Notwithstanding Sir Leonardo's thorough explication of my responsibilities, I unfortunately overwhelmed him with queries. I expected to work without pay, believing this to be a slight gesture of gratitude for Nathan's generosity toward me over all these years. However, he had other plans.
"How many zeros are there…one-two-three-four, five…"
My jaw nearly dropped to the ground when I realized how hefty a sum my wages were. I was relieved and pleased to note that Sir Leonardo appeared unperturbed by my enthusiastic and perhaps somewhat immodest display of excitement. Two thousand gold gouds every fortnight is an immense sum, a significant amount for even the wealthiest aristocrats and high-end merchants who exclusively use this currency. This pouch of gold coins is quite heavy, its weight a comforting burden in my hands. I can hear the faint clinking of the coins as I the carriage swayed. I wonder how much is in there. While Sir Leonardo said that I should buy everything I need to start work next week, he provided no information regarding the amount of money I may spend. Should I query my escort? He's been brooding ever since we got into the carriage. What's he so upset about?
"Um…your highness, prince Jonathin, may I ask you a question?"
Perhaps it was a mistake to say anything at all. He looks angrier than before, his eyes narrow, and a vein throbs in his temple as he shifted his gaze towards me. The night we met at the victory celebration, Nathan told me about him, but I've rarely seen him since. He seems to have earned Nathan's trust and respect, although I'm not sure he's aware of my true identity just yet.
"Is something the matter, my lady? You have been staring in a daze for quite some time now."
He remained perfectly still, a subtle shift in his posture suggesting he'd been waiting patiently for me to speak. His dismissive attitude is triggering a sense of déjà vu; it's like I've witnessed this same arrogant behavior somewhere before.
"Have your highness perhaps received information about the budget for our shopping spree today? I want to know my limit beforehand, if that's alright."
"His highness relayed that my lady must not return to Nextera before spending every gold goud in that pouch." He replied with a slight nod and a crooked smile.
"P-pardon?!"
What am I supposed to purchase with all this money?
"On a side note, my lady. For your safety, it would be prudent to conceal that before we disembark. People these days can't seem to keep their hands inside their own pockets."
With a steady gaze that held no trace of malice, he issued a straightforward warning, his words devoid of any ill intent. Noticing the pouch in my hand, he glanced at it for only a moment before his eyes moved to the window, and a subtle sigh escaped his lips. Although he comes across as unfriendly, his expression holds a spark of kindness.
"You are too kind, your highness. I shall take heed of your advice, as I'm sure it came straight from the heart."
Was that not enough to elevate his spirits? I'm grinning from ear to ear, but he's showing no response. His jaw hangs slack, eyes wide with a stunned look, but not a single sound escapes his lips as he continues to stare. This feels so awkward.
"We've arrived." He suddenly announced right before the carriage wheels creaked to a halt.
A breathtaking array of sights delighted the eyes, creating an unforgettable feast for the senses. The sounds of bargaining filled the air, mingling with the melodic tunes of street musicians. The smells of fragrant spices and sizzling street food wafted through the crowd. A wave of pure exhilaration washed over everything, the air thrumming with laughter and unrestrained glee.
"Watch your step, my lady."
I immediately took the prince's offered hand, exiting the carriage safely and continuing my wide-eyed gawking at my surroundings without pause. Although many commoners filled the space, their movements hurried and their clothes plain, the nobles stood out, their presence marked by fine fabrics, hushed voices, and an air of importance. If I recall correctly, the strict class hierarchy in Ecchelon used to prevent commoners from entering the marketplace on days allocated to the aristocracy, leading to a noticeable feeling of division and disquiet. The divide was so deep that even peaceful protests resulted in arrests and imprisonment, the fear palpable in the hushed whispers of those who dared to speak out. This issue, a festering wound on the heart of the kingdom, was the first I wanted to address as crown princess, until…
"My lady! Are you listening?"
"I apologize, your highness. I will pay attention from now on."
" As I was saying, the dress shop is inaccessible by carriage; therefore, we must proceed on foot. Will that be alright with you, my lady?"
"Yes, of course, your highness." I answered promptly.
What has gotten into me these days? My mind keeps wandering back to the majestic spires and cobbled streets of the kingdom of Ecchelon, a place of such captivating beauty that feels like a dream. Am I experiencing homesickness right now? Does the ache in my heart for my homeland truly run that deep? But I nearly died there. Twice in a row!
"We have arrived at the shop, my lady."
The sign above the shop read 'Dupree Apparel' in bold, elegant letters. This had to be Countess Joleen's renowned boutique, frequently mentioned by the palace staff; the lavish window display, overflowing with silks and jewels, shimmered in the sunlight. A tranquil area, the air was thick with the calming aroma of freshly brewed tea from nearby parlors, complemented by the glittering displays of exquisite jewelry in the shops and the delicious smells of various cuisines from inviting restaurants.
"Why are there people standing around and not going inside?"
