The Princess's Doll Shop

It wasn’t her first time leaving the palace, but it felt different this time; it had to be different.

She was having second thoughts. She felt like she was leaving something extremely important behind, or the clinging of something holding her back from behind.

But even so, she didn’t look back and stepped outside.

This detached palace would be locked completely as of today; no one would be able to come in.

So no one would know about the vacant palace.

As for the people who thought strangely of the tightly-locked doors, it would be enough to spread rumors of her worsening health.

Then some fitting rumor would spread from mouth to mouth.

Something along the lines of the imperial princess having some rare disease and needing to rest for a while, or, she’s in such a critical state that she couldn’t even step foot out of the palace.

If time passes like that, who knows, someday, she may be as good as dead.

The truth didn’t matter. Just like every other rumor.

Thud, the door shut behind Kathia’s back.

Now it’s time to open new doors.

* * *

“It’s right past this alleyway.”

After they passed by the imperial palace, they walked for some time in an empty alleyway, when Hughes gestured his hand and spoke.

As he mentioned, the house appeared after following the small alleyway. It was the house Kathia first saw as a picture.

The two-story house with a light brown roof, white brick walls, and arch-shaped door and windows felt cozy and cute.

It might be just the right size for a large family of commoners to live comfortably. The garden also wasn’t particularly spacious, but it was still quite dainty.

Instead of lavish roses, petite wildflowers were scattered about and trees were planted along the white picket fence, their pruned branches slightly arching over the fence, looking quite lovely.

Charming.

To describe this home simply in one word, it was that. After exploring around both the home and garden thoroughly, Kathia’s eyes shone.

“I love it so much!”

“I’m relieved it’s to your liking.”

“It’s far prettier than the drawing. I heard this house was built quite a long time ago, but it doesn’t feel old at all!”

“It’s not just the outside; the inside is also maintained quite well. The owners were quite attached to this house so negotiations were rather difficult.”

Kathia was somewhat surprised at what Hughes just said.

“You didn’t just kick them out or anything like that, right?”

“Why, I’d never.”

Hughes scoffed.

“I just turned somewhat well-to-do commoners into eye-popping wealthy folks.”

“Oh…”

“Lots of money is always the right answer.”

You’re absolutely right, she thought. Kathia stepped carefully through the door Deon opened.

“Wow.”

The price they had to pay for the house was absurd, but it displayed the old couple’s deep affection for it as the interior was beautiful without flaw.

Even though it wasn’t that flashy, it was certainly eye-catching and attractive in its own charming way. Even Madam Murphy, who had distinct tastes, appeared content.

Jean scoffed and spoke while he skimmed the ivory sofa with his fingertips.

“Without a doubt, this is what the imperial princess would most certainly like.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“That kind of impression just came to me.”

Kathia tilted her head and then pressed further.

“Are you trying to beat around the bush saying since I’m a commoner I would like something less flashy and simple like this?”

“…I guess you somehow perfectly mastered the ways of high society as you were leaving… That’s not what I meant. How would I dare to ask where you’re from?”

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Kathia tightly shut her mouth after listening to Jean’s joking yet truthful words.

That’s right. Jean was an illegitimate child.

As a common theme in any story, he was a mistake from a one-night stand between an aristocrat and a maid.

He, who couldn’t be accepted into his family, mastered his swordsmanship at the age of 24-years-old and proudly received the title of Count after becoming a part of the Adolphe Knighthood belonging to the imperial palace.

Simply put, he’s the type of genius to put his efforts ahead of his circumstances — an icon of self success.