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CHAPTER 21
“Why do you keep staring?”
Richard asked with a playful smile.
I had been sneaking glances at him for a while now.
“…I was just wondering if the medicine is working.”
Richard was now sitting on the couch in my reception room, his cheek lightly bandaged. I had applied the ointment and covered it with a clean patch.
Richard leaned forward slightly, bringing his face close to mine.
“Can you take a look? You seem to care quite a bit.”
“…You’re acting odd again.”
“I’m just grateful.”
“Don’t be.”
“Still, I am.”
“Don’t be.”
“…Princess.”
He called softly and gazed at me.
Our eyes locked.
In that brief moment, a strange thought flickered through my mind.
I had never seen Richard look this way—not in my past life.
I remembered the day I died—when he rushed in too late to save me. His expression then was twisted in pain and rage.
And yet, this boy in front of me…
Seemed peaceful. Content.
Even playful.
I pulled my gaze away, heart fluttering slightly.
“You’re dismissed now. Go back.”
“…Already?”
“I’m not your babysitter.”
He gave a soft chuckle and stood. As he was about to leave, I called out to him.
“Wait.”
I hesitated, then asked,
“…Did you get that scratch because of me?”
Richard tilted his head.
“What do you mean?”
“That day… after the third boundary.”
“Oh… right. When I said something wrong.”
He smiled sheepishly.
“I wanted to tell you I meant no harm. But you didn’t show up again, so I kept looking for a chance.”
“So you snuck into the palace?”
“Not snuck—I walked in. Officially.”
I narrowed my eyes.
He laughed and added,
“My older sister helped.”
“…Lady Rieanne?”
“She said I should apologize properly, or I’d be cursed.”
“…She’s not wrong.”
Richard reached the door, then turned back and said,
“Thanks again, Princess. I’ll treasure this bandage.”
“Don’t be weird.”
“It’s a habit.”
And with a smile, he left.
That evening,
I stood before the mirror and combed my hair.
Suddenly, I heard Ilia talking outside the room with someone.
“Princess Lirien! The chef says the dish requested by His Majesty is ready!”
“…The dish requested by His Majesty?”
“Yes! He said you’d understand when you saw it… Shall I bring it in?”
I nodded slowly.
Ilia soon entered, pushing a silver cart covered with a dome lid. She placed it carefully on the table.
As the lid was lifted—steam rose, revealing a dish I hadn’t seen in a very long time.
White bean porridge.
Sweet, mildly savory, and warm.
I sat down slowly and took a spoonful.
The taste hadn’t changed.
“…He remembered.”
This porridge had been one of my favorite childhood dishes. Only my mother and the Emperor knew.
I stared at the bowl for a long time.
At the same time, in the Emperor’s study…
The Emperor gazed down at a stack of parchment. His aide, Sir Tyron, spoke cautiously.
“Your Majesty… this is a surprise.”
“…What is?”
“This porridge. You haven’t ordered it in over ten years.”
The Emperor remained silent.
He had walked into the kitchens himself today.
Though the chefs were startled, they immediately obeyed. Some even whispered that the Emperor must be preparing a surprise for Princess Evgenia.
But they were all wrong.
The Emperor closed his eyes briefly.
He could still remember it clearly.
Years ago, when a small child clung to his cloak and mumbled:
“Papa… make porridge again…”
It was one of the few memories he held dear.
Back in the 1st Princess’s palace…
After finishing the porridge, I sat in silence.
Ilia, clearing the table, whispered to herself,
“It’s so strange… The Emperor seemed so sincere today.”
“…He did?”
“Yes! When he came by earlier to leave this dish, he looked very… human.”
“…”
“I know it’s not my place, but… I think he really does care for you, Princess.”
My hand stopped.
I couldn’t say anything back.
Because I wasn’t sure what was real anymore.
The next morning,
I received unexpected news.
“…Evgenia has requested a visit?”
“Yes, Princess,” Ilia replied. “She says she has something to say—something very important.”
“…Fine. Let her in.”
My heart sank a little.
Something important?
Knowing Evgenia, this was unlikely to be a friendly chat.
And I was right.
A few minutes later, Evgenia entered, her usual bright expression gone.
She stood still, clutching her parasol tightly.
“…Lirien.”
“What brings you here?”
She stared at me for a long moment, then said:
“…Don’t get close to Richard Wil Elliette.”
“…What?”
“I’m warning you. He’s mine.”
I blinked slowly.
So that’s what this was.
Evgenia stepped closer, trembling.
“Just because Father treats you a little better now… don’t get any ideas.”
I gave a cold laugh.
“So this is how you show gratitude? After I went out of my way to protect your birthday celebrations?”
“Don’t twist things!”
Evgenia’s voice cracked.
“You’ve always been jealous. Always tried to take what was mine. But Richard—he’s different. I won’t let you steal him too!”
“…Steal?”
“He’s always been mine! Everyone knows! Even Lady Elliette hinted at it—she wants me as her sister-in-law!”
I stared at her in disbelief.
So this was her plan?
Claiming a boy she barely knew… and acting like I was the intruder?
“…You really think Richard belongs to anyone?”
“W-What are you saying—”
“I’m saying you can’t claim people like toys, Evgenia.”
She clenched her fists.
“I won’t let this go. I’ll make sure you regret it.”
With that, she turned and stormed out.
As the door slammed behind her, Ilia appeared, her mouth agape.
“Your Highness… are you alright?”
I let out a sigh and leaned back in my chair.
“…No. But I will be.”
