Chapter 21: A Proposal

“Listen to my troubles?”

Princess Jasmin echoed, not because she needed clarification, but because she was utterly dumbfounded. Yet Bliss maintained her composure throughout.

“Your Highness has collected many fascinating items over the years.”

“And? Are you perhaps avoiding asking for them directly because you think it would be too shameless?”

Just as Princess Jasmin’s eyes began to show disdain, questioning whether this was the best Bliss could devise, Bliss asked:

“Does Your Highness know how to use all those items? How many have you actually used?”

“…What?”

Following Princess Jasmin’s startled response, Bliss brought up the circumstances she knew from the original story.

“One-of-a-kind items must be quite rare and fascinating indeed.”

This was the only hobby of the Emperor’s beloved princess. Nothing else caught her interest, which only fueled the rumors surrounding her.

She showed no particular fondness for beautiful things, nor did she engage in social activities.

Given how different she was from typical royalty, it was understandable why the Duke had approached Caelan instead of attempting to persuade the Princess directly.

Princess Jasmin reclined slowly on her couch, relaxing her body as she prepared to listen intently to what Bliss had to say.

“Everything’s fine except for one problem. You can’t actually use the items you possess.”

Princess Jasmin’s gaze deepened momentarily. She appeared puzzled about how Bliss had discovered this secret she’d never shared with anyone.

“It must be frustrating, being unable to confide in anyone. That’s why I’m offering to listen.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to offer to tell me how to use these items?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know that either.”

When Bliss boldly admitted her ignorance, Princess Jasmin’s lips twitched. Though she nearly laughed in disbelief, she found herself too drawn into Bliss’s words to do even that.

“All I can do is contemplate these matters together with Your Highness. What do you think?”

Having stated her piece, Bliss fell silent and awaited Princess Jasmin’s response.

“…”

“…”

Time passed without a reply from Princess Jasmin. Growing increasingly anxious, Bliss lightly clenched her hand. She wished for something to grip to calm her nerves, but there was nothing within reach.

‘Was it too absurd?’

She wondered if she should have proposed a bet like Caelan had done. She’d avoided that option since it hadn’t won the Princess’s heart in the original story, but now the situation seemed ridiculous.

“If you need time to think, I’ll take my leave. Please summon me when you’ve decided.”

Bliss spoke as though there was no rush.

“Hm…”

When Princess Jasmin made an odd sound instead of answering, Bliss tilted her head in confusion. Just then, the Princess’s strange utterance transformed into genuine laughter.

Bliss stood frozen in bewilderment at the sound of such sincere amusement. She couldn’t even bring herself to ask why the Princess was laughing.

“How interesting.”

The Princess said as her laughter subsided. Though she had stopped laughing, Princess Jasmin continued to regard Bliss with smiling eyes.

“You’re right. Most of these items, I’ve only collected but never used.”

Knowing this to be true, Bliss simply nodded in response.

“Well, I never collected them with the intention of using them in the first place. I just wanted them because they were fascinating.”

Bliss remained silent as Princess Jasmin spoke candidly.

“But as my collection grew, I started thinking differently. How exactly does one use these things?”

Recognizing the sincerity in Princess Jasmin’s eyes, Bliss listened attentively. These were words she couldn’t afford to miss.

“Pondering this alone has been frustrating, but who could I involve? Everyone only covets my possessions, never bothering to understand my feelings.”

Princess Jasmin began revealing her pent-up frustrations.

“And as for confiding in a lady’s maid, well, as you can see, I don’t have one.”

Typically, a princess’s lady’s maid would come from a noble family. However, for some reason, the Princess had never appointed one.

“You offering to listen to my troubles… Very well.”

Princess Jasmin extended her hand toward Bliss.

“Become my lady’s maid.”

“Your… lady’s maid?”

“Yes. If you’re going to listen to my troubles, you’ll need to be able to come and go freely. Are you planning to make appointments every time like this? That’s too cumbersome, and how would I know when I might need you? It’s better to keep you by my side.”

