After that incident, Lord Claudius left the palace and returned to the Duke's mansion. Aria asked William not to tell anyone what happened.
William accompanied her to the garden. She sat near the fountain, watching the water flow from it. He noticed the loneliness in her eyes, glanced at the roses, picked one, and brought it to her.
"I-Is this for me?" she asked, surprised.
"You must not let your problems weigh you down. The Princess I knew isn't like this. She never cared about anything, she always presented herself as a powerful woman."
She sighed. "But I haven't been a good princess to everyone. I tried my best to change, I tried to make him happy, but in the end, he hated me even more."
"It's not your fault. You didn't know that Lady Lory got engaged to someone else."
"B-But..."
"Sshhh..." William kneeled and gently caressed her cheeks. "Just believe in yourself," he whispered, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
Aria's eyes widened in surprise.
WAIT!!! Why is Sir William acting like this? This is illegal!
She pushed him away gently and looked away. If he's doing this just to make her feel better, it isn't right. She didn't want him to become one of the Princess' toys.
....
William could no longer hide his feelings for the Princess. The reason he chose to be her knight instead of becoming a Knight Commander was that he wanted to stay by her side forever. He yearned to protect her rather than participate in the battlefield. He didn't want to be separated from her for long periods, and he wanted to see her face every day. He loved her.
His actions put Aria in an awkward situation.
He understood her discomfort.
"It's getting cold out here. Let's go back inside," he suggested.
Aria didn't say a word, she simply let him follow her from behind.
.
.
....
At Rembrandt's mansion.
"Tsk. I told you she's a cunning woman, always playing dirty tricks on other people," Nikolai said, drinking his wine.
"I can't believe I fell for her traps. I thought she had truly changed," Claudius lamented.
"Pfft.. Ahahaha! You really believed she would change? I thought my brother was smart, but I was wrong," Nikolai smirked.
Yeah, how foolish he was to be fooled by those smiles.
Now that he was no longer her husband, his duties at the palace had come to an end.
"Maybe it's time for me to pass my title to you, Claudius. I'm afraid people will look down on you after being divorced by the Princess," the Duke suggested.
"Right, if you become the Duke, they won't dare to humiliate you," Nikolai agreed.
Claudius simply nodded, lost in thought.
...
Claudius couldn't sleep that night.
The sincerity in the Princess's eyes that day haunted him. She had said she would set him free because it was his right to pursue happiness, and she had apologized to him sincerely.
And that genuine laugh when she was with Lord Gawain...
Tsk. He messed up his hair. Why did the Princess always bother him?
He decided he would avoid her no matter what.
.
.
"Please eat..." Cedrik tried to feed Aria.
"I don't feel like eating anything," she replied.
"But you've been skipping your meals for four days. You'll get sick if you continue this," he said, concern in his voice.
She sighed, feeling defeated.
To her surprise, Cedrik hugged her.
"C-Ced?"
"Please…it frustrates me every time I see you like this. I miss the energetic Princess I knew," he confessed.
Aria cried and hugged him tightly.
"You can cry until all your tears are gone... but always remember that I am here for you. Don't worry... I may not have the power to say this, but... I want to protect you," Cedrik declared.
A mere butler wanting to protect a Princess...it was like a story from a novel.
.
.
....
"Your Highness, would you like some chocolate cake?" Cedrik asked with a bright smile.
He's shining.
"S-Sure..." Aria was at a loss for words.
Cedrik had threatened her that if she didn't eat her food, he wouldn't eat either, so she had promised him that she wouldn't skip her meals anymore.
"Say ahh, Princess!" he said, feeding her.
She opened her mouth and ate the cake.
Cedrik's smile widened, making him look like an eager puppy waiting for a pat.
Please...he's so adorable!
Knock! Knock!
"Your Highness, Lord Gawain is here," William announced from outside.
Cedrik's smile vanished as he stood up.
"Come in!" Aria said.
Cedrik opened the door to let Gawain in.
Did she just witness them glaring at each other?
"Aria, how are you feeling now?" Gawain asked as he sat beside her.
"I'm fine now, thanks to you for delivering delicious food for me every day. It made me so full, hehe."
