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Chapter 26
Prince Louis I was actually in a position where he could make almost any decision he wanted. The only ones who could slightly oppose his judgment were the nobles—not the daughters of those nobles.
Yet, caught between the gazes of these two great and small princesses, he froze.
“…That is…”
“Your Highness.”
The Summers Princess spoke in a low voice. Anastasia, on the other hand, gave no reaction at all and calmly placed her fork down on a perfectly cooked piece of sirloin. The chef hesitated for a moment, but he could not neglect his duty.
Seasoned with pepper and foreign spices, the seared meat revealed its tender pink inside, dripping with juices.
Each stroke of the sharp knife made it split like clouds, and soon the pieces were placed onto Anastasia’s plate.
In the end, Louis gave his answer.
“Well, I suppose there’s no problem with us eating together.”
The Summers Princess clenched her unseen left fist tightly, trembling.
“…Yes, I suppose so.”
She answered through gritted teeth.
But Anastasia remained relaxed. She was enjoying the situation with her eyes while eating the well-cooked meat.
These were meals she could never have dreamed of while trapped in the tower.
“I’m glad, Lady Summers. Would you like some tea in my room after lunch?”
As she casually drank the wine freshly poured by the chef, Anastasia made a relaxed suggestion. The Summers Princess’s face turned as red as her bright scarlet hair.
“Would it be inappropriate for me to join you, Anastasia?”
Louis smiled innocently as he joked.
“It would be very inappropriate, so please stop.”
The Summers Princess’s gaze remained sharp, unlike Anastasia, who continued exchanging light jokes. She seemed to have little intention of maintaining etiquette in front of Louis.
And Anastasia quite liked that kind of person. Honest frankness was a rare virtue in this age full of pretenses.
“I assume you are picky about tea leaves, Lady Étranger?”
“I am. I’m sure… Louis will prepare a fine selection suited to your taste. Right?”
Seeing Louis nod, the Summers Princess felt her frustration boiling inside.
Frankly speaking, it was clear he was passing off an unprepared task. Normally, he would not have tolerated such behavior so lightly.
But she could not afford to lose her temper over something like this.
In high society, losing one’s dignity was the greatest loss of all. Fortunately, the Summers Princess knew she had a somewhat hot-tempered nature.
She needed time. Time to calm herself.
“However, I have another appointment after lunch. Would dinner together be acceptable instead?”
Anastasia readily agreed.
She was well aware of the Summers Princess’s temper from her past life. Even if she didn’t attend social gatherings, she would still hear exaggerated tales of her accomplishments.
Ruining her dignity was not Anastasia’s goal.
“Very well. Then I’ll see you this evening. If you cannot eat certain ingredients, please inform us through your attendant.”
“…Thank you for your consideration, Lady Étranger.”
She did not like that easy composure.
She had clearly only recently entered society, yet she responded without even changing her expression.
Louis, meanwhile, watched the two women bicker with a smile. He had nothing to lose.
Marrying the Summers Princess would grant him greater territory and power through the royal family…
And if he chose Anastasia instead, he would keep one of the most powerful mages at his side.
But Louis did not know.
More precisely, Louis—the first prince who had grown up loved and admired by all—could not know.
That Anastasia had no feelings for him at all.
By the time Trish had loosened her braided hair halfway, she finally could not contain her curiosity.
“S-so… how did it go, my lady…?”
“How did it go? I had lunch instead of breakfast.”
“…That’s amazing.”
It truly was. Anastasia shrugged, and only then did Trish begin to understand just how extraordinary the person she served was.
A court mage.
Normally, mages did not keep attendants. Those who mastered the mysterious art and stayed in royal residences were often old, eccentric, or wise.
“I am quite amazing, aren’t I?”
“Honestly, yes. Until now… I couldn’t really feel it, since you’re a mage.”
For people who could move objects with a gesture or make them float, attendants were unnecessary. More importantly, they already had something that replaced attendants completely.
Disciples.
A great mage’s teachings could be passed down through mere observation of movements and overheard spells.
“Do you want me to make it more real for you?”
“…How?”
Trish blinked, eyes sparkling, and Anastasia teased her.
“I did something to my last maid.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I pushed her off the tower. Of course, I slowed her fall so she wouldn’t die.”
Trish froze mid-motion while brushing her tangled hair.
Her wide eyes trembled with shock, and she couldn’t speak.
“Want me to try it on you too, Trish?”
“T-the first floor is only one story…”
“A chimney should be high enough.”
“I’m sorry!”
Trish looked like she was about to cry. She knew Anastasia was half joking, but the problem was that there were truly insane people in the world.
People who would actually do such “jokes” if they found them interesting.
“Don’t worry, I won’t actually push you. More importantly, do you know anything about House Summers? You’ve heard more rumors than I have, right?”
“Ah, right. You only attended your first social event recently.”
“See? Information spreads fast.”
“I’m actually quite well connected… I have friends or older sisters in most households.”
This was an unexpected gain.
Anastasia’s lips curled slightly upward. What she needed was political warfare. Having a servant skilled in information gathering was a huge advantage.
Of course, that was only if she proved loyal enough for the position… but she was the granddaughter of Enok. That alone was somewhat reassuring.
“Really?”
“Yes, my lady! I’m quite sociable, you see…”
Evening was approaching. Anastasia was still getting ready with Trish’s help.
Chatter filled the room.
Outside the door, Enok was about to announce the arrival of a Summers attendant bringing a list of forbidden foods—but stopped.
There was no need for Anastasia to see it. He could handle the meal himself.
“What are you doing there?”
Looking down at Enok pressing his ear against the door, Artorius asked.
“Listening to my granddaughter’s conversation.”
“Not listening to Anastasia’s conversation?”
“Would you like to listen with me?”
It was a strange invitation, but oddly tempting.
Laughter rang out again from inside. Had she ever laughed like that when speaking with him?
Artorius eventually nodded.
“…What are they talking about?”
“Why not listen yourself?”
“…I will not.”
That was his final pride. Perhaps he simply did not want to intrude on Anastasia.
Enok did not care.
When Anastasia was young, this happened often. When her older sister or younger brother overshadowed her and she cried, she never showed tears to others.
So he would always listen to her. Comfort her. Tell her she was special.
“You should do this more often.”
“What do you mean?”
Another burst of laughter came from inside. Most of it was Trish’s voice, not Anastasia’s.
“My lady does not easily share her troubles with others.”
The sunset spilled through the window, scattering golden light through the curved glass patterns.
Artorius slowly pressed his ear to the door as well.
Click.
Before the door opened.
“…Artorius? What are you doing here?”
“…Well.”
Enok struggled to hold back laughter, and Anastasia immediately understood the situation.
Artorius had walked into Enok’s trap.
Fortunately, Enok always prepared a way out after teasing people.
“Lady Summers will arrive soon. The list of restricted ingredients has been received, and the meal is nearly ready.”
“Oh, really? That’s a relief.”
Anastasia pretended not to notice and moved on, giving Artorius time to recover.
“Oh, did anyone bring a tea box earlier?”
Enok frowned slightly and shook his head.
“No such thing happened.”
“I see. That’s fine.”
A decent tea could be prepared here as well.
Enok checked the time with his pocket watch.
“About an hour left. Please get dressed.”
