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Chapter 70
After the Emperor’s insincere remark thanking everyone for attending the selection for the Crown Princess—the future mother of the Empire—came the announcement of the 50 candidates who passed.
Among them, the name Merina Ikell stirred no small commotion.
“Legally there’s no problem, sure, but isn’t this morally wrong?”
“Her older sister is the Empress, and she has the nerve to enter the Crown Princess selection? Shameless.”
“I never thought the Ikell Count would fall so low. Blinded by power, are we? How could he plan to send both daughters into the arms of the imperial family?”
Criticism poured down on House Ikell, and the Count’s complexion grew paler by the second. He must not be used to such hostility—he always seemed perfectly satisfied with having his eldest daughter become Empress.
I wonder what on earth Merina is thinking.
Even if she passes fairly and legally, can she really be satisfied with just one man?
You tried so hard to snatch Lexion away from me.
I forced my lips not to twist.
Immediately after the announcement of the 50 candidates, the first group’s etiquette exam began.
Everyone carried themselves well, but when you put many together, the truly exceptional stand out.
The etiquette test covered basic walking to social etiquette. Stella chose her picks based on the way they walked.
“I choose number 1 and number 5. Roa, you?”
“Same.”
“What, then we can’t even make a bet. Boring.”
Stella’s disappointment was obvious.
“We’re not just anybody. Of course our taste is the same, Stella.”
“Well, true.”
We were raised under strict training in the prestigious Levian and Maritney families. This kind of thing was as simple as eating cold soup.
Soon Stella was covering her mouth with her fan, yawning.
“See? I told you we should’ve come during Pony’s lineup.”
“Should’ve listened to Roa, always. Wait—Gades, what are you staring at?”
She poked her fiancé with the tip of her folded fan, and he whispered softly. It was so quiet only I, right beside them, heard.
“Over there. That first lady’s necklace—that’s a Levian blue diamond. There are nobles from other nations here too. Think of the publicity.”
“Ha, of course.”
Stella rolled her eyes, thinking he was distracted, only for him to bring up business again.
“Tellla, I was also thinking about your family’s pearl business—”
“How about we not talk business here, dear fiancé?”
“Well, you’re inheriting the Maritney House anyway. Isn’t it natural for a husband to want his wife’s house to thrive?”
Stella didn’t answer. Instead, she hugged Gades tightly. His face flushed red up to his forehead.
Gasps and jealous murmurs broke out around them, but the couple didn’t seem to care.
They really were a perfect pair.
I tore my eyes away from them and looked back down at the arena.
The groups changed each time, but the candidates selected in the first round were always more or less the same. The first exam held little excitement for me.
Still, the spectators enjoyed praising and nitpicking the candidates.
After the morning exam, we got a break.
“Stella, I’m heading back. You?”
“Me too. Waste of time.”
Since the Emperor had left the moment the 50 names were announced, leaving posed no issue. The Empress followed him in a hurry.
Seeing his displeasure, it’s clear he hadn’t approved the final list.
Either the examiner passed Merina automatically for being the Empress’s sister, or they simply judged the household prestigious enough.
A few of us left—Stella and I included—but most stayed to watch.
The path to the carriage was quiet. But just as we came down the stairs, we ran into someone I had absolutely no wish to see.
“I pay respects to the Glory of the Empire. Roasia of House Levian.”
“Stella of House Maritney pays respects to the Radiance of the Empire.”
“Gades, second son of Duke Detra.”
The Crown Prince, with his striking golden hair.
“…It has been a while, Lady Levian.”
Of course.
Ignoring the prickling at my throat, I bowed.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I didn’t expect you to attend.”
Stella’s fingertips twitched beside me. She must regret dragging me here and running into someone unnecessary.
“A selection for the future mother of the Empire—I felt I should at least witness its beginning.”
I kept my head half-bowed, careful not to offend.
“…I see. Did you not come with the Tower Master today?”
“Yes. Sir Silla had other matters and could not attend.”
“You are still seeing him?”
“We intend to continue.”
The Crown Prince rubbed his face, restless. He wouldn’t actually be nervous—he must be biting his tongue to avoid saying something sharp.
“I wish Your Highness success in finding an excellent consort.”
Not wanting trouble, I lifted my skirt and turned to leave.
“A-ah…”
He suddenly spoke up, hurried.
“I will visit your grandmother soon.”
“You are welcome at any time, Your Highness. House Levian will gladly receive you.”
He looked relieved at my polite lie.
Seeing him act as though asking my permission was absurd. He only ever showed weakness in front of Merina.
I showed no reaction and exited his presence.
The moment we boarded the carriage, Stella grabbed my arm, determined to get answers.
“What was that about your grandmother, Roa?”
I had no choice but to explain how I had ended up bumping into the Crown Prince in the slums. Stella gaped.
“What were you doing in the slums? Don’t tell me you went to help the poor?”
“I hadn’t originally intended to go there. I went out to observe commoner life and wandered in.”
“You went to observe commoners’ lives! Roa, I knew you were strange, but this is another level.”
“Are you considering developing products for commoners, Lady?” Gades’s eyes sparkled, unlike Stella’s exasperation.
“Commoner spending has been rising. Brilliant idea.”
“It’s not that serious yet. I just wanted to see.”
“May I accompany you next time?”
He seemed genuinely ready to follow me.
“Unfortunately, no. I snuck out without telling my parents—they found out recently.”
“So that’s why your knights are armed to the teeth…”
Stella glanced back. Four knights from my family trailed behind us.
After the illegal gambling den incident, I thought my parents had relaxed. Apparently not. Either that, or Cassie told them, or Lexion—
Before I could interrogate, my parents explained.
“We can’t let you go anywhere the Crown Prince might be.”
My nose stung.
This time, I would make sure no one in my family died because of me.
Because of the Crown Princess selection outside the capital, Lexion was even busier. He only had late nights to handle ducal business.
He didn’t need to rush family work, but habit is hard to break. Since childhood, he had forced himself to handle everything perfectly so relatives couldn’t undermine him.
“Is that the last matter?”
“There are two more urgent ones.”
Charles, who stayed beside him late into the night, answered.
“Leave them there. You should rest too.”
Charles bowed and left.
“…Haa.”
The sigh that escaped Lexion wasn’t because of work. It was because of a single word Roasia had spoken a few days ago—marriage.
