kscans

Chapter 2 - The Last Princess of the Old Royal Family

The girl’s father was the last king of a ruined dynasty.

When her father was killed by rebels, the girl was but a newborn. Thanks to this, her nursemaid was able to spirit her away in secret, and she escaped without anyone knowing.

The girl had many brothers and sisters, but all of them had perished at the hands of the rebels.

She might have been able to live as a nameless commoner, but she was still just an infant. And the nursemaid who raised her would not allow her to become a mere commoner.

In a small, hidden village nestled in the mountains, the girl grew up listening to her nursemaid’s bitter grievances.

The second floor of the small residence belonging to a former knight, now the village chief—that was the entirety of the world she was allowed.

If she looked out the window, she could see the village children running about, their cheerful laughter echoing through the air.

All the girl could ever do was watch.

"You must understand, Your Highness. You are the bearer of the legitimate royal blood of this country. For now, we have no choice but to resign ourselves to these circumstances, but one day, you must lead the truly loyal knights and bring divine retribution upon those wretched rebels."

More than that, I just want to play outside like those children.

"Absolutely not! Your Highness, do you understand? The difference in status between you and them is as vast as heaven and earth. Even to exchange words with them is improper. To run about outside as they do is utterly unthinkable!"

But they all look like they’re having so much fun. I want to laugh like that, too.

"It is not ‘I want,’ but ‘I wish,’ Your Highness. It seems Milene is ill-suited to be your handmaiden after all. For one of noble birth, even a minor one, to be only slightly better than a commoner is truly lamentable."

Stop, Milene didn't do anything wrong. I’m sorry, I’ll be careful with my words.

"No, Your Highness. That girl laughs with her mouth wide open like a commoner. Such vulgar behavior will have only a negative influence on you. The reason you say such dreadful things, like wanting to laugh in such a manner, is surely because she is near you. I have tolerated it until now… but Milene must leave."

Nurse, please, stop!

"Your Highness, a person of noble birth must not show tears like that! It will compromise your dignity. Milene simply cannot remain by your side. This is a good opportunity; we shall have Karen replace her."

No, Karen is mean!

"You must not raise your voice so. Besides, while Karen may be a commoner, as the daughter of a wealthy merchant, she has an education that rivals any noble. To call her mean, I can only assume, is a result of your own lack of effort. When I am not here, you will listen to what Karen says. Do you understand, Your Highness?"

And so, the girl was caged within a world she did not want.