A fortune-telling princess

“These people!”

If they didn’t like it, why couldn’t they just say so? Why force themselves to eat it?

Camilla let out a quiet sigh, her expression tinged with exasperation.

“Brother?”

Camilla peeked through the slightly opened door, spotting Ludville drying his wet hair with a towel. He had likely just returned from training and showered.

“Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

He rose from his seat, walking over to open the door fully for her.

“…”

His gaze naturally fell to the plate in Camilla’s hands. She had, as usual, brought a snack for him.

But then—

“Looks good, doesn’t it?”

Ludville’s attention was caught by a dark, almost black mass on the plate. Even before tasting it, the cloying smell of chocolate filled the air.

“I made an especially sweet chocolate cake today. Just for you, I added lots of chocolate syrup.”

“…I see.”

“And to go with it, I made banana smoothies loaded with sugar. Chocolate and banana surprisingly pair well together.”

His usually stoic gaze faltered for a moment, and Camilla suppressed a smile.

Just as Count Sefra had mentioned, Ludville didn’t like sweet foods either.

“Why didn’t I realize this sooner?”

The way he always devoured the snacks she brought—it wasn’t because he enjoyed them. It was because he was determined to finish them quickly.

“Go ahead, try it.”

“…Alright.”

As he picked up the fork to take a bite, his hesitation was apparent, despite his efforts to hide it.

“You don’t need to eat that,” Camilla said with a slight shake of her head.

She pulled the chocolate cake back toward herself and revealed a smaller dish that had been hidden behind it—a simple pudding.

“Try this instead. It’s an Earl Grey pudding. Not sweet at all, but the subtle bitterness is quite nice.”

“…”

“Or… do you prefer the chocolate cake? I can switch them back.”

“No.”

His reply was quicker than she expected.

Camilla stifled a laugh and began eating the chocolate cake herself. She didn’t dislike sweet things, and while the cake was almost overwhelming in sweetness, she found it tolerable. One slice, though, was her limit.

Knock, knock.

The soft sound of another knock was followed by the door opening slightly.

“Um…”

It was Rania.

“Oh! Camilla! You’re here!”

Rania’s face lit up in surprise when she saw Camilla.

“I didn’t know you had come back. I’m sorry!”

Camilla studied Rania for a moment before glancing toward the figure who had entered behind her. It was none other than Ferrol, the ghostly chef.

“I lost track of time while talking with Ravi about magic,” Rania continued.

“Magic?”

“Yes! I’ve been learning from him lately. He’s so kind and says I have a natural talent for it.”

Ravi?

That Ravi?

Camilla fought the urge to burst out laughing.

Rania, seemingly eager for Camilla to react with jealousy, had picked the wrong target.

If Ravi was praising her, it was either out of boredom or for his own amusement. Ravi wasn’t the type to shower people with compliments—at least not sincerely.

“Why are you here?” Camilla asked.

“Oh! I thought you might be hungry after your training, so I brought this.”

Rania held up a small plate, on which rested freshly made pancakes.

Ferrol whispered.

“They’re best while warm,” Rania said, placing her plate prominently on the table and sliding Camilla’s plate aside.

“I guarantee they’re delicious! Gelard even helped me make them.”

Camilla stood, deciding not to linger. She had no interest in interfering with their family dynamics, even if Rania’s obvious schemes grated on her nerves.

Besides—

‘They’re siblings.’

Rania might be feeling what Camilla did for Ravi: an inexplicable sense of connection, simply because of shared blood.

“I’ll take my leave.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Ludville said, rising as well.

“What?”

His unexpected offer caught her off guard.

Rania, left sitting awkwardly alone, stood as well, unsure of what to do.

“They’re best when eaten warm…” she mumbled.

“You don’t need to go to such trouble in the future,” Ludville said, his voice calm but firm.

“What…?”

“Camilla takes care of it.”

With that, Ludville walked out, leaving Rania behind.

Camilla, escorted by her brother, caught a glimpse of Rania’s expression as they exited. The cheerful smile she had worn earlier had completely vanished.

“Good day, Sister Sera.”

