Chapter 158
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After receiving confirmation from Killis, I informed Evgenia as well. She simply said, “So you’ve decided.” and dismissed me.
Afterward, I had the maids spread the rumor that Killis had been chosen as my guardian.
Since there was still time before the official announcement at my birthday banquet, I wanted to spare others from unnecessary efforts.
Contrary to my expectation that the rumor would deter them, their advances became even more aggressive.
Every time I visited the library, mages and knights would inevitably appear, and the frequency of overt attempts to win me over increased significantly.
‘Why won’t they give up?!’
In the end, I had no choice but to take drastic measures. I stopped visiting the library for a while.
‘I’ve already gathered most of the information I need anyway.’
During my free time, I either strolled around the princess’s palace or painted. I needed to keep my skills sharp for when I returned to work.
But my absence didn’t make them give up. They began sending gifts through the maids of my palace and even through Cirilla, who now visited my palace without caring about others’ opinions.
Even though Cirilla was a child, I couldn’t believe she would agree to such requests, but upon hearing her explanation, it seemed she had volunteered. She felt sorry for those who were at a loss near my palace.
Some even boldly approached Isaac. The reason I knew this was simple.
Isaac…….
‘He straightforwardly delivered them to me.’
When I asked him why, his reply was simple and clear.
“It is something Your Highness deserves, and I have no right to stop them.”
After instructing him to refuse all such gifts, the incidents decreased, but some still persisted.
And so, the day of my birthday banquet arrived. From dawn, the maids woke me up, and the rest of the day was spent getting ready.
“It’s done, Your Highness.”
After the long ordeal, a maid brought a tall mirror to show me. I had always been pretty, but the reflection in the mirror was stunningly beautiful.
‘All the oils and treatments I’ve been applying for days weren’t in vain.’
My skin was radiant, and despite wearing all the extravagant accessories—tiara, earrings, necklace—my features stood out even more.
“Thank you, everyone.”
“It’s our duty.”
The maids bowed as if they had simply done what was expected. After finishing my preparations and stepping into the hallway, Isaac and Reno greeted me.
“May the light of Lublin be with you. You’re shining, Your Highness.”
As I nodded, I noticed they were wearing different uniforms than usual. And I realized I had seen them before.
‘That uniform… it’s definitely…….’
The one they had worn when attending the banquet Evgenia had hosted. The one where the cape fluttered with every movement, revealing their back muscles and making me feel oddly embarrassed.
I thought it was only worn on official occasions, so why were they wearing it now……?
‘Ah.’
Come to think of it, my birthday banquet was an official event, so they must have worn it for that.
It was a bit funny that I only realized this now, but there was a reason. The back of that uniform had left quite an impression.
I must have forgotten about it until now.
“We’ll escort you, Your Highness.”
Isaac offered his hand. Taking his now-familiar hand, I followed as Reno naturally took the lead.
Just like before, with every step Reno took, his cape swayed, revealing his back muscles.
‘I’m still not used to this…….’
But compared to the first time I saw it, the shock had lessened, and honestly, it wasn’t bad. It was embarrassing, but not unpleasant.
Somehow, I felt like I was being influenced by this place. It wasn’t surprising, given how open-minded the people here were.
‘Wait. That uniform is only for guardians, right?’
Now that Killis was also becoming a guardian, would he have to wear it at official events too?
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