In the Doghouse - Chapter 106
Isabella and Rebecca quickly completed their errands, and before long, Richard came to see Courtney. He too was elegantly dressed for the banquet, just like her.
The maids discreetly stepped aside to give the Crown Prince and Crown Princess privacy for their conversation. However, since the banquet was approaching soon, they lingered by the doorway.
Shortly after, the door opened again.
Courtney smiled brightly as she bid Richard farewell.
“See you later, then.”
It didn’t seem to be anything serious, as their attitudes were quite casual. The maids flocked back into the room like a group of sparrows, eager to fix her appearance.
The Crown Prince still looked impeccable as he walked away. No one could have guessed what had happened inside the room or how his clothing looked beneath the surface.
As the western sky turned red, countless carriages lined up, passing through the castle gates. From the stable boys to the kitchen maids, everyone bustled around the palace.
Once the sun had fully set, colorful magical lanterns lit up the palace walls in sequence, so bright that they were visible beyond the city walls. Madam Berricker gave Courtney a final once-over, ensuring everything was perfect. Her lady’s flawless appearance was a point of pride for all the attendants.
“It’s time to go.”
The moment had arrived. Courtney swallowed nervously. As she stepped out of the room, she could hear the distant sound of music. Everyone would be waiting for her entrance.
Madam Berricker followed closely behind, with Isabella and Rebecca walking side by side next. Both maids looked excited, knowing that their own status in society, like Courtney’s, would be significantly elevated after today. A line of other maids trailed behind them, forming a long procession.
Despite her fear of attending her first banquet, Courtney had another strong support.
Richard, looking dapper, was already waiting by the closed doors. The moment he saw her, his previously neutral expression softened into a broad smile.
“Courtney.”
“Ri… Your Highness.”
As Courtney quickly approached him, Anton, who had been standing at Richard’s side, bowed with a slightly uncomfortable expression. Since the first time Courtney had seen him, the aide had always worn such a face, so she wasn’t particularly bothered by it.
“Just call me Richard. No matter what others say.”
“But…”
“If you don’t, then I’ll call you ‘Master’ in front of everyone.”
Cough, cough─
Anton quickly cleared his throat, trying to cover up the Crown Prince’s outrageous comment. Courtney shot Richard a sharp look. His ‘secret’ preferences seemed more like an open secret at this point, but it was still so mortifying for her.
“You better not.”
“So let’s just be casual. What’s wrong with a little affection between husband and wife?”
“Fine.”
Courtney sighed and reluctantly linked arms with Richard. His playful words helped ease her tension a bit. Walking in with him made her feel more confident.
As the music suddenly stopped, the sound of murmuring from beyond the doors reached them. The grand double doors opened wide to reveal the hall. As countless eyes turned toward them, Courtney’s face stiffened once again.
“Let’s go in.”
With Richard’s escort, Courtney took her first stiff step forward. The noble guests, all dressed extravagantly for the occasion, fell silent and watched their entrance.
She still wasn’t used to being the center of attention like this. Her arm, looped through Richard’s, trembled slightly. Noticing her obvious nerves, Richard glanced at her and whispered another joke.
“There seems to be no one more beautiful than you tonight.”
“Don’t say weird things. It doesn’t suit you at all.”
Even though he meant it, she didn’t seem to believe him. Richard chuckled and led her to the dais.
As they passed, the noblewomen whispered among themselves. From what Courtney could overhear, half of the murmurs were praises for the Crown Prince’s striking appearance, while the other half were comments on the once unremarkable Crown Princess’s transformation. The whispers soon spread throughout the entire hall.
The two of them stood before the dais. The Emperor, who had already finished his grand welcome speech and sat on his majestic throne, raised a hand. Silence fell over the hall once more.
“The guest of honor has arrived.”
Courtney knew it was meant as a compliment for all the work she had done to prepare for the banquet, but the grand introduction made her feel embarrassed. To think of herself as the guest of honor—it was an overwhelming notion, something she never would have dreamed of in the past.
She and Richard bowed respectfully, and the Emperor, looking pleased, nodded approvingly. Duchess Herbert, standing beside the Emperor, still wore a stern expression, but Courtney no longer felt as uncomfortable around her. Despite her strictness, the Duchess had taught her much, and Courtney had even grown somewhat fond of her.
At the Emperor’s gesture, everyone raised their glasses. Richard picked up two glasses of white wine from a servant and handed one to Courtney. Since she had insisted on not making a toast herself, the Emperor raised his glass instead.
“We’ve seen another bountiful harvest this year. I hope the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will soon celebrate a fruitful harvest of their own.”
Everyone smiled brightly as they lifted their glasses. A “fruitful harvest” for the couple—Courtney’s hand trembled slightly as she held her glass. Richard, who had already downed his drink, leaned in and whispered calmly.
“He’s just making conversation. Don’t worry about it.”