Princess Jasmin’s smile widened, pleased with her own idea. Her expression resembled that of a satisfied cat.

“Other royals already have quite a few ladies-in-waiting. Even if you serve someone else, it won’t be easy to establish yourself in their circle. Wouldn’t I be a better choice?”

Princess Jasmin presented her case in a way designed to tempt Bliss.

“So think about it carefully. It’s not a bad proposal for you.”

The situation had shifted. Earlier, Bliss had offered to listen to the Princess’s troubles, but now the Princess was making an offer to Bliss.

‘This wasn’t part of my plan.’

Her original plan to listen to a few troubles and then ask for the dagger had gone awry. Becoming a lady’s maid would mean staying by Princess Jasmin’s side for quite some time…

‘But it’s not a bad proposal.’

Perhaps this could turn her situation around. Associating with the Princess could have far greater implications than merely attending Leonard’s banquet.

It would not only assure others that someone honored with the Princess’s companionship wouldn’t take their own life, but forming ties with royalty would also make it difficult for anyone to attempt to take her life.

While becoming a lady’s maid offered many benefits, there was something she needed to know before accepting the offer. The answer would determine her response.

“Why haven’t you appointed any ladies-in-waiting until now?”

Princess Jasmin studied Bliss with intrigued eyes.

“I thought you would agree right away. This is unexpected.”

“Of course, I’m grateful and delighted at the possibility of becoming Your Highness’s lady’s maid. However, I’d like to know the reason. Why did you propose this to me?”

***

“Excuse me.”

Caelan halted at the urgent voice and the hand tugging at his clothes. Following the small white hand up to its owner, he found a woman with a notably pale face looking at him.

“It’s been a while, Marquis.”

The delicate voice and clear eyes belonged to a familiar face.

“Indeed it has.”

Seeing Latte’s gentle smile, Caelan responded with a slight nod.

A flash of disappointment crossed Latte’s expression. She had seen him with Bliss, but he hadn’t noticed her.

Perhaps it was for the better. Now she could stop him under the pretense of it being a long time.

“I was just leaving after meeting with the Princess. What brings you here, Marquis?”

Latte glanced around as she asked, then quickly covered her mouth.

“Ah, I’m sorry if I’m being thoughtless. I shouldn’t ask such questions anymore…”

Though they had once discussed marriage, she was now nothing to Caelan. Latte gave an apologetic smile and stepped back.

“Seeing you made me happy, that’s all. I suppose I haven’t quite let go of the past.”

She subtly revealed that her feelings remained unchanged.

Caelan’s lips moved slightly as he listened to Latte’s soft murmur.

“I’m here to see Princess Jasmin.”

“Ah… Do you need to go in now?”

“Not me. My wife went in.”

As Latte was about to step aside, worried she might be blocking his way, Caelan’s response came quicker.

At the mention of “wife,” Latte’s eyes, which had been curved in a smile, trembled as if she might cry. Having thought she would be his wife, her heart ached at the word now referring to another woman.

Swallowing several times to compose herself, Latte forced a smile.

“You came with Marchioness Bliss. But you didn’t go in together?”

Latte, who had been echoing his words to hide her discomfort, suddenly looked up.

“I’m waiting.”

“I see.”

Latte nodded, absently adjusting her hair. During their time together, she had displayed various emotions – shyness, awkwardness – while Caelan had maintained his composure throughout.

“May I wait with you then?”

Latte asked hesitantly, then quickly waved her hands. Concerned Caelan might misunderstand, she added:

“Since I’m friends with Marchioness Bliss, I’d like to greet her before leaving.”

After checking Caelan’s expression, Latte secretly sighed. Relieved that he didn’t find it strange, she smiled again.

Latte carefully positioned herself beside Caelan. Not too close, maintaining one step’s distance. Before he could answer, she made it clear through her positioning that she would keep just this much space between them.

“As you wish.”

At Caelan’s permission, Latte smiled prettily. She remembered how Bliss had stood beside him earlier. Now she too was standing next to him.