"I'm glad you liked it. By the way, about the banquet for my father's birthday, are you going to attend?"
Ah, right.
Cedrik had delivered the invitation letter to her. If she attended that banquet, she would meet many nobles from the empire.
But the Princess didn't have friends, so she was afraid she would be out of place. However, she didn't want to upset Gawain. It was his father's birthday.
"Hmm...will you be my escort? It's your father's birthday. I want to pay my respects to him and give him gifts."
"Of course, my father will be happy if he sees us entering the party together."
.
.
....
The night of the Marquis' birthday arrived.
The emperor had allowed her to attend the banquet because the Marquis was her father-in-law. Besides, Gawain was there to accompany her, and William would guard them.
Jenny had chosen the most beautiful gown for her, and she looked stunning.
"You're so gorgeous tonight; I can't take my eyes off you," Gawain praised her.
She smiled. "Thank you. You're so handsome. I bet many girls at the party won't be able to take their eyes off you."
He chuckled.
The carriage stopped, and Gawain helped her out.
Aria felt nervous; it was her first time attending this kind of event. What if she made a mistake?
"Don't worry, I am here," he reassured her, holding her hand.
She nodded.
The door opened.
"PRINCESS ARIA AND LORD GAWAIN HAVE ARRIVED!" the knight announced.
The nobles turned their heads in their direction.
"Oh my, the Princess and Lord Gawain attended the banquet together."
"It seems like the rumors about them getting along are true."
"Can you see that? They are both smiling at each other."
"They are so perfect."
Wow, the rumors spread so fast. It was a good thing she had asked Jenny to pay someone to spread rumors about the changes in the Princess's behavior.
The rumors included stories about the Princess being kind to all the servants in the palace, her dining with Lord Gawain, and her increasing the servants' salaries.
"Princess Aria!" he must be Gawain's father?
"Father," Gawain bowed to him.
Aria gave a curtsy. "Happy birthday, Lord Strauss."
"Thank you, Princess. I'm so glad you are attending the party with my son."
Of course, he would be glad. The Princess had always disliked parties in the past, turning down all invitations she received. Her attendance at his party meant she attached importance to his family. It was something the Marquis could be proud of.
The Marquis invited them to their table, and they continued their conversation while eating together. All the nobles couldn't take their eyes off them. Seeing the Princess laughing with the Marquis's family proved she had truly changed.
Claudius watched them from afar, gritting his teeth. The Princess had never attended parties before, but now she was here, sitting with the Marquis's family.
How come she attended the Marquis's birthday party, but she had never attended his father's birthday?
This was a complete humiliation to his family.
He heard the other nobles talking.
"I heard that the Princess divorced the Duke."
"Maybe she realized he would never love her."
"But I feel bad for the Duke. After being freed from the Princess, Lady Lory got married to Lord Austin."
"If I were the Duke, I would have stayed with the Princess. Look at her, she's paying more attention to Lord Gawain."
Claudius drank his wine and went outside.
When Nikolai returned, Claudius was no longer at their table. He tried to look for him, but he couldn't find him.
.
.
"Are you sure it's alright to leave you alone here?" Gawain asked, concern evident in his voice. He was worried that someone might provoke her again.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sir William is with me anyway," she assured him.
"I will be back, I just need to greet the Duke of the South." He kissed her on the cheek and then left.
The atmosphere was stifling; the nobles' constant stares made her uncomfortable.
"Sir William, I want to go to the garden," she said, needing some fresh air.
"Of course, Your Highness."
William followed her from behind. The situation felt awkward, she couldn't forget the moment when William had kissed her forehead.
She noticed a large tree in the middle of the garden.
"Stay here, I want to be alone." She walked towards the tree and sat down.
From her spot, she could clearly see the sky, filled with countless stars. It reminded her of her family once again. The last time she had seen a shooting star, she had wished to return to her world. But her wish hadn't come true. Maybe it was time to accept the fact that she would never be able to return.
Tears started to fall from her eyes. "M-Mom…Dad…I miss you all," she cried.
...
"I miss you all so much…please…be with me again."
