Chapter 66 (2/2)

Claire fell silent. The imperial palace had always been an unpredictable place, a power struggle vortex. Why had Mother actually gone to the imperial palace and become the princess’s head maid?

“Elder sister, everybody is praising you for the Niya city incident. The emperor even said he’ll award you. Also, when you were training, did you go encounter anything special? Are you going to class with me tomorrow?” Lashia asked in succession.

“I made a wind leopard my mount. First, tomorrow, I’ll go to the palace to visit Mother, then go to class the next day. Unfortunately, I still need to finish my studies and get the medal after passing the exam. The Hill clan cannot lose face.” Claire smiled and said. The king actually personally presided over the exam and would personally give the medal to the students who passed. The medal was a sign of the honor of being able to serve the country.

“Wind leopard?! A seventh grade magic beast?” Lashia became excited. “Where? Where? Let me see.”

“Enclosed in the courtyard.” Claire said. “Careful.”

“I know already.” Lashia enthusiastically dashed to the courtyard.

Claire sighed, seeing the dusky sky. She hoped Katherine, that gentle woman, wouldn’t be swept into the corrupt court struggle.

At dinner, Duke Gordan treated Ben warmly, but Ben didn’t pay attention. However, Duke Gordan didn’t care and continuously tried to talk to Ben.

Just as they finished eating, a maid came and reported to Duke Gordan that the princess had sent a carriage that was already waiting outside the Hill mansion. It was sent by princess Maurice to sent Claire to the palace.

“That’s fine. Claire, you should go see your mother now and attend class tomorrow.” Duke Gordan instructed.

“Yes, Grandfather.” Claire nodded, then went out with Jean.

Imperial palace: brightly lit, magnificent and gorgeous

The maid brought Claire directly to the harem. Jean could only wait at the entrance.

TL: because harems only allow women or eunuchs cuz, ya kno…

The maid led Claire through a long corridor to the princess’s resting place.

It was bright inside. Claire immediately saw the gentle woman she was concerned about, Katherine. Katherine sat on a sofa with princess Maurice next to her. The two seemed to be talking about a happy topic. Outside of Claire’s expectations, the second prince, prince Nancy, was also there.

“Greetings, your highnesses.” Claire bowed slightly.

“Claire, you came. We were just talking about you.” Princess Maurice seemed to more happy than Katherine when seeing Claire, hurriedly getting up and greeting.

“Claire.” Katherine also stood up, smiling, watching Claire eagerly.

“Mother, I’ve returned.” Claire nodded towards Katherine and smiled. Naturally, she knew this gentle woman had been worried for her.

“Claire, I didn’t think that the plague at Niya city was like that, and I also didn’t expect that you would actually be able to resolve it so quickly.” Prince Nancy said in admiration.

“It’s all due to Master Cliff’s contributions and the Temple of Light’s help that it was settled so quickly.” Claire smiled.

“Since when did you learn to act so humble, there’s no need in our presence.” Princess Maurice pouted.

“There’s no need to be so restrained in front of the princess, her highness is very kind.” Katherine went up and pulled Claire’s hand, smiling.

“Yes, Mother.” Claire saw that Katherine’s mood was pretty good and relaxed. Seems like Mother had a good time in the palace. Everything was fine as long as she was happy.

“Claire, sit, tell us about what happened at Niya city and also about that grand wizard.” Maurice pulled Claire over and they both sat down on the sofa. She excitedly wanted Claire to tell what had happened.

Claire saw Katherine smiling, so she smiled also and started to narrate. Naturally, she omitted a few things. As everybody chatted for a while, the night became late, but princess Maurice still didn’t want to let Claire go. Only when Nancy reminded Maurice did she reluctantly let go of Claire’s hand.

“Rest early. Can’t the both of you meet again tomorrow?” Nancy consoled the unwilling princess Maurice.

“That’s true.” When princess Maurice heard this, she started becoming happy. “Claire, see you at school tomorrow.”

“Yes. Your highness should go to rest.” Claire said, then turned to Katherine and nodded lightly. Only then did she leave with Nancy.

In the long corridor, the candle light made the two’s shadows extremely long.

The two were silent. Nancy walked very slowly. After a good while, he said quietly, “Claire, you’re, you’re not the same as before.”

“Oh, really?” Claire said indifferently. Evidently, she didn’t want to talk about this subject.

“Yes. The current you attracts many gazes.” Nancy stopped. He watched Claire as he said quietly, “So dazzling, making people unable to move their gazes away.”

Claire halted, but didn’t turn back. She only said icily, “Second prince, it’s already very late, I want to…”

Claire didn’t finish speaking. Instead, she widened her eyes suddenly, turned around, and abruptly threw herself on Nancy, pushing Nancy away. The two rolled messily on the ground.

Killing intent! Hidden so well, she almost didn’t sense it.

Where Nancy had been standing at, a ghost-like figure appeared. Silent, extremely dangerous.

An assassin!