Anastasia's POV
"Princes- Crown princess, Anastasia," Xaervin corrected himself. I turned my head towards him, noticing a peculiar look in his eyes that I couldn't put into words.
"Congratulations on your new title, your majesty," He said warmly, surprising me. I raised an eyebrow, wondering why he had suddenly become so kind to me. Could it be because I had given him some food?
"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. I looked at him, puzzled. "It hasn't been that long since you were... attacked," He continued, his eyes expressing sincerity and innocence. It was strange to think of those two words in relation to a tyrant responsible for the deaths of millions.
"If I said I weren't would that do anything?" I chuckled while he kept a frowned, was he upset by that?
"The tower mage is arriving when he heard about your title." My eyes widen, I immediately pushed him to the side of the hall behind a pillar, hiding from everyone else as I held my hands firmly on his shoulders.
"Did you?!" I whispered while he kept a confused look. I sighed and took a breath.
"You know! Told them?!" I shaked his shoulders while the look of confusion was still present in his face.
My eyes shut with annoyance as I placed my hand on my forehead, he kept his arms open if I might were to fall.
"You can be arrested for treason!" I almost yelled, his eyes widen while he chuckled lightly.
"I swear on my name that wouldn't happen," He smiled, he told me like he was so sure, well I mean I guess he would be considering he is Xaervin.
.
"O-older sister?" I heard a knock from my door, my eyes landed on Ariliana who's gaze was fixated on the floor beneath her, her hand trembling.
I continued rubbing my wet hair with a towel before I spoke to her,
"What is it?" I questioned her, her eyes still glued to the place where her feet rests. "You'll be bedridden?" I paused for a second before continuing, I noticed her strawberry blonde hair covering her face, her shoulders slightly shivering.
In the novel, Ariliana was one of the few people who actually had Anastasia's well-being in mind. But, her having everything and the knowledge that she was being pitied by the person she hated the most, Anastasia harbored much more frustration and malice to the poor female lead.
"I guess? I supposed??" I answered truthfully, do I know what will happen to me? No, do I want to know? Honestly, also no, I have this fear that I'm getting accustomed here, that I'm accepting that this is my reality.
But I do get why she's so afraid of me being bedridden, a crown princess who's yet to be debuted and who has a 'curse'.
I'm not that bothered though, because of some deep thinking some of my memories are coming back, especially the cure to Ameriliana's curse.
I just need to summon a Class A spirit with my mana.
In the novel it was described that after some hardships, Anastasia summoned a spirit class SSS, the problem is, it was when she went berserk and crazy, she also used up all her mana.
"Is that all you wanted to ask?" I raised a brow as Ariliana looked stunned. "Ah y-yes, older sister.." She muttered, before she could leave I called out to her first.
"Stop hiding your face with your hair, it's a shame to hide such a beautiful face." Her eyes widened as her cheeks grew red, her head slowly tilting meeting my eyes.
As Anastasia, I began to understand the stark reality that faced me whenever I looked at Ariliana. The differences between us were apparent, especially in the moonlit glow that streamed through my window.
Ariliana's captivating blue eyes, reminiscent of sparkling crystals, brought a sense of comfort to me. Yet, alongside that, I felt a peculiar stirring deep within—an unfamiliar feeling of jealousy?
In contrast to my own "snakeful" appearance, with alluring red eyes and a cool complexion, traits that often led me to be vilified in the presence of the esteemed "saintess" of the Valentine family, I found myself grappling with a complicated mix of envy and admiration for someone I should despise.
In an unexpected twist, any lingering malice Anastasia once held to Ariliana has dissipated, replaced by an earnest curiosity that lingers within me.
"Y-yes, thank you sister!" I was met with a smile from the female lead, I felt as though I was blessed of some kind. The female lead's charisma is definitely not something to be an understatement.
..
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, their cheerful melodies abruptly interrupted by the glaring sun shining directly into my face. "Ugh," I grumbled before opening my eyes. Shifting to my side, I became aware of heavy footsteps drawing near.
Initially, I dismissed the approaching sounds, but as they grew closer, my curiosity piqued. And then, they grew even closer, gradually intensifying.
"Sir Hagrit! We have requested an extension for the cafeteria-" The man's voice abruptly halted as he caught sight of me, and the rest of his subordinates too, seemed to lose their color. It was almost as if I could witness their souls hastily departing their bodies.
"Y-your h-hig-highness," the man stammered, clearly taken aback by my presence. I glared at him, my head throbbing from his previous outburst.
"I BEG FOR FORGIVENESS!" They all went down to their knees as I almost screamed from the sudden impact and loud noise of their fall.
They kept begging and chanting while I just got annoyed and,
"STOP!"
..yelled.
They stared at me intently while I was looking at the clock, it's too early for this. You'd think being a princess would make life easy.
"What is your purpose for disturbing me so early." I glared while the grown man shivered.
"I am the heads knight of the Falcon knights sector, I deeply apologize for this mere commoner for disrupting your sleep-" I cut him off.
"Did I not clearly ask for the purpose of your presence, rather than a mere apology?" Irritation seeped into my voice as he continued to push my patience. But as my annoyance subsided, a sense of familiarity washed over me as I pondered their name.
The Falcon Knights... The knights were divided into four sectors, each representing the houses of the grand dukes and duchesses, the esteemed heroes of our country.
The Falcon family's financial difficulties have pushed them to the brink of bankruptcy, resulting in the Falcon Knights being looked down upon by their peers. Most of their knights come from humble backgrounds or lack notable family names, in contrast to the other knights who hail from noble lineages and hold prestigious titles
"The head butler and the one that's financing our part of the land that's close to your grace's is refusing to give us.. minimum food for our knights." My blood raised, THEY'RE REFUSING TO GIVE FOOD FOR OUR KNIGHTS??
I made an effort to regain my composure, determined not to let my anger overpower me and cause any distress. The mindset of individuals looking down on others solely based on their social standing had always been something that didn't sit right with me, not just within the context of this book.
It was disheartening to witness the disregard for basic human decency in real life as well.
The commoner knights undoubtedly serve as the backbone of this kingdom, bravely risking their lives on the frontlines during times of war. Yet, it remains both frustrating and saddening that they do not receive the respect they deserve.
"This is outrageous-" I coughed up some blood before yelling, I just wiped it off with my handkerchief and proceeded to what I was saying, the knights faces were stunned.
I rang my bell while Xaervin opened the door, glancing at the knights who were on the floor before glancing his way back to me.
"Yes your highness?" He bowed before approaching me. I gestured for him to come closer before whispering something in his ear.
"As you wish your highness," he replied before assisting the knights on the floor to leave with him. They had a wary look but couldn't disobey.
Well, what are they honestly gonna do, defy my order? But I do pray that Xaervin would handle his mission well.