"It seems we came at a busy hour. Those ladies likely did not coordinate in advance; thus, they are standing in line waiting for an availability." he replied with a soft sigh.
Upon hearing his response, a gasp escaped my lips—the realization that I, too, hadn't contacted the countess beforehand hit me like a ton of bricks. This means I'll be stuck at the very end of that incredibly long line, which will take forever. I don't want to! *sob*
"Luckily, his highness made the reservation in time, so we'll bypass the line and head right in, my lady."
Her face, a blank canvas, revealed every fleeting emotion with the subtlety of a painter's brushstrokes. Despite my best efforts to project a carefully constructed facade of annoyance and displeasure, to appear irritated and unhappy, she remained completely unimpressed and showed no signs of intimidation whatsoever.
"There is a rat that has been following her and it has made me concerned for her safety. Therefore, I will not feel comfortable unless you take the responsibility for escorting her. This implies that you are to take part in the following ceremony."
While not explicitly an instruction, his words warranted careful consideration. Besides, it seems this woman means more to him than he'd like to admit. Who is she, really?
"Welcome to our-Oh my! You must be the special guest his highness mentioned. Right this way, my lady! The madam will receive you in her private dressing room down this hall."
Good heavens, what an incredibly unsettling greeting that was. She's making a point of being incredibly loud, a blatant attempt to draw attention to me. The expansive hat I donned served its purpose well, thankfully obscuring my face and leaving only my hair exposed to view. Is that Lady Florette? I can barely make out her face in the shadows. I expected her to be in attendance at the knighting ceremony. What is she doing here?
"Is that the swan lady?"
Swan lady?
"Oh my! It seems like it! That silver hair, like spun moonlight, is rare even in our culturally diverse country."
"Where do you suppose she hailed from?"
"Seeing how she's bring escorted by none other than prince Jonathin, she can't be a mere commoner."
Goodness me, I must say that this is making me feel incredibly uncomfortable and slightly anxious. I hope they won't spread malicious rumors about Nathan because of me. Now that I think about it, it seems quite peculiar and concerning that there is a noticeable lack of greetings directed toward the prince. Regardless of his recent deposition, his regal bearing and inherent lineage firmly establish him as royalty. Proper etiquette dictates that the first person to encounter a guest in this type of situation should extend a formal greeting. In that manner, the others would be sure to emulate the action and join in. However, the associate only acknowledged me, and in a strangely obnoxious manner as well.
"Oh, my, oh my! The lack of etiquette in this country is quite mind-boggling. To my knowledge, there isn't a soul in Alkaraz who does not know of prince Jonathin. Yet, the young miss appears to be the only one in the dark. Why is that?" I asked the flustered young woman.
The already boisterous commotion amongst the noble ladies was further inflamed by my remark. However, the prince remained motionless, his eyes glued to the distant hall where Madam Dupree stood silently. The moment our eyes locked, her gaze, filled with a surprising warmth, sparkled; it was a world away from the icy stare of the Madam Dupree I knew. With a confident stride, she walked over.
"I extend my respectful greetings to their highnesses. Welcome to my humble boutique. I sincerely apologize for my associate's unprofessional conduct and the resulting inconvenience."
"H-highnesses?" exclaimed one of the noble ladies.
"Then…the swan lady is…could she be…a princess?"
"Good heavens! My suspicion proved correct."
"Might this show that lady Florette engaged in an act of assault...?"
"Hush your mouth, my lady."
The situation is escalating much too fast.
"Clareen..." countess Joleen glared at the young lady.
"You are no longer employed here, starting from this moment. I require you to hand over your uniform to my assistant, who will then give you your last paycheck."
Her face drained of color, the young lady crumpled to the floor, her voice barely a whisper as she begged for mercy. She offered an apology to both the prince and me, further admitting to coercion by a certain young noblewoman, which prompted her discourteous treatment of me. The request to name such a person caught her off guard, a nervous tremor passing through her as she shook her head. Potentially out of a concern for retribution.
"Countess Dupree, I fear I may have overreacted earlier. Considering her confession, perhaps a more lenient punishment, coupled with guidance, would encourage the young lady to reform her behavior."
Although she didn't confess the entire truth, I have an inkling about the aforementioned young noble lady. She's been sitting there the whole time, quietly sipping her tea, a picture of serenity amidst all the commotion. She possessed an almost supernatural calm, a conviction that whispered of her invincibility.
"Princess." sighed countess Joleen, slightly raising her tone.
"Given your origin is not Alkaraz, this information may be new to you. This behavior towards those of your standing is grounds for immediate execution. Clareen is fully aware of this, which means she was ready to face the consequences of her actions from the start."
What…did she just say? They don't serve time in prison but…killed?
"Therefore, her dismissal is already an act of mercy on my part."
The shocking revelation sent a wave of shivers down my spine. My breath hitched in my throat, and my eyes widened in horror as I stared at the countess.