The Loyalist is the Abandoned Princess - Chapter 10

To be honest, if Kayneth hadn’t come to mind in this situation, it would be a lie. His figure flashed before my eyes, saying, ‘If the prince harasses you, write to me at any time.’

“If you write ‘It’s snowing’ at the end of the letter, I’ll take it as a signal and come running right away.”

But.

‘This isn’t a problem that can be solved that way.’

Now, if it was truly the prince’s will, involving Kayneth would only make things more complicated.

If I accepted help from that man in this situation, it would only provoke Caspian even more.

‘And I hate getting entangled with him altogether.’

The thought of Kayneth’s empty gaze and forced smile made me nauseous.

He was like a snake eyeing its prey.

‘A man I cannot trust.’

I abandoned the plan to write to Kayneth early on.

That said, I couldn’t just freeze to death in silence either.

The only choice was to straightforwardly ask for more firewood.

I spoke to William, “Prepare a horse.”

“Yes, I’ll prepare the carriage.”

William, the coachman who was tossing firewood into the flames, straightened up, coughing.

I raised my hand to stop him. “No need for the carriage, just prepare a single horse. I’ll go myself.”

Hearing this, William looked startled and waved his hands in protest.

He opened and closed his lips several times before finally squeezing out a reply. “It’s against propriety for a lady to ride a horse alone.”

“What are you talking about? A lady can’t ride a horse alone? I’ve never heard of such a custom.”

How long have I served this country?

William continued to cough as he answered, “You may not be aware, but cough, it is written in the [Etiquette Manual]. My apologies.”

I snorted and reassured William. “Etiquette, really? If we’re talking about propriety, cutting off firewood in the dead of winter is much more improper.”

“But, Your Highness—”

“You’re telling me to take a coughing patient outside? Stay put. I’ll go by myself.”

William, apparently lacking the strength to argue, gave in easily.

“Then, I suppose there’s no choice.”

He muttered helplessly, bringing out a black horse.

It seemed to be the one in the best condition, though it was clear the poor animal hadn’t eaten well, with its ribs showing.

I felt a pang of guilt.

Gently tapping the horse’s snout, I greeted it.

“Hello.”

I patted its neck softly, trying to soothe the visibly disgruntled animal.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been so caught up taking care of myself that I didn’t notice what was happening around me. I’ll get you hay and carrots as soon as possible.”

I felt nothing but guilt.

Between exercising, resting, reading, and dealing with various small tasks, I hadn’t noticed how bad things had gotten around me.

‘I was so focused on the divorce that I didn’t see what was right in front of me.’

This might only be a place I stayed in for a few more days, but taking care of my subordinates’ well-being was my responsibility as their leader.

The thought that I had neglected something so important filled me with guilt.

‘It won’t happen again. As long as I’m here, the safety of everyone in the annex is my responsibility.’

And Leonardt without responsibility was just a corpse.

***

The atmosphere among the people of the annex became restless as they watched Agnes standing before the horse.

They exchanged furtive glances, asking themselves the same question.

‘What is happening?’

Agnes mounted the horse. She settled into the saddle with such ease that everyone’s jaws dropped.

A mix of surprise and the hope that they wouldn’t freeze to death began to rise.

“Do you think the princess can win against the head maid?” Rilla muttered softly.

Philippa nodded, her expression as stoic as ever. “It’s possible. Her Highness the Princess Consort isn’t someone to be taken lightly.”

Catherine, hearing Rilla and Philippa’s conversation, scolded them. “Don’t speak as if you’re betting in a gladiatorial arena.”

“Y-yes…”

The two maids bowed their heads at Catherine’s rebuke.

Even among the servants, there was a clear hierarchy—Catherine, being the daughter of a lower noble, outranked the two commoners.

Snorting, Catherine continued her lecture.

In a determined voice, she said, “Right now, the princess must win. Don’t even consider the ‘what ifs.'”

***

I rode the horse straight from the Scorpio Annex to the head maid’s residence.

‘Yes. Riding a horse like this is quick—there’s no need for a carriage.’

Snorting inwardly, I dismounted the horse and made my way to the head maid’s residence.

Upon entering, the head maid’s subordinates greeted me. They all looked visibly flustered.

They led me to the head maid’s private parlor.

I sat there alone, surveying the surroundings.

‘It’s much cleaner than the Scorpio Annex.’

But what caught my attention even more was the warmth of the parlor—it wasn’t just warm, it was hot.

The fireplace was roaring, and the heat made me feel even colder inside.

‘Plenty of firewood here, it seems.’

How long did I sit there glaring at the crackling flames?

Finally, the head maid appeared.

***

The head maid was a tall woman with heavy makeup.

Wearing a purple dress and her hair in an elaborate updo, she looked like a strict etiquette teacher.

Seeing her reminded me of the governess who used to whip me every day as a child, telling me to become a refined lady. My mood darkened even further.

Seeing my sullen face, the head maid smiled faintly and bowed her head slightly.

“Did you summon me?”

“Yes.”

As I rose from my seat, the head maid’s lips twisted in a mocking smile.

Well, I must have looked ridiculous. My hair was a mess, and I was wearing a thin, light green dress—hardly appropriate for the cold weather.

It wasn’t fitting for the season or for my status. Dressed like this in the winter, I looked like I might freeze to death.

But maybe because I had ridden here in a rush, I didn’t feel cold at all.

The head maid knew why I was here, yet she feigned ignorance.

She spoke words she didn’t mean, “Your Highness, it is an honor to see you after so long. I heard you were unwell, but you seem to have recovered well.”

The unspoken meaning: ‘I thought you were sick, but it seems you’re doing just fine.’

I pretended not to understand and replied, “Thank you. Thanks to His Highness’s care, I have recovered well.”

At my compliant answer, a slight frown formed on the head maid’s brow.

Apparently deciding this wouldn’t do, she launched her second attack.

“However, I must apologize to Your Highness.”

“Go on.”

“It is against propriety for a noble lady to ride a horse alone. I mention it because you might not be aware.”

‘Isn’t that what William said earlier?’

I let out a derisive laugh.

While people were on the verge of freezing to death, did she really want to talk about horses and carriages?

I kept my composure as I asked, “Where is that written?”

“It is written in the [Etiquette Manual]. It’s one of the basics…”

The head maid openly mocked me, but I returned her ridicule immediately.

“Is that so? The history of Mern spans over five hundred years, and you’re quoting a book that’s less than a hundred years old. No wonder I haven’t heard of it.”

What etiquette manual? I had never even heard of it in my past life. I thought cynically to myself.

‘Probably something created by someone with too much time on their hands.’

Unlike me, the head maid seemed quite shaken. Her face flushed red and blue.

“Less than a hundred years old…”

She couldn’t refute me, which meant I wasn’t wrong.