Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Because Hael suddenly left without saying a word, Erina was startled and quickly gathered the children and got out of the carriage. 

Just like the last time, attendants and maids from the imperial princess’s palace came out to greet them.

“Welcome. Her Highness the Princess apologizes for not being able to greet you personally due to feeling unwell today.”

“Oh, I see! Is she very unwell?”

“She’s well enough to sit and chat for a while. Her Highness has been waiting for her guests since morning.”

The head maid smiled warmly and reassured Erina. Then, turning her gaze behind Erina, she looked at the tall, beautiful woman standing there. 

Though it was a face she hadn’t seen before, the woman’s stunning beauty made it hard for the maid to hide her curiosity. 

Of course, Hael didn’t feel it was worth responding to that curiosity and instead pressed on Erina’s back as a signal to hurry up. Erina understood the gesture and asked the head maid, 

“Where should we go to meet Her Highness?”

Only then did the head maid break her gaze from Hael and lead the group to the reception room attached to the princess’s bedchamber.

The hall where the previous banquet was held had been grand and splendid, and the garden from the first visit had been magnificent as well. Naturally, the princess’s residence was equally impressive. 

However, the hallways were adorned with charming decorations and fragrant flowers, making the space not just luxurious but also filled with a lovely atmosphere. It only took a few steps to realize how much care had gone into managing the palace. 

Erina found herself thinking that some of the decorations would look nice in the Harrison estate or in the children’s rooms. 

Perhaps because of that, the walk deep into the palace toward the princess’s bedchamber didn’t feel dull at all.

Before long, as the number of people in the hallways decreased, they arrived at the princess’s bedchamber. The children, following the head maid’s lead, knocked eagerly on the door and called out to the princess.

“Princess!!!”

“Princess, are you sick?”

“I’ll, I’ll make you better!”

The enthusiastic greetings from the little guests made the attendants smile quietly. 

Even though they knew these children were actually infamous dragons known for their bad tempers, they were just too adorable.

After a short wait, a small voice was heard from inside.

“Come… in…”

As soon as permission was given, the triplets rushed to open the door first. Amid the chaos, a long arm reached in and opened the door ahead of them—it was Hael. 

The children voiced their complaints toward her, but she didn’t even look back. 

In truth, she was just annoyed and didn’t want to deal with the fuss. Still, others who saw her expression thought, 

‘Wow, she must’ve been really irritated by the kids! But even when she acts cold, she’s still so beautiful…’

In any case, Erina and the children entered the princess’s bedchamber safely and looked toward the princess, who was sitting in the reception room. 

She did appear unwell, she wore a formal dress with a thick shawl draped over it and held a cup of warm cocoa in her hands.

“Erina, w-welcome…!”

“Hello, Your Highness. We brought this for you, it’s from me and the kids.”

Erina knelt and presented a small box. Remembering how the princess had enjoyed the dessert she made on the previous visit, Erina had baked a pie filled with healthy nuts and apples. 

Because of that, the children had rampaged through the kitchen all morning, reducing the staff to nervous wrecks. 

The princess accepted the gift with a delighted smile and expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you. I’ll, I’ll enjoy it. Is it okay if I… keep it to eat on my own?”

“Of course! Please enjoy it whenever you like.”

Erina also offered some tea leaves she had brought along. It was a light tea she used to drink back in the duchy, known for warming the body and boosting immunity—she even gave it to the kids sometimes. 

The princess sniffed the tea and smiled contentedly. The head maid and the long-serving attendants recognized that little twitch of her nose as a sure sign she liked the scent.

Still, they couldn’t help but wonder: What is it about this woman that has earned not just the favor of the Duke of Harrison, but also of his young nephews and even Her Highness, who’s only just met her?

Looking at Erina, who had ordinary brown hair and plain features, they couldn’t hide their curiosity.

“Erina, I… have something to talk to you about, so could you all… step out for a moment?”

The princess politely asked the head maid and attendants. Without question or suspicion, they quietly withdrew. One of them looked like she wanted to protest, but couldn’t make a fuss alone and followed the others out. 

Once it was only Erina’s group remaining in the reception room, the princess turned not to Erina, but to Hael.

“C-could you… please check… if there are any listening devices here…?”

Hael snorted at the request. But since she had come to the palace on her superior’s orders, she had no choice but to prevent unnecessary interference. 

With a short sigh, she looked around and then closed her eyes. Speaking in a language incomprehensible to humans, she issued a command and in an instant, the entire chamber lit up with multicolored sparks. 

Though it lasted only a second, the dazzlingly beautiful scene left Erina with her mouth agape. Just like Dylan, there was always something captivating about watching dragons use magic. You could watch it your whole life and never get bored.

Unfortunately, the sparks vanished quickly without a trace. Hael shook her head with her usual indifferent expression, indicating that there were no bugs or tricks nearby.

Satisfied with that confirmation, the princess straightened her back, nodding slightly. 

Just ten seconds ago, she had looked so weak and sick, but with that simple motion, the majestic aura of royalty filled the room.

“Huh?” 

Erina gulped at the sudden change in atmosphere. She instinctively felt like she shouldn’t even make eye contact with the princess now. 

Noticing Erina’s unease, the princess smiled gently and spoke in a calmer tone.

“Erina, did the task I asked of you go smoothly?”

“Y-yes! Everything is ready!”

“Thank you. Did you hurt your hand while carrying out my request?”

“Oh, no! It was just carelessness on my part… Please don’t worry.”

“I see. If it was because of me, though, please let me know. I’ll make sure you’re compensated.”

During the conversation, Erina was taken aback to see the princess speaking without a single stutter. She could’ve sworn the princess had said she was too ill to even move. 

In fact, she had seen her looking sick just moments ago with her own eyes. What’s going on? Was she never sick? Or is she… someone else entirely?

Erina’s mind was a mess, but she still diligently handed over the herbs to the princess. 

The fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were all carefully sorted and prepared, ready for use right away. 

The princess sincerely thanked Erina, saying she was right to trust her with the task.

“Princess, you weren’t sick after all?”

“I know what that’s called! It’s ‘pretending to be sick,’ right, Erina?”

“Umm, Your Highness! I think it’s good that you’re not sick! Right?”

Even the children chimed in, seemingly puzzled and intrigued by the princess’s sudden transformation. 

The princess burst into laughter at their cute remarks.

“Oh dear, Erina. I asked you to visit a sick person, but I must’ve startled you by looking too healthy!”

“Ah, no. I mean… Are you really okay now?”

At the princess’s question, Erina could neither nod yes nor shake her head no, all she could do was force an awkward smile.