Summon the Modern Lady!

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The air in the dining hall grew heavy.

The princess went visibly pale, her complexion blanching.

Cheska's breath hitched as she quickly leaned forward with concern. "Your Highness… Did I say something wrong?"

Ayessa didn't respond immediately.

Her grip tightened on her utensils, knuckles turning white as the delicate silverware trembled faintly in her hands. Her smile faltered, then vanished altogether, replaced by a shadow of grief that darkened her gaze.

The creak of her chair punctuated the strained silence.

"D-Demon… King… and Prince?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cheska hesitated, unsure. "Yes? Is there—"

Before she could finish, the sound of the door opening drew their attention, the head maid, Lea, entered with Emette seen outside.

Lea inclined her head with her usual composure. "Your Highness, if the ladies have finished their meal, Emette will escort them on a tour of the castle— Are you unwell, princess?"

Ayessa stood abruptly, her movements stiff and hurried. "Of course. Thank you, Lea."

Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them in front of her, forcing a serene mask over her face.

She turned to Cheska and Amaranthe, her voice gentler, if more reserved. "It was lovely meeting you both. Please enjoy the tour."

Amaranthe rose gracefully, inclining her head. "Thank you, Your Highness." Without another word, she went out of the room, her footsteps measured and calm.

Cheska lingered, her gaze fixed on Ayessa. Unease churned in her chest.

"Are you sure you're alright?" she asked carefully, her tone soft. "I didn't mean to upset you. Did I say something wrong?"

Ayessa hesitated, then offered a brittle laugh, waving her hand as if to dismiss the concern. "No, no, it's not you. It's just…" She glanced away, her smile slipping again. Then, with a quiet inhale, she turned to Lea. "Lea, please inform Emette and Lady Amaranthe that I'll borrow Lady Cheska for a moment."

Lea bowed and left without hesitation, her quiet efficiency leaving the room still once more.

When Ayessa's gaze returned to Cheska, her earlier fragility was softened by a rare, genuine warmth. Yet, her hands trembled faintly where they rested against the edge of the table.

"I must ask something of you, Lady Cheska," Ayessa began, her voice low, tinged with sincerity. "Please… keep that story to yourself. It may not fare well here, not after what this kingdom has endured."

Cheska blinked, confusion evident. "Why? May I ask..."

"It's because," Ayessa's voice wavered, and she forced another strained laugh. "We only just defeated our Demon King two years ago." The words hung heavy in the air, her attempt at levity failing to mask the sorrow in her tone. "To speak of Demon Kings and Princes so lightly—people might misunderstand."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her next words fell quietly, almost as if speaking them aloud caused her pain.

"Magic itself began dwindling. But the thing is, we—" She paused, swallowing hard. "—we lost something important, someone dear to us. Even with the victory, it wasn't something we could celebrate."

The weight of her words settled over Cheska. She nodded slowly, heart sinking. "I see. I'm sorry… I won't bring it up again."

A faint smile graced Ayessa's lips, but it lacked her earlier warmth.

"Thank you," she murmured, her gratitude earnest but tinged with melancholy. Rising from her seat, she steadied herself and left.

Her graceful poise unable to conceal the lingering sorrow in her steps.

A knot of unease settled in her chest as she turned to follow Emette and Amaranthe, the princess's words replaying in her mind like a haunting melody.

Cheska soon followed, leaving and meeting up with the other two.

"Your Highness seems quite close to her people," Cheska ventured, thinking aloud.

Emette smiled softly. "She is. Both the king and queen raised her with a deep sense of responsibility for this kingdom." He paused before adding, "Though her warmth often conceals the burdens she carries."

The conversation lulled as they stepped into the garden.

Shifting to another path, they reached one that was flanked by manicured hedges and dotted with vibrant flowers.

In the center of the space stood a silver fountain, its water cascading gently into a circular basin. The air was fragrant with the faint scent of roses and mint, a peaceful contrast to the tension from earlier.

"Would you like to hear about the kingdom?" Emette began. "Lady Amaranthe requested that you learn about the world and our kingdom, Lady Cheska."

"Me? Why only me?" She turned to the other woman, green eyes gazing with a nonchalant expression.

"It's good to start with you," Amaranthe shrugged. "Whether you become a princess or not, you did say you want to learn about this place."

The editor sighed. "I won't be a princess."

"Lady Cheska. If you're unsure about the prince, I can assure you he is a good person. He's just having some issues right now."

Cheska sighed, "It's not about him, Lord Emette, I can tell he's a good person too. I just don't want to be married to a stranger."

Amaranthe shrugged, "Well that's what she said. Let's get on with the explanation, Lord Emette."

Just watching the two interact, he couldn't pinpoint if they were different or the same. The world is vast, and they come from a different one.

He agreed on Amaranthe's forwardness with a nod, putting the thought to the back of his mind.

The Kingdom of Rudenheischt sat at the heart of Levis, the central continent among the Five Great Lands: Memika, Raiga, Tosha, Levis, and Harcen. Each of these continents bore the name of an ancient goddess, their legends still echoing through the stories and traditions of the people who lived there.

Cheska's face scrunched a bit, Somehow it sounds familiar.

Once a humble agricultural land, Rudenheischt had quietly thrived for centuries, its vast fields yielding crops that sustained both its people and its trade.

