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Chapter 3
“Yes. That is absolutely correct.”
Celestine, who had been keeping her mouth shut like a clam, slowly opened it as she looked at the young ladies.
“This debutante was specially prepared by the Crown Prince for Her Imperial Highness the Princess, just as you said, right? So of course… though it may be presumptuous to say, it could become a great opportunity for Her Highness.”
Celestine quickly continued speaking.
“To be honest, hasn’t the Princess never properly received the treatment she deserves until now? And even so, she has never once shown displeasure about it. Just like now.”
“W-What do you mean…?”
“Look. Even though you ladies are saying such nonsense without stopping, she isn’t getting angry, is she? That’s not because she deserves to be treated like this, but because she is generous enough to forgive it and let it pass quietly.”
At that moment, Asha’s gaze turned toward Celestine.
But Celestine, pressured by the need to keep talking, didn’t notice her gaze at all.
“The reason the Crown Prince wanted to hold such a grand debutante is the same. Through this event, people will come to know that Her Highness is being greatly cared for by the future Emperor. Naturally, that makes it a big opportunity.”
“……”
“And despite having so much she could enjoy, she came to the debutante dressed so modestly. That deserves praise! Right now, serfs and commoners are starving to death because of poor harvests, so how could the royal family and nobles—”
Celestine subtly hid her jewel bracelet behind her back.
“—show off luxury and compete in extravagance like that? Don’t you agree?”
“But Lady Celestine, hasn’t the entire Empire had several years of great harvests? Even beggars and gypsies have more than enough to eat…”
Damn it.
“I-I mean, that was just an example. It seems your understanding is a bit lacking!”
Celestine decided to just push through.
“Anyway, ladies, it would be better for you to act a little smarter. What do you think the Crown Prince would say if he saw this situation right now?”
“……”
“Stop beating down a silent Princess with your loose tongues, and if you have complaints, go tell Crown Prince Devaltin directly!”
“Right. That sounds like a good idea.”
It was at that moment.
A voice no one expected—
“Was wondering where you were hiding. And instead, I find you here saying such insane things.”
“Y-Your Highness, the Crown Prince…!”
The moment Devaltin appeared, it felt as if he had cast a spell that froze everyone in place.
The atmosphere turned cold instantly, and a heavy silence fell over the garden. Not only the chattering young ladies, but Celestine as well.
‘N-No… I didn’t plan to meet him too…’
She only tried to defend Asha quickly so the warning message wouldn’t appear again.
But now she had run into Devaltin Bakalar himself?
At this rate… her plan to avoid getting involved with the main characters…
“……”
Devaltin’s gaze slowly turned toward Celestine.
Even though he said nothing, the pressure that felt like it was crushing her made her flinch.
If Asha looked like a goddess from myths, then Devaltin looked like a god.
But not a kind one—
More like a god of war… or death.
He was tall enough that you had to look far up to meet his eyes. His black hair, dark as night, was slightly disheveled. That unrefined look only made his dangerous charm stronger.
And there was no denying it—he was extremely handsome.
His features were flawless, and his rare violet eyes gave off a mysterious aura.
Even in a romance fantasy world, he would stand out as a top-tier beauty.
‘T-this is not the time to admire his looks.’
No matter how handsome he was, he could kill her.
If her head got cut off, that was the end.
“For such rigid noble ladies, you speak in quite an interesting way.”
“Ladies like us may not gain much amusement without abilities like Her Highness the Princess, but Her Highness is different.”
From when exactly was he listening…?
…And wait, does “rigid noble ladies” include me too? I even defended her…
“Say it again.”
“I-I…”
Devaltin stepped forward and stood right in front of the girl who had been talking the most.
“It’s an order.”
“……”
“If you don’t speak, I’ll cut you down right here.”
His sharply shining violet eyes made it clear—
That wasn’t a simple threat.
‘I knew he was crazy… but this much…?’
The young lady turned pale, sweating heavily, unable to say anything.
Celestine understood. If she were in that position, she would be the same.
“Last chance.”
Devaltin spoke in a chilling voice.
“If you cannot answer before I count to three, I will cut off your head. Your father, your mother, your entire family as well.”
“Y-Your Highness! I—!”
“You defied the Crown Prince’s command. That alone is enough to be considered treason.”
What kind of logic is that?
Even Celestine momentarily forgot her fear and looked stunned.
“Brother Devaltin… please stop.”
Asha’s quiet voice spread through the frozen garden.
“I’m fine. These ladies just… wanted to speak with me. Of course, their method wasn’t right, but…”
“Asha. What are you saying?”
Devaltin let out a sigh, his tone completely different from how he spoke to the others.
“Why should you be treated like that? By people like them? And on a day like this?”
“That’s right. Today is a special day.”
Asha spoke in a tiny voice.
“So… I want to avoid unnecessary trouble. I’m sorry, Brother. I know you’re doing this for me…”
“…Ha.”
Devaltin exhaled deeply.
Her words seemed to persuade him, at least a little, though his expression was still angry.
“If you value your lives, stay out of my sight today.”
He glared at the young ladies.
“You understand what that means.”
In short—leave immediately.
It was a pity, considering they had come to the palace full of excitement for the debutante.
But this was their own doing.
The girls seemed to realize that too, as they bowed their heads.
“We sincerely apologize for our mistake, Your Highness the Princess. And we thank His Highness the Crown Prince—”
“Get out. Now.”
At Devaltin’s cold command, they couldn’t even finish speaking before rushing out of the garden.
‘T-Then what about me?’
I should’ve left with them!
Celestine, who had missed her chance to escape, glanced nervously between Devaltin and Asha.
“Um… I think I should be going now as well.”
She deliberately avoided their eyes and spoke while looking into the air.
“The situation was a bit… but it was an honor to meet you both. I hope you enjoy the debutante! I’ll take my leave!”
She spoke rapidly like a sparrow and immediately turned around without hesitation.
She started walking quickly—
Or at least, she tried to.
If not for the hand that suddenly grabbed her wrist.
‘Why! Just let me go! I didn’t do anything!’
Startled, Celestine turned back.
