OMLOW 06

 Chapter 6

“I heard they’re preparing bridal lessons at the Empress’s palace.”

“Bridal lessons? What bridal lessons…? …You mean me?”

“Then who else would it be?”

“They didn’t mention this yesterday. Why all of a sudden? …It’s not because I misbehaved yesterday, is it?”

“Of course not. Even noble families have brides and grooms attend lessons when they marry. The palace will be even stricter.”

“Oh, I see…”

Since my older siblings weren’t engaged yet, they didn’t know much about this.

Bridal lessons… this could be worrying.

“Sister, what exactly do these lessons teach? Since it’s in the palace, I imagine it’s special.”

“Hmm, I’m not completely sure either…”

She counted off the lessons one by one:

“First, basic royal etiquette. Then imperial and royal history, managing the household, overseeing palace operations, memorizing noble almanacs for social affairs, arts for refinement, and essential foreign languages for diplomacy…”

“…I want to break off this engagement!”

My sister laughed, as if she expected me to say that, and pinched my cheek lightly.

“Do you think that’s possible now?”

“Can’t you help me run away?”

“No. I’m a palace knight. If anyone’s catching a runaway fiancée, it would be me.”

“Uuuugh.”

Even though she said that, if I really ran away, she would probably help me.

So joking about escape wasn’t an option.

“Well, can’t be helped. Since it’s like this, I’ll do my best—enough to earn the title of ‘Empress chosen by the gods!’”

If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it! That’s my life motto…

And now I have a reason to check on Lionel’s condition regularly!

Since I had a reason to enter the palace, this worked in my favor.

Plus, I’m smart even if I haven’t studied much.

Bridal lessons? I’ll clear them easily!

“Amazing! Posture, pronunciation, eye contact, walking—everything is perfect. Surely you learned from the Roheim Duchess? With her here, what more could I teach? I’ll leave you to it.”

“Your vocabulary and phrasing are impressive. Your knowledge of history is remarkable… Ah, of course! Influenced by the young Roheim heir. Even in the academy, he was called a genius. Blood doesn’t lie.”

“Your harp and painting skills are excellent too… I look forward to the future empire you and the Second Prince will lead together.”

“Hoho, you flatter me.”

The teachers the Empress had summoned tested me and praised me repeatedly.

I could thank my family for that.

My family always had excuses to teach me, just to keep me to themselves.

“Truly remarkable. The Duchess’s refinement is exceptional.”

I had other skills I excelled at, but modesty is important.

I bowed slightly, hand over my chest, and said:

“Thank you for the generous praise. I’ve worked hard because I know how my words and actions reflect on my family.”

The Empress’s face tightened. She was clearly remembering last week’s banquet.

Why was I like that? Reflect on your own behavior first.

“Given your refinement, memorizing royal history and the family tree should be your next step.”

“Ah… the family tree?”

I nearly lost my composure.

“Yes.”

The head maid placed a thick book on the table.

Oh no… that’s the family tree?

Even a noble family that holds twelve annual rituals wouldn’t ask you to memorize that much!

“It cannot leave the palace. You must come twice a week to study. My head maid will assist.”

“I will serve the future princess-to-be with all my heart.”

Even though I hadn’t agreed, the maid bowed politely.

She was older, so I couldn’t refuse or act childish.

“Yes. I’ll do my best.”

“Then I’ll take my leave for today.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please rest.”

I bowed politely and left the Empress’s palace, smiling faintly in case anyone was watching.

This crazy palace!

What kind of bridal lessons are these? It’s just harassment!

It was obvious they wanted to intimidate me before letting me into the palace, but I wasn’t worried.

I had a plan to easily pass this impossible test.

First, let’s accomplish the main goal.

After leaving the front courtyard, I spoke to the attendant guiding me:

“We’re heading to the carriage, right? I want to see the Second Prince before going home.”

“You mean the Second Prince? …Ah, yes. I will guide you.”

The attendant seemed surprised but soon realized I was the fiancée and nodded.

“However, you must take the carriage. It’s quite far.”

Really? The Second Prince’s palace is far from the Empress’s?

The First Prince’s palace is right next to hers…

Was this deliberate, or just coincidence?

Knowing Lionel’s situation made me notice even small details.

If the emperor and empress behaved properly, I wouldn’t have to worry about this.

Lionel met me immediately, even though I hadn’t informed him, for our second meeting.

He could only spare 30 minutes, but that was fine.

“I hear you’ve begun bridal lessons. I assume you’re coming from the Empress’s palace.”

After dismissing his aides, Lionel sat upright, flawless as always.

Seeing him reminded me how human the novel version seemed compared to this perfection.

I smiled faintly.

“Yes. I was praised a lot by the teachers summoned by the Empress. You’re pleased, right?”

“You mean that?”

“Yes. Doesn’t it feel good? Your future wife is beautiful, from a great family, and smart.”

“Is that something I should feel pleased about?”

Oh, come on!

I almost got annoyed, but he really didn’t seem to notice, so I relaxed.

His delicate, doll-like face showed no emotions or intent.

I wonder how the Empress raised him…

Of course. She favored one child over the other.

Perhaps he might turn dark later because he never experienced ordinary affection.

Wait. Then…

If I taught him proper affection and healthy love now, maybe I could prevent him from turning dark.

Yes! A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step!

“Of course it’s a pleasure. I’m glad. My future husband is handsome and smart. I heard from my sister that his swordsmanship is incredible too.”

I flattered him, but he didn’t blush—just nodded.

“Sir Velrose’s thrusts are as fast as lightning, perfectly precise at the vital points. Few palace knights can match that speed.”

“Right! My sister’s movements are so graceful! Other knights are boring to watch during practice, but when she duels, I always watch. She’s amazing!”

I was praising my sister for a long time before realizing I had drifted off-topic.

The head attendant placed tea and snacks on the table.

I was visiting the Second Prince’s palace as the Roheim family’s youngest daughter—a rare guest.

The young head attendant must have been assigned by the Empress.

I frowned at how cautious he was, but I pushed away the mint tea I didn’t like.

“Next time, brew rose tea for me, Eunice.”

Eunice quietly handed him a tin of dried rose petals.

“Made from roses grown by the Roheim Duchess! I’ve heard it’s priceless… I never thought I’d see it in person.”

Was this tea really that rare? I drink it at home all the time.

Since I’m here, I might as well be generous.

I was about to smile and speak when he suddenly asked:

“Will you be visiting here often?”

Oh no, not this again!