Chapter 19: Not the Imperial Princess, but You, Bliss

When Caelan mentioned they were running out of time, his expression remained more relaxed than usual. Looking at his face alone, one would think he didn’t have a single worry in the world. His puzzling behavior prompted Bliss to turn toward him.

“I can meet the Imperial Princess by myself.”

“I won’t let you go alone.”

Bliss fell silent and looked at Caelan. He casually tossed his pocket watch aside and drew back the window curtain to signal the knight. Without sparing Bliss a glance, he spoke in an offhand manner.

“I know you’re more than capable on your own. Still, I don’t want to send you alone.”

“That hardly seems like a sufficient reason.”

“Because I want to see.”

Bliss fell silent again at Caelan’s meaningful words.

“I’m going because I want to see.”

Though he didn’t specify whom he meant, she understood perfectly. She couldn’t think of any way to discourage him from his apparent intention to see the Imperial Princess.

“I had no idea you were so interested in Her Imperial Highness.”

Having finally accepted that she had no choice but to let him accompany her, Bliss offered these words as tacit permission. Perhaps due to her roundabout way of expressing it, Caelan’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

***

After entering the Imperial Palace, Bliss walked through the corridors with Caelan. Having dismissed their guide, only their footsteps echoed through the hallway.

With no time to admire the palace’s grandeur, Bliss kept her gaze fixed ahead as she walked. In truth, she was barely conscious of walking, her mind entirely preoccupied with thoughts of the Duke and Imperial Princess Jasmin.

‘The Duke won’t stop at this; he’ll keep trying to get at Caelan.’

To the Duke, Caelan, who held the Emperor’s trust, was a thorn in his side. He loathed having someone of equal standing and feared Caelan might amass even greater power than himself. What had begun as mere irritation had snowballed into such intense hatred that he now wished Caelan dead.

‘And if that item falls into the Duke’s hands…’

Her thoughts turned to the dagger the Duke coveted. Though unremarkable in appearance, the dagger was said to possess extraordinary powers.

Tales circulated of its previous owner transforming from a simple farmer into a knight, while another story told of a child suddenly developing remarkable academic abilities and gaining admission to a prestigious academy. It was said that whoever wielded the dagger would manifest an exceptional talent. Though these claims remained unverified, such mystery naturally aroused people’s curiosity.

The Duke had intended to give it to his son, eager to see what talents his heir might develop with the dagger. However, he wished to keep such desires private.

‘Because coveting the dagger itself would expose his heir’s inadequacy.’

This had been the first incident that set the Duke and Caelan at odds. Caelan had received the dagger from the Imperial Princess but had refused to surrender it to the Duke.

‘The Imperial Princess is also problematic.’

The willful Imperial Princess.

The current Ganesia Empire boasted over twenty imperial children. Including the Crown Prince, there were thirteen princes and ten princesses.

The Emperor’s love for his children was far from equal. He had his favorites, and among them, Jasmin Ganesia was his most cherished princess.

Perhaps that was what had made her personality so unpredictable.

“How much do you know about the Imperial Princess?”

Bliss started at Caelan’s sudden question, not because he had read her thoughts.

She reached out as if to cover his mouth, glancing around anxiously.

“…This is the Imperial Palace.”

While the Imperial Princess could be discussed casually in her absence, this was the Imperial Palace. One never knew who might be listening, and speaking carelessly about the Imperial Princess could have serious consequences. This was common knowledge, even for those unfamiliar with their hierarchical society.

After checking that they were alone, Bliss lowered her hand in relief.

“I only know Imperial Princess Jasmin through rumors.”

In the original story, Bliss had never spoken directly with the Imperial Princess. She simply hadn’t been interesting enough to capture the Princess’s attention.

“This will be my first time speaking with her.”

“Then shall I tell you about her?”

“About Her Imperial Highness?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Caelan would undoubtedly know the Imperial Princess well. After all, he frequently visited the Imperial Palace and often met with His Majesty the Emperor.

