How can this happen? I am just gone for a few hours! I am about to rush down when Cordelia stomps away with her head held high up. Like the Princess she is. But this is not the underwater Kingdom! No one knows you’re a princess!
And what happens to the guy who was slapped? Cordelia has superhuman strength! He should count himself lucky if he just dislocates his jaw. Worst case scenario, he died.
I slowly turn my head to take a look at the poor guy. He’s covering his face with his hand and fury seems to be burning inside his eyes. Someone who looks like a guard quickly approaches him. The guy immediately gives the guard a scold. The poor guy seems to be ordering the guard something. Then the guard runs in the direction of where Cordelia has stomped off.
Wait… this scene seems to trigger a memory. Doesn’t Cordelia slap the prince before the ball in the novel? Why did I forget such an important scene? Probably because it’s too cliche. The prince on the other hand is more interesting. He is walking on the street in disguise because he wishes to hear praises about himself from the people of Zehan.
So how did Cordelia and the prince cross path? I forget that part. I need to find Cordelia.
I found Cordelia in yet another restaurant. She is consuming non-human proportion of food.
“Princess, why did you slap the… that guy?”
“A princess needs reason to slap someone she doesn’t like?” she shrugs.
Well… if we’re still in your kingdom then maybe. But we’re in Zehan! And the guy you’re slapping is the prince of this Kingdom!
“Princess…” I sigh. “But we’re not in Ocera. I think that guy is really furious. He is even sending people to search for you!”
“So?” she rolls her eyes. “You know what to do! Hide our tracks! What are you here for?”
Seems like since the day I offered to use the distraction spell in the inn to save ourselves, I have committed myself to be the Princess own spell sprouting machine.
“I have already cast a distraction spell.”
“You’re not that stupid thankfully.” She rolls her eyes again and continues to consume food.
Stay calm. Stay calm.
Cordelia stuffs another mouthful of spaghetti into her mouth and mutters, “Done with the invitation card?”
“I think I can produce a good enough copy of the invitation card.”
“Good. Finally found something fun to play with.The game starts. Mwahahaha.” Cordelia then proceeds to laugh evilly.
I sigh. I cannot say or intervene too much about Cordelia and her prince. It’s her romantic life! I don’t want to mess with it. All I can think of is, good luck narcissistic prince of Zehan.
——————————
“Princess are you sure that… guy is here in this ball?”
“Of course. I can smell the highborn scent from him.” She smiles like a shark identifying a prey. “He is definitely in this Masquerade Ball. You said all the nobles were here.”
“I didn’t say such thing! It’s a ball held by the prince to celebrate his birthday, it’s logical to deduce most of the nobles are here.”
“He’ll be here. He just loves showing himself off,” Cordelia says confidently.
I’m quite surprised by how much Cordelia understands this prince.
“Princess, but do you remember, you slapped him on the face. With your… super force, his face is surely suffering from bruising. He might not appear.”
In the novel, the prince does appear to chase after Cordelia for revenge. But I have my doubt. Will a narcissistic prince bear showing others a bruised face? Even under a mask? But then a mask will cover his self-claimed handsome face.
“Don’t worry, he will appear, Ianthe. Just you wait. The invitation ready?”
“Yes, my lady.” I take out the invitation card I have prepared.
“Good.” She smiles brightly and puts on her bright red mask. She is wearing a dress in ruby red and together with her mask, she looks stunning.
We successfully enter the ball without any problem. And like a shark smelling blood of its prey, Cordelia disappears without a trace.
What an opulent and luxurious ball, as expected of Zehan. I walk around, admiring the different decorations. I finally stop next to a golden statue. A statue of the narcissistic prince admiring his face. I shiver in disgust. Seems like I am not the only one thinking like that, the lady standing next to me also does the same thing.
Two girls waiting for someone under a golden statue, we bond somehow through desserts and masks. But in the end, even the girl has her own prince coming to find her. A handsome one too.
I suddenly feel a bit lonely. Everyone has found the love of their life, what am I doing here? I look around and find a balcony. Maybe a little wind can drive my loneliness away.
Standing on the balcony, looking up at the clear sky and the moon. I wave of loneliness washes over me. I miss home. I don’t know which home I am missing. My modern life? But that seems so far away. A dream that will never ever come true again. Lord Valentine’s tower? But is there still a place for me there?
Suddenly, something cool taps on my shoulder. I turn around to find myself facing Lord Valentine.
“What’s the matter, Ianthe?” he gives me his usual warm smile. “You seem sad.”
Like nothing has changed. Like that time when I first transmigrated to this world and he comforted me with his smile and candies.
But things have changed. I did betray his trust. I stole potion from him. From his locked safe. I leave without a single word.
My eyes feel sore, but I am not allowed to cry. I don’t deserve to cry in front of him.
“Are you still angry with me, Ianthe?” Lord Valentine tilts his head to one side. “I am sorry. Please forgive me. I don’t mean to leave you all alone in the tower. Did Lady Olivia’s maid bully you?”
What is he talking about? It should be me apologizing.
“She did, didn’t she? You look like you’re about to cry. I am so sorry. Here are some candies, don’t cry. You like them, don’t you, Ianthe?” Candies in the shape of cubes appear on his palm.
I should apologize. I don’t deserve such gentleness and kindness.
“Lord Valentine, I am sorry. I stole the potion from your safe without your permission. I am sorry I ran away without a word.” I bow to express my regret.
“Ah… about this, you don’t have to apologize, Ianthe. It’s me who told you the secret to opening the safe. I gave you the key. I’m afraid you’ll resort to more dangerous methods, that’s why I gave you the key,” he says cryptically.
“What…” I look up, confused by what I heard. But then what is happening in front of my eyes shocked me, ‘Lord Valentine’ in front of me is slowly turning transparent. I can feel my jaw drops.
“Oops. I am sorry, Ianthe. Seems like time’s up. I am still being occupied somewhere, I will meet you soon though. Here’s your candies.” He offers me an apologetic smile and then ‘Lord Valentine’ vaporizes.
