Translator: Nox

Chapter 83

Episode 83: Lucy's Toy Room

As the three men disappeared, Queen Beatrix personally poured tea for Olivia.

"Have you been to Cosmos Hill?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. It was truly beautiful, just as you said."

"Call me Mother in private."

At the affectionate tone, Olivia blinked for a moment before cautiously replying.

"Yes, Mother. Please, speak comfortably to me as well."

Queen Beatrix met Olivia's serene and honest gaze, then smiled and nodded.

"Very well, then. By the way, did you take Noah to Cosmos Hill?"

"No, I couldn't.

"I thought so. He's so stubborn. It's as if he's sworn never to go there."

Olivia pursed her lips, trying to suppress a smile, so Queen Beatrix laughed instead. She remained like that for a moment, then asked Lucy to leave them for a while.

The young Princess could have grumbled, but commendably, she disappeared into the next room without a word.

As soon as Lucy was gone, Queen Beatrix gestured to the Head Maid beside her. The Head Maid, having received her signal, disappeared somewhere, and then Queen Beatrix spoke.

"Olivia, a etiquette teacher has been appointed. It's Countess Juliana Timberline, who will inform you about the social circles of the capital in general. Narrowly, from etiquette and manners, and broadly, to the ecosystem of society. If you have any questions, ask her and learn."

"Yes, I will learn with all my heart."

"Expect the period to be anywhere from six months to a year. And there's one thing you must remember."

"Yes."

"Olivia Rosemond Astrid. You are Princess Consort of Prince Noah, and daughter-in-law to King Leonard and me."

Olivia straightened her back a little more without realizing it.

"Do not be arrogant, but at the same time, do not be excessively humble."

This was the same advice Leonard had given her.

"I will keep that in mind."

As Olivia finished speaking, the Head Maid soon entered.

"Your Majesty, Countess Juliana Timberline has arrived."

"Let her in."

Then, she whispered to Olivia.

"Do not rise now, but rise after I introduce you later. Do not greet her first, wait for her to greet you."

The sound of rustling fabric was heard, and soon an elegant noblewoman appeared. Her posture, with her shoulders and chest out and her back straight, was so upright and graceful that it was admirable. The noblewoman's eyes, with her silver hair styled beautifully, were a clear ash-gray.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Welcome, Countess Timberline."

As Countess Timberline straightened her bent knees, Queen Beatrix turned to Olivia and said affectionately.

"Princess Consort, this is Countess Juliana Timberline, who will inform the Princess Consort about the social circles in general."

Queen Beatrix winked as if to say 'now,' and Olivia took a breath and rose from her seat. As Olivia stood up, Countess Timberline bent her knees again and greeted her.

"Greetings, Princess Consort. I am Juliana Timberline."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Countess Timberline."

She straightened her knees and gave a social smile as she raised her gaze.

"I look forward to working with you."

"The pleasure is all mine."

Ash-gray eyes quickly scanned her serene face. However, she soon had no choice but to lower her gaze.

Because Queen Beatrix, standing behind the Princess Consort, was watching the Countess with a cool and detached gaze.

'Remember well. Who is the superior.'

At the Queen's clear intention, Countess Timberline's head eventually turned downwards.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Meanwhile, around that time, Noah was reading Wilhelm Corporation's statement.

There was nothing more to read; it was exactly as Methone had said.

"What kind of ridiculous bastard is this? Are you saying you should have fallen into that sea and died?!"

At Leonard's scathing words, Noah wore a sneer.

"It seems so. They might have wished for it."

"Just because the crown of the foolish King of Polia has been thrown to the ground, they seem to think all royal families are a joke."

For the first time in a long time, the father and son had the same thought and wore the same expression.

As Noah gestured to Methone beside him, Methone immediately placed a set of documents in front of Leonard.

"I had a contract to remit investment funds to Wilhelm Corporation in a total of four installments. Half of these investments have been made, and the remaining half remains. Ansen will think he can cover it even if my remaining investment disappears. The back of the document contains a list of those who have the financial capacity to raise funds for Wilhelm Corporation. Tie up the sources of funds."

"In addition, issue a statement. That there was a mechanical defect in the Magic Dome itself, and if they claim there isn't, tell them to provide proof."

As Usher added, Leonard also nodded.

"First, warn Wilhelm Corporation, and if they ignore even that warning, notify them of the suspension of investment. Noah."

"Understood."

