Regardless, Pristin studied diligently to fulfill her commitment.
Sometimes, she studied without meals, causing the worries of Aruvina and the Camer Palace maids.
Of course, in the midst of that, Pristin tried to spend all her time with Claret, but…
“Pristin, you look tired these days.”
There was no way that it wouldn’t be caught by the quick-witted Claret.
Pristin, twirling her fork in her hands while eating her rose pasta, looked up at Claret. Her face had become slightly more frail compared to when they first met.
“Not getting enough sleep these days?”
“Oh, no…”
“Don’t lie to me.”
Claret spoke firmly.
“I’ve already heard from Aruvina. She said you’ve been overwhelmed with studying.”
Oh, Aruvina.
Pristin smiled awkwardly.
“I had hoped that by doing work in the herbal garden that Pristin would have more enjoyable days.”
Claret said with a look of great concern.
“If it’s so difficult for you, wouldn’t it be better not to do it? You can study herbs just fine with books from the library.”
“I thought the same way at first, but it’s actually quite interesting.”
Pristin continued with a smile.
“Before I leave the palace, I want to create a new stamina potion for the princess. So I’m studying hard.”
“…What kind of unusual wish is that?”
Claret spoke to Pristin with a puzzled look.
“Have you forgotten that I’m just twelve years old, Pristin? Besides, I don’t have the kind of tiring work that would require a stamina potion in the first place.”
After retorting like that, Claret paused for a moment, then asked.
“How about changing the target of that wish to my brother? He would love it, I’m sure.”
Pristin readily agreed that a stamina potion would be a more useful gift for Jerald than for Claret. Jerald had always seemed exhausted, even two years ago.
Pristin remembered how she used to occasionally give him lemon candies as a gift, thinking that he must be busy as a palace servant. Now she realized that he was tired because he was the crown prince.
“So, how is your studying going?”
“I have finished about half of one book.”
“Wow, Pristin.”
“Yes?”
“You’re really amazing. I mean, I already knew you were smart, but still.”
Claret exclaimed with an impressed tone.
“With that level of dedication, you could have gone to the academy. No, then we wouldn’t have met, would we?”
“Haha…”
It wasn’t that she didn’t consider that at all. In fact, Pristin had been interested in herbal medicine for a long time. Even before her family’s downfall, she relied on her previous knowledge and gathered herbs to survive.
However, an incident occurred that shattered all of her academic ambitions, so she didn’t pursue further education at a university.
“Anyway, the ball will be held soon. Have you decided on a partner?”
It was only then that Pristin remembered the conversation about the ball that Claret had mentioned on her first day at the palace. As Claret scrutinized Pristin’s expression closely, she spoke with a voice that indicated she already knew the answer.
“You completely forgot?”
“I’m busy studying these days…”
“Well, it’s all right. Fortunately, my brother doesn’t have a partner yet either.”
“You’re mentioning it again?”
Pristin narrowed her eyes in response.
“I appreciate your consideration, but I have no intention of attending the party as a partner to His Majesty.”
Ever since she revealed their past to the young princess, Pristin noticed Claret’s desire for Pristin and Jerald to reunite through her reactions. However, Pristin had been avoiding Claret’s advances until now. Of course, it was also Jerald’s wish.
But regardless, Pristin couldn’t fulfill that particular request, no matter how much she liked Claret.
“I don’t want to cause any trouble with unnecessary rumors. Besides, there are surely people who will view my presence in Camer Palace with suspicion.”
“You’ve even considered that problem?”
“Because he is the emperor. I believe it’s best not to have any flaws or issues, even in minor matters.”
Furthermore, Jerald didn’t become emperor through a normal succession process after his father’s death. Since it was still the early stages of his reign, it was important to be cautious and avoid anything that could be detrimental.
“And I don’t want to be that flaw.”
“A flaw? Why would Pristin be a flaw?”
“Your Highness may not view it that way, but…”
Pristin forced a smile as she spoke.
“People’s opinions may differ.”
“…”
“Also, shouldn’t the emperor’s partner be the responsibility of the crown princess?”
“You want me to dance with my brother? Pristin, I’m not even of debutante age yet.”
“But you often attend parties regardless of your social debut.”
“Even so, it’s a bit… unconventional for the emperor to dance with the crown princess at their first ball. Especially considering the situation with the empress not being decided yet.”
Claret, who shook her head as if she were not happy, soon muttered with a serious expression.
“Well, maybe it’s better than dancing with Tanya?”
“Who is Tanya?”
“Tanya Gennant.”
Claret explained, narrowing her eyes, an uncommon sight for her.
“One of our distant, distant relatives. A relative so distant that perhaps a drop of blood may or may not have been mixed.”
“I see.”
“And she wants to become empress.”
