Episode 132. I'll Do My Best and Be Back
People let out gasps of admiration, but Olivia's attention was fixed on Noah, who stood leaning against the wall. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he was overwhelming and alluring, like the god of darkness, war, and lust.
Lately, his mood had been consistently low. He also appeared to be holding it all in.
It felt all too clear that it was because of her, but it was too late to back out. No, the more she felt that way, the more she wanted to do a good job.
"I Need You, Olivia."
Your needs.
Receive recognition from those standing behind you.
A bridge between the royal family and the common people.
I am not a heavy responsibility hanging on your shoulders. Nor am I a burden tarnishing your honor.
She wanted to show it. To him more than anyone else.
She approached him anxiously, tilting her head and smiling. Whenever that happened, he always crumbled before her. He lunged at her terrifyingly, acting as if he intended to devour every last bit of her.
She felt a sense of relief even while being shaken violently.
However, after everything was over, he frowned and heartlessly turned his back. He did not stroke her hair warmly as before, nor did he put his arms around her waist to sleep.
Olivia looked down at herself and cautiously approached him.
She felt the intense gaze suffocating her entire body. Feeling as if something were tightly blocking her solar plexus, Olivia pulled her lips up toward him once again.
"How is it?"
The days when he smiled gently at her felt like a hallucination.
Noah looked down at her quietly, then silently lifted himself from the wall he had been leaning against. Then, putting on the gloves he was holding, he brushed past her.
Olivia felt a goosebump-inducing sensation as if the blood were draining from her face. She bit her lip tightly, feeling as if tears were about to well up, when a warm coat was draped over her shoulders. She reflexively turned her head, and there stood Noah.
"Here."
With a still indifferent look in his eyes, he put the coat on her, turned her around as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and put gloves on her hands.
Olivia's heart trembled mercilessly like thin paper at his behavior, which seemed to have one foot in the equator and one in the poles.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Olivia smiled reflexively and clasped his hand.
The tears that were about to well up had vanished before she knew it.
For generations, knowledge was the exclusive property of a small ruling class. While the rulers outwardly appeared to inherit manors and social status, the most precious thing they actually passed down to their descendants was invisible knowledge.
Knowledge is like a tower; the more you build, the higher it rises, allowing you to see further.
While the uneducated hung on to the reality before their eyes, the educated looked toward the unseen, and that very difference distinguished the rulers from the ruled.
In that sense, the royal school ordered by King Herod held great significance.
As a magnificent royal carriage passed through the school's main gate, built of reddish-brown bricks, the waiting knights of the guard saluted in unison.
"He's here!"
While the reporters waiting at the school's main building were explaining the detailed composition of the photos to the photographers who had accompanied them, the King's carriage stopped at the designated spot.
One of the reporters meeting the King for the first time today swallowed hard, and the Ruble Party, led by Harold Beam, braced itself for the silent war that was about to be fought.
As the King, Queen, and Crown Prince stepped out of the carriage one after another, camera flashes erupted from everywhere.
While the nobles waited to bow respectfully toward the King, Prince Noah and his wife disembarked from the carriage, following behind.
Suddenly, the solemn atmosphere became subtly chaotic. This was because the invited reporters were busy turning their cameras one after another toward Prince Noah and his wife, especially the Princess.
Unlike the Prince, whose face was stiff, the Princess, wearing a dark green coat, smiled gently at the reporters.
"Exclude His Royal Highness the Prince's face, and only focus on Her Royal Highness the Princess's face."
The reporters secretly made orders to the photographers, and the photographers frantically flashed their cameras, fearing that the Princess might move. This was because cameras are difficult to move, so if the subject moved, they could not take the desired photo.
As a result, a photographer, feeling rushed, unwittingly made the mistake of calling out to the Princess as she passed by.
“Wow, Your Highness, the Princess, wait a moment!!”
Suddenly, the surroundings turned cold.
What was more frightening than the stern gaze of the royal guards was Prince Noah's fierce look that flew straight at him. The photographer felt as if his neck were being crushed by a lion's paw. The reporter standing beside him turned pale, nudged the photographer, and quickly bowed his head to the prince.
As attention focused on them, Usher, who was nearby, tried to move to defuse Noah's fierce mood.
But right then, a gentle voice cut through the cold air before that.
