Chapter 5
The knight, Clovis’s constant companion—familiar enough to me by sight—avoided my gaze with evident discomfort, even from behind the tiny window of the carriage door. The Crown Prince had explicitly ordered them not to release me before leaving, and the royal knights couldn’t disobey a direct command. So, what was I to do?
I had packed items necessary for an escape; smoke bombs, lock picks, but that bag was in my room. Dragged away by Clovis before I could grab it, I was now empty-handed. Even a hairpin would have been enough to try picking the lock. But of course, with two seasoned knights standing guard, they wouldn’t just watch me fumble with the lock.
My thoughts branched out endlessly, like an overgrown tree. Finally, I silently screamed internally, clutching my hair. ‘I’m going to die here, trapped like a rat!’
The luxurious carriage, bearing the royal crest, was so plush that even banging my head against it made no sound. Still, the commotion I was making inside couldn’t be completely silent. Yet the knights remained stoic, offering no reaction.
I was simultaneously impressed by and annoyed with their unwavering loyalty. Then, a clear, melodious voice, gentle yet firm, broke the silence. “Goodness, what does my brother think he’s doing, acting so impulsively?”
I stopped pounding the carriage seat.
“Your Highness!”
“Your Highness the Princess.” Both knights exclaimed simultaneously.
The sound of silk rustling against the trimmed lawn followed.
“That’s Adelina inside, isn’t it?”
“Ah…”
“My brother probably tossed her in there and ordered them to guard her until he returns, right?”
“Th-that’s…”
“Hmm… I’ll take responsibility. Would you two mind stepping away? I need to speak with her privately.”
“But Your Highness, His Imperial Highness…”
“Enough.” The pretty voice cut the knight’s words short with a steely edge. The knights hesitated for a moment, then excused themselves and withdrew.
A click echoed as the lock disengaged, and the carriage door opened. A dazzlingly beautiful woman, bathed in moonlight, filled my vision.
“I anticipated my brother’s impatience might lead to rash actions, but this is truly beyond my expectations. You must be quite startled, Adelina.”
It was Hestia, the heroine of the original story, offering me her hand with a smile brighter than the moon.
“Your Highness.”
“We’ve been over this. Call me by my name when we’re alone. There’s no need for formalities between us.”
“But, Your Highness…”
“Tsk…”
“…Hestia.”
Her beautiful eyes turned momentarily sharp, prompting me to quickly correct my address. Hestia’s expression instantly softened back into a sweet smile.
‘Sometimes I think she could have ruled the underworld if she’d grown up there.’
“It’s best you avoid him for now. My brother needs time to cool his head.”
“What does that even… Look, Hestia, I’m a bit confused…”
“Truthfully, I’d prefer you as family rather than a friend. But you’re too precious to simply hand over to my brother.”
“Hestia?”
“But I also hate the thought of giving you to those men. Ultimately, the choice is yours.”
This day was certainly one for the books. Even Hestia was speaking in riddles, adding to my confusion. Hestia smiled radiantly, reaching out to cup my cheeks. “My Adelina. If only I were a man.”
“Uh, huh?”
“But it’s foolish to dwell on impossible dreams. Come on, let’s get you out of here.”
Whatever theatrical line that was, I knew I should take the opportunity to escape. I took Hestia’s outstretched hand and stepped out of the carriage. The knights were nowhere in sight, having apparently followed Hestia’s instructions to keep their distance.
“The festivities will continue late into the night. Neither I nor my brother, nor anyone else, can leave. So, in the meantime…”
Hestia placed something cold and metallic into my hand. I flinched and looked down to see a key.
“This is…”
“Do you remember Viscount Belgradien’s mansion on Rommel Street?”
“Ah… yes.”
“And the black brick house right next to it?” Of course, I remembered. Before Hestia had fully captivated high society, she frequently visited Viscount Belgradien’s estate, trying to win over Sophia, the Viscount’s daughter.
I had tagged along a few times. Rommel Street, where the Viscount’s mansion was located, was also lined with townhouses used by provincial nobles when visiting the capital.
The old, black brick house next to the Viscount’s was one such residence. Owned by an old noble family with lands in the countryside, it remained mostly empty throughout the year, only occupied during their visits to the capital. Its grand exterior only emphasized its emptiness. Hestia smiled brightly.
“I bought it.”
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