Claudius heard what she said. He was standing behind the tree where Aria was sitting.
He had come to the garden to calm himself and was about to leave when he overheard Aria's voice. He hid behind the tree, not expecting her to sit there.
He could hear her cries.
So, this is the real Princess. She cries every time she's alone, hiding her loneliness and pretending to be strong.
She had lost her parents at a young age. Though the Emperor had given her everything, nothing could make her happy because all she wanted was her parents.
What she had done was unforgivable, but for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to hate her now.
.
.
....
Aria couldn't stop smiling. The Emperor had finally allowed her to visit the capital. The Emperor had almost cried when he heard Aria calling her uncle. After her parents' death, she never called him uncle again. Aria didn't have any idea why the Emperor allowed her. He had said yes immediately, without hesitation. But she had no time to think about that; she was so excited about going shopping!
.
.
"Wow! So this is the capital."
There were so many stores and restaurants. Cedrik, Jenny, William, and ten more knights joined her in visiting the capital. Too many knights!
The Emperor had ordered these knights to guard her, and it was starting to draw people's attention.
William alone should have been enough!
"Where do you want to go first, Your Highness?" Cedrik asked.
"Hmm, I want to buy new clothes. Let's go over there!" she pointed to a large store on the left.
...
"Wow! There are so many beautiful clothes!"
"Welcome—" the saleslady stopped when she saw her. "W-Welcome, Princess..."
The sales staff were trembling, she almost forgot that some people were scared of her.
"Hello!" she greeted them.
They were surprised that she greeted them and smiled.
"I'm here to buy clothes for myself and for them," she pointed to Cedrik and Jenny.
"Ehh? But Your Highness, why are you buying clothes for us?" Jenny asked.
"Because you guys always do great every day, you deserve to receive rewards from me."
"Thank you, Your Highness!!!" the two bowed.
All the customers heard their conversation and started to gossip. Most of the clothes that Aria chose were pants. Skirts gave her a hard time walking faster. She would only wear dresses if there was a special event. While choosing clothes, she noticed a man's brooch. It reminded her of Gawain. He always gave her gifts, but she had never given him one. The brooch was made of sapphire.
"I will take this," she said to the saleslady.
After paying for all the clothes, the owner was so happy and told her to come again next time. While walking to the next shop, they accidentally saw a Rembrandt carriage parked at the front of a shop. Claudius got off from the carriage and was also surprised to see her. She avoided eye contact and walked past him.
Claudius was shocked when she ignored him. Was she mad at him because of what he did? He watched her back.
"Your Grace, let's get inside." His secretary urged him to get inside the shop.
He nodded and walked into the shop. He couldn't understand why, but he felt upset when she ignored him.
.
.
Aria visited many shops, and when they grew tired, they decided to dine at a luxurious restaurant. By the time they returned to the palace, it was already afternoon. Gawain was so happy when he received Aria's gift, and she had also purchased presents for Hachi and the Emperor. The Emperor's joy knew no bounds upon receiving his gift from her. She had even bought snacks for all the servants and guards.
Exhausted, she flopped onto her bed. "I'm so glad that I made everyone happy today. The Princess' good image is now increasing!"
She glanced at a small box on her table, her gift for William. Though it felt awkward to give it to him, she knew she needed to.
Opening her door and peeking outside, she spotted William standing alone. "He's also guarding me at night. Does he even sleep?" she muttered.
William noticed her and quickly approached. "Is there something you need, Your Highness?" he asked.
"A-Ahh, n-nothing…uhmm," she stammered. "I just want to give this to you." She handed the gift to him.
It was the first gift he had ever received from the Princess. He smiled warmly. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will treasure this forever."
"H-Hehe, okay…that's all. Good night." She turned to go inside when he suddenly pulled her into a hug.
Her cheeks turned red.
"Thank you so much." He whispered.
He let her go and smiled again.
Aria was so embarrassed so she quickly get inside and ran to her bed.
"WAAAHHHHH! Why did he do that? Can't he see I get embarrassed every time he does such a thing? How will I face him tomorrow without being awkward?"
.
.
....
What a beautiful day!