"Should I look this way?"
As the Princess, who was holding the Prince's hand, subtly turned her head and smiled sweetly, the reporter quickly answered on behalf of the photographer, who was frozen in fear.
“Th-thank you, Your Highness!”
Then, adjusting the camera to ensure the Prince's face did not appear as much as possible, he quickly pressed the shutter.
Phut!
The atmosphere instantly softened, and other photographers who had been watching the situation also quietly started snapping photos.
Bang bang bang!
And the more that happened, the colder Noah's expression became.
It was impossible not to know that all their attention was directed toward Olivia.
In Noah's eyes, the reporters were no different from a pack of hungry jackals. Their only interest was sensational stories that would be profitable.
Even if she smiles brightly and becomes a good subject, it won't do Olivia the slightest bit.
Noah tightened his grip on Olivia's hand a little more. She turned her head and looked up at him.
Noah took Olivia's hand and led her up the stairs of the main building's entrance.
"You don't have to go that far, Olivia."
"Yes?"
“It is rare for doing favors to reporters to come back in a good way.”
“...”
At the low whisper, Olivia remained silent, not knowing what to say.
The event was scheduled to be held in the main hall of the main building. As the building focused on practicality rather than extravagance, the venue was decorated in a neat and tidy manner.
As the King and Queen took their seats of honor, Crown Prince Usher sat beside the Queen. And next to them, Noah and Olivia sat side by side.
Usher glanced at the brother's sharp-edged face and whispered softly as he sat down.
“Calm down, Noah.”
"What did I do?"
"There are a lot of eyes watching."
He was already sensitive about matters related to the media, but not to this extent. He reacted sharply to even the slightest actions around him, like a wild beast protecting its newborn offspring.
Even the nobles who wanted to speak to the Princess did not dare to approach her because of his commanding presence.
Beside him, Olivia caught her trembling breath.
The countless eyes showered upon her were lighter than a handful of Noah's heartless gaze. Even the fervent interest of the people was lighter than a single cold word from Noah.
Olivia clenched her fist so tightly that her fingertips turned pure white. Her gaze turned toward the platform set up on the central staircase. In the center of the platform, lined with banners bearing the golden lion—the symbol of the Herodian royal court—was the lectern where she was to stand.
I will definitely do a good job.
This is the price she rightfully must pay for the crown she wears on her head.
Thus, she will overcome the weight of the crown, stand proud before the name Astrid, and bring the responsibility placed on her shoulders to her knees.
And so... I want to stand side by side with him.
Olivia's black eyes deepened like the abyss and became as hard as a mountain of piled-up earth.
The event proceeded on time, but Olivia was detached from the flow of time. While the King personally delivered a congratulatory speech and introduced the faculty one by one, Olivia clapped and smiled, but her time had stopped.
And her time began to flow again the moment her eyes met King Herod's. Leonard gently looked around the assembly and spoke in a dignified voice.
"The Duchess of Rosemond was truly delighted by the establishment of the Royal School. Therefore, I am also very pleased to hear that she has personally prepared a congratulatory speech."
Leonard smiled gently at Olivia, pointed at the podium, and took a step down.
Olivia slowly rose from her seat, defying the tidal wave of stares pouring down on her. She straightened her back and shoulders, taking a calm breath.
When she turned to the side, Noah was looking at her.
Olivia met his beautiful eyes and spoke to herself.
I'll do my best and come back.
Please watch over me.
The Princess took off the hat and thick coat that covered half her face.
Then, the dress containing Jane Ambrose's soul was revealed.
“I want my clothes to convey that I am a Princess of commoner origin.”
Olivia commissioned Jane Ambrose to make the dress, ordering only that one thing.
In a space filled entirely with dark colors, her fresh green silk dress felt as fresh as a blooming flower bud.
Her dress was natural yet elegant. It did not feel uncomfortable or constricting, and like the skirts she often wore, it ended just below the knee, giving a light and airy impression.
She was active yet elegant, familiar yet somehow unconventional.
People's eyes followed Olivia's steps. Even gazes carry weight and are bound to be oppressive, but Olivia's steps were nothing but fresh and light.
She climbed the stairs with an unwavering attitude and stood naturally at the podium. Only then were the people able to face her head-on.
Olivia, standing alone in a place higher than the King, met people with black eyes like the deep sea.
