Chapter 150: Decision
I returned to the capital, this time accompanied by Abel. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Fiona, the piece you left at the jeweler is done.”
I opened the case Abel handed me. Inside was a pair of earrings featuring a red jewel—the orb given to me by Clemente the other day.
“Thank you.”
Abel asked curiously, “Dragon orb? What the hell is this for?”
“I don’t know either, but I’ll keep it from now on.” That was why I had turned it into earrings. The design was simple so that I could wear them daily without drawing attention. I thought there would be an immediate effect, but to my surprise, even after wearing them often, I didn’t feel anything. Surely, it shouldn’t require swallowing for it to work, right? Let’s not dwell on that possibility. I could slowly find out what it could do.
Now, it was time to work.
I sighed as I looked at the pile of invitations. For some reason, the news that we had caught two more dragons seemed to have caused a stir in society. Everyone loves a good spectacle. Well, anyway, the only ball I had to attend was the one hosted by the imperial family, so the others didn’t really matter. However, I still had to sift through those invitations. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Aside from the matter of Darkness, there didn’t seem to be any pressing issues at the moment. However, there was another difficult issue I had to face: my promise to Clemente. How was I going to get the dragon’s heart that Sigren had given to the emperor? Should I wait until Sigren became emperor and steal it?
With such concerns, I attended the ball. It was an imperial event, but there was neither empress nor crown prince in sight. Furthermore, the emperor seemed to have lost interest in the two of them lately. He could be likened to a child who had too many toys and was easily bored. This time, he seemed to want Sigren beside him.
Sigren’s handsome face frowned when I told him to keep up with the rhythm. In the end, the emperor was still his biological father.
“What are you going to do then?”
“I’m going to see Lady Livya.”
Sigren nodded, though his expression showed slight dissatisfaction.
**
After Sigren and I parted ways, I went to find Livya. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Lady Fiona.”
Livya was with a girl I hadn’t seen before.
“You’re here at just the right moment. This is…”
There were only a few people with whom Livya would use such a polite tone.
I greeted the person politely, “I’ve met Her Highness the Princess.”
When I looked at her properly, I was startled. I had never known that Sigren’s sister could be so beautiful. Well, to be honest, I had never thought much about her before.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve always wanted to meet you. Could I call you Lady Fiona?”
“It’s fine as long as it’s okay with you, Your Highness.”
The princess smiled broadly. “Oh, please, don’t use such a rigid title.”
I remembered the name of the princess. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Then should I call you Princess Aria?”
The girl’s cheeks flushed with happiness as she nodded. She looked very lovely, her sprout-colored eyes sparkling with warmth and longing. It seemed she had a favorable impression of me.
“I’ve always heard that you’re a great mage, so it’s an honor to meet you.”
“I’m honored to meet the noble imperial princess as well.”
I could sense her genuine kindness, but Sigren’s earlier words came to mind. She was an imperial woman in a political position where things could easily turn sour.
However, for now, at least, she seemed to be friendly, and it wouldn’t be wise to make enemies, especially since we had to deal with the crown prince first.
Still, I was curious about Sigren’s opinion of her. Was he okay with having such a pretty sister as an enemy?!
Aria leaned closer to me, her smile bright and genuine. Her expression, combined with her high level of cuteness, was utterly disarming. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Lady Fiona, are you busy?”
“Yes? I’m not busy at all, Your Highness.”
“Then can we talk for a minute? I’m weak… I’m very curious about the outside world. Whenever I hear rumors about you, I really want to know more. I’m also curious about Heilon. Oh, what does a dragon look like?”
Even though I knew I had to keep my guard up, I couldn’t help but feel my heart soften at her shy yet pure curiosity, fitting for her age. It was all the more difficult because she was just a little girl.
I still couldn’t guess her intentions, but it was hard not to treat a sweet little girl like a glass flower kindly.
“If you don’t mind me, please.”
Aria smiled broadly at my response.
Looking at the princess’s friendly demeanor, I thought it would be nice if Aria could get along well with Sigren. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
***
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