“The prince himself informed me that he would be setting a date for you this week and the prince will let you know about it.”
“Directly?”
“Yes. While we were having refreshments in the western garden, the crown prince came by, and I took the opportunity to ask him.”
The unexpected outcome brought on a look of surprise to the princess’s face. When the princess heard the story, she sneakily signalled to her underlings, most likely due to the allure of the proposition.
“Bring it.”
The princess presented Regina with one more bag of gold coins in exchange for a slap on the cheek. A week is more than enough time for plotting.
Targeting Ciel could incur the wrath of the Valentine family. Instead, if a noble died in the prince’s garden, it was at least possible to send Ciel away and to make the relationship between Valentine and the prince uncomfortable.
“Avoid recklessness. I’m aware of how quick-witted you are, but you shouldn’t get the wrong idea.”
“I’ll take your word.”
Regina walked out of the room carrying the bag of gold coins that the lady in waiting had given to her. The whimsical princess who provided her with bottles and drugs was not dissimilar to characters she had encountered in the past.
“Lady.”
“Take this and go.”
The scale indicated that it weighed 250 gold, but the lady-in-waiting swiped one in the middle, bringing the total amount of gold to exactly 249 gold. Regina snorted as she took her tight buns out of their holders.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun how things turn out.”
She thought that the princess cared more about Lady Valentine than the ruby ring she had stolen the day before. Her encounter with Ciel was a bountiful harvest for Regina, who had infiltrated the princess’s collection in order to steal from her.
In addition to her magic sensitivity shown in her treasure chest, she even looked at the window first in the princess’ treasure chest.
She noticed that the opposing party was also planning something, but at least she was able to be certain that whatever it was, it would not work out in the princess’s favour.
“I got a call from outside the palace. He inquired when are you going to get back here?”
“Tell him it’s still a long way off.”
“Lady.”
In the beginning, she devised a plan to take out the princess’s treasure trove as quickly as possible. However, after she met the crown prince during a time when the aristocratic lady game was also quite interesting, she changed her mind about the plan.
Moreover, since the princess has entrusted her with an unexpectedly important task, if she suddenly disappears from the imperial palace, If she were to disappear from the imperial palace, her guise as Regina Netias would undoubtedly be imperilled.
Regina took off her constricting corset and sat down on her bed, where she stared out the window in the direction of the palace of the crown prince. She could hardly make out the end of the building, but she had a rough idea of what would have happened by now.
“Tell him outside the palace. It is true that the crown prince has fallen in love with Lady Valentine.”
“The prince? You said that it would all be a show.”
“I saw with my own eyes earlier. Does it look like a show?”
Since everyone was lowering their heads, Regina was the only one who could really see Alex’s red eyes.
Ciel couldn’t help but notice the unease in his eyes as they swayed ever so slightly. His hand gestures were subtle, yet they drew her closer to him.
It was evident that Ciel Valentine remained oblivious to his blatant display, despite his whole body being in a full exhibition.
“I can’t simply get myself out of the way when I’m involved in something fun like this.”
It was over to figure out where the princess’ money bag came from. She pondered over the thought of how much easier her job would become if she were to align herself with a powerful figure such as Valentine, united in their shared opposition to an enemy they shared.
Regina dismissed the maid and reached for the jar of hand cream that had been made by hand by Clara Valentine. It is a luxury to have something that leaves a scent on her, but as she puts her white cream on her fingertips, she thinks about the sincerity of the person who gave it to her and remembered the scent it left behind.
“It’s moist.”
Her nose is being tickled by the scent of lavender, which has the effect of helping her sleep better and easing her tension. Instead of being wary of her because she is the princess’s maid, it might be nice to be a comfortable young lady who gives her presents right away.
She was intrigued by the unexpected appearance of Ciel, whom she thought would be carefree because she had spent her childhood being showered with love.
“That was the plan all along.”
She had no idea that aristocrats who called her that would exist. Since Regina was only interested in corrupt nobles, there was no reason to inflict any harm on Valentine, who had obediently amassed wealth solely through the use of their magic skills.
She even gave her gift to Regina, who is unable to live without debt, so she should prepare a gift that is deserving of the occasion as well.