People let out gasps of admiration, but Olivia's attention was fixed on Noah, who stood leaning against the wall. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he was overwhelming and alluring, like the god of darkness, war, and lust.
Lately, his mood had been consistently low. He also appeared to be holding it all in.
It felt all too clear that it was because of her, but it was too late to back out. No, the more she felt that way, the more she wanted to do a good job.
"I Need You, Olivia."
Your needs.
Receive recognition from those standing behind you.
A bridge between the royal family and the common people.
I am not a heavy responsibility hanging on your shoulders. Nor am I a burden tarnishing your honor.
She wanted to show it. To him more than anyone else.
She approached him anxiously, tilting her head and smiling. Whenever that happened, he always crumbled before her. He lunged at her terrifyingly, acting as if he intended to devour every last bit of her.
She felt a sense of relief even while being shaken violently.
However, after everything was over, he frowned and heartlessly turned his back. He did not stroke her hair warmly as before, nor did he put his arms around her waist to sleep.
Olivia looked down at herself and cautiously approached him.
She felt the intense gaze suffocating her entire body. Feeling as if something were tightly blocking her solar plexus, Olivia pulled her lips up toward him once again.
"How is it?"
The days when he smiled gently at her felt like a hallucination.
Noah looked down at her quietly, then silently lifted himself from the wall he had been leaning against. Then, putting on the gloves he was holding, he brushed past her.
Olivia felt a goosebump-inducing sensation as if the blood were draining from her face. She bit her lip tightly, feeling as if tears were about to well up, when a warm coat was draped over her shoulders. She reflexively turned her head, and there stood Noah.
"Here."
With a still indifferent look in his eyes, he put the coat on her, turned her around as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and put gloves on her hands.
Olivia's heart trembled mercilessly like thin paper at his behavior, which seemed to have one foot in the equator and one in the poles.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Olivia smiled reflexively and clasped his hand.
The tears that were about to well up had vanished before she knew it.
***
For generations, knowledge was the exclusive property of a small ruling class. While the rulers outwardly appeared to inherit manors and social status, the most precious thing they actually passed down to their descendants was invisible knowledge.
Knowledge is like a tower; the more you build, the higher it rises, allowing you to see further.
While the uneducated hung on to the reality before their eyes, the educated looked toward the unseen, and that very difference distinguished the rulers from the ruled.
In that sense, the royal school ordered by King Herod held great significance.
As a magnificent royal carriage passed through the school's main gate, built of reddish-brown bricks, the waiting knights of the guard saluted in unison.
"He's here!"
While the reporters waiting at the school's main building were explaining the detailed composition of the photos to the photographers who had accompanied them, the King's carriage stopped at the designated spot.
One of the reporters meeting the King for the first time today swallowed hard, and the Ruble Party, led by Harold Beam, braced itself for the silent war that was about to be fought.
As the King, Queen, and Crown Prince stepped out of the carriage one after another, camera flashes erupted from everywhere.
While the nobles waited to bow respectfully toward the King, Prince Noah and his wife disembarked from the carriage, following behind.
Suddenly, the solemn atmosphere became subtly chaotic. This was because the invited reporters were busy turning their cameras one after another toward Prince Noah and his wife, especially the Princess.
Unlike the Prince, whose face was stiff, the Princess, wearing a dark green coat, smiled gently at the reporters.
"Exclude His Royal Highness the Prince's face, and only focus on Her Royal Highness the Princess's face."
The reporters secretly made orders to the photographers, and the photographers frantically flashed their cameras, fearing that the Princess might move. This was because cameras are difficult to move, so if the subject moved, they could not take the desired photo.
As a result, a photographer, feeling rushed, unwittingly made the mistake of calling out to the Princess as she passed by.
“Wow, Your Highness, the Princess, wait a moment!!”
Suddenly, the surroundings turned cold.
What was more frightening than the stern gaze of the royal guards was Prince Noah's fierce look that flew straight at him. The photographer felt as if his neck were being crushed by a lion's paw. The reporter standing beside him turned pale, nudged the photographer, and quickly bowed his head to the prince.
As attention focused on them, Usher, who was nearby, tried to move to defuse Noah's fierce mood.
But right then, a gentle voice cut through the cold air before that.
"Should I look this way?"