In recent years, however, the kingdom had blossomed into a beacon of progress and innovation, attracting gifted individuals from across the world.

A renowned alchemist had made the kingdom his home, crafting potent medicines and potions from even the most unassuming roadside plants.

Scholars had uncovered relics of bygone eras, their discoveries reshaping the understanding of history.

Artists, engineers, and philosophers had added their talents to Rudenheischt's ever-growing renown.

Yet none of these achievements loomed as large in recent memory as the victory two years prior—a moment that had changed everything.

Emette's voice broke the momentary quiet, gentle yet tinged with a depth that drew both women's attention. "Two years ago..." He trailed off, his gaze distant as he gestured toward the fountain and the hedge maze beyond. "Two years ago, our proudest achievement was made."

Cheska turned quiet as she already had a clue what his gloomy tone was about.

Amaranthe seemed disinterested, but nonetheless asked. "What happened two years ago?"

Emette hesitated, his gentle smile fading into a melancholic expression. He lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret.

"The prince—Kayer de Ruchuster—defeated the... Demon King."

Cheska's thoughts lingered on the name Kayer de Ruchuster, her mind conjuring the image of the prince based on what little she had observed during their brief, albeit unpleasant, encounter.

Now that she knew his name, it felt oddly fitting—regal, sharp, and carrying an air of quiet authority.

Despite her initial impression, she couldn't deny that his face suited the weight of his title.

Emette continued, his eyes clouded with a wistful look. "It was a great accomplishment, one that brought peace to the kingdom. But it's not a tale we speak of often," Emette admitted, glancing toward the fountain. "While there was little physical damage to the kingdom, and no lives lost prematurely, we lost someone special—a friend." He sighed. "There was no other way, though."

Cheska frowned, sensing the heaviness in his words. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

At that moment, Amaranthe stumbled back, her gaze fixed on something nestled within the hedges. Two small birds jumped from their bird house, stepping close to Amaranthe.

Their feathers a striking mix of deep blue and black with white undersides.

"Ah, shoo~" The writer stepped away, hiding behind Cheska, as she made shooing motions.

Cheska hid her smile, comforting the author. "Miss Amaranthe, they're only birds, they won't hurt you..."

The writer made another complicated expression, not answering her.

Cheska turned to Emette, "What kind of birds are those?" 

She caught Emette watching the birds seriously before catching himself and chuckling. He opened his mouth, ready to answer when—

"They are black-throated blue warblers, my lady."

— a voice came from behind.

It was both familiar and unfamiliar, a sound that drew their attention immediately, carrying fresh wind.

Emette's gaze shifted behind them, Cheska turned, catching purples eyes watching them.

His blond hair was ruffled over his face, contrasting the slick appearance from yesterday, though he was just as neatly dressed.

Cheska bowed politely with Amaranthe on her side.

Kayer's eyes widen slightly, his lips tugged up faintly. "Did you learn etiquette? Both your postures are good."

Cheska chuckled with a short thanks.

I read too many manhwas...

Emette greeted the prince, "The birds' presence here often signals the prince's closeness. They almost never leave his side after all."

The birds chirped as if agreeing, flying and dancing around Kayer, before landing on his shoulders on each side. "That was the case, but they suddenly flew away."

"That so? Must've felt someone close to their home, then." Emette thought.

Kayer hummed at his aide's theory, then shifted his gaze to the pink-haired woman. "Are you afraid of birds, my lady?"

Her green eyes clashed with his.

"Yes, your highness." she replied short, wearing an expressionless face, hiding her trembling hands.

"Nan and Kaya don't hurt others," As if understanding her disdain, "Well, I can understand. I was afraid of birds until recently too."

"Please don't comfort me." Amaranthe raised a brow, she had a frustrated smile as she watched the ground.

Kayer scoffed in amusement internally, "But it's funny how you fear small birds than... something else."

Amaranthle sighed then looked away as if she didn't want to talk to him, she turned to Cheska.

The editor noticed, realizing her piercing gaze.

"Oh, I'm not afraid of them... Birds," She intervened with a welcoming smile. "I had pet birds before."

His expression improved, smiling a bit more, displaying his great face. "Aren't they cute?"

Cheska nods along with the prince's shift in tone.

"Your highness," Emette caught his attention. "If you are free, would you like to tour the outside with us? Lady Amaranthe asked earlier if they could get a change of scenery."

Kayer's face became solemn for a minute, watching the writer as if he instinctively knew she had that name. "Amaranthe, huh?"

"It's a pseudonym, your highness." She retorted."My actual name is Amara Lee. Please call me Amara."

When the introductions started, Cheska also introduced herself and so did Kayer to them. Just as Emette mentioned earlier, he was Kayer de Ruchuster.

"I would also like to apologiz—"

Cheska cut off the prince's words, clearly sick of it, as she threw formalities away. "It's okay. Let's not talk about it unless it's a solution, okay?"

Kayer complied. "Then does the ladies have any other plans for today?"

"Just the tour outside, your highness." Emette checked on his pocket notebook.

Cheska, bridging the gap, stepped forward in a friendly manner. "Then, your highness, do you have any place you think is good to visit?"

"Well if you're going outside, I have a suggestion." Kayer muttered. The birds chirped as if they too thought the same.

His eyes softening for a moment.