“What should I give her?”
She needs to spend some more time getting to know Ciel so that she can better understand her preferences.
Since she is a precious princess of the Great Valentine, her price should be as high as holding the heart of a goddess in her hands.
Regina opened the map of the princess’s palace and marked the location of the barrier stone that Ciel had pointed out.
“It looks like they are plotting something as well.”
Do you have any idea what sort of reaction Ciel would have if she found out who I was? As she watched her ecstatic anticipation, Regina couldn’t help but smile.
* * *
“Ahh!”
I woke up screaming. After being startled for a second by the unfamiliar setting of the room, I felt like I had experienced deja vu and looked around.
It’s been a few days since I entered the crown prince’s palace, so it’s about time that I get used to it, but last night I had a nightmare that turned out to be very unlucky.
It was the day Ciel died in the original story. Alex, with an expression of disdain on his face, put the sword to my throat. When the blue blade of the sword made contact with the back of my neck, I subconsciously prayed for help without realizing it.
Why did I have this kind of dream? I trembled and curled up into a ball on the bed. My body trembled as the shock from the dream had not subsided.
“Ciel!”
Alex ran into my room as soon as he heard a scream coming from outside. I hadn’t even washed my face yet, so the fact that you brought it up embarrassed me somewhat.
“Your Highness?”
Alex, who was completely pale, his hair was wet, and he was only wearing trousers. A refreshing scent wafted from the tip of my nose as if he had just come out of the shower and run.
I don’t want to show you my teary face.
I rolled over onto my back and buried my face in the blankets.
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“What do you mean you are okay? I think you kept having nightmares last night.”
I was startled when Alex’s hand suddenly came dangerously close to touching mine without warning. I wasn’t particularly aware of it most of the time; however, when he suddenly came out like this, I became nervous for no apparent reason.
It was scary. The scenes that I had seen in my dreams remained perfectly clear in my head even after I woke up.
Alex’s hand moved closer to mine. They say that once startled by a softshell turtle, you will also be startled by a caldron lid.[1] I know in my head that the current Alex likes me, but my body reflexively pushes him away.
“Ciel?”
“I-I’m fine, Your Highness.”
I’m sorry. I’m not in a good mood today. I felt Alex coming up behind me, so I put my hand on the back of my neck and sidestepped away from him.
His face contorted as he reached out to me. He was very surprised and seemed quite hurt. Alex was about to say something when all of a sudden, the door flung open wide, and Meryl rushed right in.
“My lady, it’s time for you to get up…….Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince!”
Meryl had just come into the room to wake me up as she does every morning, but she was startled to find me in the bedroom with Alex.
“Th-This.”
“I’ll see you later at the dining room.”
Alex’s eyebrows twisted mercilessly. Then, without giving him a chance to offer an explanation, he coldly turned and walked away. There must be a mistake, but it’s too late to stop it.
The door in the centre of the room slammed shut with a deafening thud. In addition to that, one could hear a click when he closed the door.
Was it clear from his body language that he was uncomfortable when he was in her presence? As he gave off the impression of being very angry, my heart sank.
“Lady, are you all right? Why was your Highness here?”
In fact, it is strictly only the fiance who can enter the room of a lady who is not even ready for breakfast.
But I’m just here as a guest of honour. Meryl knew that I had entered the palace because of my sister, so it came as quite a shock to her when she found the prince in my room.
“Your Highness came to see me because I was having a nightmare and he was worried.”
“Oh my, that what it is.”
Fortunately, Meryl believed me even when I said that I was making fermented soybeans with red beans. I deliberately pretended to be serious and added the story.
“You never know. What if someone comes to kill me?”
“This Meryl will not forgive anyone who harms my lady!”
“No, no, I mean!”
So I tried to explain that Alex was in my room, but I couldn’t find any fat chance. After finally calming Meryl down, I went down to the dining room for breakfast.
It took quite a while to get ready, but Alex hadn’t eaten until then, waiting for me.
“You’re running a little late.”
“Please forgive me, Your Highness. I am late in preparing.”
“I didn’t really wait.”
