The Reason I Keep Avoiding My Childhood Friend

“The Crown Prince and the princess of Taylon are getting married.”

As I spoke, I realized why the Grand Duke and Kir had come to the capital. They were here to attend a ceremony to celebrate the national wedding. Come to think of it, while having dinner together yesterday, he said he would stay for quite a while this time.

“Yes. It’s a national wedding, so they would have an influence.”

“Will it change a lot of things?”

Miss Katie nodded her head slightly. I didn’t really understand it, but I felt slightly disturbed inside. Was it like the feeling of discomfort while watching political news?

“How about doing just that for today?”

“I can do more.”

Miss Katie’s proposal didn’t appeal to me very much. If I get out of here, I will only have random thoughts. I didn’t want to see him right now because I was worried about the conversation with Kir in the carriage.

I hate being alone with Kir when Father goes out with the Grand Duke. Kir, who had suddenly grown so much, was burdensome.

“It is good to learn from reading books like this, but it is also necessary to actually experience it. Especially at your age, it is important to see many things.”

Was this like the heart of a mother who was worried about her child who only studies and get surprised to be told to get outside? She already proposed the idea twice. I nodded my head, thinking it was not polite to refuse any more.

“All right. I will finish today.”

“Are you going home right away?”

I couldn’t answer Miss Katie’s question easily because Kir kept getting stuck in my heart. Miss Katie suggested to me first as she read my hesitation.

“Then, how about going out? The Taylon delegation and the others will come.”

That was why she kept wanting me to go out. Apparently, it was a welcome ceremony to welcome people from other countries, especially the Crown Princess. There would be so much to see. I was numb to this kind of news because I only went back and forth between the mansion and the Sage’s Study.

Wait, if it’s the Taylon delegation…

“Is the princess coming today?”

“Do you want to see the princess?”

A cute smile spread across Miss Katie’s lips. Were my eyes sparkling as if I’m looking forward to meeting my favorite idol? I nodded eagerly.

Didn’t I grow up watching a lot of princess stories through fairy tales in my previous life? How beautiful and elegant can a real princess be? Won’t she be an actress-level beauty who would be praised as a goddess?

I came to the Empire to study, but the radius of my life was quite narrow. Just like a high school senior studying for the CSAT every day, I spent my time only in the Sage’s Study. It means that I had not properly enjoyed the culture of the capital.

I know the high-ranking Grand Duke and Kir, but they couldn’t fulfill my fantasy because they were too close to me. So, I had higher expectations for the princess. Believing that the real thing will be different! I’ll see what a princess’s grace is! Seeing my excitement for the first time, Miss Katie gave a small smile.

“If you’re lucky, you might see her face?”

“I want to leave soon!”

I hurriedly cleaned up and left the Sage’s Study. My heart was pounding with anticipation for the princess’ beauty. She’s a princess, so she must be more beautiful than Kir, right? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Kir’s appearance at the level of a flower in full bloom, so I was uneasy.

For the first time, I went out alone without riding in a carriage. Sometimes I went with a guardian – such as Mr. Hafterry or someone from the Sage’s Study – but this was the first time I was completely alone. It’s kind of exciting. It’s just walking around alone, but it feels like an adventure.

Although I had rode in a carriage multiple times, and the view outside had become familiar, this exhilarating space had a different feel. It was surprising that the road that always seemed static was crowded.

As the people of Taylon headed toward the central road, the festive atmosphere filled the streets decorated with paper flowers, flowers, and ribbons. There were musicians who played on the street, and people selling food in simple carts. I took out my pocket money and bought fruit juice to drink.

It was not even the day of the national wedding, it’s just the bride coming to town, hence it felt strange that they were being so passionate. Was it because the existence of the royal family itself had a symbolic meaning?

Perhaps, since I lived a previous life without a king, I couldn’t sympathize with people enjoying things like this. I had to get used to it now, as it was a big deal regardless of my emotions from my previous life.