24 :✦ The new Princess Arrives ✦

Just a few hours before their arrival at the port, under Queen Elvira's orders, Irene wore a luxurious gown befitting a princess making her first public appearance.

She had been prepared with meticulous care; her long hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders, while part of it was swept up and adorned with a finely crafted royal accessory atop her head.

At that moment, Irene looked like a work of art—her beauty silent, yet striking. Even Queen Elvira gazed at her for a long while before saying, with a rare tone of honesty:

"You're lucky to be this beautiful."

Her maid Sally couldn't hide her awe. She kept circling her with childlike excitement, clapping softly, while her sister-in-law—who had come to see the bride—felt a clear wave of jealousy the moment her eyes landed on Irene.

Even her husband, Raynold, seemed visibly stunned at the sight of her.

And everyone on the ship, from crew to guards, began whispering. All praised Irene, even if some of it was flattery. But none could deny her sheer elegance.

"You've become a princess, at last…"

A phrase once spoken to her with mockery had now become reality.

She was no longer "nothing"…

She had become something dazzling—something no one could ignore.

---

As afternoon approached, the ship docked at the port. The crowd was large, and soldiers lined the pathway on both sides. All eyes were eager to catch a glimpse of "the forgotten princess," as they had dubbed her.

Waiting on the pier was the family of her future husband:

His mother, Isabelle, and his two sisters—Violet, two years older than Irene, and Anita, just one year older.

As the royal delegation descended, the mother stepped forward to greet Queen Elvira warmly and respectfully. But the attention of the crowd was entirely on Irene.

Though the people were not quick to embrace her, her beauty threw them off guard. Even the two sisters stood frozen, watching her silently in awe.

Isabelle approached Irene with a kind smile and said:

"You're as beautiful as a doll… Welcome to our little family."

Irene bowed with grace and elegance, responding with polished courtesy.

Violet stepped forward next, offering a brief welcome in a neutral tone that leaned toward coldness.

But the younger sister, Anita… she was different.

As soon as she approached, Irene felt something strange—an aura that reminded her of those she left behind in Iscard Palace.

She showed no emotion, but she sensed it clearly.

---

Queen Elvira turned her head and asked about Lucas, but Isabelle apologized with visible regret, saying that an urgent matter had kept him from attending.

Soon after, the royal entourage proceeded to the estate designated for Lucas' family—a grand and opulent mansion near the royal palace.

Upon arrival, the servants bowed and welcomed them with respect. They were led to the reception halls, majestic and refined, with every detail radiating elegance.

Irene entered her guest suite alongside Sally, who kept scanning the space in awe, whispering:

"Valerian is so beautiful… just like Iscard. Not at all how I imagined it."

---

Irene then entered the great hall with unwavering composure.

She wore a refined gown, her hair softly pinned up, paired with fine, understated jewelry.

As soon as she walked in, everyone stood in respect.

Edward Retcherd de Valerian, Lucas's father, stepped forward and greeted her kindly:

"Welcome to your new home, Your Highness… Your beauty exceeds all we've heard."

Irene gave a light bow and replied with cool politeness:

"Thank you for the warm welcome. It's an honor to become part of this distinguished family."

At that moment, Crown Prince Raynold approached and exchanged formal greetings with her.

Then, Edward invited everyone to sit.

Shortly after, Raynold remarked with a tone of subtle surprise:

"I don't see the groom here either."

The room froze for a moment.

Edward turned silently toward his wife, Isabelle, giving her a quiet, reproachful look.

She lowered her gaze to the table, visibly embarrassed.

Edward then spoke in a tone trying to remain balanced:

"There must've been an emergency… As you know, Lucas is Commander of the Army. His duties are quite demanding."

Raynold gave a faint, cold smile and said, his voice laced with veiled sarcasm:

"They should've made an exception for him… After all, his wedding is only two days away."

Edward chuckled lightly, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

---

The topic quickly shifted to the wedding.

Queen Elvira began discussing the simplicity of the ceremony and the limited number of guests with Queen Isabelle.

Then Raynold, with his usual diplomatic tone, said:

"We appreciate your understanding of the princess's privacy in this union… The king spoils her greatly, even in matters like these. She is the youngest among us, and nothing is ever denied her."

His words were carefully chosen, clearly directed at House Valerian.

An unspoken message: Irene is no ordinary girl.

Retcherd responded,

"I heard as much from our messenger. I had no choice but to accept His Majesty's sincere feelings and concern for his daughter—after all, I too am a father to two beloved daughters."

A gentle laugh rippled around the table.

But Irene remained silent.

She had understood the message perfectly.

---

Afterwards, Isabelle asked with a warm smile:

"It must've been hard to part with your father."

Irene responded with a soft smile, one that masked a storm within:

"Yes… My father has always been a very gentle man."

Her words were heavy, and her gaze carried a quiet pain.

---

Then, the discussion turned to the wedding dress.

Violet said,

"You have exquisite taste in dresses. Have you chosen your gown?"

Irene answered calmly:

"Yes, I selected it earlier in Iscard."

Suddenly, Raynold's wife—Leora—tried to chime in, implying that Queen Elvira had chosen everything.

But Elvira immediately cut her off with a firm tone:

"I gave a few suggestions… but she chose all her gowns and jewelry herself."

She then shot Leora a sharp, silencing glare—

a look that said clearly:

"Close your mouth. Now."

Elvira's mission was clear: to present Irene as a flawless royal figure.

---

And so, the royal dinner came to an end.

Everyone said what they were expected to say.

But those who spoke the truth… were very few.