Who Could Have Loved the Monster Princess? - Chapter 5
By the way, the curse inflicted upon me wasn’t cast by the Demon King. Doesn’t the notion of a curse being lifted by love sound too romantic for a being like the Demon King? But they were too far away for me to correct them.
As I entered the palace, curious gazes gathered around me. Most of them were familiar faces, the Capital’s aristocrats who rushed ahead to enjoy the festivities. Amidst them, I spotted provincial nobles trying to integrate themselves, seeking opportunities to join conversations, and they seemed surprised upon noticing me.
“Is that… Oh, no. Is that thing the lady?”
“Oh my goodness…!”
‘I heard that.’
Just now, someone referred to me as ‘that thing,’ didn’t they? Thanks to my lizard ears, I have excellent hearing abilities, even picking up on sounds that only animals can perceive. This is why before coming to the Capital, I intercepted messages using trained animals blowing on flutes.
My night vision is also excellent. I can even take a stroll in the garden without carrying a lantern. If you consider it item by item, apart from my unusual appearance, this curse has been rather useful. ‘That thing’? Isn’t treating me like an inanimate object a bit too much?
I rolled my eyes, trying to find the culprit who called me that, but there were just too many people. Fortunately, the attention I was receiving shifted momentarily as the prince entered.
‘Is power more of a spectacle than a monster?’
As I was watching, I almost felt a bit dizzy. Someone stepped on the dress of a lady who seemed to faint into Prince Carnelian’s arms. It was an unfortunate design choice for a dress which was rather revealing, and if it hadn’t been for Sir Bolt, the prince’s head knight, grabbing her, it could have been a big problem.
‘Once again, Bolt is working hard today.’
I smirked and silently cheered on the guards.
Even before Prince Carnelian came of age, the ladies used to seek attention through less dramatic means. But these days, it seemed they were luring him to secluded spots, attempting to catch him off guard. Although the prince is protected by magic and shadow guards, I don’t understand why these ladies were behaving this way.
‘No, I might know the reason…’
Carnelian was kind to the ladies. He was congratulating each and every one of them, even as they circled around him in layers, purring and treating him like a strange creature. In such a situation, one might think that he should be more assertive so they would respect his personal space. But if the prince truly liked all that attention, isn’t the guard detail just for decoration then?
I watched, thinking I might help if things got difficult, but it didn’t seem necessary. Carnelian moved from maiden to maiden, greeting them as he went, and before I knew it, he was chatting with the noble masters.
‘Isn’t it about time for him to get married as well?’
Welcoming a prince’s bride-to-be was an agenda item brought up at every noble assembly. Additionally, whenever Carnelian attended events, there were always inquiries about when he would marry.
However, in the six years that I’ve been by his side, he hasn’t responded to any proposal letters, let alone go on a date. I seemed to be the only noble lady he was close to.
‘He doesn’t consider me a lady.’
Because of the curse.
‘To lift the curse, one needs to love, but the curse makes love impossible.’
All the noble young gentlemen are afraid of me, so how can I find love? If only on days like today I had a human face, I wouldn’t have stayed idle. I would have danced, dated, kissed, and enjoyed all sorts of things…
While thinking about various things, I realized the reality. The curse has not been lifted and no man sees me as a woman.
‘…I got it wrong this time.’
No more thinking about love. I just need to get on with my job. I sought out those in attendance who were on good terms with the Staedt family and greeted them, and they too congratulated me.
“Congratulations, Lady Staedt.”
“Thank you, Viscount Milton.”
“Congratulations on your coming of age. You look dignified today as well.”
“Thank you, Lady Freya. Congratulations to you on reaching adulthood too.”
Even as I engaged in light conversation, the hall grew more crowded. With more people around, I began noticing the movements of those trying to avoid me. Perhaps because I’m tall, my height gives me an advantage in observing their movements even when I’m not consciously aware of it.
‘Do they think I’m going to eat them?’
There were those who looked at me with fear, circling around me so they never got close. Some exchanged whispers among themselves, throwing glances in my direction.
‘I’m used to it.’
Even so, it didn’t feel good. I thought about finishing the greetings and heading to the lounge, but then I heard someone calling my name.
“Yen!”
There was only one person in the palace who could call me by my nickname. I turned my head to see a person dressed in a golden scholar’s robe, her hair as flaming red as her intense, fiery gaze.
I greeted them warmly. “Hi, Mir.”
“You look beautiful today, Yen.”
Those who were waiting for an opportunity to talk to me were shocked and held their breath. They were astonished to see someone offer a simple compliment to me, expressing such a blatant, pure-white lie.
However, Mir’s compliment wasn’t just empty flattery for me.
“The white robes make the blue scales stand out. The pattern of the lizardman’s hide matches the shape of the scales. I can see the craftsmanship.”
Mir nodded approvingly, delving into the finer details with evident delight.
“Thanks, Mir.”
“I’m just stating the truth,” Mir replied nonchalantly. Mir was an exchange student from the City of Sages, and also a disciple of the hero and great sage, Unknown. The unique name ‘Mir’ was said to be from an ancient language or perhaps a word from another world. I think she mentioned it meant ‘dragon’ or something like that.
After admiring my attire for a while, Mir asked, “I thought you would wear a dress. You wanted to wear one, didn’t you?”
I was puzzled. How did Mir know?
