Chapter 91
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Lately, there had been a flurry of visitors to the palace. This morning, someone had come calling for Cesar. It was the first visitor he’d received since his wedding over a month ago. I started to follow him, but Delphina shook her head. “The visitor requested a private audience with His Highness.”
“Really? Who is it?”
“Richard, His Highness Prince Cesar’s physician and the Royal Tutor.”
“The Royal Tutor?”
The Royal Tutor was the king’s instructor, a title that held a special significance, distinguishing them from ordinary teachers. It was safe to say that most Royal Tutors were also mages. Magic was the study of truth, and mages readily shared that truth with others, naturally becoming figures of respect and reverence. She’d heard that Richard had been a court mage since the previous Emperor’s reign, and that he currently served as Guido’s tutor as well. However, the Emperor had long secluded himself under the pretense of illness and avoided contact with others.
Therefore, Richard was better known as Cesar’s physician. “He’s just returned from his estate.” “If he served the previous Emperor, he must be quite old, isn’t he?” Delphina slowly shook her head.
“I don’t know much about Master Richard…”
It seemed she, too, was unfamiliar with him. Such was the nature of mages. They rarely revealed themselves to the world, even court mages. The fact that such a person was Cesar’s physician suggested the private audience was likely for a medical examination. Just in case, I sent Delphina to ensure the guest was properly received. With Cesar away, I was alone in my room, attempting to read. However, the words wouldn’t register. My mind was preoccupied with Giovinetta.
“She didn’t come yesterday after all.”
I’d expected as much. I’d only meant to tease her a little, but perhaps the mere introduction had been too much of a shock. Still, considering what she’d put me through, it hardly seemed like adequate payback. The thought of her nasty temperament made my head throb. Knowing her, she would undoubtedly retaliate with double or triple the force. She always did. The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Giovinetta, a lady-in-waiting to the Empress.”
It was already difficult enough to keep track of the Empress’s movements, and now Giovinetta was involved as well. As I clutched my aching head, I felt a small creature wriggling in my pocket. Av was comforting me.
“Peep, peep.”
“Thanks, Av. I appreciate it.” It was pathetic that I was causing even a chick to worry. The gesture was sweet, but it didn’t alleviate my anxiety.
“I wonder if Giovinetta is still at the palace.” The thought felt like a lead weight in my chest.
“Why does she hate me so much? I just don’t understand.”
Giovinetta and I hadn’t always been enemies. Things were different when I first arrived at the Flores estate. When I joined their family, everyone shunned me except for Giovinetta. I still remember that.
“So, you’re my sister?” She was the only one who visited me in the small, dilapidated attic room I’d been assigned. I remembered her youthful face, so similar to my own. Though our appearances had changed over the years, there were times when we’d looked like mirror images of each other as children. Despite our resemblance, we were fundamentally different. Back then, I was still thin and gaunt from my time on the streets, like a little mouse.
My hair was dry and brittle like straw, my skin rough with sores from malnutrition. My cheeks were hollow, and my body was as frail as a twig. Giovinetta had looked me up and down as if I were some strange animal, then declared, “You’re filthy.”
It was undeniably true, so I simply nodded. In those days, I knew nothing of the world. I could only stare at Giovinetta’s beautiful face in awe and stammer, “You’re so pretty.” She’d looked bewildered for a moment, then burst into a bright, innocent laugh. She was so lovely when she smiled. I thought she looked like a princess from a fairytale. That was how it began. Our beginning wasn’t bad at all. It was easy to believe I’d finally found a family.
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