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Chapter : 19
“P-Please… just give me a moment to gather my thoughts.”
Tehez asked in a trembling voice. When Marianne replied with a simple “Take your time,” Tehez shot to her feet.
As if she wanted to hide how rigid her expression had become, she scrubbed her face over and over and finally turned her body toward the window.
Miel, who had been staring grimly at his teacup, glanced sideways at Marianne.
After dropping something that explosive, her face was calm—too calm. But Miel soon noticed that the princess was, in fact, nervous.
Unlike her serene eyes, her lower lip was bitten tight, and the hand holding her teacup handle trembled ever so slightly.
Was she serious about everything she just said? And if she was—why would she go that far for the North?
Marianne had not even been here a month. In that short time, she had cared for the young duke and transformed the manor.
Things had certainly changed for the better, but Miel still didn’t fully trust her. If anything, he had grown more wary. Until now he’d believed the princess had some scheme.
“With the Divine Lamp, we’ll be safe. So I’ll go look for Potea berries and Frost Lilies too. That way we can cut down the time, even just a little.”
Even if someone pretended to be virtuous, could they say something like that so casually?
Miel grew even more conflicted.
Thinking back, on her first day here, Marianne hadn’t run away when the young duke lost control—she had shielded him.
Could it be… she’s genuinely kind? And the other royals mistreated her for it? Maybe the rumors were lies. After all, the imperial family once framed the Grand Duchy and ruined it.
A thought so absurd that yesterday’s Miel would’ve scoffed at it—yet here he was, seriously considering it.
“I understand Your Highness’s words.”
Tehez finally turned back from the window. She had rubbed her face so hard that her eyes and cheeks were flushed red.
“If it’s to help Callet… with the Divine Lamp, I’ll go into the uncharted territories as far as needed.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“But, Your Highness.”
“Yes?”
Tehez stared stiffly before speaking.
“How did you know there is a sacred artifact on the wall? That fact is a Northern secret—one even the Imperial Palace does not know.”
Marianne knew what she feared. Everywhere else assumed monsters never attacked human settlements because of high walls and the knights guarding them.
Well, it’s true the Grand Duke’s knights culled most of the beasts before, forcing them into hiding…
And also true that the territory remained safe even now thanks to the sacred artifact embedded in the wall.
And if the Emperor learned that? He’d steal it. Hence Tehez’s terror.
“Well… you wouldn’t understand even if I explained. Someone already dead told me. And I’m the only one in the imperial family who knows.”
Marianne said what she had prepared.
In the novel, the heroine had purification powers, almost a saint. God kindly visited her in a dream and told her everything.
With the Divine Lamp, she found Potea berries, and the North rebuilt quickly thanks to abundant food.
…Not something I can say aloud, given I only read that in a book.
“And it will stay that way—only me. I swear it on my name and soul.”
Her solemn vow made Tehez nod, though uneasily.
“I understand. Indeed, if Your Highness had spoken of this, the wall would have already been torn down. I’ll obey your command.”
“Good. Rest today. We leave for the wall tomorrow.”
Now that Tehez was convinced, even the dazed-looking Miel likely wouldn’t argue further.
Marianne smiled in relief.
The next day, the weather was thankfully mild. Clouds hung overhead, but not heavy enough for snow.
“It’ll stay cloudy, I think. A bit windy, but safe enough,” Amelie said as she helped Marianne into a thick coat. Then, hiding her smile, she wrapped a scarf around her neck and warned sternly:
“But Your Highness—whatever happens, do not go below the wall. Count Hill insisted on this as well. You must stay on top. All right?”
“Yes, I know.”
Marianne nodded. If she told Amelie it was the hundredth time she’d heard that warning, she feared her head might roll off her neck.
Still… she means it kindly. I appreciate it.
Bundled in layers, she stood before the mirror. It felt a bit excessive, but she could move fine, so she let it go.
“Your Highness, I’ve brought warm soup.”
“Thank you, Laurent.”
Marianne cupped the mug in both hands and walked to the window, blowing gently at the steam.
In the front yard, Tehez and Miel spoke quietly to the knights from Hill Territory, explaining today’s mission.
“Looks like they’re persuading them well,” Amelie said, coming to her side.
“Mm. Better expressions than I expected,” Marianne replied.
The knights, stunned at first, now controlled their reactions and even scanned their surroundings.
Probably because of Lusana.
Marianne sighed in relief at the thought of the most dangerous person currently in the mansion. If Lusana weren’t just an ordinary noble girl, Marianne’s true motives might already be exposed.
Fortunately, Lusana—like Marianne—had no talent in swordsmanship or magic and had brought no skilled knights.
So Lusana assumed Marianne was merely going to inspect the wall.
“Oh! G-Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Good morning, Lusana. Are you feeling better?”
“Thanks to your concern, I’m completely recovered. B-by the way… are you heading to the wall right now?”
Here to snoop, no doubt. With her maids in tow.
Marianne smiled brightly and nodded.
“Yes. I need to be back before sundown. Would you like to come?”
“I, um…”
Lusana hesitated. Not knowing what lay at the wall, her reaction was understandable.
Her loyalty—and fear of the prince’s command—warred on her face.
It was amusing, but if she came along, it would be a hassle. Marianne shrugged and kindly narrowed her choices.
“Sir Tehez’s knights will guard us, but it’ll be dangerous. Could you tidy the annex while I’m gone? It’s not a mess—your maids working together will finish quickly.”
Lusana’s face lit up.
“Yes! Please leave it to me, Your Highness—I’ll make it sparkle!”
She answered instantly and rushed off with her maids before Marianne could change her mind.
Perfect. She would clean diligently—especially after bothering Amelie last time.
Maybe I should keep assigning her chores…
With a tiny sigh at the incoming nuisance that thought implied, Marianne turned away.
“Where’s Cedric?”
“He’s having story time after breakfast. Would you like to say goodbye?”
Marianne nodded. She hadn’t spent much time with him yesterday, occupied with Tehez.
And today would be no different—she should at least see him.
She gulped down the remaining soup and left the room.
Crossing the corridor, she opened the large door—only to see Julia instead of Cedric.
“Julia, Chloe. Hello.”
“Welcome, Your Highness.”
“Good morning, Your Highness. Did you eat?”
They stopped tidying and bowed. Marianne noticed an open picture book in Julia’s hand and hummed softly.
“Yes, I had some soup. Is Cedric asleep?”
“Ah, yes. He dozed off while I was reading to him just now.”
I should’ve come sooner.
She eyed the curtain leading to his room with regret.
Oh well. We can eat dinner together after I return.
He’d just fallen asleep—it would be wrong to wake him. She shook off the disappointment and called Chloe as she walked toward the door.
“Chloe, the instructions?”
“Yes. Sir Martin and Sir Ines will guard Cedric’s room. Julia and I will stay close and watch him carefully, so please don’t worry and return safely.”
“…We’ll be waiting, Your Highness.”
Marianne smiled at their warm concern.
“Thank you. I’ll be back.”
