Chapter 80 - 7: Humanoid Intelligence Machine

Chapter 80: Chapter 7: Humanoid Intelligence Machine

Rebecca’s grasp of various gossip once again exceeded Lilia’s expectations.

Lilia had originally thought that for a marginalized little maid, knowing the names of a few descendants of the Royal Family was already a feat. She never expected that after hearing her question, Rebecca would actually count on her fingers and spill everything she knew, holding nothing back.

The King of the Light Kingdom was amorous and had numerous offspring, but only four were strong enough contenders for the throne.

Eldest Prince Adrian Seville, over twenty-five years old, was the Queen’s first child and the first in line for the throne, in whom the King had placed high hopes. He was not currently at the Royal Court, but instead leading troops stationed at the Light Kingdom’s border—a common method for burnishing one’s credentials.

As long as no major turmoil occurred at the border during his years stationed there, the experience would count as a political achievement and add to his resume.

By the time Rebecca entered the Royal Court, the Eldest Prince had already left Hillflan, so she didn’t know much about him. She had only heard that he was serious and upright, a Knight who abided by his code.

Fourth Princess Veronica Seville had just recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday. It was said the King held an exceptionally grand ceremony for her on that day. After the banquet, Rebecca had even eaten a slice of cake taken from the feast, so she had a particularly strong impression of the event.

Princess Veronica had always looked up to her eldest brother, Adrian, as a role model. As such, she was similarly gentle and modest toward others and was very caring toward her siblings.

Not only was her character good, but her Magic Talent was also outstanding. She was said to be a distinguished graduate of the Royal Capital Magic Academy and had gathered a crowd of brilliant magical prodigies under her wing.

Over the past year, Rebecca had only seen this Princess a few times. She didn’t feel the Princess was as gentle as she appeared; on the contrary, she seemed to have a condescending arrogance. But that was normal. Nobles were all like that, often showing two completely different faces to fellow aristocrats and to commoners.

Fifth Prince Leo Seville was close in age to Veronica, born just a few days after her, but their personalities were worlds apart.

If Veronica’s arrogance was hidden deep within, then this Prince’s was on full display in his expression and actions at all times.

He never hesitated to belittle commoners and servants. And yet, his mother came from a very wealthy family. Having grown up with a golden spoon in his mouth—and a golden fork and tray to go with it—he had no concept of frugality. He was incredibly generous to his servants, to the point that those who served him both loved and hated him.

Rebecca had once fantasized about getting a job by the Fifth Prince’s side. Perhaps one day, when he was in a good mood, he would casually toss her a bag of Gold Coins. Then she could fulfill her dream of finding a remote town and spending the rest of her life farming.

Unfortunately, dozens, if not hundreds, of people had the same idea, and such a windfall was not likely to land on someone like her, who had neither status nor position.

The last one.

Ninth Prince Chris Seville, the Queen’s second child and Adrian Seville’s biological younger brother. He was the youngest in the entire Royal Court, at only sixteen years of age.

Prince Chris had a sullen personality and didn’t like to talk. It was said that this was because he had suffered a major illness in his youth. At the time, the Queen’s full attention was on Prince Adrian, who was expected to become the Crown Prince, which resulted in Chris not receiving timely treatment.

The Queen and the King felt deeply guilty toward Chris and gave him almost anything he asked for. But Prince Chris didn’t develop a willful and spoiled personality as a result. On the contrary, he was very gentle and kind, and he took good care of the servants who attended him.

The Queen, however, was often dissatisfied with the servants around him and would frequently find excuses to dismiss them from the palace at will. As a result, the servants attending Prince Chris were replaced the most frequently—almost a new batch every month—to the point that Rebecca still hadn’t managed to get familiar with them. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

After saying so much in one breath, Rebecca swallowed to moisten her somewhat dry throat.

She looked at Lilia beside her. "Th-that’s all I know. I’ve only been here for a year, so there’s still a lot I don’t understand..."

Lilia: "..."

She remarked with a sigh, "No, this is more than enough."

’Getting this much information in exchange for a single roasted fish... could there be a better bargain?’

Receiving her affirmation, Rebecca was both happy and apprehensive—happy that she could help, but also afraid that her help hadn’t been enough.

Seeing Rebecca finish the entire roasted fish, Lilia went ahead and handed her own half over.

’Fish is fairly easy to digest,’ she thought. ’Eating a little extra won’t hurt.’

Rebecca was about to refuse, but Lilia swore that she would soon be able to get lots and lots of food—more than they could possibly eat—so she should just eat her fill and not worry about her.

After a moment’s hesitation, Rebecca took it and whispered, "Thank you."

By the time the meal was finished, it was nearly evening.

Lilia was about to leave when Rebecca called out to her.

After spending the afternoon together, the girl was no longer afraid of her at all.

Not only that, but her gaze toward Lilia now held a hint of admiration and reliance. "Um... what’s your name? Are you also a maid at the Royal Court?"

"Me?"

Lilia turned her head, the smile on her lips appearing somewhat mysterious in the twilight. "I’m a princess."

"A princess...?"

Rebecca was stunned for a moment, but before she could inquire further, the girl had already walked away.

Rebecca watched her slender, upright back.

She was only wearing a long linen dress with coarse stitching, a world of difference from Rebecca’s image of a "princess"... Yet, when the title came from her own lips, it was inexplicably convincing.

Suddenly, Rebecca recalled a rumor she had once overheard.

Ten years ago, Your Majesty the King had acknowledged a six-year-old Little Princess from among the common folk. Because the Little Princess had no power or influence and was not favored by the King, she had been raised in the depths of the palace for many years, never making an appearance...

She remembered that the Princess’s name was...

"Lilia!"

...

"Princess Lilia? Never heard of her. Can you stop talking about your daydreams as if they’re real?"

A maid who shared a dormitory with Rebecca looked at her in disgust.

Because she had eaten roasted fish that afternoon, she still carried the scent of cooked meat, making the other maids’ frowns deepen.

They pointed at her with their long fingernails. "I’m telling you, Rebecca, you didn’t sneak into the kitchen to steal food, did you? Listen here, stealing is a punishable offense. Don’t think for a second that we’ll cover for you now that we’ve found out."

"I didn’t," Rebecca retorted indignantly. "Princess Lilia treated me."

"Ha!" the maids sneered. "A princess? Treating you to a meal? You really are dreaming."

"Annie, don’t be so harsh. Who here doesn’t want to become a personal maid to one of the royals? Rebecca just said her fantasy out loud is all."

"Even her fantasies are so small-time. Some ’Princess Lilia’... that’s hilarious. Everyone knows Princess Veronica is the one we should all look up to."

"I’d rather serve Prince Leo. I hear he’s not only generous but also very handsome."

"Don’t you guys think Prince Chris is nice, too? And he’s like an adorable younger brother! I’d be so happy if I could serve by his side!"

"I still prefer His Highness Prince Adrian. It’s a shame he hasn’t returned to Hillflan in so long. If only I could see him just once in my lifetime..."

The maids chattered away excitedly, completely ignoring both Rebecca and the "Princess Lilia" she had mentioned.