The fake princess hides her scheme

Episode 10

Even though I didn’t know the names of any of the constellations, it was nice just to look at them.

I used to think that someday I could shine like that with my own strength…

Raphael, who was clever and gentle, was never punished by being locked in the attic, and Milligent, who was simple in every way, said she would rather sleep than look at the stars, but I did.

It was after I ran away from the orphanage that I saw an article about the sickly crown prince bringing a telescope to the Imperial Observatory.

Compared to the little freedom I had, how wide and great his was. Justine’s Morning Star was very much a name, I thought.

And yet, I thought I would never get to visit that observatory before I died… … .

“It is true. I heard that Your Majesty observed the supernova in Eridanus through his telescope. I would like to see it too. There is no telescope in Bristol.”

The astronomical telescope is a new invention from the distant Western Continent, and in fact, there is only one of its kind in the entire Eastern Continent.

It was also a well-known fact that there was no astronomical telescope in Bristol, as it was unlikely that anyone would ever be able to obtain one unless they were the Crown Prince of the Empire.

“……The supernova in Eridanus? Did you see the article in the newspaper?”

“yes.”

I answered cautiously and added.

“My father sometimes made me read the Imperial Newspaper for study.”

In fact, it was Raphael who made me read the newspaper. He said that to be successful in business, you need to know how the world works.

But father and Raphael, they are still family, I thought, adding.

“It wasn’t a hobby I particularly enjoyed, but I never missed reading any articles about the observatory.”

“It’s a shame that I couldn’t learn honorifics if I had read other articles diligently.”

“yes?”

I pretended not to notice that Calrissian was pointing out my poor politeness.

“Well, even though your Imperial language is awkward, your speech is cute.”

I was taken aback by the rather direct compliment.

What, they say nobles are good at saying flirtatious things, and the person they’re talking to is a womanizing crown prince.

So, this compliment may not mean much, but I stand here as his suitor… … .

“Thank you for your kind words.”

I also responded politely.

It was only natural that my face turned red from saying such strange and inappropriate things.

“Anyway… I like stargazing. In Bristol, I used to look for Betelgeuse in the nice winter weather.”

“It is indeed a star with a red color that stands out.”

Calrissian smiled sensitively.

“Actually, the observatory has been closed to the public for several years now, except for special events, but if you’re interested, that’s a different story. I’ll invite you as soon as we’re ready to welcome our guests.”

Of course I knew that fact, but I opened my eyes wide and pretended not to know.

“Oh my, did I ask you a rude favor?”

“That’s possible. The observatory is close to my palace, so if our schedules allow, we can have a meal together that day.”

It was when I heard the offer I had been waiting for.

The carriage suddenly stopped with a neighing sound.

“Whoa!”

As the carriage jerked forward, I fell out of my seat with a shriek and fell forward.

Right into the arms of the Crown Prince.

“oh……!”

My fingers, which I had reflexively spread out to use magic, were just touching the crown prince’s shoulder without any effect.

Outside, the coachman cried out in distress.

“Are you alright, Your Majesty? The bee suddenly appeared and startled the horse. I am sorry.”

Calrissian scolded his groom while examining me with his eyes.

“What kind of disgrace is this in front of guests?”

After taming the horses, the coachman came down from his stable and looked out the window.

“I am truly sorry, Your Majesty. I hope Your Highness is feeling better.”

I finally came to my senses and lifted my palm, but Calrissian’s hand was still on my waist.

“I, I’m fine.”

When I spoke in confusion, Calrissian finally released the hand that was holding me.

“I’m sorry. I meant to hold you…….”

But as soon as the two palms that were supporting my waist fell away, I lost my balance and started to stumble back.

“Huh…….”

“Oh, excuse me for a moment. It seems like the groom wants to lose his job.”

As he spoke, Calrissian grabbed my waist and straightened me up. He supported my weight all the while without even frowning.

I thought he was weak, but he’s still a man.

I spoke with an embarrassed look only after I had managed to stand on my own two feet.

“It’s really okay now. You can let me go.”

Calrissian smiled, folding the corners of his eyes and letting go of her hand.

I bowed my head and greeted him, as if I wanted to find a mouse hole.

“Thank you……your highness. No one was hurt, so please don’t scold the groom too much.”

“If you say so, then so be it. Sit comfortably.”

As he gave the order to depart, the sound of horse hooves began again.

I blushed in embarrassment and bit my lower lip. I fell down in front of the crown prince for two days in a row.

This was a difficulty I hadn’t even thought of when I first entered the palace. It seemed like my body’s reflexes had completely deteriorated over the past few years of using magic like water.

“……You looked ridiculous again today. I guess I’m just not naturally good at sports.”

“You don’t need to say much, it’s just that I can’t move around much because I’m sick.”

Calrissian’s denial was so simple that it made me remember the moment when I had touched his shoulder earlier.

Ichigo, who had been bedridden and isolated until a few years ago, was surprisingly strong.

Do you exercise a lot these days? To maintain your recovered health?

While I was thinking that, the carriage arrived at the main gate closest to my room.

“Get some rest. If you or someone else is too annoying when I’m busy, just let me know.”

“That’s not true. Thank you so much for today, Your Majesty.”

Calrissian kissed the back of my hand one last time before withdrawing.

He said he was going to see the Emperor, so he’ll head towards the central entrance.

Left alone, I quietly climbed the stairs and sneaked out into the quiet second floor hallway.

Before returning to the room with the rat drop, I wanted to open the lace I had purchased as a gift.

As I unwound the lace that had been rolled up and wrapped once with a ribbon, a very small note fell out.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I discovered Raphael’s poor handwriting, barely legible.

Raphael read my anxious mind without the necklace and told me about Milligent’s condition.

He tore the small piece of paper into even smaller pieces, flung it out the open window, and started climbing the stairs again.

The note was short, but it was enough to bring me back to reality.

Even though I lost my magic for a moment, I am still Wizard A.

I’m here for Milligent.

Even if the crown prince or someone else shows me unexpected kindness, it is difficult to take it all to heart.

After making that promise, I headed to the room where Jwibangul was waiting.

***

“ruler.”

When the crown prince handed over the lace and the leftover candy he had bought, Jwibangul’s expression became mysterious.

“What is this?”

“It’s just a race. I bought some things on the Princess’ Road.”

I forgot to mention that the Crown Prince had bought it for me, so I was afraid he might not like it, and Jwibangul looked even more at a loss.

“Why, why are you giving this to me?”

“what?”

Well, that’s what happened when I heard it.

Why should I give this to him?

I made an excuse that I was buying a gift for my maid, so I guess she unconsciously thought it was a rat’s nest.

He is the henchman of a shameless villain, and there is no way the crown prince would bother to check whether the gift was delivered properly.

“Don’t hate me.”

As soon as I took my hand away, the rat-like creature dangled on its short legs and snatched the things that were caught in my fingertips and took them away.

Then she grumbled, her pretty face blushing brightly.

“Well, if you thought I would be kind to you and treat you well, you were mistaken. After all, Clementine is a loyal servant to her great master.”

“You’re not expecting that?”

I was so dumbfounded that I asked subtly instead of snapping.

“Is your master really that great? If you feel like you’re going to vomit or faint, then just don’t answer. It’s a pain to clean up.”