episode_0019

The carriage, running along the rough streets of the untidy city, swayed back and forth as usual.

Occasionally, when a large stone got caught in the big wheel, the carriage would lurch heavily.

With its flashy exterior and sophisticated interior, the carriage resembled a luxurious foreign sedan in the shape of a triangle.

However, its ride quality was nothing more than that of an old wagon, or even less.

Yet the platinum-haired young lady seemed quite accustomed to such a ride by now.

Eleanor rested her right arm on the carriage window, chin propped up with a casual expression.

Her sky-blue eyes gazed unfocused beyond the window into a fantasy world outside, observing everyday scenes endlessly.

Buildings tightly packed alongside the wide street, not even allowing sunlight to filter through.

Each building, constructed with brown bricks, for some reason, had narrow widths and rose tall above.

Only the pointed roofs painted in various colors revealed the buildings’ individuality.

In front of them, boys with different hair colors were shouting and playing energetically.

However, their play was not like the usual games seen in the original world—no ball games or hide-and-seek. They all held wooden swords in their hands, pointing blunt edges at each other.

Occasionally, girls in skirts from nearby alleys joined in the colorful mock battles.

Initially, each of these sights had been incredibly fascinating.

Watching strange vegetables in a man’s arms as he moved boxes, marveling at the oddly dressed knights singing by the fountain, or being captivated by the steamless sound of massive trains constantly shuttling at the capital station made Eleanor wonder if she could learn magic herself, eagerly pestering her tutor for lessons.

Yet, these unique spectacles had now become mundane daily occurrences.

Exciting outings had turned into tedious routines.

Although she had grown accustomed, Eleanor still felt uncomfortable inside this carriage, filled only with thoughts of getting out quickly.

“Sophie, how much longer until we arrive?”

In the lady’s voice brimming with boredom, Sophie paused her diligent hands.

Setting down the white handkerchief embroidered with the golden lion crest of Beaurne Castle, Sophie turned her freckled curious cheek towards the window, scanning the view outside.

“We’re almost there, milady. Can you see that hill over there? Once we pass that hill, the palace should come into view.”

Pointing with her fingertip somewhere beyond the window, Sophie asked, “By the way, milady, you’re going to have tea time with the princess!”

Unlike her mistress, Sophie’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

As if she had received an invitation herself, Sophie looked at her lady with eager anticipation.

“That’s right.”

Despite Sophie’s gaze, Eleanor responded in a lackluster tone.

“Yes, milady. Have you actually met the princess before?”

“Yes, during the debutante ball.”

“Then… is the princess as beautiful as they say?”

Curiosity dripped from Sophie’s following words.

Eleanor shifted her gaze from the window to Sophie’s freckled face, looking puzzled.

“Ah, it’s like a rumor circulating in the streets. They say light shines from golden eyes on transparent skin, or that a halo pours out behind with every step taken.”

“What is that…?”

“Don’t look at me like that, Sophie. It’s a bit scary, isn’t it?”

With a mischievous smile, Eleanor replied to Sophie’s whimsical remark, which somehow reminded her of an unknown dictator.

“Just wait and see for yourself later. Today, it’s just you by my side, Sophie.”

“Oh, Miss! How can a humble person like me raise my head in front of Her Highness?”

As a modern-day person, Sophie couldn’t quite grasp the point.

However, the past couple of months living as Eleanor had been enough to stiffen her neck.

Eleanor nodded her platinum blonde hair in response to Sophie’s words.

“But you know, Sophie, I think I’m prettier than the princess.”

The past few months living as Eleanor had instilled a newfound confidence in her appearance as Sophie, despite being the respectful lady’s maid, looked at Eleanor with a disapproving gaze for quite some time.

“Why! What! Why!”

I definitely think I’m prettier than the princess!

#

The first time Eleanor met the princess, Dominique.

She smiled brightly and suggested having tea together after the debutante ball.

Eleanor had simply interpreted Dominique’s words as ‘Let’s find time to have a meal together’ and had completely forgotten about it.

It was only after discovering an envelope with the royal seal among the numerous invitations decorating her morning that Eleanor realized the sincerity behind Dominique’s words.

And now.

Using the princess’s invitation as an excuse, Eleanor was dragged by her mother to the palace, wearing a newly tailored dress adorned with a large white ribbon on top of airy frills, strolling through the palace halls.

“The princess’s residence is in the Lily Palace at the heart of the Royal City,” said Lady Viola, the maid who welcomed Eleanor.

Shouldn’t we take a carriage there? Eleanor asked.

With a pitiful expression, Lady Viola kindly explained that carriages were reserved for nobility within the palace grounds.

At Lady Viola’s pitiable face.

Eleanor feigned amnesia and followed the lady into the elaborately decorated garden filled with vibrant spring flowers.

How long did they walk like that?

As Eleanor’s calves began to ache, Lady Viola finally stopped in her tracks.

“That mansion you see is where Her Highness resides, the Lily Palace.”

Lady Viola smiled warmly, seemingly convinced by Eleanor’s act.

Soon, amidst the spring breeze gently swaying her platinum hair, a familiar voice mixed with the scent of flowers reached Eleanor’s ears.

“Eleanor darling! I’ve been waiting for you!”

Dominique, with her jet-black hair flowing behind her, ran towards Eleanor, quite different from the ladies she used to accompany her mother to social gatherings.

She wore a snug jacket that accentuated the curves of a graceful woman, slim white pants that hugged her hips perfectly, and knee-high black boots, presenting herself to Eleanor not as a lady but as if she belonged in a romance novel.

Her actions matched her attire.

Approaching Eleanor, the princess knelt on her left knee, elegantly bowed, and gently took Eleanor’s right hand.

“Um… Who is that princess?”

In a certain ballroom, Eleanor felt a sense of unease she had experienced before and looked at the princess in confusion.

Certainly, it was Eleanor who should have presented herself first.

When Eleanor called out to Dominic with a flustered voice, Dominic cautiously kissed her small, white hand.

“How do I look, Eli? I heard you received a kiss from a handsome gentleman at the ball, so I dressed up like this too.”

Contrary to her actions, her tone was as mischievous as that of a playful girl.

Dominic smiled widely at Eleanor.

That refreshing smile seemed like it could even create a nonexistent womb… No. It already exists, doesn’t it? I…

“Today… is truly… um. Splendid, Your Highness.”

Struggling to think through her reddened face, Eleanor managed to utter those words, which seemed to please Dominic quite a bit.

“Hahaha. Thank you. You look very lovely today as well, Eli. I regret not seeing you in a pure white dress, but well, you’re still incredibly cute. I’ll have to be satisfied with that.”

Maintaining her cheerful smile, Princess Dominic elegantly extended her hand towards Eleanor.

“Well then, shall we go inside? I’ve prepared a lot for Yeongae’s arrival!”

Extending a gloved hand towards Eleanor, Dominic gazed at her.

Seeing her hand being shaken up and down, it seemed like she was considering escorting her personally.

Being in a position to receive an escort not only from men but also from women.

Eleanor let out a soft sigh and placed her hand on top of Dominic’s white glove.

With a gentle smile, Dominic slowly took hold of her small, white hand.

As delicate as her touch, Dominic gracefully led Eleanor to the balcony of the princess’s palace.

Just moments ago, Eleanor had let out a deep sigh, but now, she found herself struggling to calm her heart that had started to flutter again at Dominic’s smiling eyes, walking briskly and having to make a considerable effort.