Chapter 82 - 9: She Is Waiting, and So Are They

Chapter 82: Chapter 9: She Is Waiting, and So Are They

Lilia’s destination was the chambers of the Fourth Princess, Veronica.

After learning about the royal descendants from Rebecca yesterday, she already knew what she had to do.

She wanted to raise her status and leave the Royal Court, and seeking Veronica’s patronage was currently her best option.

For one, the princess’s power was great enough to offer Lilia protection and provide her with the resources she desired.

For another, compared to Adrian, who wasn’t at the Royal Court; the arrogant and willful Leo; and the taciturn Chris, who could hardly make up his own mind, Veronica was a far better choice. Regardless of her true personality, she at least appeared gentle and kind, and took great care of her siblings.

Even if her bid for patronage failed, she wouldn’t be beaten and thrown out. Her physical safety was more or less guaranteed.

The Princess’s chambers weren’t hard to find; she could learn the way just by asking any passing maid.

In this run-through, her initial Charm was only [75/100]. It wasn’t high enough to make an NPC fall for her at first sight, but it wasn’t low enough to disgust them, either.

And so, she arrived outside Veronica’s chambers without any trouble. The utterly lavish decor nearly dazzled her.

She was, as expected, one of the strongest contenders for the throne. Though they were both princesses, the chambers before her were like heaven compared to her own.

The place she lived in probably wouldn’t even be fit to house Veronica’s pets.

Lilia stepped forward.

A Knight in Light Armor immediately blocked her way. "These are the Princess’s chambers. No unauthorized entry."

Lilia smiled. "I’m here to see my sister, Veronica."

Even with a longsword pressed against her chest, her expression betrayed no panic. She carried herself like a true Princess.

"...Sister?"

The Knight frowned and glanced at her.

Within the Royal Court, the only ones who could call Princess Veronica "sister" were fellow princesses of the Royal Family, and perhaps a few young noblewomen who were particularly close to her.

But...

Not only was the girl before him unfamiliar, but her clothes were also made of worn-out sackcloth. She must be some mischievous little maid.

Her attire made her story hard to believe. Besides, letting a stranger into the Princess’s chambers was a grave offense.

The Knight’s face was stern. "Her Highness Veronica is not present. Please come back later."

"Not present?" Lilia asked. "Then where is she now?"

"Please come back later."

The Knight repeated.

Lilia: "..."

’Just like an NPC.’

"Then can you find a chair for me?"

She wasn’t the type to give up easily, and she certainly wasn’t going to make things difficult for herself.

The girl’s eyes crinkled as she gave a radiant smile. "I’d like to wait out here for her return."

Faced with a request that was somehow both absurd and perfectly natural, the Knight was silent for a moment before murmuring, "One moment."

A short while later, he actually returned with a chair for Lilia, thoughtfully placing it in the shade of a tree.

After Lilia sat down, he hesitated for a moment before reminding her: "Her Highness has gone to her lessons. There’s no telling when she’ll be back."

He paused. "The midday sun is harsh. Staying out too long could be harmful."

"I know. Thank you for your concern."

The Knight didn’t respond, returning to his post in front of the door. From time to time, he would turn his head to check on Lilia.

She looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, with fair skin and delicate features. She sat there primly in her chair, looking for all the world like a little girl waiting for her big sister to come home.

The Knight suppressed the strange feeling in his heart.

His reason for not wanting Lilia to wait too long wasn’t just the risk of sunburn at noon. Soon, the kitchen steward would arrive to discuss the lunch menu with the Princess’s personal maid.

That steward, who prided himself on being descended from a Viscount, was not nearly as tolerant of mischievous maids as the Knight was.

It wouldn’t matter if he got scolded, but he was afraid the girl would be punished.

The Knight glanced at the sky.

’When it’s time for the steward to arrive, I should warn her to leave quickly.’

...

「Nine o’clock in the morning.」

Sunlight sprinkled on the green lawn of the training grounds, and the scent of fresh grass and earth filled the air.

It was a good day for outdoor teaching.

The King’s command had already reached the ears of the royal descendants yesterday afternoon.

Even to them, a Great Mage who was only twenty-four was an incredibly rare find. Even if they couldn’t learn much from him, the mere opportunity to get acquainted was enough to have them scrambling for his attention.

Thus, Veronica and the others had been waiting at the training grounds since early morning, each pondering how to make a lasting impression on this "teacher" and what excuse they could use to stay in contact with him after the lesson.

Soon, led by the Interior Minister, Victor walked onto the training grounds.

As the eldest royal descendant present, Veronica took the initiative and stepped forward.

She wore a practical dress, her long, wavy, light-brown hair tied in a high ponytail. The slight upward tilt at the corners of her eyes tempered the feminine softness of her features, giving her the sharp authority of a Lord.

"Greetings, Mr. Rockwell."

Veronica curtsied. "I am the Fourth Princess of the Light Kingdom, Veronica Seville. Welcome to Light."

Victor gave a slight nod, his indifferent gaze sweeping across the entire field.

Besides Veronica, there were two other people present.

Leo stood a few paces away, looking his way, eager for a challenge. Chris, meanwhile, seemed indifferent to it all, his head bowed in thought.

Seeing Victor didn’t respond, Veronica wasn’t too surprised.

’A young genius has every right to be arrogant.’

She turned to the side. "Mr. Rockwell, allow me to introduce..."

"Please wait, Princess Veronica."

Victor suddenly spoke, interrupting her.

As Veronica watched in surprise, he turned to the Interior Minister beside him. "If I recall correctly, Your Majesty the King’s order yesterday was to instruct all royal descendants of appropriate age."

"That is correct."

Though the Interior Minister was puzzled, he answered respectfully, "All Their Highnesses currently at court and over the age of fifteen are present."

"No."

Victor’s tone was certain. "One is missing."

"One is missing?"

Veronica frowned. "I don’t know where you heard that someone else was supposed to be here, but the fact is, you are only here to teach the three of us—myself, Leo, and Chris."

"Members of the Royal Family are never late, much less absent from such an important occasion," she assured him in a low voice.

However, Victor’s expression did not change because of her assurance.

"Such were the King’s orders."

He said softly, "Until all the students have arrived, today’s lesson will not begin."