Leonard and Noah looked at each other with identical faces.

Originally, when there is an enemy outside, the inside is consolidated.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Olivia slowly looked around the lavish room and tried hard to close her mouth, which was about to open in awe. Lucy, turning to look at Olivia, opened her mouth.

"Olivia, you can look around as much as you want."

Because Olivia had received the title of Princess Consort, Lucy could no longer call her by her shortened name. This was only because it was a private setting, and in public, she had to show her the utmost respect.

At Lucy's words, Olivia smiled brightly. Lucy led her around the room, adding explanations here and there.

"My father bought this for me when he went to Lotte. And Usher bought this doll on his tour, and Noah bought that for me."

The splendid dolls, which were enough to make one's eyes widen just by looking at them, were lined up like exhibits. The highlight among them was a large doll castle that was as tall as Olivia.

"There are a lot of small rabbit dolls inside this castle. If you unfold it like this..."

Lucy opened the seams and pushed one side of the castle, and surprisingly, the castle split in half, revealing the interior.

"Oh my goodness."

As Olivia blankly exclaimed, Lucy grabbed her hand and led her.

"Here's the rabbit bedroom, dressing room, bathroom, and banquet hall. And if you open this dressing room, ta-da~"

"Are those real dresses?"

"Yes. You can actually dress them all up. Would you like to try?"

"Shall we?"

Lucy smiled brightly, picked out a few rabbit dolls, and took out dresses and accessories. Because it was the young Princess's toy room, it was designed so that they could sit comfortably on the floor anywhere, and the two sat in front of the castle and changed the rabbit dolls' clothes.

While they were playing and changing clothes for a while, Lucy opened her mouth.

"We changed the rabbit dolls' clothes in the carriage two years ago, do you remember?"

"Of course, Princess. Where are those dolls now?"

"I've put them away neatly. I told my father I liked rabbits, so he bought me this castle and the rabbits."

"You must have been happy."

"...Yes."

At the answer that came a beat late, Olivia subtly raised her eyes. The Princess, who was supposed to be playing with the dolls excitedly, was somehow touching the rabbit's ears with a bored face.

It was then.

Someone knocked on the door, and before Olivia and Lucy could get up, the door opened. The person who came in was none other than Noah.

"Brother!"

As Lucy called him in a bright voice, Noah smiled at his sister. Noah's gaze reached Olivia, who was just getting up.

Olivia, sitting in front of the splendid castle, was holding a rabbit doll that looked just like her. Seeing Olivia playing with Lucy in a room filled with a subtle fragrance, the unpleasant feelings that had been building up until just now disappeared for a moment.

Noah opened his mouth, admiring the peaceful scene.

"Liv, let's go back now."

"Already?"

At Lucy's voice, which was full of regret, Noah approached his sister.

"Isn't it almost time for your lesson?"

"...I don't even know what the lesson is. Did you and Usher learn how to embroider handkerchiefs?"

"No."

"But why do I have to do it? Do they teach that at school too?"

Lucy didn't seem to expect an answer, and only sighed, drooping her shoulders.

Olivia stared at Lucy quietly, then bent her knees to meet her eyes.

"I'll come again, Princess."

The Princess, who had clung to her even for a moment two years ago, did not act spoiled, perhaps because she had grown up.

"Yes, Olivia. Please come again."

Noah ruffled Lucy's hair carelessly and turned around first, and Lucy quietly watched the two people walking away.

Just before leaving the room, Olivia turned her head and looked inside the room.

It was the first time she had seen such a splendid toy room. She had never imagined that such a thing existed in the world. But the owner of the room just seemed bored.

Olivia gave Lucy, who was looking at her, one more nod before leaving the room.

Olivia had greeted the Queen before going to Lucy's toy room, so she followed Noah straight out of the palace. As she walked along the long corridor, Olivia asked subtly.

"Is the difficult matter resolved?"

"I told you not to worry about it."

Olivia pursed her lips, wanting to ask more, but in the end, she chose silence in front of Noah, who was drawing a clear line.

It was when the two reached the end of the corridor where a cool breeze was blowing. Suddenly, Noah stopped walking and frowned.

"Prince Noah!"

Olivia's gaze reached the person calling Noah. At the same time, her brow also furrowed.

The people she had passed by were fleeting, so it wasn't accurate, but because they looked familiar, it seemed like she had met them two years ago. Whether it was at the banquet hall or in the maze.