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Chapter 29
The First Prince’s Birthday Celebration ③
“Brother Luke, happy birthday!”
When I said the words clearly and with confidence, Luke smiled gently in response.
“Thank you, Lilybell. I’m glad you came.”
Even though it was a formal greeting, being accepted like this made my chest feel warm.
In the future I had seen in my dreams, I was no longer here. I had left the hall quietly without being able to speak to either of them.
But now, I was able to convey my congratulations.
Feeling a little triumphant, I noticed Sir Keith stepping forward beside me.
“Prince Luke, congratulations.”
“Keith, thank you. You look quite good escorting her. I have to go around greeting people, so please look after my sister while I’m gone.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Ha ha ha. A good guard dog you are.”
Luke and Keith spoke casually with each other. Keith’s expression remained unchanged, yet Luke seemed entertained by it.
From where I stood, it genuinely looked like they shared a proper friendship.
“…Is that… the First Princess Lilybell?”
“…She looks quite different from what I imagined.”
I heard whispers from those around me. I clenched my fists tightly, but my face remained calm.
It’s fine. Even though I had been treated like air until now, I had decided to change.
“Lilybell, we’ll talk later. Oh, by the way, Queen Marguerite was looking for you.”
“Queen Marguerite?”
“She should be with Roland… look, over there.”
Luke gestured subtly with his eyes.
Following his gaze, I saw a small crowd toward the far right of the hall. Red hair stood out above them. That must be where Brother Roland was, and Queen Marguerite was likely engaged in conversation there.
“Yes, understood!”
I smiled brightly and stepped back.
Just as I did, people surged toward Luke. That’s my brother for you.
(I have to go to Queen Marguerite.)
I murmured quietly to myself and started toward where Brother Roland stood.
At that moment, it felt as though the air had shivered slightly. I sensed a gaze piercing from behind me.
Before I could turn around, the sharp sound of polished shoes echoed across the floor.
I realized that whoever it was was walking straight toward me, with a steady, unwavering pace.
“Well, if it isn’t the First Princess herself.”
The voice was calm, yet carried a certain weight.
I turned and saw a man in a black evening coat embroidered with gold, walking gracefully toward me.
Navigating through the crowd with confident steps, he immediately drew attention.
Black hair, golden eyes that gleamed sharply—Marquis Winterhalter.
He shared the same coloring as Keith… his father.
The marquis’s gaze swept across the hall and then landed on me.
Honestly, I was taken aback. This was the first time he had addressed me directly.
I had been secluded in the palace, and while the marquis occasionally appeared in political circles, he had never shown interest in me.
In such a setting, the one of higher rank usually speaks first. As a member of the royal family, I bowed deeply and politely.
My voice may have trembled slightly, but I knew I couldn’t run away now.
The marquis regarded me with slight surprise, then placed a hand over his chest.
“This is our first meeting, Princess. I am Edgar Winterhalter, head of the Winterhalter family. I regret that we have never had the chance to greet each other before. You have grown into quite a beautiful young lady.”
The marquis smiled elegantly. His voice was low and composed.
“…Thank you, Marquis Winterhalter. I am honored to speak with you like this.”
“How gracious of you to say so. Above all, I am pleased to see you in good health, Princess.”
The area around his eyes resembled Keith’s. It makes sense, as he is his father. There was no pretense, only natural composure, which made his presence feel all the more profound.
Beside me, Keith remained expressionless, standing quietly.
“It seems my son is always in your care. He, too, feels honored to be near you.”
The marquis let out a soft smile.
“Keith, you feel the same, don’t you?”
Keith blinked slowly at the sudden question.
“…Yes, that’s true.”
Though his face remained unchanged, his voice sounded slightly awkward. The marquis nodded in satisfaction.
“Princess, I entrust my son to your continued care.”
With that, he smiled gracefully and left.
(What… even with that smile, he was so intimidating…!)
I was exhausted from the brief conversation. Perhaps it was because I had overheard the secret discussion between Keith and the marquis earlier—it left a lingering weight in my chest.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.
Just then, a cheerful, clear voice rang out:
“Hey, Lilybell!”
