Chapter 20: If Someone Hit You, Stab Him With A Dagger
“Your Highness, the refreshments are ready.”
When Richard left, Adeline expected him to bring Collin, but instead, it was the lady’s maids from the queen’s palace. The head lady’s maid, whom Adeline called Snout, entered with a younger maid pushing a tray. As soon as they saw the Lion King, their smiles bloomed like flowers. With every movement of their skirts, the breathtaking scent of roses wafted through the room. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
Adeline was honestly amazed. “Wow.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“It’s nothing. Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand.”
The Lion King raised an eyebrow, silently inquiring.
However, Adeline did not meet his gaze; she rested her chin on her hand, watching her maids.
The head lady’s maid approached with an elegant smile and spoke softly, “Your Highness, no matter how sick you are, it is rude to appear that way in front of a guest. We’ll help you, so why not let us get your outfit in order?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. You must do so.”
“But I don’t have any clothes.”
The maid, who had been approaching the Lion King with teacups held delicately, like butterflies, suddenly stopped.
Adeline held up her nightgown. “Indoor clothes for a guest in the annex? What else is there besides this? All I remember you providing are mashed potato porridge and a newspaper that called me a whore.”
“That’s… because Your Highness has just returned.”
“Yeah. It’s only been a week since I came back.”
The teacup in the maid’s hand rattled against the saucer.
Adeline glanced at the tray. A kettle exuding hot steam, tea leaves releasing a sweet aroma, and refreshments beautifully arranged on petal-shaped plates—all items she was denied. They must have been busy preparing for the Lion King’s visit. However, instead of praising the maids, Adeline was busy mocking them.
“I ask this out of curiosity. Her Majesty must not be a very narrow-minded person, but why hasn’t she given one of her dresses to her daughter who returned after eleven years?”
“Your… Your Highness.”
“I guess this is how the royal family makes their clothes. Am I right?”
Still resting her chin on her palm, Adeline glanced at the Lion King, but he merely shrugged. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“I just thought it was pajamas.”
‘This guy really doesn’t seem to be able to lie, does he?’
*
The Lion King, whom everyone expected to leave soon, remained in the drawing room until dinner time. Adeline had no idea what he was thinking, but thanks to him, she enjoyed a magnificent feast. She laughed and raised her knife. “I never thought I would get a meal like this here.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Just eat.”
The maids waiting next to Adeline looked horrified. They were displeased with the princess, who displayed not the slightest trace of etiquette. Adeline was still in her pajamas because no one had gone to fetch her a dress. They were all afraid of being scolded by the lady-in-waiting of the queen’s palace. Furthermore, if she received another dress, they feared she might disrupt the Hall of Glory again, so they unanimously pretended not to notice that she was wearing a nightgown.
“Are you going to the banquet tomorrow?” the Lion King asked, his steak knife looking like a dagger poised for killing.
Adeline replied firmly, staring at his rough hands, “No. I’m going to be sick.”
“Right. That’s unfortunate.”
“You said you’re going, right?”
“This time, I heard the crown prince is coming to pick me up in person.”
“Cesare?” Adeline laughed. His father might have wanted to send Adeline, not Cesare. However, because of her shocking appearance yesterday, there had been a lot of gossip, and they sent Cesare instead. Adeline imagined Cesare’s pride crumpling at having to pick up someone he was jealous of.
She felt that the food tasted even more delicious. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“How long do you plan to stay here?”
“Why?”
“I don’t think it’s an environment suitable for a great martyr and beloved princess to live in.”
The maids flinched at the Lion King’s indifferent words.
‘He claims to hate arguing, but this guy seems quite good at it.’
“I’ll be moving after the ball tomorrow.”
“Where?”
“It’s probably going to be somewhere far from the queen and crown prince’s palace, with a moderately beautiful exterior, but in a location vulnerable to attacks by assassins.”
It had been a while since Adeline could eat as much as she wanted, and her whole body felt tired. The maids had prepared all kinds of delicious items for the Lion King: refreshments, aperitifs, appetizers, the main course, and desserts. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
He was the type of person who enjoyed good food, but eventually, he grew weary and looked at Adeline. “Do I still need to eat more?”
“If you don’t want to eat it, don’t eat it. You eat so well that they keep bringing more.”
The maids smiled awkwardly and set down the plates of cookies and fruit they were holding, then retreated to the drawing room.
Adeline sank into the sofa while the Lion King frowned, rubbing his full belly.
Afterward, a few brief conversations occurred. Most of the time, he asked questions, and she answered.
The Lion King didn’t leave until the night was pitch-black. Adeline stood to see him off, but when she felt the fierce gaze of the maids and Richard, she smirked and retreated to her bedroom.
The maids would see him off, and Richard would use the excuse of seeing him off to tell Cesare about this.
When all the bustling people departed, only peaceful silence remained in her bedroom. Adeline walked around her darkened room and lit the candles herself.
“Princess.”
Collin suddenly appeared, her face gaunt. There were no tears, but the corners of her eyes were still red. The bruise that covered half of her face had turned black. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
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