Despite her worn green velvet gown, Malyn held her head high as the weary maid who had accompanied her was handed over to Veldam’s servants after a brief conversation with the King. The King’s message was clear: once she was refreshed and changed, there would be a proper welcoming ceremony.

The maids led Malyn away, suggesting she change into something more suitable. After washing in warm water, Malyn removed Princess Layla’s green velvet gown and put on a Veldam-style dress. This dress was tight at the bust and had long puffed sleeves that reached well past her wrists – a clear symbol that those of high status were above manual labour.

Only three of Malyn’s fingers peeked out from the ends of her sleeves – her thumb and little finger swallowed by the fabric. One of the Veldam maids helping her looked nervous and muttered, “Oh, I heard the Princess of Dion was tall, so I prepared a longer dress, but…”

Standing behind Malyn, Layla drew back, tense. Malyn smiled faintly before suddenly swinging her right hand and delivering a sharp slap across the maid’s cheek. The loud slap echoed as the maid let out a small cry.

“Are you mocking me because I come from a small kingdom?”

“That wasn’t my intention…”

The maid’s soft cheek, now bright red, quickly became wet with tears as she tried to explain, her voice shaking. Malyn smiled again, then grabbed the maid’s ear and pulled hard. The maid gasped, struggling to catch her breath as Malyn fixed her with a piercing stare and asked again.

“So, are you mocking me because I arrived here looking like a beggar after being attacked by bandits?”

“No, no, not at all!”

“Is that so?”

Malyn replied coldly, tugging sharply at the maid’s ear before letting go with a flick of her fingers. The maid finally burst into tears, but Malyn just raised her eyebrows and spoke in a harsh tone.

“I didn’t expect a warm welcome. But do you think it’s appropriate to comment on whether I’m tall or short?”

“No, no…”

The maid shook her head, fighting back sobs. Malyn clicked her tongue and looked down at her fingernail – it was broken, leaving a red scratch on the maid’s cheek. She waved her hand in front of the maid’s face.

“Do you see this?”

“What…?”

“After wandering through the mountains for a week, my body has suffered greatly. Look at my fingernails—they’re broken, and there’s even blood.”

Malyn said, holding up her hands. The maids glanced at her fingertips: her fingers were rough and cracked, her nails sharp, split, and damaged. Her cheeks were frostbitten, and her hair tangled and unkempt. Malyn’s voice was cold.

“I am in a very bad mood right now. Anyone who says anything unnecessary will be reported during the formal welcome ceremony.”

The Veldam maids understood immediately. Even though she was a princess from a small kingdom, she was still the woman meant to warm the King’s bed. While many women had suffered after entering the King’s chambers, it was another matter entirely for their names to be brought up before the King himself.

‘She must be sensitive after a week in the mountains, chased by bandits.’

The maids thought, the only conclusion they could draw. In the uneasy silence that followed, Malyn wrapped herself in a soft fur coat and slipped into leather shoes lined with warm fur. Her hair was brushed with a fine wooden comb, elegantly twisted up, and adorned with pearls.

“The crown—use this one…”

Princess Layla, who had been watching quietly from behind, stepped forward and opened a wooden box, holding it out to Malyn. Malyn raised her eyebrows. Inside lay the golden crown that Layla had carefully carried, along with all the other gold adornments, except for the necklace with the blue stone that Layla had said was from her mother. Seeing Layla’s intent, Malyn deliberately fixed her gaze on her and spoke.

“What happened to the necklace with the blue stone my mother left me?”

“…Pardon?”

“The necklace with the blue stone, set on a fine gold chain.”

Layla’s face twisted in confusion. It was the very necklace she had sworn to keep, even if Malyn took her place as princess. But Malyn had deliberately brought up the necklace in front of the Veldam maids – a silent declaration, a reminder for Layla to grasp the reality of the life she had chosen to give up.

Malyn smiled faintly.

“Surely it wasn’t lost or stolen, was it, Malyn?”

“…….”

It’s intriguing, isn’t it? Calling someone by your own name, Malyn thought, watching Princess Layla with a gleam of mischief and satisfaction in her eyes. The maids, sensing the unusual tension, turned their attention to Layla as well.

If Layla claimed the necklace was lost or stolen, Malyn could demand a search of her belongings. Since entering Veldam’s castle, Layla hadn’t left Malyn’s side for a moment. The result would be clear – Layla would be branded a thief.

Layla seemed to understand everything as she bit her lip, her blue eyes shimmering with humiliation and frustration. With trembling hands, she drew the blue necklace from her box, the fine gold chain making a soft clinking sound as it slipped from her fingers.

“It’s… a precious item. I kept it separately.”

“I see. Now, hand it over.”

Malyn held out her hand. Layla hesitated for a moment, then slowly stepped forward and placed the necklace in Malyn’s hand. Malyn watched in amusement as Layla’s fingers trembled slightly. Was it anger or sadness that made those fingers tremble?

Naturally, Malyn had no interest in whatever emotion Layla might be feeling. She gave the blue necklace a quick glance before speaking again.

“I’ll give this to you.”

“…Pardon?”

Layla, who had started to back away, jumped and looked up, her eyes clouded with confusion. Malyn smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“You didn’t leave me in the mountains and helped me all the way here. You deserve a reward for that.”

“That…”

“What’s the proper response in a moment like this, Malyn?”

Layla began to respond, then paused, seeming to gather herself, and bowed her head.

“Thank you.”

“Good. Come here.”

Layla stepped forward, and Malyn, who had to look up slightly at Layla—who stood at least two handspans taller—gestured for her to come closer. At Malyn’s signal, Layla bent down, and Malyn leaned in, wrapping the necklace around her neck and fastening the clasp as she whispered softly.

“A fine person like you, with such a small spirit.”

The words implied that Layla should act with shameless confidence, regardless of what the Veldam maids might say. But after that playful gesture, it would be hard for Layla to take Malyn’s words at face value. Malyn laughed when she saw Layla’s shoulders tighten. Regardless, Malyn finished fastening the necklace and then gently kissed the top of Layla’s bowed head – a gesture often used by noble figures to show favour.

“My beloved child, I am truly grateful that you have stayed by my side.”

With those words, Malyn tapped the crown in the wooden box held by another maid, who quickly took it out and placed it on her head, all the while casting furtive glances at the rigid Layla. Now there was no doubt that the maids of Veldam would be loyal to Malyn. She had just played the part of a generous mistress, casually giving a gold necklace to a maid.

When Malyn saw her reflection in the polished brass mirror, she realised that Layla’s words were true – she looked more like a princess than Layla. She had never realised how beautiful she could be. The ordeal of travelling through the mountains had made her look slimmer, and her powdered face now looked delicate and refined. With her bright eyes, proud posture and elegant features, she embodied the saying ‘clothes make the person’.

Behind her, Layla finally managed to straighten her back and regain her composure, though her expression remained tense. All this from a little tease – would she last a year as a maid at this rate? Malyn grinned as she turned in front of the mirror, and the surrounding maids added their praise, admiring her beauty.

Malyn was ready for the ceremony, but Layla remained silent throughout, her face set in a restrained silence.