As the Princess, who was holding the Prince's hand, subtly turned her head and smiled sweetly, the reporter quickly answered on behalf of the photographer, who was frozen in fear.
“Th-thank you, Your Highness!”
Then, adjusting the camera to ensure the Prince's face did not appear as much as possible, he quickly pressed the shutter.
Phut!
The atmosphere instantly softened, and other photographers who had been watching the situation also quietly started snapping photos.
Bang bang bang!
And the more that happened, the colder Noah's expression became.
It was impossible not to know that all their attention was directed toward Olivia.
In Noah's eyes, the reporters were no different from a pack of hungry jackals. Their only interest was sensational stories that would be profitable.
Even if she smiles brightly and becomes a good subject, it won't do Olivia the slightest bit.
Noah tightened his grip on Olivia's hand a little more. She turned her head and looked up at him.
Noah took Olivia's hand and led her up the stairs of the main building's entrance.
"You don't have to go that far, Olivia."
"Yes?"
“It is rare for doing favors to reporters to come back in a good way.”
“...”
At the low whisper, Olivia remained silent, not knowing what to say.
The event was scheduled to be held in the main hall of the main building. As the building focused on practicality rather than extravagance, the venue was decorated in a neat and tidy manner.
As the King and Queen took their seats of honor, Crown Prince Usher sat beside the Queen. And next to them, Noah and Olivia sat side by side.
Usher glanced at the brother's sharp-edged face and whispered softly as he sat down.
“Calm down, Noah.”
"What did I do?"
"There are a lot of eyes watching."
He was already sensitive about matters related to the media, but not to this extent. He reacted sharply to even the slightest actions around him, like a wild beast protecting its newborn offspring.
Even the nobles who wanted to speak to the Princess did not dare to approach her because of his commanding presence.
Beside him, Olivia caught her trembling breath.
The countless eyes showered upon her were lighter than a handful of Noah's heartless gaze. Even the fervent interest of the people was lighter than a single cold word from Noah.
Olivia clenched her fist so tightly that her fingertips turned pure white. Her gaze turned toward the platform set up on the central staircase. In the center of the platform, lined with banners bearing the golden lion—the symbol of the Herodian royal court—was the lectern where she was to stand.
I will definitely do a good job.
This is the price she rightfully must pay for the crown she wears on her head.
Thus, she will overcome the weight of the crown, stand proud before the name Astrid, and bring the responsibility placed on her shoulders to her knees.
And so... I want to stand side by side with him.
Olivia's black eyes deepened like the abyss and became as hard as a mountain of piled-up earth.
The event proceeded on time, but Olivia was detached from the flow of time. While the King personally delivered a congratulatory speech and introduced the faculty one by one, Olivia clapped and smiled, but her time had stopped.
And her time began to flow again the moment her eyes met King Herod's. Leonard gently looked around the assembly and spoke in a dignified voice.
"The Duchess of Rosemond was truly delighted by the establishment of the Royal School. Therefore, I am also very pleased to hear that she has personally prepared a congratulatory speech."
Leonard smiled gently at Olivia, pointed at the podium, and took a step down.
Olivia slowly rose from her seat, defying the tidal wave of stares pouring down on her. She straightened her back and shoulders, taking a calm breath.
When she turned to the side, Noah was looking at her.
Olivia met his beautiful eyes and spoke to herself.
I'll do my best and come back.
Please watch over me.
The Princess took off the hat and thick coat that covered half her face.
Then, the dress containing Jane Ambrose's soul was revealed.
“I want my clothes to convey that I am a Princess of commoner origin.”
Olivia commissioned Jane Ambrose to make the dress, ordering only that one thing.
In a space filled entirely with dark colors, her fresh green silk dress felt as fresh as a blooming flower bud.
Her dress was natural yet elegant. It did not feel uncomfortable or constricting, and like the skirts she often wore, it ended just below the knee, giving a light and airy impression.
She was active yet elegant, familiar yet somehow unconventional.
People's eyes followed Olivia's steps. Even gazes carry weight and are bound to be oppressive, but Olivia's steps were nothing but fresh and light.
She climbed the stairs with an unwavering attitude and stood naturally at the podium. Only then were the people able to face her head-on.
Olivia, standing alone in a place higher than the King, met people with black eyes like the deep sea.
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