My family all traveled back to the capital together as the fun summer vacation came to an end.
“Did you enjoy your vacation?”
“You’ve worked hard to take care of the mansion, Miss Lisbon.”
The Duke of Valentine’s House, our residence, underwent extensive repairs while the family was away.
Although I will be away for a while, my room has been freshly wallpapered and the floor has been neatly refinished.
Since it was the end of summer, I preferred the warm colors of the curtains.
“Now you’re really going. What a shame.”
“Mrs. Lisbon, I will be back soon.”
If only my sister could find a secure place to live, she could return home soon. She made a concerted effort not to pay attention at first, but she felt really awkward after hearing something I had to say to Stan.
“But as Young Master Theo said…….”
“Yeah?”
“No, it’s nothing. Let’s leave then.”
Mrs. Lisbon left a unpleasant lingering feeling and ran away. What the hell, the woman is strange.
Whatever the case, the entrance preparations went without a hitch. Clara, my older sister, and Isaac, my older brother finally finished fully preparing for the entrance to the palace after having a vacation for two days.
And the night before I left, I decided to sleep in my parents’ room after a long time.
“Ciel. I’ll let you do whatever you want, so can’t you just cancel the admission right now?”
“Mom, how could you do that?”
“I can’t. How can we live without my daughter? Mom will be so lonely.”
At first I thought it was just a joke. But my mother’s eyes were filled with tears.
My mother was crying as if the sky had fallen, and I wanted to see what was going to happen, but she was crying more and more.
“That’s how everyone leaves their mothers and becomes adults.”
Is that the empty nest syndrome I’ve only heard of? As the youngest, my mother probably didn’t expect me to leave the house so quickly.
Today, my father, who usually would have been the one to console her, concurred with her mother’s opinion with a hint of resentment.
“I know. Dad is also upset.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll be returning as soon as my sister is doing well.”
“Really? It’s a promise.”
“Yes, I mean it. So don’t cry and wait for me.”
“Ciel!”
How is it possible that I am this old and my mother still sees me as a little girl? I gently wiped the tears from my mother’s eyes and pampered her as I tightly held her hand to her chest.
“I will write a letter every day. You will be the first one contacted if something happens.”
“Yes. I’ll visit the palace often, too. Therefore, my daughter, if anyone bothers you, you have to tell me. Okay?”
I’m not the kind of person who would go anywhere and be bullied. Even though I have such a cute face, they should be aware of how evil I really am inside.
11. Entrance
The sun was really pleasant for an autumn day. I was dressed in a dress with several light pink ribbons and a wide-brimmed hat.
“Let’s go, Ciel.”
Clara, who became the Crown Prince’s sole pharmacist and donned a green robe that was only permitted for civil servants, and Master Isaac, who was formally appointed to the Crown Prince’s palace guard.
Unlike me, who was just dressed in a dress, the two of them exuded the feeling of maturity now.
“They are really cool.”
“Well, I’m very proud of both of you.”
“Thank you very much for raising me.”
That’s right. Clara is already 19 years old. Clara has reached the age of 19. She was adopted after losing her biological family, but as an adult, she is practically living on her own.
“Thank you. It is only natural for her parents to take care of their children.”
“Mother.”
“If you’re having a hard time, quit anytime and come back to your side. My daughter.”
After hearing the words of our kind mother, Sister Clara bursted into tears. Brother Theo, who was watching her, also reddened with tears.
Oh my gosh. There will come a day when Theo will show tears. I sneakily walked over to Brother Isaac and poked him in the side.
“Brother. Look at that.”
“Why is Theo doing that? Is there something in his eye?”
Isaac was infinitely insensitive unless it was about me. I shook my head and tapped Louise’s foot who was sitting in the corner.
“Littlest brother. I’m really leaving.”
“Go away, traitor.”
“What kind of traitor is a traitor? You have to come visit me often. Don’t forget what I asked for.”
“I will never go. Do you think I will do anything to your request? ”
Even if you say it like that, you will listen to everything that I said. I’ve already noticed every pattern you have.
Now that I saw it, Louise’ eyes were also puffy. You didn’t cry, did you? Louise pushed me away and yelled at me to leave as I thrust my face in wonder.
Don’t be shy. I boarded the carriage with my parents and eventually told Louise to go home and stop pouting.
Due to the handover issue, Isaac, who was assigned to the escort team, left first, taking the older sister with him. I took Theo’s hand and entered the carriage after grabbing his.
“Ciel. Take good care of Clara.”
“Trust me.”
Everyone was concerned about me, but only Theo was more concerned about Clara’s safety than anyone else. Yes, I am on your side.
Since he couldn’t protect the older sister by his side, Theo’s heart must have been torn to pieces , so I grabbed the older brother’s hand and tried to comfort him.
“Anyway, I’m worried. When Ciel enters the Imperial Palace, the princess must have something to say.”