Somehow, his attitude became colder than usual. Alex furrowed his brow and began eating silently without even looking at me, possibly because he was embarrassed by the accident he did earlier.
I couldn’t stand the way the atmosphere flowed because it was so awkward. Alex, who had previously furrowed his brows, did not look at me at all and acted as though I did not exist.
Even though this is not the case, it is possible that having a nightmare will feel very similar to how you are describing it. What are you doing to make other people feel so awkward? The food didn’t go over well, so I was eating and drinking, but Alex opened his mouth first.
“What is your plan for today?”
“A message came from the Lily Palace. Lady Regina has informed us of her desire to pay us a visit.”
“Is Regina coming?”
Burnett deliberately stayed there, and stumbled over her words. Because the permission of the crown prince, who was the owner of the palace, was required in order to invite guests from outside the palace.
Alex, who was uncomfortable, showed his displeasure by giving a frown when he heard that Regina was going to visit. I decided to act first because I thought he would say no.
“She is my guest. I want to show her my room.”
“Ciel.”
“I know. What exactly are you trying to get across?”
No matter how objectively I examined the situation, it was clear that Regina was on the princess’s side. She has some ulterior motives, so in order to further them, I attempt to get Regina invited to the palace of the crown prince, but Alex doesn’t seem to trust her at all.
I felt an unspoken pressure. Even though I made it abundantly clear that I was on Alex’s side, the fact that I still felt suspicious hurt me.
I thought that we were getting pretty close to one another, but it turns out that our alliance only went this far. I took a deep sigh and spoke firmly.
“There is absolutely nothing for Your Majesty to be concerned about. Burnett will be there to help as well.”
Even if I’m not trustworthy, I have stubbornness. It was necessary for me to make a person of my own in the Lily Palace in order to find Alex’s mother’s keepsakes. Not knowing that, Alex continued to have a sarcastic and perverse attitude.
“It’s not like I’m worried or anything like that.”
Alex just said that and got up from his seat. Then he glared at me with resentment in his red eyes.
Why are you so angry in the morning?
Notes:
A person who was startled by something shudders at the sight of something else which looks similar to it.
“The prince himself informed me that he would be setting a date for you this week and the prince will let you know about it.”
“Directly?”
“Yes. While we were having refreshments in the western garden, the crown prince came by, and I took the opportunity to ask him.”
The unexpected outcome brought on a look of surprise to the princess’s face. When the princess heard the story, she sneakily signalled to her underlings, most likely due to the allure of the proposition.
“Bring it.”
The princess presented Regina with one more bag of gold coins in exchange for a slap on the cheek. A week is more than enough time for plotting.
Targeting Ciel could incur the wrath of the Valentine family. Instead, if a noble died in the prince’s garden, it was at least possible to send Ciel away and to make the relationship between Valentine and the prince uncomfortable.
“Avoid recklessness. I’m aware of how quick-witted you are, but you shouldn’t get the wrong idea.”
“I’ll take your word.”
Regina walked out of the room carrying the bag of gold coins that the lady in waiting had given to her. The whimsical princess who provided her with bottles and drugs was not dissimilar to characters she had encountered in the past.
“Lady.”
“Take this and go.”
The scale indicated that it weighed 250 gold, but the lady-in-waiting swiped one in the middle, bringing the total amount of gold to exactly 249 gold. Regina snorted as she took her tight buns out of their holders.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun how things turn out.”
She thought that the princess cared more about Lady Valentine than the ruby ring she had stolen the day before. Her encounter with Ciel was a bountiful harvest for Regina, who had infiltrated the princess’s collection in order to steal from her.
In addition to her magic sensitivity shown in her treasure chest, she even looked at the window first in the princess’ treasure chest.
She noticed that the opposing party was also planning something, but at least she was able to be certain that whatever it was, it would not work out in the princess’s favour.
“I got a call from outside the palace. He inquired when are you going to get back here?”
“Tell him it’s still a long way off.”
“Lady.”
In the beginning, she devised a plan to take out the princess’s treasure trove as quickly as possible. However, after she met the crown prince during a time when the aristocratic lady game was also quite interesting, she changed her mind about the plan.
