“Ha ha! I’m glad you like it.”
Allenan, who caught the sparkle in my eyes, was smiling radiantly like sunlight. His expression was filled with satisfaction and happiness, as though certain his gift was to my liking.
‘It’s not my fault I have a strong desire for beautiful things!’
I justified myself inwardly, nodding as I assured myself that my love for beautiful objects was perfectly acceptable since I lived alone. Come to think of it, I began to understand why Orzette kept saying none of the necklaces suited her taste. She must have had a prior word from Allenan.
But, truly, the necklace was exquisite. At its centre was the most dazzling black pearl, encircled by fine silver threads and delicate pearls in intricate designs. It was clear this was not something easily obtained. Allenan must have been planning this for a long time, all for my coming-of-age celebration.
I looked at Allenan with a slightly touched expression. There weren’t many people who would go to such lengths for my coming of age—perhaps only Allenan, my maids, and Grandfather Gelbart. Of course, they were enough to make the celebration splendid, but the small number of attendees brought its own loneliness. Especially since there wasn’t a single member of my immediate family present in the celebration.
Perhaps sensing my faintly darkened mood, Allenan gently caressed my cheek, his smile bright and clear.
“Come, let me put the necklace on you.”
“Thank you, Allenan. Truly.”
“No need to thank me. It’s because I care about you so much.”
For a moment, I imagined him with a wagging tail, flicking up and down with excitement. His face was slightly flushed as he approached me carefully. When I turned my back to him, his scent wafted over, crisp and fresh.
‘Even his scent is refreshing,’ I thought amusingly, just as his hands began fastening the clasp at the back of my neck.
Soon after, Allenan turned me around to face him and said, “Beautiful.”
“You look truly stunning, Princess!”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. No one else could wear a pearl like you do.”
Since when had Orzette become such a sycophant? Still, even without her words, I could sense my appearance from Allenan’s reaction—his gaze unable to leave me.
The mirror reflected me adorned with the brilliant necklace. Fingertips grazing the black pearl, I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t greed. It’s just… i appreciate its worth. Really.’
At any rate, now fully prepared for the ball, I took Allenan’s outstretched arm.
“Shall we, Princess?”
“With pleasure.”
The place of honour at any banquet was always reserved for the king. Normally, it would have been unheard of for the king to attend my coming-of-age celebration, but tonight, both the king and queen were present—thanks to Grandfather Gelbart’s semi-coercion.
“How could parents not make an appearance at their daughter’s coming of age?” he had snapped, further implying that if the king and queen failed to show, he might reconsider his duty to protect the Northwest region.
As a result, my celebration was graced by not only the king but also many nobles who were less than friendly toward me. Not that it mattered. I was well-accustomed to being disliked.
Orzette approached and whispered, “Watch closely, Princess. This is your moment.”
True to her words, my appearance was undeniably radiant. She, thrilled by the buzzing gossip among the nobles, slipped a little extra to the herald. He grinned broadly and called out in a booming voice,
“Presenting Myrthi, the Second Princess!”
With those words, my entrance captivated the entire hall. The previously boisterous crowd fell silent in an instant. I saw people inhale sharply at the sight of me.
“She really is stunning.”
“The queen was the same in her youth.”
“It’s as if an angel has descended to the earth.”
Orzette, looking thoroughly pleased, murmured smugly, “Now this is how it should be.”
I walked slowly and stood at the place reserved for the main figure of the party. As music filled the air, people began approaching me one by one, offering gifts.
“Princess, congratulations on your coming of age.”
“You are truly beautiful, Princess.”
“I owed a debt to Duke Gelbart, so I took this opportunity to visit.”
The gifts they presented were mostly extravagant jewels and diamonds. These gifts carried wishes for the beauty and long life of adulthood. I bowed my head gracefully and expressed my thanks with elegance.
“The gifts are so beautiful. Thank you.”
But the real ordeal was just beginning. Somewhere in the hall, murmurs began to rise.
“Still, she’s just the forsaken princess.”
“Look at the king’s face.”
All eyes turned toward the king, whose expression openly displayed his fury as he glared at me. However, as if perfectly timed, a loud announcement rang through the hall.
“Announcing the arrival of Duke Gelbart!”
With his entrance, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.
My strongest ally had arrived.
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