The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in bruises of violet and gold. It was finally time to leave.
As I stepped out of my dressing room, the air seemed to still. Nanny, Rosa, and Mari were all standing in a row, their eyes wide as they scanned me from head to toe. For a long moment, the only sound was the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall.
Mari was the first to find her voice. "Princess… you look so cute in this dress! I'll admit, I thought red wouldn't suit your pale complexion… but you look stunning. Thinking otherwise was definitely my mistake."
I blinked, smoothing out the rich, cherry-red fabric of my skirt. It was a bold color, far removed from the washed-out pastels the "old" Auri used to wear. I caught my reflection and smiled.
"Really? I'm glad to hear that, Mari. Thank you for the praise."
Mari's face lit up instantly, her cheeks turning a shade that almost matched my dress. She looked like she might float away from happiness.
Rosa stepped forward next, checking the fastenings on my cloak. "Everything is ready, Princess. The carriage is waiting, and you are prepared to leave."
I nodded, then turned my gaze toward Nanny Elara. She had been unusually quiet. "So, tell me… how do I look?"
Nanny looked at me with a soft, almost watery gaze. She reached out and tucked a stray silver lock behind my ear. "You look like an angel who just descended from heaven, my lady."
I offered a small, polite smile, though inside, I was rolling my eyes.
(Inner thought)
An angel? Please. I've been killing monsters in the woods and plotting how to become an overpowered mage. I think I'd suit a devil or a villainess crown much better… but whatever. If 'angelic' gets me through the door, I'll play the part.
"So… how long until we leave?" I asked.
Rosa suddenly looked panicked, slapping her forehead. "I'm sorry, Princess—I forgot one of the gift boxes in the parlor! I need to go… and I'll need Mari to help me carry it."
I waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, go on."
As the two maids scurried away, I turned back to Nanny. "Will I be going alone? It seems like a long drive to the Duke's mansion."
She shook her head immediately, her expression turning serious. "No, Princess. You cannot go alone. You are far too young, and your safety is the Empire's priority. I have already discussed the escort arrangements with Sir Alistair Virelle."
I paused, the name sounding vaguely familiar but distant. "Wait… sorry—but who is Alistair Virelle?"
Nanny looked at me with genuine surprise. "Have you forgotten? Well… I suppose you were very young when you last saw him regularly. He usually stays in the administrative wing and rarely visits this part of the palace. You only called for him once to discuss the room renovations… that is the Head Attendant."
(Inner thought)
Ah… right. The handsome guy. I remember everything from my past life with perfect clarity, but the memories of this three-year-old body are a bit like a blurry dream.
No wonder I say weird things sometimes. But… I really only called him once? That was a bit rude of me. Though, in my defense, I was busy discovering mana.
"He was quite handsome," I muttered under my breath. "I wonder if he looks the same." It had been two years since the renovation talk, after all.
"What happened, Princess? What are you thinking about?" Nanny asked, tilting her head.
I nodded quickly, snapping back to attention. "Yes, I remember him now. He's the one in charge of the household."
Nanny didn't look fully convinced by my sudden memory flash, but she didn't have time to question it. The doors at the end of the hall opened, and the Head Attendant himself stepped through.
Alistair Virelle looked exactly as I remembered—sharp, elegant, and perfectly composed. He bowed low, his voice smooth as silk. "Princess Aurelia, you look exceptionally beautiful today."
"Thank you, Sir Alistair," I replied politely.
He straightened, his gaze flickering to the shadows behind him. "There is someone I would like you to meet before you depart. A permanent addition to your personal staff."
He gestured to his side, and a boy stepped forward into the light.
I looked at him carefully. He wasn't a man yet, but he was definitely older than my current five-year-old self. He had a steady gaze and a disciplined posture that suggested he'd spent a lot of time on the training grounds.
(Inner thought)
He's… actually really handsome. And kind of cute in a serious way.
"From today onward," Alistair announced, "he will be your personal knight. He has been top of his class in the squire academy."
He looked at the boy. "Introduce yourself."
The boy lowered his head in a deep, respectful bow. "My name is Kael Viremont. From this day forward, I will serve as your shield and your sword. It is the greatest honor of my life to meet you, Princess."
I nodded, feeling a strange sense of security. "I'm happy to meet you, Kael. I am Aurelia Valencrest." I turned to Nanny. "So… he's coming with me tonight?"
"Yes, Princess. He will be by your side at the gala."
A short while later, Kael and I were sitting across from each other inside the plush, velvet-lined carriage. The rhythmic clop-clop of the horses' hooves was the only sound for a long time.
Kael sat perfectly upright, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, looking everywhere except at me.
"Hey…" I said, breaking the ice. "Can I call you Kael?"
He jumped slightly, his eyes snapping to mine. A faint, pinkish hue crept up his neck. "Yes, Princess. You may call me whatever you like. My name is yours to use."
I smiled faintly. It was cute how shy he was despite trying to look like a tough knight. "Alright. Then what will you call me? Just 'Princess'?"
He answered without a second of hesitation. "I will call you Princess Aurelia. It is the proper way to address my liege."
I nodded, leaning back against the cushions. "Fair enough. That works for me."
After that, the silence returned, but it wasn't awkward anymore. It was peaceful. I watched the scenery blur past the window, my mind shifting toward the party ahead.
When the carriage finally pulled up to the Duke's mansion, the sheer scale of the event became clear.
Magic lanterns floated in the air, and the sound of violins drifted through the open gates.
As I stepped out of the carriage, I felt the weight of a hundred gazes. Noblemen, ladies in shimmering gowns, and high-ranking officials all paused, their eyes locking onto the small girl in the cherry-red dress.
It was uncomfortable. The 'old' Auri would have burst into tears and hidden behind Kael's cape. But I wasn't her.
(Inner thought)
Let them look. I'm the Princess of this Empire, and I'm here to see exactly what kind of 'education' this Duke thinks is better than ours.
I took a small, steadying breath, felt the mana humming beneath my skin for courage, and stepped forward into the lion's den.