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Looking for the Runaway Princess – Chapter : 7
The swordsmanship class had ended.
Elizia slowly changed her clothes after taking a shower in the training hall bathroom.
She was deliberately moving slowly, thinking Rakan might be waiting for her.
If it was just a coincidence, fine—but going around together like it was normal felt a bit uncomfortable.
Please don’t be waiting for me.
Muttering to herself, Elizia walked through the dark corridor.
When she stepped out into the afternoon sunlight—
“Elizia.”
As expected, Rakan was waiting for her.
Was it the bright sunlight piercing her eyes—or his shining blond hair?
Elizia narrowed her eyes and hesitated. But seeing Rakan gesture for her to come over, she had no choice but to walk toward him.
He wasn’t even being forceful, yet she still couldn’t refuse him.
She didn’t understand why.
The two naturally walked together. Since they had no more classes, they headed toward the dormitory.
The late afternoon sun was warm, and only birdsong filled the quiet between them.
“Loosen your wrist.”
Elizia recalled what he had once told her and swung her wooden sword through the air.
Since then, her wrist no longer hurt, and she could handle sword impact better. His advice had clearly been useful.
“Giving advice to an enemy nation’s princess so kindly… isn’t that a bit dangerous?”
“If a war breaks out, I’ll make good use of it. Thanks.”
Elizia replied with a small smile.
The Kingdom of Ortygia and the Kashtra Empire had been under a ceasefire for twenty years.
Because of that, the word war didn’t feel so heavy anymore. Even jokes like this were possible.
More surprisingly, she didn’t dislike spending time with him anymore.
It almost felt like they were getting closer.
She didn’t hate this atmosphere, but she was curious about his true intentions.
Was he interested in her? No way.
She glanced at him.
But the way he walked half a step away made it clear—this wasn’t romantic interest or some hidden scheme.
“Senior, why are you suddenly getting close to me?”
“What, worried I might be interested in you?”
“Please don’t say scary things.”
“Scary? I’d call it a blessing.”
“……”
She was already getting used to his ridiculous remarks.
Rakan, as usual, walked calmly as if nothing mattered.
“I’d like to introduce you to my younger brother someday, if I get the chance.”
“Your younger brother?”
Elizia tilted her head in confusion.
The one he said looked like her? The half-brother who was supposedly handsome?
She didn’t expect him to be acting as a matchmaker.
Rakan laughed lightly when he saw her reaction.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not interested in my brother’s love life or yours.”
“Then why?”
“For political reasons.”
“Political reasons?”
She narrowed her eyes.
She was the future queen of Ortygia. His words must be related to that.
But what influence could she possibly have on imperial nobles?
Rakan didn’t explain further. He simply looked at her seriously.
“Anyway, since we’ve already met, let’s build some connection. It won’t be a loss for you.”
“Is that so?”
It sounded like it could bring problems—jealous students, rumors, misunderstandings.
Still, he didn’t seem like a bad person.
She nodded slightly.
“But who are you going to the party with tomorrow?”
“Senior Sophie.”
“I see.”
Pebbles crunched under their feet.
“And you, senior?”
She asked casually.
For some reason, she felt a strange tension while waiting for his answer.
“Frederic Watts.”
That wasn’t a girl’s name.
It was Sophie’s boyfriend.
Elizia quietly exhaled in relief.
Soon, the dorm buildings came into view.
At the fork separating male and female dorms, they stopped.
“See you.”
“Yeah.”
A simple goodbye.
They parted ways cleanly.
Later
“Elizia, are you really going to wear that?”
“Yes. Why?”
“……”
Sophie’s expression turned complicated.
They were getting ready for the academy founding festival party in the dorm room.
Sophie wore a luxurious silk dress in the latest fashion—pink, elegant, and decorated with embroidered lace that sparkled like jewels.
Elizia looked at her own dress.
It was simple, dark navy, modest, and elegant—but not flashy.
Not exactly “princess-like.” More like a strict tutor.
Sophie opened Elizia’s wardrobe.
Inside were many luxurious dresses her nanny had prepared.
“You have all these beautiful dresses… and you choose that?”
“Yes. There’s no one I need to impress anyway.”
“…What is wrong with our princess?”
“Hmm… maybe I just lack skill.”
That was the truth.
Back in the palace, servants helped her dress.
Here, she had to do everything alone—and it was annoying.
Sophie sighed and began pulling out dresses, testing them against Elizia’s body.
“This is pretty, but too plain in color… this one doesn’t match your eyes…”
“Hmm?”
“As a merchant’s daughter, I have good taste. Leave your styling to me.”
“……”
“I’m not as good as maids, but I’ll try my best.”
Sophie’s eyes sharpened with determination.
Elizia nodded obediently.
Soon Sophie began dressing her carefully, changing accessories, adjusting her hair, and selecting jewelry.
“Is this enough?”
Elizia asked while tightening Sophie’s corset.
Sophie groaned softly, struggling to breathe.
“You’re… strong…”
Elizia carefully fixed Sophie’s hair afterward, then helped her put on a necklace.
They looked at each other.
“You look beautiful, Elizia.”
Sophie smiled warmly, satisfied with her work.
“You too, Sophie senior. As always.”
Elizia smiled back.
It felt strange how close they had become, despite being from different nations.
At the dorm entrance
“Elizia! You look amazing!”
“That violet necklace suits you perfectly!”
“You look so different—it’s surprising! But beautiful!”
Students greeted her with compliments.
Elizia, usually simple and plain, looked completely different today.
She smiled back and walked toward the party hall.
Her heart felt light.
The scent of flowers drifted through the evening air.
Her hair moved gently in the wind.
Her violet dress shimmered under the light.
She had seen herself in the mirror earlier—familiar yet unfamiliar.
She had always been more beautiful when dressed elaborately.
Music from string instruments drifted through the large doors.
Elizia and Sophie held their roses and lilies, waiting for the doors to open.
Finally, the golden doors opened.
Light poured out, and music flooded the hallway.
Elizia stepped forward gracefully.
Tables filled with colorful finger foods, decorations, paintings, and sculptures filled her view.
Everything was perfect.
But suddenly—
She stopped.
Something in front of her made her freeze.
Her eyes blinked slowly.
