erased the smile from his face and approached Carlotta closely. He spoke, biting off his words like a growl. “Are you going to live like this forever? Being called and moving when someone gestures, barking like a dog when they tell you to?”
“Brother, what are you saying…!”
“Stupid girl.”
Bang! Carlotta raised her voice belatedly, but Ferand ignored her and entered his room.
Carlotta kept knocking on Ferand’s door, calling for him, but there was no answer, only the occasional sound of something breaking inside. Left with no choice, she turned around and walked back to her room, biting the skin beside her nails anxiously. Even as her skin split, blood oozed out, and her fingers swelled red, she compulsively bit her fingers.
“Why is he suddenly acting up now?”
Carlotta couldn’t understand Ferand. Why bring up their existence’s significance now, all of a sudden?
Ferand and Carlotta wouldn’t even have been born if the first concubine and Rebecca hadn’t needed someone to use like their limbs within the imperial palace. The Second concubine had always said so from the moment she could remember, and Carlotta accepted it. Moreover, when Rebecca ascended to the throne, they could live peacefully by her side all their lives.
Nobles who were desperate for their position were everywhere, yet what was Ferand dissatisfied with?
If you want to die, do it alone. I don’t want to die…!
Carlotta was anxious that she might be disfavored by Rebecca and abandoned because of Ferand. She wandered the hallway for a long time before finally returning to her room.
Meanwhile, the Second concubine staggered in shock after Ferand entered the imperial palace.
“How could this…”
It was shocking that her child, whom she had birthed and raised, dared to speak such insults about the first concubine and the first princess.
The second concubine took a deep breath and walked unsteadily. Her steps led her to White Flame Palace, the residence of the first concubine and the first princess.
“Oh my, Your Highness.”
A maid at White Flame Palace looked surprised to see the second concubine visiting alone. However, unlike usual, the second concubine couldn’t even think about fixing her appearance or expression and asked,
“Where is the first concubine?”
“Her Highness is probably in the bath on the second floor.”
Without responding, the second concubine moved towards the stairs. Knowing that she was a close friend and loyal to the first concubine, none of the servants stopped her.
As she reached the second floor, the maids and guards in front of the bath bowed to her. “Greetings to the Second Concubine.”
“The first concubine is alone.”
“I see. Ensure no one is around and leave as well.”
“Yes.”
The servants followed her orders without question.
The second concubine, looking exhausted, opened the door to the bath and stepped inside. As soon as she opened the door, a thick steam poured out. She squinted reflexively, then relaxed her expression when she saw a vague silhouette through the mist.
“…Your Highness.”
“Adella?”
The first concubine, who had been looking out the window while soaking in the bath, turned around delightedly. With her hair down for the bath, she looked as innocent and beautiful as a girl.
The second concubine, Adella, stared at the first concubine for a moment before slowly walking towards her. When Adella sat on the edge of the bath, the first concubine moved closer to her.
“Your Highness….” As soon as Adella realized that there was no one else around except for the first concubine, her composed expression crumbled.
The first concubine looked at her languidly and smiled. “When we’re alone, we agreed to call each other by our names and speak comfortably.”
“…”
“Adella.”
“…Roxanne.”
At the affectionate rebuke, Adella finally collapsed at the first concubine, Roxanne’s side. Roxanne gently stroked Adella’s face, which was now close to hers.
“Adella.”
“Yes.”
“Did Ferand cause trouble again?”
What had happened in front of the second concubine’s palace quickly reached Roxanne’s ears. Knowing this, Adella didn’t bother explaining further and simply closed her eyes. Her face contorted in distress.
“…Yes. I’m sorry.”
“What are you sorry for? I didn’t say it to make you apologize. You don’t need to apologize to me.”
Roxanne lifted her upper body from the water and embraced Adella. Adella rested her head on Roxanne’s chest and caught her breath. Roxanne’s gentle hand caressed Adella’s hair soothingly.
Feeling the touch, Adella murmured, “Roxanne.”
“Yes.”
“I can do anything for you.”
“I know.”
“…Really?”
“Yes,” Roxanne replied quietly and kissed Adella’s forehead.
At the silent but solid trust, Adella suddenly felt choked up. She hugged Roxanne tightly, her eyes blazing fiercely.
By any means necessary.
She’ll grant Roxanne’s wish, no matter what it takes. Even if it costs her life.
* * *
Some time later, Kayden and Diana attended a party held by a charity organization in the capital. The two, dressed up and holding hands, left the Third Prince’s palace together.
Diana saw Antar waiting by the carriage and was slightly impressed. “The formal attire suits you very well, Sir Antar.”
“…Thank you, Your Highness.” Antar, embarrassed, cleared his throat and bowed his head.
A few days ago, Kayden had given his permission for Antar to be appointed as Diana’s personal knight. Personal knights often had to attend parties with their masters, so they were also provided with formal attire and uniforms.
Antar was dressed in one of those formal attires. The attire, which fit perfectly and was adorned with silver decorations, was complemented by a blue cape draped over one shoulder, matching his eyes remarkably well.
Kayden also agreed that the ceremonial dress suited Antar very well. But when Antar cleared his throat and turned his head, Kayden noticed his ears were red under his curly brown hair, and he felt an odd sensation. It must be my imagination…
Most knights felt awkward receiving compliments from ladies. In fact, Antar’s reaction, blushing only his ears instead of grinning widely, was rather dignified.
Yes, so this unease must be a mere whim. Kayden thought so, suppressing the unsightly emotions rising within him. He then put on a flawless, cheerful smile and extended his hand to Diana.
“Shall we go?”
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