Chapter 54
“How did you…?”
Alaisia flinched and closed her mouth. But Franz didn’t scold her. His demeanor said she had simply done what needed to be done.
He spoke calmly.
“Find Crayton’s mana stone and destroy it. Damaging the mana stone is a direct blow to the heart.”
“So, even if you fail, as long as I succeed, revenge can still be taken.”
Alaisia clenched her fist as she gathered her thoughts.
“Before we carry out the plan, there’s something I need to make clear.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’m with you for the sake of revenge on Crayton. Don’t misunderstand—I haven’t forgiven you.”
A heavy silence fell between them. Franz’s throat moved as he swallowed.
“I know that well.”
“Then that’s fine.”
“May I ask you for one thing as well?”
“What is it?”
“Trust no one. Not your family, not even me. Trust only yourself.”
Alaisia nodded as if it were obvious.
She would never trust anyone—ever again.
* * *
“The more I look at it, the more I love this dress.”
Alaisia spoke in a gentle tone as she looked at herself in the mirror. Lucette, who had been busily preparing since early morning for the First Prince’s birthday ball, lit up at the compliment.
“Really?”
“Of course. I’ll be relying on you from now on. I don’t know much about fashion.”
Alaisia smiled softly. At her request, Lucette nodded enthusiastically, full of motivation.
“Leave it to me. I’ll make sure you never regret it.”
“I’ll count on you.”
“Your Highness, is something good happening lately? You seem to be in a great mood.”
Sarah, polishing a gemstone on a necklace, asked cheerfully.
Alaisia shrugged as she looked at her through the mirror.
“Maybe it’s because it’s my first ball?”
“Come to think of it, this is your first ball since becoming the Crown Princess, right?”
“That’s right! And it’s the First Prince’s birthday ball. All the nobles will be there—it must be nerve-wracking.”
“Yes. I’m a bit worried I’ll make a mistake. I’m still not good with etiquette.”
Alaisia said shyly, and at her humble words, both Sarah and Lucette waved their hands in disbelief.
“There’s no way Your Highness would make a mistake!”
“Exactly. You dance so well, too. Baron Ambrose taught you since you were little, didn’t he?”
“Then you really have nothing to worry about.”
Lucette added with a hint of envy in her voice.
“You must be close with the Baron. I’ve heard Baron Ambrose is quite the top bachelor. You two must look like a painting together.”
Alaisia tilted her head in confusion at Lucette’s comment.
“My brother’s considered a top bachelor?”
“Of course, he gets invited to villa gatherings all over.”
“That’s great to hear.”
A gentle smile crossed Alaisia’s lips as she thought of Caleb. She then asked Lucette,
“Speaking of which, could I also buy a pair of men’s gloves? Something suitable as a gift for my brother?”
“Men’s gloves… Oh! I actually brought some to show to His Highness the Second Prince. Would you like to see them?”
“Please.”
At Alaisia’s reply, Lucette’s assistant quickly presented the gloves.
Alaisia looked over the high-quality leather gloves. They were all elegant and would make fine gifts.
She picked a simple brown leather pair without hesitation.
“I’ll take these.”
“Excellent choice. I’ll have them wrapped.”
Lucette handed the gloves to her assistant with a smile.
“While you’re at it, why not choose a pair for His Highness the Second Prince, too?”
“I think he should pick his own.”
Alaisia replied indifferently and turned away. Lucette tilted her head.
“Oh, don’t be like that. He’d surely like it more if Your Highness picked it out.”
“She’s right, Your Highness. Just take a look.”
Alaisia could see everyone’s eager gazes reflected in the mirror. She sighed softly.
“Alright.”
As soon as she agreed, a velvet tray with gloves lined up was brought in again. Alaisia carefully examined them.
Franz had slender, graceful hands with long fingers and little knuckle bulk. Most gloves would likely be tight on him.
“Do you have anything larger? These look too small for his hands.”
She placed her hand on one glove on the tray.
“Compared to mine, his fingers are at least one joint longer. The design is fine, but it’s too small. Oh, and his fingers aren’t thick either, so it shouldn’t be too loose…”
As she explained calmly, the room suddenly quieted, and she stopped mid-sentence. Puzzled, she looked around.
