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chapter 10
“Um… he’s not… dead, right?”
“Probably not. I adjusted the dosage,” the man replied, shrugging as Celestine looked down at George, sprawled like a bug.
“And the knights? What if they hear this and come rushing in…?”
“They’re fine.”
His answer was brief.
“I gave them tea when they arrived. They can warm themselves up instead of just standing outside.”
“….”
“The medicine didn’t affect George, but it worked on the knights. They’re sound asleep.”
“I… see.”
Good. That should do it for now. I need to get back to the palace…
Celestine hurriedly got up, but then—
“What the—!”
Greg burst into Lethe, panting and furious.
“You crazy girl!”
He grabbed Celestine by the collar and shook her violently.
The reason for his panic was simple:
“I thought you were playing around with some insignificant people… but that’s Prince George!”
Because the collapsed person was George.
“You should know your limits, Celestine! You play with harmless people, sure—but how dare you touch royalty? I already had a bad feeling and came here… damn it!”
“Father, I’m busy. Take care of that guy for now—at least until the banquet ends!”
Whatever Greg yelled didn’t reach her ears. Just like when he appeared earlier, Celestine sprinted toward the carriage, and Greg shouted like a lunatic.
“What is that girl planning now! Damn it!”
Even Greg, who had previously joined her wild schemes, looked baffled.
“Oh, right.”
Celestine suddenly stopped mid-run, as if remembering something important.
“Crown Prince Dravaltin is granting you a dukedom, Father.”
She turned to Greg and said,
“What… did you say?”
“I told you. The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here. This is all part of helping Crown Prince Dravaltin. So calm down, sit there, and have some tea. I’ll be back.”
That was it. Without a trace of hesitation, Celestine ran off, leaving behind Greg staring blankly, George collapsed in a grotesque heap, and the man standing there with a displeased expression.
“A dukedom…?”
“Very happy news, Count. It seems Crown Prince Dravaltin favors the Winsel family. Otherwise…”
“You think so too?”
“Of course,” the man said with a confident smile.
Greg glanced at the fallen George, then at the silver tray in the man’s hands.
“Damn it…”
He slapped his forehead, muttering.
“I should’ve gone myself.”
He stared at the dented silver tray with genuine regret.
By the time Celestine returned to the palace, the banquet had already begun.
“….”
Trying to remain inconspicuous, she stepped carefully into the hall, tidying her already messy hair as best she could.
Looks like the initial speeches are over…
The emperor and Dravaltin had finished their formalities and expressions of gratitude, and nobles were now gathered in small groups, holding glasses and conversing pretentiously.
I don’t really know anyone here…
Feeling a bit awkward, Celestine quietly moved to a corner.
She observed those seated at the head table.
The emperor, looking frail and ill, seemingly on the verge of death.
Empress Hella, with her long red hair elegantly pinned up, sitting as if she were the ruler herself.
And beside her, Crown Prince Dravaltin, exuding his usual arrogant aura.
Even the other princes aren’t at the head table.
Dravaltin was clearly the acknowledged heir. Celestine shivered at the thought of what might have happened if someone like Jojin or Josin had interfered here.
They should be safe… the banquet lasts until nightfall… I hope nothing goes wrong…
Her gaze returned to Hella, conversing with the emperor.
Looking at the big picture, Hella was arguably the strongest villain in “Please Just Kill Me”.
Silence, Rio Denheldin, and others interfered with Dravaltin and Asha’s relationship, but Hella was in a league of her own.
Dravaltin had never shown weakness in the palace, but inside, he was completely devastated.
And it was Hella who crushed the heart of her own son.
Celestine remembered the banquet incident from the original story:
Dravaltin, under Hella’s orders, had killed George and suffered immensely. Already in poor condition, that ordeal left him even more broken and hollow.
Asha recognized this immediately and remained by his side, comforting him—planting the seeds of her obsession.
I need to be careful too. If Hella discovers that I know about Dravaltin’s bloodline, she’ll definitely try to kill me, whether I help him or not.
She decided to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
Then, suddenly, her eyes met someone else’s.
Dravaltin.
“….”
“….”
His gaze was as dry and cold as before. Celestine’s chest tightened at the sight of his eerie violet eyes.
I wish Asha were here…
But Asha didn’t attend the banquet—wisely, for both their sakes.
I need to stay hidden…
“Good evening, Milady.”
Startled, Celestine turned around.
Rio Denheldin…?
One of the submale characters in the novel, Rio Denheldin:
The only son of the Denheldin Duke family, arrogant and spoiled, who had never been subordinate to anyone.
He had loved Asha secretly since the debutante ball but had been accused by Dravaltin of plotting rebellion and was stripped of his title and exiled.
Why is he talking to me?
Celestine and Rio had never gotten along.
Simple reason: Celestine tormented Asha mercilessly, and Rio fought back, humiliating her.
“Princess Asha seemed very grateful for what you did. She didn’t attend the debutante ball, claiming she was tired, but she seemed happy.”
Her ears caught the story Dravaltin had told earlier.
Asha didn’t attend the ball. That’s why I haven’t met her yet…
“I saw you at the previous debutante ball. To be precise, I saw you leave before it officially began.”
“Ah… yes.”
“Milady, Celestine Winsel, only daughter of the Winsel family, correct? I asked around, and they said yes.”
“Yes, that’s right. But why are you talking to me…?”
“I’m Rio Denheldin. I actually wanted to dance with you that day, but you left and never returned.”
“I had urgent business and returned to my mansion immediately.”
“I see.”
Rio slowly nodded, brushing his shiny blond hair aside, his blue eyes fixed on her.
“It seems I misunderstood. I saw you defending Princess Asha in the garden.”
Celestine froze.
“That was unexpected. I’d heard you had ill feelings toward Princess Asha.”
“I have no ill will toward her. And when multiple people are tormenting someone, isn’t it natural to help? Honestly, I don’t even like calling it ‘helping.’”
“Hmm…”
“If that’s why you approached me, then my business here is done.”
Celestine had no desire to get close to Rio.
Why should I? He might even become another warning I have to deal with.
“No, it’s not over. Don’t you wish to continue talking with me?”
But Rio clearly had a different idea.
“Rather than that…”
“Then, will you give me some of your time?”
He smiled, assuming she would answer yes, as if refusal wasn’t even an option.
“Honestly, I was surprised. I never expected anyone to step up for Princess Asha, whom nobody properly treats.”
That’s not something I wanted to do either…
“It’s not an easy task. I’d like to treat a beautiful and courageous lady to a meal.”
Why? What a nerve…
Unable to tell the truth, Celestine forced an awkward expression and opened her mouth.
Or at least tried to.
“Your Majesty!”
If only it weren’t for George bursting in like a lunatic…
Ah! What? How did he get here?!
Celestine’s eyes, full of George, shook like waves.
