The Princess is Going on Strike - Chapter 15
Chapter 15
The Crown Prince slowly walked down the stairs. Everyone’s eyes were on him, but mine weren’t. My eyes were looking at Ethan Berlstein as he followed the Crown Prince with an emotionless expression. It was evident that many people wanted to talk to the Prince, but no one dared to approach him because the coldness of his guard created a natural barrier. Instead of a fancy tailcoat, Ethan was dressed in a simple uniform and kept his hand on the hilt of his sword.
I wonder if I’ll be able to catch him alone?
I stared at his face from behind my mask when he suddenly shifted his eyes towards the terrace. I bit my lip, feeling his gaze.
Don’t tell me that he’s looking at me?
My neck stiffened with the sudden tension. Ethan stared at me and shook his head at someone, rejecting what was offered to him.
I thought he was looking at me. Well, I guess that’s not likely since there are so many people between him and the terrace.
It was as if I was feeling self-conscious and making excuses for myself. With a sigh, I sat at an angle on the terrace bench.
Let’s wait to see if there’s an opportunity.
However, the banquet became livelier with the appearance of the Crown Prince. I continued to gaze at the party-goers while thinking about what I should do in this situation where the atmosphere didn’t seem like it would settle any time soon.
I wonder where Ethan is right now? I want to hurry and ask him so that I can go back.
As I turned away and bit my lip, the doors of the terrace swung open.
“There you are! Why are you so late?”
I heard a drunk, gargled voice as my arm was grabbed and pulled in. I was forcibly dragged into the banquet hall and the noise of the party quickly filled my ears.
What the…?
“Heheheh, look here everyone! It’s a sight to see, right?”
I heard giggles and sneers resonate around me. I straightened myself, stood up straight, and looked at the man who had grabbed me. It was Oledin. It reminded me of the past. He had made a mockery of me at that time as well.
“Are you enjoying a masquerade ball all on your own? Huh? And how can you wear a dark-colored dress? It looks like you’re just trying to stand out.”
His remarks caused the onlookers to laugh and their sneers rang in my ears. Their gaze felt as if I were standing there naked, like a monkey in a zoo. I was humiliated once more. That day in the past was a nightmare for me. A nightmare that I couldn’t forget no matter how hard I tried. A nightmare that I never wanted to experience once more. I bit my lips hard and my head rang. But the Aerylle of the past, who did nothing but cry at Oledin’s words, no longer existed. I took a deep breath and took control of my emotions.
“…I will be going back.”
“Where do you think you’re going?”
I turned as Oledin approached with his hand reaching out for my mask. I slapped it away after taking a step back. It grew quiet. Oledin stared blankly at his pricking hand, shocked. He, then, turned his face flushed red from being drunk towards me and said,
“Is it that hard to show your ugly face to entertain others? Isn’t being a monster something you should be proud of?”
I clenched my teeth as Oledin threw his humiliating insults at me.
“I am a person and my face is not for laughing entertainment.”
“You’re not? Then why do you wear such a hideous mask?”
“The one who forced me to wear it since I was young wasn’t myself but you, Father.”
“Then it will also be up to me to take it off. So take it off.”
“I do not want to.”
“Now.”
He wasn’t worth arguing with as I clenched my fists in that chilly atmosphere. I could no longer be pushed back nor was I willing to collapse on the floor as I did in the past.
“Arguing with you is useless. Since I came here on my own two feet, I shall also leave the same. Do not try to stop me.”
As I turned to leave, Oledin grabbed my shoulder. His lack of control in his strength caused me to lose my balance and tumble. I braced myself for the impact of the floor but felt no pain. I opened my eyes that I had tightly shut and saw a grinning ash gray-colored haired man before me.
“…Huh?”
The Crown Prince?
He looked down at me then carefully raised me up and made a gesture with his hand. Ethan, who had steadied the Duke to stand still, pulled him away from me. Drunk, Oledin stumbled back and frowned. He didn’t understand what was going on and pointed his finger at me trying to say something, but was stopped by the people around him so as to not cause an even bigger scene. Ethan looked at him then turned towards me.
What’s going on?
“Are you hurt?”
“Pardon? Ah, no….. Thankfully, His Highness caught me from falling…..”
“Thank goodness”
The Prince smiled once again and turned his head. He sighed as he looked at Oledin pointing his finger.
“Duke Brixia, don’t you think that you lack self control seeing as how you always get drunk at every party?”
“What…..?!”
How can a man who raised his voice in such an unruly manner be known as a grand noble? It was ridiculous.
The people around him frowned as the Crown Prince wrinkled his forehead.
“Did you not cause a scene at the Founding Day Banquet last year, the year before, and even three years ago? If you are doing it on purpose, then I’m afraid that we can endure it no longer, Duke.”
The Crown Prince stared at Oledin, who was on the verge of swearing, then turned. He then looked at me and smiled before heading back. Ethan trailed behind the Prince and he strode past me as our eyes met for a moment. I continued to stare blankly at the backs of the two people walking away.
What was that for?
I tried to figure out what had just happened, but the moment I turned back, I saw a hand flying towards my face.
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