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Chapter 56
She’s not just a fox—she’s a top-class fox.
The way Charlier suddenly came at me earlier had completely caught me off guard. Now, sitting alone in my guest room, the anger was creeping back in.
It wasn’t just that I’d been outplayed so neatly—it was frustrating that Frederic had just stood there silently and done nothing.
I let out a heavy sigh and flopped onto the bed.
Right. What was I expecting from him? That he’d take my side right then and there? Yeah, right.
From this angle, I could see the ornate canopy overhead—delicately carved from ivory. I’d never seen such intricate bed decorations before.
“Hmmm…”
The situation itself wasn’t terrible. Charlier was annoying, Frederic was disappointing, and most importantly—I didn’t get to eat that crème brûlée, which was heartbreaking.
But still… I was living in a literal medieval European fairy tale. I was traveling, staying in a castle as an honored guest.
Yeah. If I focus only on the bad stuff, everything will feel disappointing. But there are good things here too.
I ran my fingers over the soft silk sheets, looking up at the decorations.
This is fine. I didn’t come here to play romance games anyway. I’ll just eat delicious food, see amazing things, and go home healthy.
I told myself I needed to be mentally prepared. With that sly fox Charlier, stiff-as-a-board Frederic, and whatever palace schemes might come later, I’d probably be facing waves of trouble soon.
Still, it’s lucky I know the original story.
I twisted the little tassel at the edge of my pillow between my fingers.
Oh, and—I got a confession today! Sure, it’s way past its expiration date, but still, that’s something. I almost forgot about Edward’s confession because of Frederic and Charlier.
Thinking about Edward made me smile automatically. His freshness made even the air in this guest room feel lighter.
How can someone be so refreshing just by existing? Out of all the men I’ve met since transmigrating, he’s the one I like the most.
“….”
I stopped playing with the pillow tassel.
It was strange. Edward made me happy and relaxed just thinking about him—but for some reason, my heart didn’t race.
Instead, my heart reacted when I thought about Tiago or Frederic.
Why is that? Is it just because I haven’t spent enough time with Edward? Or… oh no. Delphine, do you like bad boys? Is that why you’re not reacting? This is bad. I hate bad boys.
I was still caught up in my ridiculous inner drama when I heard movement outside.
—Knock, knock, knock.
“It’s Paella.”
Why would a maid come now? Curious, I told her to come in.
The door opened, and in walked a young maid in a gray dress—she looked a bit younger than me, with a neat, capable face.
“I’m Paella. I’ll be serving you during your stay here at Pignon Castle, my lady.”
Oh, right—they’d said each lady would get her own maid.
“Nice to meet you.”
She curtseyed, then began briefing me on the schedule for the week until the coronation. It was surprisingly relaxed. The coronation would be the big event, so that day would be hectic.
But there was something else for tonight—
“A banquet…?”
“Yes, my lady. Tonight’s banquet will bring together all the honored guests attending the coronation. The prince will host a separate dinner for foreign guests.”
“I see.”
“I’ll help you dress for it.”
I glanced out the window. The sun was already setting. Dressing formally could take over an hour, so we had to start now.
“Paella.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Who will be at this banquet?”
She explained: there would be thirteen people in total— the prince and his fiancée, the four guests from Shyro, five guests from other regions, and two of the prince’s special guests.
“Only five from other regions?”
That was odd. The Pignon Empire was the most powerful in the area, with many distinct territories. Having four from just Shyro but only five from all other regions combined… didn’t make sense.
“Yes, my lady.”
Paella seemed to be hiding something.
I asked gently,
“Is that normal? It’s strange. For Shyro to send four people when some regions sent no one… You’ve been in the palace a long time, so you’d know, right?”
“Um…”
She clasped her hands, clearly uncomfortable. She didn’t answer, but her hesitation told me enough—this wasn’t normal.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to answer.”
It was already suspicious enough. I didn’t want to push her—if anything happened, a maid would be in the most danger.
“In that case, let’s prepare your gown. The prince has provided a dress for you.”
Paella brought it out. I pushed down my uneasy feeling and got ready.
Yeah, this is suspicious. The safest thing is to keep my head down until I can leave this place.
Wow…!
The gown from the palace was stunning. The outer layer was a shimmering, transparent sky blue, with a white, voluminous inner layer.
The bodice was decorated with frills, and the sleeves were sheer and fitted snugly. With long gloves, it looked straight out of a Disney princess movie.
It fit perfectly, as if tailored for me. I wondered how they knew my size—but figured the Gartiár dress shop had provided it.
“You look beautiful, my lady!”
Paella gasped.
“Of all the ladies I’ve served, you’re the most beautiful.”
“….”
“I’ve even served Lady Charlier before, but you’re more beautiful.”
Being directly compared to Charlier felt awkward, but Paella seemed to mean it sincerely, so I said nothing.
“Oh… I misspoke…”
She noticed my expression and shrank back a little.
“It’s fine.”
She then brought out a jewelry case.
“These are on loan from the palace. You can choose whatever you like.”
Looking in the mirror, I saw the mermaid’s tear necklace suited the clear, bright style of the dress perfectly. I didn’t bother changing it—I planned to keep wearing it for a while anyway.
“What about earrings, my lady?”
My hair was pinned up, showing my neckline. Earrings would match well… but I shook my head.
“No earrings.”
There was no point. My goal was to stay quiet and unnoticed until I could go home—no need to dress up more than necessary.
Paella looked a bit disappointed but put the jewelry away.
“That’s a shame. They’re expensive pieces I’d love to try on.”
Her frankness made me smile. She still had the youthful openness of someone her age.
I softened my tone.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes, my lady!”
She opened the door and lifted my train as I walked in my velvet heels toward the banquet hall.
It was in the very center of the main building. The entrance was directly opposite the main doors.
Inside, rows of columns stretched along the space. The ceiling rose more than three meters high, the walls and ceiling gleaming with gold trim.
But what caught my eye most wasn’t the architecture—it was the long table in the center, set with crystal glasses, fine dishes, and glittering candles.
It’s just like the banquets in magazines or movies!
The seats were arranged with two at the head table, then the rest down each side.
Some people were already seated—all from ducal families, judging by their nameplates.
“Your seat is here, my lady.”
As I walked with Paella, I scanned the nameplates.
Ah… this is bad.
My seat was the second closest to the prince and his fiancée.
The two spots right in front of them were labeled “Prince’s Guest.”
Then came my seat—Charlier’s seat was to my right.
Across from me was Leo, with Frederic diagonally across to my right.
Ugh… So they’ve grouped all the Shyro people up front. That’s ominous.
The five guests from other regions were placed toward the middle and end.
As I took my seat, I could feel the eyes of the other guests—full of hostility and curiosity.