Moreover, since the princess has entrusted her with an unexpectedly important task, if she suddenly disappears from the imperial palace, If she were to disappear from the imperial palace, her guise as Regina Netias would undoubtedly be imperilled.
Regina took off her constricting corset and sat down on her bed, where she stared out the window in the direction of the palace of the crown prince. She could hardly make out the end of the building, but she had a rough idea of what would have happened by now.
“Tell him outside the palace. It is true that the crown prince has fallen in love with Lady Valentine.”
“The prince? You said that it would all be a show.”
“I saw with my own eyes earlier. Does it look like a show?”
Since everyone was lowering their heads, Regina was the only one who could really see Alex’s red eyes.
Ciel couldn’t help but notice the unease in his eyes as they swayed ever so slightly. His hand gestures were subtle, yet they drew her closer to him.
It was evident that Ciel Valentine remained oblivious to his blatant display, despite his whole body being in a full exhibition.
“I can’t simply get myself out of the way when I’m involved in something fun like this.”
It was over to figure out where the princess’ money bag came from. She pondered over the thought of how much easier her job would become if she were to align herself with a powerful figure such as Valentine, united in their shared opposition to an enemy they shared.
Regina dismissed the maid and reached for the jar of hand cream that had been made by hand by Clara Valentine. It is a luxury to have something that leaves a scent on her, but as she puts her white cream on her fingertips, she thinks about the sincerity of the person who gave it to her and remembered the scent it left behind.
“It’s moist.”
Her nose is being tickled by the scent of lavender, which has the effect of helping her sleep better and easing her tension. Instead of being wary of her because she is the princess’s maid, it might be nice to be a comfortable young lady who gives her presents right away.
She was intrigued by the unexpected appearance of Ciel, whom she thought would be carefree because she had spent her childhood being showered with love.
“That was the plan all along.”
She had no idea that aristocrats who called her that would exist. Since Regina was only interested in corrupt nobles, there was no reason to inflict any harm on Valentine, who had obediently amassed wealth solely through the use of their magic skills.
She even gave her gift to Regina, who is unable to live without debt, so she should prepare a gift that is deserving of the occasion as well.
“What should I give her?”
She needs to spend some more time getting to know Ciel so that she can better understand her preferences.
Since she is a precious princess of the Great Valentine, her price should be as high as holding the heart of a goddess in her hands.
Regina opened the map of the princess’s palace and marked the location of the barrier stone that Ciel had pointed out.
“It looks like they are plotting something as well.”
Do you have any idea what sort of reaction Ciel would have if she found out who I was? As she watched her ecstatic anticipation, Regina couldn’t help but smile.
* * *
“Ahh!”
I woke up screaming. After being startled for a second by the unfamiliar setting of the room, I felt like I had experienced deja vu and looked around.
It’s been a few days since I entered the crown prince’s palace, so it’s about time that I get used to it, but last night I had a nightmare that turned out to be very unlucky.
It was the day Ciel died in the original story. Alex, with an expression of disdain on his face, put the sword to my throat. When the blue blade of the sword made contact with the back of my neck, I subconsciously prayed for help without realizing it.
Why did I have this kind of dream? I trembled and curled up into a ball on the bed. My body trembled as the shock from the dream had not subsided.
“Ciel!”
Alex ran into my room as soon as he heard a scream coming from outside. I hadn’t even washed my face yet, so the fact that you brought it up embarrassed me somewhat.
“Your Highness?”
Alex, who was completely pale, his hair was wet, and he was only wearing trousers. A refreshing scent wafted from the tip of my nose as if he had just come out of the shower and run.
I don’t want to show you my teary face.
I rolled over onto my back and buried my face in the blankets.
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“What do you mean you are okay? I think you kept having nightmares last night.”
I was startled when Alex’s hand suddenly came dangerously close to touching mine without warning. I wasn’t particularly aware of it most of the time; however, when he suddenly came out like this, I became nervous for no apparent reason.
It was scary. The scenes that I had seen in my dreams remained perfectly clear in my head even after I woke up.
Alex’s hand moved closer to mine. They say that once startled by a softshell turtle, you will also be startled by a caldron lid.[1] I know in my head that the current Alex likes me, but my body reflexively pushes him away.