“Oh, Rania! Welcome.”

Rania greeted warmly as she stepped into a small temple located on the outskirts of the capital.

Sera, the priestess she addressed, stood from her seat, her bright smile lighting up her face as she approached Rania.

“I heard the news—you’ve found your father?”

“Yes, I have!”

“That’s wonderful! Truly a blessing from the Divine Midrad.”

“Thank you.”

“High Priest Daniel has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

“Yes, I’m here in response to his summons.”

“He was so happy to hear you’ve been reunited with your family.”

“So am I.”

“Please, this way.”

Rania bowed her head politely before heading toward the chamber Sera indicated. It was a secluded area where believers confessed their sins or shared their worries with the clergy in private.

“High Priest Daniel,” Rania called as she entered.

A small flame illuminated the dim space, where a man in his early thirties sat in his priestly robes.

“You weren’t cast out of the household, it seems.”

“Of course not.”

Her confident tone made Daniel shake his head slightly.

“Still, progress seems slower than expected.”

“Well…”

“Tsk.”

He clicked his tongue.

“You do understand that excuses hold no weight within the church, correct?”

“…Yes, I understand.”

“I’ve already explained how critical your role is.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Rising from his seat, Daniel stepped closer to Rania, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders as his voice grew softer yet heavier.

“The fact that this body was entrusted to you is a testament to the church’s high expectations.”

“…Yes.”

Her shoulders trembled slightly under his touch.

“I hear you’ve yet to be fully accepted as the Duke’s daughter.”

“The Duke of Sorpel is… more suspicious than I anticipated.”

“More excuses.”

Rania quickly closed her mouth, her head lowering in submission.

“There isn’t much time,” Daniel said with a sharp sigh. His words sliced through the air, penetrating Rania’s ears like daggers.

“You must secure your position before the sacred beast fully awakens. This is our only opportunity to embed a church member within the Sorpel family.”

“I understand.”

She nodded firmly, then cautiously continued after gauging his expression.

“But… I believe there needs to be some sort of catalyst.”

“Catalyst?”

“Something to make him accept me as his daughter.”

“Hm…”

Daniel pondered for a moment before nodding.

“Leave that to us. We’ll set the stage for you to fully demonstrate your abilities.”

“Thank you!”

“Oh, and we’ve received word from above,” Daniel added.

“From… above?”

“Lord Alberto himself has taken great interest in you.”

At the mention of Alberto, Rania’s face turned pale. She shivered uncontrollably and instinctively bowed her head low, as though the man were standing before her.

Daniel’s lips curled into a pleased smile at her reaction.

“I, too, have high expectations for you.”

“I… I won’t disappoint.”

Rania rose quickly, only to add one last request.

“I’ll start by bringing the easiest targets to my side.”

“Easiest targets, you say…”

“If possible, could I be provided with more of the church’s magical tomes?”

“Consider it done.”

****

“Wow, it’s so grand!”

Ever since entering the academy, Rania had been exclaiming with wonder at every turn.

Camilla, walking beside her, remained quiet, her face betraying no emotion.

“I can’t believe I get to attend such a place! I’m so happy!”

Starting today, Rania was officially a student at the academy.

“Glad to hear it,” Camilla replied dryly.

She was leading Rania to the building that housed the magic department, the field Rania had chosen to study.

“This way.”

“Ah, yes!”

Rania, still marveling at her surroundings, quickly caught up to Camilla.

“Oh, look over there.”

“Isn’t that…?”

“Yes, that’s her! The girl from the party!”

“Really?”

As expected, the two attracted a flood of attention. Many students who had attended the party recognized Rania immediately.

“So many people here,” Rania said, flashing her signature dazzling smile.

Her charm only drew more interest, with curious onlookers whispering and pointing at her as she reveled in the attention.

“This is it,” Camilla announced, stopping in front of the magic department building.

“Ah, here we are!”

“Good luck,” Camilla said, turning to leave.

“You’re leaving already?”

“Yes.”

Her task was complete, and she had no intention of lingering any longer.

“Camilla?”

A voice called out, stopping her in her tracks.