“It seems to be that way, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Mom sighed as she ran her fingers through my neatly coiffed hair. The princess actiog as the Empress Dowager has entirely taken over the palace since His Majesty’s passing two years ago.
“Many noble spouses visit her palace frequently to see the princess. Ciel, I’m sure you’re worried that you’ll get a call as well.
“But I haven’t even made my debut yet.”
“Therefore, you cannot defy the Grand Duchess’s orders any further.”
Naturally, if I made my social debut, I would get an invitation; if I haven’t, the princess will be in charge of “disciplining” me as an adult in the imperial family.
In other words, she has a justification for directing people to come and go in the name of instructing me in case I make my social debut in the future.
“Weren’t you unable to use your power in the Crown Prince’s Palace?”
“I have the option to decline the official invitation. But if I keep declining, everyone around me will undoubtedly criticize me.”
Because there are many nobles surrounding the princess, it is obvious that it will be troublesome if it is rumored that Princess Valentine stays in the Imperial Palace and does not show respect to the princess.
My parents must have been the first to worry about me when they heard the news.
“Will it, in any case, work?”
I already know what they’re up to at the tea party. They look at each other, start nervous battles, laugh at each other, and fight in the courtroom, or something along those lines.
Sometimes they take Dokdo[1] and frame them, call them out and pour water on them once. That was the pattern I’d seen before flashing before my eyes.
“Of course, they won’t bully you in front of me, but if anyone makes you feel a little sad, you must tell your mother.”
“Aren’t you bullying me?”
“Who dares to bully Princess Valentine?”
For a brief moment, I forgot who I was. A princess from the family of the Duke of Valentine was treated more than any other royal family.
How did I pretend to be a princess the last time I was slapped by the princess, but what would have happened if a passing countess had done such a thing to me?
Once retired, the former Duke of Valentine, who is on the estate, my grandfather, my uncles, my cousins and their son.
It was her son, who was crammed full of her relatives; if he hurt their only daughter, they could see how everyone would turn out in a horde to protest.
“I see.”
“There are many clever ways to bully people. But still believes in us, Ciel.”
They are clearly planning a wickedly evil scheme. I eagerly nodded in response to my mother’s advice to be cautious at all times.
Eventually, the carriage arrived at the Imperial Palace. PWe entered the first road we had visited after passing through the beautiful garden. After leaving the colorful flower-filled garden, the Crown Prince Palace, with white walls and a red roof, appeared.
The scale of the massive building was noticeable, as if looking at the Palace of Versailles in the past. He truly is a country’s crown prince. The carriage came to a halt, and I was escorted off by Theo, along with my parents.
Brother Isaac, who arrived early and began preparing, noticed us and winked.
“Thank you for visiting.”
Alex wore a black robe and politely greeted us today, just as he did his precious guests.
“Thank you for inviting us like this.”
Dad spoke first, representing the family, and my family greeted them side by side. Alex smiled at me as we chatted lightheartedly.
“Ciel. How have you been?”
“It’s all thanks to Your Highness’ care.”
“I heard you from my daughter.”
Alex smiled, somehow awkwardly, as my mother thanked his work because of Stan first. Oh, my cheeks are red. You’re not going to like my mom, are you?
“What’s wrong, Your Grace?”
“No, you look very much like the Duchess.”
Oh. That was it. I sneakily walked over to my mother and put my arms around her.
“My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Oh my, Ciel too. Why do you have to tell me something that everyone else knows?”
My mother never downplays her beauty despite the modesty of her appearance. In such way, Alex smiled gently as he observed this mother and daughter.
“Let me take you to the chamber where Lady Ciel will stay.”
My room, which my parents would most like to see, is in the middle of this floor, where it receives a lot of natural light. My mouth was hanging open when I entered the spacious room after opening the broad door.
“Wow, that’s really big.”
It’s almost as big as my parents’ room. There was only a big bed, a cute dressing table, and a desk because it was arranged quite similarly to my first room.
“First of all, I decorated it as close as possible to Young Lady’s room.”
“Where is the dressing room?”
“Please follow me.”
I sat on the comfy bed and watched while Mom carefully looked at this and that. The soft and cozy feel of the pillow was also my favorite soft material.
How could my taste be so perfect from start to finish? After all, a wealthy and strong man is different regardless of anything.
I even wanted to lie down and sleep in this position. Theo was attentively inspecting every nook and cranny of the room while I was lying on the bed.
“What is this door for?”
“We appeal to the Little Duke of Valentine. This door is used in case of emergency, not normally used.”
“I see.”
Burnett, who is in charge of the housekeeping of the Crown Prince’s palace, answered Theo’s question.
Burnett appeared to be in his thirties and gave off a soft impression of having unusual pale green hair. I had to treat him nicely since from now on he will be in charge of my life.