“Ciel?”
“I-I’m fine, Your Highness.”
I’m sorry. I’m not in a good mood today. I felt Alex coming up behind me, so I put my hand on the back of my neck and sidestepped away from him.
His face contorted as he reached out to me. He was very surprised and seemed quite hurt. Alex was about to say something when all of a sudden, the door flung open wide, and Meryl rushed right in.
“My lady, it’s time for you to get up…….Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince!”
Meryl had just come into the room to wake me up as she does every morning, but she was startled to find me in the bedroom with Alex.
“Th-This.”
“I’ll see you later at the dining room.”
Alex’s eyebrows twisted mercilessly. Then, without giving him a chance to offer an explanation, he coldly turned and walked away. There must be a mistake, but it’s too late to stop it.
The door in the centre of the room slammed shut with a deafening thud. In addition to that, one could hear a click when he closed the door.
Was it clear from his body language that he was uncomfortable when he was in her presence? As he gave off the impression of being very angry, my heart sank.
“Lady, are you all right? Why was your Highness here?”
In fact, it is strictly only the fiance who can enter the room of a lady who is not even ready for breakfast.
But I’m just here as a guest of honour. Meryl knew that I had entered the palace because of my sister, so it came as quite a shock to her when she found the prince in my room.
“Your Highness came to see me because I was having a nightmare and he was worried.”
“Oh my, that what it is.”
Fortunately, Meryl believed me even when I said that I was making fermented soybeans with red beans. I deliberately pretended to be serious and added the story.
“You never know. What if someone comes to kill me?”
“This Meryl will not forgive anyone who harms my lady!”
“No, no, I mean!”
So I tried to explain that Alex was in my room, but I couldn’t find any fat chance. After finally calming Meryl down, I went down to the dining room for breakfast.
It took quite a while to get ready, but Alex hadn’t eaten until then, waiting for me.
“You’re running a little late.”
“Please forgive me, Your Highness. I am late in preparing.”
“I didn’t really wait.”
Somehow, his attitude became colder than usual. Alex furrowed his brow and began eating silently without even looking at me, possibly because he was embarrassed by the accident he did earlier.
I couldn’t stand the way the atmosphere flowed because it was so awkward. Alex, who had previously furrowed his brows, did not look at me at all and acted as though I did not exist.
Even though this is not the case, it is possible that having a nightmare will feel very similar to how you are describing it. What are you doing to make other people feel so awkward? The food didn’t go over well, so I was eating and drinking, but Alex opened his mouth first.
“What is your plan for today?”
“A message came from the Lily Palace. Lady Regina has informed us of her desire to pay us a visit.”
“Is Regina coming?”
Burnett deliberately stayed there, and stumbled over her words. Because the permission of the crown prince, who was the owner of the palace, was required in order to invite guests from outside the palace.
Alex, who was uncomfortable, showed his displeasure by giving a frown when he heard that Regina was going to visit. I decided to act first because I thought he would say no.
“She is my guest. I want to show her my room.”
“Ciel.”
“I know. What exactly are you trying to get across?”
No matter how objectively I examined the situation, it was clear that Regina was on the princess’s side. She has some ulterior motives, so in order to further them, I attempt to get Regina invited to the palace of the crown prince, but Alex doesn’t seem to trust her at all.
I felt an unspoken pressure. Even though I made it abundantly clear that I was on Alex’s side, the fact that I still felt suspicious hurt me.
I thought that we were getting pretty close to one another, but it turns out that our alliance only went this far. I took a deep sigh and spoke firmly.
“There is absolutely nothing for Your Majesty to be concerned about. Burnett will be there to help as well.”
Even if I’m not trustworthy, I have stubbornness. It was necessary for me to make a person of my own in the Lily Palace in order to find Alex’s mother’s keepsakes. Not knowing that, Alex continued to have a sarcastic and perverse attitude.
“It’s not like I’m worried or anything like that.”
Alex just said that and got up from his seat. Then he glared at me with resentment in his red eyes.
Why are you so angry in the morning?
Notes:
A person who was startled by something shudders at the sight of something else which looks similar to it.
