Even if Cordelia had a spare outfit, she would not be able to get rid of the alcohol scent, and that would definitely be a faux pas in front of the queen.Victoria worried for Allegra but smirked, triumphant about Cordelia's embarrassing state.Allegra said with a smile, "Cordelia, you should take care of it in the washroom! You're basically stationed there today, anyway. Another trip should be fine!"Cordelia froze with a flushed face.The guard came over to announce that they should get prepared to see the queen.Someone mocked from the side, "Ms. Irwin, this is a royal event. I think you should attend events like this less in the future lest you make a faux pas and embarrass the Irwins!""Right? Someone who grew up outside just isn't the same as us who grew up in Southeast Aciatic.""I heard that she lived in a basement in Jangasas before she came back to Southeast Aciatic…"The heiresses whispered among each other, and Allegra looked even more victorious.Victoria smiled m
Allegra was perplexed by the sudden question. She looked at Cordelia like she was looking at a monster. "W-What do you mean?"Cordelia chuckled. "I think there's no fairness in this world. Otherwise, why was one chosen as a princess and could possibly inherit the whole country in the future, and another… could only wash my dress for me in the washroom when they're cousins in the same family?""What are you talking about!?"Allegra turned pale as she gnashed her teeth.Even though Cordelia was instigating, she had hit the nail right on the head.Allegra could not stand Victoria. Both of them had grown up playing and studying together—Victoria's grades were worse than hers too… Why could Victoria earn the king's favor and become the only princess in the royal family?They used to be like sisters, but there were now palace rules and etiquette when they met. She could not call Victoria by her name like she used to and had to respectfully address her "Your Highness".Ever since Victo
It was a man's voice!Cordelia frowned, finding the voice familiar.Meanwhile, Allegra shouted at the door like she had found her savior, "Cousin! Alexander! Is it you!?"Help! Save me, Alexander!"Cordelia paused. Could it be Alexander at the door?The doorknob was twisted even faster, accompanied by hastier knocks."What's going on inside? I'll get the guards to open the door if you don't come out!"Cordelia snorted and let go of Allegra abruptly. 'No fun!'Allegra fled frantically and staggered to open the door. As expected, Alexander stood outside, looking confused."Alexander!" Allegra wailed and threw herself into his arms.However, she was the least of Alexander's concerns as he only saw Cordelia, who stood there nonchalantly with crossed arms, as well as the red wine stain on her.He froze and pushed Allegra off him to run to Cordelia."Are you okay!?"Cordelia was surprised. The man's concern and nervous expression did not look feigned.Alexander could care less
Cordelia took a few steps back, startled."This can't do! My clothes are stained, and I reek of alcohol. It'd be a disrespect to the queen! I…”"Calm down. I have a solution!"Alexander smiled at her with a hand on her shoulder.Cordelia subconsciously wanted to move back to keep some distance between them, but it seemed that Alexander had read her mind and moved his hand off before she stepped back. He then politely let her walk in front.Cordelia nodded but could not help being puzzled. She instinctively did not think that Alexander had an ulterior motive because his gaze was so clean.It was not like Cordelia had never seen men who wanted… things. The supervisor who would always pick on her back in Jangasas and the director who had wanted to take advantage of her in Centrolis… Those people wrote their dirty desires on their faces.Alexander was not like that. Cordelia could see equality, peace, love, and kindness in his eyes. She thought that if he became the ruler of the cou
“Well…” Alexander shrugged. "I have not, but from what Neil says, she's a talented and gorgeous fairy!"Cordelia chuckled, amused.Neil did not like Victoria but liked hanging out with the mild-mannered Alexander. They were similar in age and had spent time together since pre-school, only parting when they went to high school.Despite that, the geographical distance had not set their hearts apart. No matter what they ran into, they shared it with each other.Just like this time, Neil had told him about Aurelia's story, and the girl's temporary residence permit was all thanks to Alexander's help."I think your cousin's fallen hard this time!" Alexander chuckled. "Aurelia's working for that tailor, and he makes several daily trips there. The owner thinks the demolishment is actually happening!""Is Aurelia doing well?" Cordelia had not seen the girl for some time and missed her."Don't worry. I'm sure she's doing good with Neil looking out for her."Cordelia felt the embroidery a
Cordelia placed her cutlery down without giving anything away.Alexander furrowed his brows with puzzlement in his gaze."Sister, you…""Don't ask how I found out!" Victoria took a sip of champagne as she snickered at them. "That's not very nice of you all to hide a talented, pretty girl like this!"Cordelia took a deep breath. It was apparent that Victoria had investigated Aurelia in secret.It was not difficult for a princess to look someone up based on her influence, but Victoria did this because of Neil… Jealousy made one lose their sound judgment.Cordelia was mulling over how she should help Aurelia out of this when Victoria told the queen, "Auntie, you must like Cordelia's dress, right? I thought it was a famous designer's work when I first saw it!""Oh?" The queen chuckled. "This makes me more curious about the lady who made this dress, then! Cordelia, is she an embroidery artist from the Irwins? You Irwins have lots of talented people!""Of course not!" Victoria sat ne
Victoria sneered and said strangely, “Alexander… you swing that way?"Alexander balled up his fists. His gaze scared Victoria. As his elder sister, she had never seen a cutting gaze like this from her usual mild-mannered brother. She could not help stepping back, but she kept up the authority of a princess.“You… What are you going to do?”“Sister, why are you so nervous?” Alexander smirked. “You were the one being aggressive just now. I haven’t said anything!”Victoria pursed her lips and stayed silent.“I have to remind you, though.” Alexander looked at her. “You let Allegra bully Cordelia.”“Nonsense!”“Never mind, you won’t admit it.” Alexander shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ve got to know that there’s no fool in this world. Allegra’s willing to be used not because she’s close to you but because she wants something more from you!“And Cordelia…" He sighed. "Don’t think she’s a pushover. Her first 20 years were really spent in Jangasas, and her life was horrible, but she’s no
"Nothing." He shook his head. "Go in."Cordelia nodded and was going to walk away when she caught Alexander's gaze toward her house. It was like he was looking for something…She suddenly had an odd feeling.Alexander was nice to her and protected her where he could, but her sixth sense as a woman told her it was not romantic.Linda treated her like that, Trinity treated her like that, Zennie treated her like that, and Aurelia treated her like that… but Alexander was a man!Cordelia's heart dropped. She sneaked a glimpse at Alexander and forced a smile before she hurried home.Once she entered, she saw Zephyr serving dinner from the kitchen. When he saw her, he was still wearing an apron and smiled like he was fishing for compliments. "Welcome home, darling! Wash your hands, and let's eat."Cordelia was astonished, looking at the table of dishes."You made all these?"There was grilled steak, stuffed mushrooms, fried shrimp, baked potatoes… Zephyr even brought over two plates