My family all traveled back to the capital together as the fun summer vacation came to an end.
“Did you enjoy your vacation?”
“You’ve worked hard to take care of the mansion, Miss Lisbon.”
The Duke of Valentine’s House, our residence, underwent extensive repairs while the family was away.
Although I will be away for a while, my room has been freshly wallpapered and the floor has been neatly refinished.
Since it was the end of summer, I preferred the warm colors of the curtains.
“Now you’re really going. What a shame.”
“Mrs. Lisbon, I will be back soon.”
If only my sister could find a secure place to live, she could return home soon. She made a concerted effort not to pay attention at first, but she felt really awkward after hearing something I had to say to Stan.
“But as Young Master Theo said…….”
“Yeah?”
“No, it’s nothing. Let’s leave then.”
Mrs. Lisbon left a unpleasant lingering feeling and ran away. What the hell, the woman is strange.
Whatever the case, the entrance preparations went without a hitch. Clara, my older sister, and Isaac, my older brother finally finished fully preparing for the entrance to the palace after having a vacation for two days.
And the night before I left, I decided to sleep in my parents’ room after a long time.
“Ciel. I’ll let you do whatever you want, so can’t you just cancel the admission right now?”
“Mom, how could you do that?”
“I can’t. How can we live without my daughter? Mom will be so lonely.”
At first I thought it was just a joke. But my mother’s eyes were filled with tears.
My mother was crying as if the sky had fallen, and I wanted to see what was going to happen, but she was crying more and more.
“That’s how everyone leaves their mothers and becomes adults.”
Is that the empty nest syndrome I’ve only heard of? As the youngest, my mother probably didn’t expect me to leave the house so quickly.
Today, my father, who usually would have been the one to console her, concurred with her mother’s opinion with a hint of resentment.
“I know. Dad is also upset.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll be returning as soon as my sister is doing well.”
“Really? It’s a promise.”
“Yes, I mean it. So don’t cry and wait for me.”
“Ciel!”
How is it possible that I am this old and my mother still sees me as a little girl? I gently wiped the tears from my mother’s eyes and pampered her as I tightly held her hand to her chest.
“I will write a letter every day. You will be the first one contacted if something happens.”
“Yes. I’ll visit the palace often, too. Therefore, my daughter, if anyone bothers you, you have to tell me. Okay?”
I’m not the kind of person who would go anywhere and be bullied. Even though I have such a cute face, they should be aware of how evil I really am inside.
11. Entrance
The sun was really pleasant for an autumn day. I was dressed in a dress with several light pink ribbons and a wide-brimmed hat.
“Let’s go, Ciel.”
Clara, who became the Crown Prince’s sole pharmacist and donned a green robe that was only permitted for civil servants, and Master Isaac, who was formally appointed to the Crown Prince’s palace guard.
Unlike me, who was just dressed in a dress, the two of them exuded the feeling of maturity now.
“They are really cool.”
“Well, I’m very proud of both of you.”
“Thank you very much for raising me.”
That’s right. Clara is already 19 years old. Clara has reached the age of 19. She was adopted after losing her biological family, but as an adult, she is practically living on her own.
“Thank you. It is only natural for her parents to take care of their children.”
“Mother.”
“If you’re having a hard time, quit anytime and come back to your side. My daughter.”
After hearing the words of our kind mother, Sister Clara bursted into tears. Brother Theo, who was watching her, also reddened with tears.
Oh my gosh. There will come a day when Theo will show tears. I sneakily walked over to Brother Isaac and poked him in the side.
“Brother. Look at that.”
“Why is Theo doing that? Is there something in his eye?”
Isaac was infinitely insensitive unless it was about me. I shook my head and tapped Louise’s foot who was sitting in the corner.
“Littlest brother. I’m really leaving.”
“Go away, traitor.”
“What kind of traitor is a traitor? You have to come visit me often. Don’t forget what I asked for.”
“I will never go. Do you think I will do anything to your request? ”
Even if you say it like that, you will listen to everything that I said. I’ve already noticed every pattern you have.
Now that I saw it, Louise’ eyes were also puffy. You didn’t cry, did you? Louise pushed me away and yelled at me to leave as I thrust my face in wonder.
Don’t be shy. I boarded the carriage with my parents and eventually told Louise to go home and stop pouting.
Due to the handover issue, Isaac, who was assigned to the escort team, left first, taking the older sister with him. I took Theo’s hand and entered the carriage after grabbing his.
“Ciel. Take good care of Clara.”
“Trust me.”
Everyone was concerned about me, but only Theo was more concerned about Clara’s safety than anyone else. Yes, I am on your side.
Since he couldn’t protect the older sister by his side, Theo’s heart must have been torn to pieces , so I grabbed the older brother’s hand and tried to comfort him.
“Anyway, I’m worried. When Ciel enters the Imperial Palace, the princess must have something to say.”
