The Reserved Daughter Of a Duke And The Cold-Headed Emperor

Translated by TrinityVox

Edited by Schwarzel

After leaving the garden, Eleonora was led to one of the libraries.

“…How wonderful.”

The wall of the library within the castle’s tower was completely lined with books. She gazed at the books as she climbed the spiral staircase. The library was lit up using magic light stones so you could still read in the tower that originally had no light.

From a distance, she could see someone’s head reflecting the light. Sergei was here.

“…Good evening, Sir Prime Minister.”

“Oh, Eleonora-sama! That’s right, you were looking around here.”

To confirm whether or not Alexei was actually Ham-chan, Eleonora decided to ask Sergei if Alexei had ever been to the Magic Forest.

“…A little unrelated but, has His Highness ever been to the Magic Forest?”

“Yes, he has. When he was little, he stayed for about three years.”

(So they are the same person-pe! Ham-chan! You’ve grown wonderfully. Why didn’t he tell me he was Ham-chan-pe?)

Eleonora’s complexion changed as she gasped.

(…It’s my fault! I said Ham-chan was clever and kind, unlike the emperor. It’s my fault he couldn’t confess his identity. Sorry, Ham-chan. Ham-chan, I’m so sorry!)

Her eyes began watering unknowingly.

“You’re very kind Eleonora-sama. Hearing that he’d been in the forest for three years, you’ve become so sad.”

Eleonora became lost in thought, wanting to apologize to Alexei, and didn’t deny it.

“Ah, I’d be happy if only someone as beautiful and kind as you could win his heart. This is just between us but when I asked what his type was, he said he liked someone with soft green skin. He went a bit far even for a joke since there is no such person.”

(There was-pe. The human named Pie was just like that-dabe. Ham-chan liked my past self-pe. Ham-chan, Ham-chan…!)

As she was overcome with emotion, the female attendant called out.

“Pardon me, but it is almost time for dinner. We’ve prepared a change of clothes for you so if you could please return to the room with us.”

Eleonora came back to her senses and nodded, then descended the stairs and left the library.

(Ham-chan is the emperor. The emperor likes my past self-pe! I’m so happy, but I’m not the same anymore. I don’t really wanna go back to looking like that, but it’s fine if it’ll make Ham-chan happy. Then Ham-chan will like me again-pe.)

When she entered one of the castle rooms, there was already a bath prepared.

(Nobles even have other people help them take baths-pe. This is my first time-pe. It should be fine to leave everything to them-dabe.)

Surrounded by female attendants, Eleonora received their care and even a massage.

(Ah, how relaxing-pe.)

The dress prepared was shaped by the ribbon below the chest area. The white ribbon shined on the smooth light green satin fabric.

(This is so freeing-pe! No, no, to remain ladylike I shouldn’t eat too much. But I think I can eat more than usual now-pe. Since it’s not a party after all-pe. It’s a dinner-dabe.)

Her golden hair flowed down, and the attendants tied it half up. Her hair ornament was studded with sapphire, the color of Alexei’s eyes. Her necklace and earrings were made of silver the color of Alexei’s hair with bits of sapphire in them.

Eleonora was stunned by the attendant’s dexterity.

(As expected, the people working in the castle are different-be. Their skills are so refined-pe!)

“…Everyone, thanking for making me look presentable. I’m happy.” Said Eleonora as she smiled.

Seeing this, the attendants were overcome with emotion. Even the head attendant, with her stern expression, couldn’t help but want to bow down to Eleonora’s godliness.

Thus, she was led to the dining room. Since the castle was old and didn’t have many windows, you’d think the room would be dark, but it was instead brightly lit up by the magic light stones. Also contrary to expectations, within the room under the arched ceiling was not a long dining table, but a square table placed right in the middle.

There, Alexei sat.

“…Thank you for the invitation.”

Eleonora gracefully bowed.

“Ah, take a seat.”

After the servant pulled out her chair, she sat down. Her etiquette was perfect thanks to the home tutor’s education. The only problem was her speech.

“If you’re concerned about it, I can set up the sound barrier.”

She tilted her head at his words.

(Setting up a sound barrier in public like this, won’t it seem suspicious-pe?)

“Anyhow, let us enjoy the food.”

Though she loved to eat, in front of Alexei, it became difficult to swallow her food.

(I hurt Ham-chan. Furthermore, the one Ham-chan likes are my soft green-skinned past self. What do I do-dabe….)

“Your favorite ham is the appetizer. What’s wrong? You won’t eat?”

(Ham-chan…Ham-chan’s ham…)

Eleonora forced herself and ate the ham.

(There’s no taste.)

In both her past life and her present life, she had never been so troubled.