But…

“That’s alright.”

Even though she only knew rumors, she didn’t need to ask Caelan. She was already aware of how he had obtained the dagger from the Imperial Princess. Besides, if he were to discuss the Imperial Princess while explaining how to acquire the dagger, she wouldn’t be able to disregard that information entirely.

“You accepted my help before, but now you won’t let me help you?”

“That’s not it. Well…”

Bliss considered how to explain. As she slowed her pace, Caelan adjusted his steps to match.

“Rumors.”

“Are you saying you already know everything from rumors?”

“Actually, it’s quite the opposite.”

Though Caelan couldn’t understand her statement, Bliss didn’t elaborate right away. She couldn’t reveal that her knowledge came from the novel. While she wasn’t trying to test his patience deliberately, she needed time to gather her thoughts.

“I don’t want to form any preconceptions about Her Imperial Highness based on rumors or your words before meeting her. I prefer to see for myself.”

At least that wasn’t a lie.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I feel as though I’ve said something similar before.”

Bliss’s eyes narrowed at Caelan’s ambiguous response. Where exactly had he said such a thing?

“Since you’re not interested, good luck then.”

“Actually, there’s something else I’d like to know.”

Bliss suddenly quickened her pace and turned to face Caelan. As she blocked his path, his gaze slowly traveled up from her feet.

“Is there a garden here like the Rose Garden? If there is, shall we go tog- ah!”

Bliss stepped backward, caught her dress, and lost her balance. Just as she was about to fall, she felt something catch her waist, halting her descent.

She saw Caelan move swiftly toward her, and her tilted body was pulled forward by his strength. Instinctively, she raised both hands, placing them between herself and him.

Their faces were so close they could feel each other’s breath, and Bliss couldn’t blink until her eyes began to sting. Looking at Caelan’s face mere inches from hers, she momentarily forgot to breathe.

“Be careful.”

Finding herself in his arms after receiving his help made Bliss’s body go rigid. Though her heart was racing, she felt as if she had turned to stone. To ease her tension, she began by wiggling her fingers.

As her fingers moved slightly against his arms and chest, she finally released the breath she’d been holding.

“Thank you.”

“Are you hurt anywhere? Your ankle twisted.”

“I’m fine.”

She hadn’t properly tested her footing yet, so she wasn’t certain about her ankle, but at least there was no pain.

“You can let go now.”

Bliss gave a gentle push against Caelan’s chest. As she straightened herself and found her balance on both feet, the awkwardness between them intensified. Unable to meet his gaze, she stepped back.

“I suppose my nervousness about being in the palace made me clumsy.”

Bliss offered a sheepish smile. When she resumed walking, Caelan adjusted his stride to match hers.

“It’s fortunate I was here beside you.”

“Yes, indeed. Though I said you didn’t need to come along, I never expected to rely on your help like this.”

While offering him a polite smile, Bliss caught sight of something over Caelan’s shoulder that stopped her in her tracks. Her eyes widened at the familiar face.

‘Latte?’

“But there’s something I need to clarify.”

“…What is it?”

Bliss’s delayed response came as her thoughts were preoccupied with Latte’s unexpected presence at the Imperial Palace.

“The person I wanted to see wasn’t the Imperial Princess. It was you.”

Bliss remained motionless, her eyes still fixed on Latte, struggling to comprehend Caelan’s words. She blinked repeatedly as his statement echoed in her mind.

Sensing her comprehension, Caelan pressed on.

“Even as I look at you now, I find myself wanting to know more about you. That’s why I followed.”

Caelan’s gaze remained steadfast on Bliss. Regardless of their surroundings, his attention never wavered from her.

“Not the Imperial Princess, but you, Bliss.”

At his words, Bliss’s gaze gradually shifted from Latte. Her eyes moved with deliberate slowness across the ornate hallway until they met Caelan’s, their gazes finally connecting.