It was Sunday, Aria decided to visit the Imperial Library, opting not to have Cedrik accompany her and just instructing him to take care of Hachi in her absence.
'Your Highness, let me join you!' that's what Cedrik said earlier, tears welling up in his eyes.
She was wearing pants that day, the ones she had bought from the shop. "I can move faster now!"
As usual, William was present. The silence between them made the situation even more awkward. "Your Highness, look out!" William yelled suddenly, pulling her away just as a ball came flying in her direction.
"A ball? Where did it come from?" she wondered, only to see a guy with indigo eyes.
Hmm, he resembles someone?
"Lord Nikolai." William bowed to him.
Nikolai? Nikolai Rembrandt?
Lord Nikolai, Claudius' younger brother. He was known as the Princess' mortal enemy, always pranking her and causing chaos wherever they met.
"Can't believe my day just got ruined by seeing your face." he said.
"Are you the one who threw the ball in my direction?" she asked.
"Yes it's me." he answered.
"What? Why did you do that? It's dangerous!"
"I don't care, I'm having fun, it's your fault that you suddenly showed up."
This guy!
"Excuse me? This is not a playground," Aria reprimanded Nikolai.
"I'll do whatever I want. Why? Are you going to throw a fit like you always do?" he taunted.
"Shut up, loser! C'mon, grow up," she retorted, leading to a heated exchange of words.
"What did you say?"
"I said grow up, loser!"
"You!"
"What? can't you accept that you're still immature and always the loser between us?"
"YOU! How dare you to say that!"
"Oh my! Are you mad? Do you feel crying now? " she smirked.
It feels so nice to tease this guy. She doesn't have to get along with him, since there's no chance that he will treat her nicely.
"Tsss." he gritted his teeth.
They glared at each other.
"Fighting early in the morning?"
Claudius unexpectedly arrived at the scene, leaving Aria confused by his sudden appearance.
She greeted him. "Good morning, Lord Claudius."
Claudius, now the Duke of the North, seemed to show her a bit more respect than before.
"Brother, this ugly duckling called me a loser!" Nikolai complained.
Go ahead, ask for your brother's help. Hmph!
She couldn't help but stick her tongue out at him, teasing him more.
"Nik, show some respect to the Princess," Claudius scolded.
"But brother.." Nikolai scowled.
"I'm sorry if my brother caused you so much trouble, I will discipline him when we get back to our mansion." Claudius bowed then left.
"H-Hey Claude!" Nikolai followed him.
Aria was left confused.
What's with the sudden change in Claudius' attitude?
.
.
Aria didn't stay long at the library because the Emperor called for her.
"Greetings, uncle!" she gave a curtsy.
The Emperor keeps smiling after hearing the word 'uncle'.
"Why did you call me uncle?" she asked.
She noticed that Minister Perez was also present.
"Hello Minister Perez." She greeted him.
"Greetings to you Your Highness." He bowed.
"Ehem." he cleared his throat. " Aria, I called you because I want to inform you that Prince Rasheen will be returning to the palace tomorrow."
Oh, he is the Princess' other husband.
"W-Well, that's good news." I guess?
She had no idea what to say. She can't be happy though.
I feel like that man will just bring problems for me.
"Haha you must be excited to see him," the emperor said.
Me? Excited? No way. In fact, I wanted to run away!
The Emperor seemed excited about this and planned a banquet in Rasheen's honor.
.
.
....
"I heard that Prince Rasheen will return tomorrow, Your Highness." Cedrik said, he was carrying Hachi.
Sighed.
"Yeah, I was even surprised. I don't have any idea what he looks like."
Curse you Princess for marrying three men!
Cedrik smiled and put down Hachi. "Don't worry, if he tries to bully you, I will put chili on his tea in secret."
"Pft..don't cause trouble for yourself."
She's more worried about Cedrik..she's hoping that Prince Rasheen will not bully him.
She heard that he was madly in love with the Princess.
Cedrik wasn't her husband, people in the palace had already noticed their closeness. Rasheen might get jealous.
But she can't ignore Cedrik, he's very special to her.
She pinched his cheeks.
Why is this guy so cute?