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"Prince Edward is someone I've watched grow up since he was a child. Although he has a kind heart, he was born into an imperial family. I don't want to see him become a slave of a fallen nation... If Miss Mengdie had been caught by His Majesty the King tonight, the prince would probably have been too concerned about your safety to act properly in front of the Luwell Princess. Therefore, I had to help you escape. As long as you safely leave the palace, I can convince the prince to prioritize the bigger picture and establish a marriage alliance with the Luwell Empire with the highest etiquette, providing a solid shield for his future political career."
Saying this, the Duke suddenly sighed and lowered his head, a look of worry on his face: "Ah... Prince Edward... Chief Steward... Prince Dika... His Majesty... Ah, I really am old. I shouldn't be discussing these things with you. Miss Mengdie... Miss Mengdie? Are you listening to me?"
Mengdie was listening, but the information she heard was far less important than what was about to happen! What would become of Aiya if she didn't become the queen? Edward had publicly announced he would give the necklace to tonight's queen, which meant it would end up with the princess of that powerful nation. If it were someone else, it might be possible to steal or snatch it back later. But if the princess herself held such a high status, the difficulty of taking something from her neck would be immense!
"Duke, where is the third princess now?"
Maybe the Duke was too distressed; he casually pointed towards a corner of the corridor: "The Luwell Princess is currently resting in a lounge behind the banquet hall. At the end of the ball, she will go to the hall and set the wedding vows with the prince. Alright, Miss Mengdie, let's leave now."
But when the Duke turned around, where was Mengdie to be found? The corridor was empty, not even a mosquito in sight...
※※※
The beautiful girl sprinted rapidly down the corridor, her hair soaked with sweat, making her breathing once again rapid and uneasy. Her legs were trembling, longing to lie down and rest. But no matter how tired, she clenched her teeth and ran with all her might! She searched through the rooms, hoping to find the princess's lounge as quickly as possible!
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
"Damn it, Heaven! I've done nothing in this world but run around trying to regain my power!"
What use was complaining? Rather than complain, it was better to find the princess and negotiate! If the princess agreed to return the necklace after receiving it, all would be well. But if she refused... there would be no choice but to be impolite.
Turning a corner and judging the distance, she should now be behind the banquet hall. Sure enough, two soldiers in uniforms slightly different from the Silver Moon Kingdom stood guard outside a partially open door.
Is this... the lounge where the third princess is staying?
Mengdie was nearly spent. Seeing the two soldiers, she hurriedly tried to hide in a nearby corner. However, after the battle and long run, her legs were weak. She tripped, stumbling and falling to the ground with a thud.
"Who's there!!"
The two plainclothes soldiers immediately became alert at the sound. But when they saw the source was a girl sitting on the ground, holding her nose, tears welling up in her eyes, they were stunned.
"Who's outside?"
A gentle female voice came from the lounge. The girl's voice sounded young, probably around Mengdie's age.
"It's a girl. Uh... her clothes are tattered. Princess, please don't come out, we'll shoo her away."
One of the soldiers approached Mengdie, and she quickly stood up, ready for conflict.
But just as Mengdie thought another fight was imminent, the voice from the room spoke again—
"A girl? Maybe someone from the city. Let her in, I'll give her some clothes to wear."
"Yes, Princess."
The soldier blushed, walked up to Mengdie, and said, "Miss, please come with me."
Mengdie, holding her sore nose, nodded at the soldier and followed him into the lounge.
Upon entering, a fragrant scent filled the air. The room's décor was quite different from Aiya's daytime lounge. A coat of arms made of two crossed swords hung on the wall. Unlike the elegant and smooth furniture design of the Silver Moon Kingdom, the furniture here had straight lines and a more robust style.
After observing the room, Mengdie's gaze focused on a recliner in front of the fireplace. A silver-haired girl lay there, wearing a white evening dress, her silver-grey eyes fixed on the flickering flames. Unlike most people, her ears were slightly pointed, and her body was slender.
"Princess, I've brought her, I'll take my leave."
The soldier who brought Mengdie in seemed to dare not linger and hurried out. He gently closed the door behind him.
"Thank you, but there's no need for protection, I'm fine. Just lock the door. The palace is bustling now; go enjoy yourselves, no need to guard me so tensely." The pointed-eared princess turned and smiled at the soldiers. They hesitated, but it was clear they held great respect for the princess. It was not the respect born of fear of authority, but admiration from the depths of their hearts!
The door closed softly, and as the footsteps faded, the two soldiers must have left. As they departed, the silver-haired, pointed-eared princess stood up from the recliner and slowly walked toward Mengdie.
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