“It seems to be that way, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Mom sighed as she ran her fingers through my neatly coiffed hair. The princess actiog as the Empress Dowager has entirely taken over the palace since His Majesty’s passing two years ago.
“Many noble spouses visit her palace frequently to see the princess. Ciel, I’m sure you’re worried that you’ll get a call as well.
“But I haven’t even made my debut yet.”
“Therefore, you cannot defy the Grand Duchess’s orders any further.”
Naturally, if I made my social debut, I would get an invitation; if I haven’t, the princess will be in charge of “disciplining” me as an adult in the imperial family.
In other words, she has a justification for directing people to come and go in the name of instructing me in case I make my social debut in the future.
“Weren’t you unable to use your power in the Crown Prince’s Palace?”
“I have the option to decline the official invitation. But if I keep declining, everyone around me will undoubtedly criticize me.”
Because there are many nobles surrounding the princess, it is obvious that it will be troublesome if it is rumored that Princess Valentine stays in the Imperial Palace and does not show respect to the princess.
My parents must have been the first to worry about me when they heard the news.
“Will it, in any case, work?”
I already know what they’re up to at the tea party. They look at each other, start nervous battles, laugh at each other, and fight in the courtroom, or something along those lines.
Sometimes they take Dokdo[1] and frame them, call them out and pour water on them once. That was the pattern I’d seen before flashing before my eyes.
“Of course, they won’t bully you in front of me, but if anyone makes you feel a little sad, you must tell your mother.”
“Aren’t you bullying me?”
“Who dares to bully Princess Valentine?”
For a brief moment, I forgot who I was. A princess from the family of the Duke of Valentine was treated more than any other royal family.
How did I pretend to be a princess the last time I was slapped by the princess, but what would have happened if a passing countess had done such a thing to me?
Once retired, the former Duke of Valentine, who is on the estate, my grandfather, my uncles, my cousins and their son.
It was her son, who was crammed full of her relatives; if he hurt their only daughter, they could see how everyone would turn out in a horde to protest.
“I see.”
“There are many clever ways to bully people. But still believes in us, Ciel.”
They are clearly planning a wickedly evil scheme. I eagerly nodded in response to my mother’s advice to be cautious at all times.
Eventually, the carriage arrived at the Imperial Palace. PWe entered the first road we had visited after passing through the beautiful garden. After leaving the colorful flower-filled garden, the Crown Prince Palace, with white walls and a red roof, appeared.
The scale of the massive building was noticeable, as if looking at the Palace of Versailles in the past. He truly is a country’s crown prince. The carriage came to a halt, and I was escorted off by Theo, along with my parents.
Brother Isaac, who arrived early and began preparing, noticed us and winked.
“Thank you for visiting.”
Alex wore a black robe and politely greeted us today, just as he did his precious guests.
“Thank you for inviting us like this.”
Dad spoke first, representing the family, and my family greeted them side by side. Alex smiled at me as we chatted lightheartedly.
“Ciel. How have you been?”
“It’s all thanks to Your Highness’ care.”
“I heard you from my daughter.”
Alex smiled, somehow awkwardly, as my mother thanked his work because of Stan first. Oh, my cheeks are red. You’re not going to like my mom, are you?
“What’s wrong, Your Grace?”
“No, you look very much like the Duchess.”
Oh. That was it. I sneakily walked over to my mother and put my arms around her.
“My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Oh my, Ciel too. Why do you have to tell me something that everyone else knows?”
My mother never downplays her beauty despite the modesty of her appearance. In such way, Alex smiled gently as he observed this mother and daughter.
“Let me take you to the chamber where Lady Ciel will stay.”
My room, which my parents would most like to see, is in the middle of this floor, where it receives a lot of natural light. My mouth was hanging open when I entered the spacious room after opening the broad door.
“Wow, that’s really big.”
It’s almost as big as my parents’ room. There was only a big bed, a cute dressing table, and a desk because it was arranged quite similarly to my first room.
“First of all, I decorated it as close as possible to Young Lady’s room.”
“Where is the dressing room?”
“Please follow me.”
I sat on the comfy bed and watched while Mom carefully looked at this and that. The soft and cozy feel of the pillow was also my favorite soft material.
How could my taste be so perfect from start to finish? After all, a wealthy and strong man is different regardless of anything.
I even wanted to lie down and sleep in this position. Theo was attentively inspecting every nook and cranny of the room while I was lying on the bed.
“What is this door for?”
“We appeal to the Little Duke of Valentine. This door is used in case of emergency, not normally used.”
“I see.”
Burnett, who is in charge of the housekeeping of the Crown Prince’s palace, answered Theo’s question.
Burnett appeared to be in his thirties and gave off a soft impression of having unusual pale green hair. I had to treat him nicely since from now on he will be in charge of my life.
