BCOM 23

Chapter 23

“Did you enjoy yourself today?”

On the way back in the carriage. As the sun was setting, they left the imperial palace—escorted no less than by the Crown Prince himself. He had walked with them all the way to the training grounds, seen both father and daughter board the same carriage, and stood there until the carriage disappeared from view.

“Yes, well… it was nice to see a new side of things.”

There were good points, yes, but there were also bad ones. When things veered off from the plan, it was always troublesome.

“His Highness the Crown Prince seemed very pleased. That you came to the palace. Even if… you came there to see me, that is.”

Apparently, the line about making him a sandwich had been remarkably effective. Teowin hadn’t smiled broadly until they left, but he had softened. His expression carried none of its usual sharpness, and he watched everything with a gentler look.

“So he liked it. I didn’t know.”

“You mustn’t be so blind to another’s heart, Aneth. To truly know each other, you must learn to recognize one another’s feelings. If you can’t, then ask. And if even that is too difficult, then at the very least, share in their feelings. Sharing hearts isn’t easy… but it’s something we must make the effort to do.”

There seemed to be so much to learn from him.

“Father, you really are a wise man.”

Startled by the sudden praise, Lizerne let out a hearty laugh—much louder than usual. The volume itself made Aneth look at him squarely.

“Thank you for saying that. But Aneth, a child like you will learn these things naturally as you grow older. Such wisdom is really nothing more than what life itself teaches.”

To love, to consider others—that was what he meant. In the end, when you are sincere, the path reveals itself.

Teowin really did seem like someone overflowing with emotion. Outwardly, he looked sharp and intimidating, but inside he carried a tender, warm heart.

The fragile little wall she had built around her crumbling heart had collapsed entirely once again.

It seemed to be a bond she could never refuse. No matter how hard she tried to put up walls and wait for the right opportunity, she could never truly free herself from him.

Soon after, preparations for the official marriage alliance began in earnest—just as Marquis Lizerne had hinted before.

Sometimes things were so busy that she didn’t even notice his absence. People from the palace came to take her measurements, while the head of the maids personally visited the mansion to tutor her in imperial etiquette, which was different from that of ordinary noble families.

It felt almost like taking some very expensive private lessons. Following the impossibly elegant, stiff movements of the maid and writing down her instructions made Aneth realize once more: not just anyone could become part of the imperial family.

And then—

“A banquet…?”

The news struck her like a thunderbolt. She had thought such external activities would only begin after the marriage.

After all, Lizerne had explained before: once she became Crown Princess, whether she liked it or not, she would have to endure countless social gatherings. So the conclusion had been, why not spare her until then?

Of course, every young lady and noblewoman had sent invitations to Aneth, the future Crown Princess. But all of them had received polite refusals, couched in the most flowery of words.

Yet now, it had all come crashing at once.

“Yes, my lady. They say that ever since the Crown Princess was chosen, no celebration banquet has been held. And now that preparations for the marriage have begun, His Majesty wishes to hold a congratulatory banquet as soon as possible…”

Tarin, who brought the news, sparkled with excitement at the thought of a palace banquet.

Aneth, of course, couldn’t possibly sparkle like that.

“Hm? My lady, why such a dark expression? Do you dislike banquets? You used to attend them quite well, didn’t you?”

Apparently, she hadn’t been completely shut away before. That was a problem—she had no idea who Aneth used to mingle with, or what acquaintances she had.

“Well… since I haven’t been to one since then, there must be people I greeted briefly, and young ladies I spoke with more warmly… but since I haven’t gone back, it feels like I’d be rude to them.”

It was a hasty excuse, but a convincing one.

“Oh, I see…” Tarin nodded, satisfied. Aneth sank into thought. But really, there was no point—her memory only contained what the book had given her. There had been one or two banquet scenes, yes, but no detailed notes on who she spoke with or who she was close to.

“Well then… fine. What should I prepare for the banquet?”

Her resigned tone made Tarin’s eyes light up.

Of course. For a young girl, the mention of a palace banquet was enough to make her eyes shine. Aneth placed her hand in Tarin’s outstretched one, expecting her eyes to glitter with excitement throughout the preparations.

“First, a dress!”

Her lively voice was almost infectious.

“But I already have plenty of dresses at home.”

“Tut, tut! My lady, you’ll cause trouble speaking like that! This is a banquet hosted by the imperial palace, and you are the main character! How can you wear an old dress there? Impossible!”

She sounded like a little girl imitating her mother. But indeed, in any world, an important event required the right dress.

And if she was the main character, then she needed a dress that would make her shine above all others.

It wasn’t that she had nothing suitable in her wardrobe, but even once-worn dresses had already outlived their use.

So began the preparations for a new dress. Today’s adventure: the dress shop!

“There’s no time to have one made, so we’ll buy one, my lady. Of course, it will still need to be altered to fit you properly…”

In less than half an hour, she was ready to go. She hardly even knew how it had all happened.

Once again, she headed out to the capital’s bustling streets—this time with Tarin and Tamohan accompanying her. Tamohan seemed truly grateful to have been chosen, almost ready to bow in thanks, so she treated it lightly.

It had been a while since she’d gone out. The plan to wander the outside world and “learn about life” had been swept aside by marriage preparations. In that sense, she welcomed today’s outing.

“Here we are, my lady! How long has it been since I last came here?”

Tarin, glued to the window, shouted so loudly it made Aneth’s ears ring. She must have realized how loud she’d been, because her shoulders stiffened and she lowered her head.

“Forgive me, my lady! I was just so excited… Please, step down.”

Her apology was earnest, but her excitement still showed. That was fine—Tarin’s gloom would only drag Aneth down as well.

The building she led her to was larger and grander than those around it. Not gaudy with unnecessary decoration, but detailed in dark wood tones, striking a perfect balance between feminine charm and adult elegance.

Clearly designed to appeal to women’s tastes—neither too light nor too stiff. Even Aneth found it pleasing.

As they approached, Tarin opened the door. A small bell chimed, ringing brightly through the shop.

Tarin had warned her that since the banquet had been arranged so suddenly, there would be a rush to buy ready-made dresses. Perhaps she was right—

For inside, two young ladies were already choosing gowns. Clearly, they weren’t here for fittings but to buy ready-to-wear dresses, all splendid enough for a banquet.

“See? There are already two here.”

As Tarin whispered with a smile, quick footsteps approached from the back.

The sound was so forceful that Aneth tensed. Soon, a figure appeared—a woman in a splendid orange dress.

“Welcome! To our Romonde Atelier! You’re here for a dress, aren’t you?”

The shopkeeper’s eyes curved in a smile as she studied Aneth and Tarin, trying to guess which noble house they belonged to.

“Ah, could it be…?”

This atelier had grown popular recently, and though it was her first time seeing Aneth, the sight of her radiant figure, platinum hair, and amber eyes made realization dawn instantly.

“Are you not Lady Aneth of House Lizerne?”

Her voice was nearly a scream, enough to draw the attention of the other customers.

Why was it that everywhere she went, she always drew so much attention? With a bead of cold sweat, she admitted it.

“Yes… I am Aneth of House Lizerne.”

And with that, everyone’s jaws dropped.