Pristin momentarily paused at those words. But it was a fleeting moment.
“I see.”
Pristin responded with the same casual tone as before. And Claret, who had been observing her reaction, was frustrated. This was not the response she had hoped for.
“I heard that the Gennant family helped my brother when he became emperor. That’s why Tanya should be empress, and Duke Gennant is secretly giving hints to Brother. Ugh, I really hate it.”
“It’s a common and natural course of events. The reward for aiding a rebellion would be to have the aide’s daughter become empress.”
Pristin asked in a strangely refined voice compared to before.
“But Your Highness, you don’t like her? Since she fought on his side, I think I’d like Princess Gennant if I were Your Highness.”
“Of course, I am grateful for them helping my brother. But Duke Gennant has also received a substantial reward for this incident. Isn’t that enough compensation? Why do they have to meddle in choosing my future sister-in-law?”
Claret frowned, clearly displeased.
“And it’s not like the Gennant family is the only one among the noble houses that played a major role in this coup. It’s rude and over the line.”
“If the right people are to be awarded accordingly, you have every right to feel displeased.”
Pristin carefully added her opinion.
It was only then, as if he had finally got the reaction he wanted, that Claret’s expression brightened.
“Exactly, you think that too, Pristin?”
Only then did Claret change to a bright expression as if she had received the response she wanted.
“If I were Your Highness the Crown Princess or His Majesty the Emperor, I might have thought the same…”
“You’ll understand how terrible Princess Gennant is when you experience it yourself. I’ve never seen such an unpleasant woman. Sometimes, she tries to be treated better than me! I’ve never liked her since the time when the former emperor was still alive.”
Claret quickly vented her frustrations about Tanya, and Pristin, who did not know much about the situation, only added occasional interjections at the end of Claret’s words.
“That’s why I don’t like Princess Gennant. She has an overbearing aura, and ugh, she’s really unpleasant!”
“I see.”
“That’s why I wanted Pristin to be my brother’s partner. I wanted to keep Princess Gennant in check.”
“However, Your Highness, my opinion remains the same. I will not change my mind.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Not even if I make it a wish?”
Pristin flinched for a moment, but soon returned to her original expression and replied.
“Even if Your Highness wishes it, I cannot comply.”
“Your Highness being a partner for the emperor will do enough to offend Princess Gennant.”
“But wouldn’t it be more effective if another woman becomes his partner?”
“…”
“Am I not right?!”
Pristin couldn’t refute that statement. But some things were simply not possible.
“If I attend as His Majesty’s partner, there will be those who doubt, speculate, and gossip about the nature of our relationship. I do not want His Majesty’s dignity to be brought into question in such a manner.”
“Pristin, you’re too cautious. Always so careful, careful, careful.”
“There’s no harm in being cautious.”
“You truly have no feelings for Brother?”
Claret said with a raised eyebrow.
“If I had even the slightest bit of ambition or attachment, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this.”
Strictly speaking, the opportunity existed even before Claret suggested it. It had always existed.
If Pristin changed her mind even now, Jerald would take her with joy right away. It may sound rather arrogant, but it was true.
Therefore, this proposal was not particularly appealing to Pristin, nor was it even really an “opportunity” to begin with.
“Sigh. I guess there’s no other choice, then. I have no choice but to step up.”
Although she outwardly showed a displeased expression, Claret came to like Pristin even more because of her sense of responsibility and consideration.
‘And seeing how worried she is about Brother, there’s still a chance.’
Having confirmed that, Claret decided to take it slow and approach the situation with more patience. After all, there was still time. Claret asked Pristin again in a softer tone.
“By the way, Pristin, do you have time tomorrow afternoon?”
“What is it for?”
“I have a tea party tomorrow.”
Claret added, as if she almost forgot.
“Princess Gennant is coming too. It’s going to be quite a grand tea party.”
“…”
“If you’re not busy studying, can you come? Before going to the ball, I want to introduce you to everyone there. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to…”
In truth, Pristin was not particularly keen on revealing herself to the social circles of the capital. However, she understood Claret’s desire to show off and boast about her. Moreover, there was a concern that staying in the palace without any social activities could lead to gossip and speculation.
Above all, the reason why Pristin was staying in the palace now was all because of Claret. She didn’t know when she would return to her original position, but for as long as she stayed here, Pristin wanted to do everything she could to fulfill Claret’s wishes. Apart from being involved with Jerald, of course.
“Yes, Your Highness. What time is the tea party?”
“It’s at two o’clock! We can have an early lunch together and spend some time at the princess’s palace before attending the tea party. How does that sound?”
“Yes. Sounds good, Your Highness.”
A bright smile appeared on Claret’s lips upon hearing Pristin’s answer.
In response, a natural smile bloomed on Pristin’s face as well.
