While we were indulging Killian with strawberry cream cake and other delightful desserts, Liz brought a letter.
“Your Highness, a letter from Marquis Lewendiff’s household.”
“Ah, thanks. Give it here.”
I tore it open without ceremony, and Killian observed me curiously.
“Oh—no letter knife? Hahaha.”
So uncouth of me. I’ll be more careful next time.
Spreading it open, I began to read:
**[To Princess Celestia Mond,
The Empire’s most beautiful, noble, splendid, and radiant little star. Graceful greetings from Marquis Lewendiff, in full devotion.
Thanks to your merciful kindness, my humble daughter Adelaide is adjusting well to life at the Marquis’ estate. We are eternally grateful to you for restoring our family’s joy.
If each period I dotted made me bow toward the palace, would you believe it?
(…omitted…)
Adelaide is doing well. She cried for a few days when she had her hair cut so short it made her look like a boy—but she has since found peace.
We trust completely that your generous and kind intention to make her part of your household as baedong remains unchanged. Please tell us when you would like her brought to the palace—we will prepare accordingly.
I swear my unwavering loyalty to Your Highness,
Baphortem Lewendiff, Marquis]**
Wow.
Seriously, I need to learn flattery from the Lewendiffs.
Reading the letter made my head spin. So what he’s really saying is: “We trust you won’t back out now!” Grammatic gold medal for adjectives everywhere—felt like solving a complex language problem.
I folded the letter away. Killian, lost in his cake, looked up at me—his bright eyes filled with shy curiosity.
“I’m Marquis Lewendiff.”
“Yes…”
“I happened to find his daughter Adelaide—by chance.”
“Oh wow! You found her, Your Highness? No wonder…”
I mumbled “totally chance,” to which he nodded vigorously.
“You’re amazing, Your Highness. I’ve heard they searched for her for a long time.”
“Yes. She’s about our age—so I brought her to be my baedong.”
“I see…”
“You okay with that?”
He seemed a bit disappointed—but no worries. He’ll fall for her at first glance.
I let out a sly giggle.
“It’s more fun if there are three of us instead of just the two of us. Also—Adelaide (that’s her name)—just returned to the capital, so she probably doesn’t have friends. We’ll take care of her. She’s very kind and lovely.”
Of course.
She’s the heroine.
I went on praising her: even when she was scruffy, she looked doll-like and bright—like sunshine, not a child raised in the orphanage. Killian placed his fork down firmly and nodded.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Oh—no dessert anymore?”
“No thank you. I should go.”
“What shall we pack for you today?”
He declined again.
Huh… Training must’ve drained him.
“All right, go ahead and rest now.”
“Well…”
“Meet again in two days, Killian. Bring Adelaide next time!”
“…Yes, Princess.”
He rose, a bit solemn. Maybe too much cake?
“Take care, Killian. I will write to the Marquis—no need to worry!”
“Yes.”
He strode out confidently.
My favorite, flawless as ever!
Two days later, right on time, Killian arrived. Marcus had no issue letting him come—I’d had a letter sent from the Emperor. I patted his shoulder and said:
“I told you. It’s fine, right?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you.”
His chubby, cute cheeks puffed out—so adorable I wanted to pinch them.
I glanced at Edward, then noticed the time and nudged Killian.
“Now go change and head to the training grounds.”
“Now? Right away?”
“Yes. Briven might be waiting.”
Killian looked uneasy, but I encouraged him:
“Hurry up. I’ll see you after class!”
Training step one: Find the finest swordmaster.
But while Killian trained, I was to meet my new baedong, Adelaide.
—
“The time’s coming—seeing both my favorite and Adelaide? I wish I had a camera!”
Soon a maid announced:
“Your Highness, Adelaide Lewendiff requests your presence.”
“Yes, come in!”
My heart fluttered.
“Princess Celestia Mond, it’s an honor. I am Adelaide Lewendiff of the Marquis house.”
Wow.
She was beautiful—though her hair was cut short, she looked radiant. Like a Cinderella loved instantly. In just a few days she transformed—no trace of orphaned hardship.
This is why she’s the heroine.
She looks perfect with Killian. Anticipating a wonderful shot together, I greeted her warmly:
“It’s so nice to meet you again, Adelaide!”
“Y‑yes. Thank you, Your Highness—for finding me.”
“I swear, it was all coincidence! Anyway—welcome, Adelaide.”
I guided her onto the plush sofa and offered a plate of cake.
“Here’s strawberry cream cake—use this fork, it’s prettier.”
Her violet eyes glowed.
“You know—you’ve heard, yes? You’ll become my baedong. You know what that means, right?”
“Yes. Like—um, your childhood friend, someone close.”
“Yes! And there’s also Killian, who’s learning swordsmanship.”
“Ah—Prince Killian Märchen.”
“Yes. Since we’re baedong, you two should get along—hang out without me, okay?”
“Um… yes, Your Highness.”
She hesitated.
Probably shy because of past difficult times. That’s fine.
This big sister has got you, Adelaide!
I smiled at my future hero’s partner—felt like a delighted mother-in-law, but… okay.
“Thanks for being my baedong!”
“Th-thank you, Your Highness!”
I’m more thankful—especially going forward.
I spent time playing dolls with Adelaide until Killian’s lesson ended. Yes—Adelaide was indeed the doll.
“She’s so beautiful!”
“Y‑Your Highness…”
“Liz, do you have a purple pin?”
“Here! I thought you’d ask—presenting it, Your Highness.”
“See? Adelaide looks great in this shade, doesn’t she?”
“You’re truly lovely, Young Lady.”
I pinned a purple velvet ribbon in her short hair, added a small diamond pendant for her neck and wrist, even swapped her into cute pumpkin shorts—even a spare dress. She squealed:
“Ahh! So cute!”
“Your Highness… this is….”
“Not too much? Don’t you like it?”
“I—I do. It’s just….”
“It’s okay. It’s my gift.”
I wanted to give Adelaide something special as well.
“You are my friend, you know? Accept it.”
“Y‑Yes, Your Highness… friend… thank y–you!!!”
She hugged me, overcome with emotion—being her first friend in the capital.
Just then the door opened.
“Your… Highness?”
Adelaide peeked out, still in my arms—Killian appeared, looking weary but curious.
“Killian! You’re here? This is Adelaide.”
He frowned and looked her over.
“Adelaide Lewendiff… I heard you’ll be my baedong, yes?”
“A baedong… meaning—you’re a girl?”
Adelaide jerked her head and scowled passionately.
“What? I am a girl!”
“Tsk. I mistook you for a boy because of your hair.”
Seems like a very seven-year-old misunderstanding.
I couldn’t let their awkward first encounter stand. I stepped in.
“Excuse me, Killian. Apologize to Adelaide—her hair had to be cut because of the paint.”
“Sorry.”
Killian offered a sincere apology. Adelaide didn’t say much—just pouted.
“You should say it’s okay. Accepting apology is brave. Okay?”
“I‑it’s okay.”
Sigh… memories flash back to my past life…
It feels like I’m the taekwondo master again, but this two-shot is sweeter than expected. I’m pleased with this moment.