Lucette, Sarah, and the others were staring at her with odd expressions.
“What is it?”
“It’s amazing.”
“What is?”
“How do you know His Highness’s hands so well?”
“Oh, that’s…”
“There’s nothing you don’t know about him, Your Highness.”
“The rumors about how close you two are must be true!”
The maids burst into giggles, and Alaisia’s cheeks turned red from the commotion.
“No, I just… while picking out gloves…”
“You picked your brother’s gloves instantly. You didn’t even consider finger length or knuckle size!”
Lucette winked teasingly. The room suddenly felt stifling hot to Alaisia. She fanned herself and made a sheepish face.
“Stop teasing, Lucette.”
“Oh my! It’s not teasing, Your Highness. You should be proud!”
“I said stop.”
Alaisia turned back to the mirror. Seeing her cheeks so red made her blush even more.
She composed herself and gave an order to one of the maids.
“Izolde, bring me a shawl to wear over the dress.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Izolde curtsied and stepped out, a smile on her lips. Seeing it, Alaisia let out a small groan.
“Your Highness, you have a visitor.”
Izolde knocked gently as she returned with the shawl.
Alaisia, already finished preparing for the ball, tilted her head at the report.
“A visitor? Now?”
“Yes. It’s Baron Ambrose.”
“Caleb’s here?”
Alaisia stood up at Izolde’s reply. She beamed as she gave her instructions.
“Please show him to the parlor. Tell him I’ll be right there. Just to wait a moment.”
Unable to contain her joy, Alaisia headed to the parlor.
She had been feeling heavy-hearted from all the recent revelations. She’d needed someone with whom she could have a light, thoughtless chat.
Someone who was unquestionably on her side.
So Caleb’s arrival was more than welcome. With a bright smile, Alaisia entered the parlor.
“Caleb!”
“Caleb Ambrose greets Her Highness the Second Princess. May the light of the sun rest upon you.”
Caleb gave a formal bow. His radiant silver hair shimmered more brightly than ever.
“Thanks for coming. I was worried you wouldn’t make it since the invitation was sent a bit late.”
“How could I not come when Her Highness personally invited me?”
Caleb smiled cheerfully and took a seat.
Alaisia asked Sarah to prepare refreshments. While they waited, she handed Caleb a small box.
“Perfect timing. I prepared a gift for you.”
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
At her urging, Caleb opened the box. Seeing the gloves inside, a bright smile spread across his face.
“Can I really accept such a fine gift?”
“Do you like them?”
Caleb clutched the box to his chest as if it were a treasure and said warmly,
“Very much.”
Alaisia’s face lit up at his gentle voice.
She held out her hand, and he took it. The tender scene made even Sarah, who was bringing in refreshments, smile in satisfaction.
“How’s Mother? She must’ve made a fuss when you were the only one invited again. It must be tough.”
“It’s nothing new. I’m used to it.”
Caleb slowly released her hand and poured her some black tea.
He gently blew on the tea and handed it to her—a habit from caring for his sister, who couldn’t handle hot drinks.
Alaisia smiled softly. His warm gesture comforted her heart.
“Thank you.”
“No need.”
“But why are you here so early? I thought I’d see you at the ball.”
“Well, actually…”
“Ahem.”
As Alaisia waited for his answer, her hand froze midway to her teacup.
Someone at the doorway cleared their throat.
Just as she was about to turn toward the door, the unexpected guest spoke.
“How long must I wait?”
It was a bold, self-assured voice—bright and full of confidence.
A voice so familiar, she could never forget it.
No way…
The color drained from Alaisia’s face. She slowly turned to look at Caleb.
He returned her gaze with an awkward smile.
“Actually… I brought someone today that I wanted you to meet.”
At his explanation, Alaisia’s eyes narrowed slightly. She swallowed hard and forced a composed tone.
“Who is it?”
“Well…”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness the Second Princess.”
Before Caleb could answer, a woman strode into the parlor.
Alaisia watched her with a stiff expression.
She had voluminous pink hair done up and pinned with a garnet clip, sapphire-blue eyes shining like jewels in the sunlight, and delicate features framed by a pale pink dress.
It was Niris.
