Chapter 57 - Princess Amelia

Act 6. Living as a Princess

Although the nobles in Duke Ravenhook’s faction did their best to oppose it, Miltiades still proclaimed me as the princess and legitimate heir, “I am placing Amelia Priscilla Lux Vios Rahel as Rahel’s Imperial Princess.” 

Needless to say, there was a huge backlash. 

“If she’s your heir, then are you giving her the right to succeed the throne?” 

“Your Majesty, this doesn’t make sense!”

“As the imperial princess, she’ll be the first in line to the throne!”

“This doesn’t make sense for the future of Rahel!”

“Your Majesty, please reconsider.” 

From Duke Ravenhook’s faction to even the conservatives, many nobles tried to object. But it was all in vain.

“This makes no sense,” said a strange voice with a wry smile. 

“Then I’ll make it make sense.” Thump. Miltiades flung his sword into the middle of the room, and everyone fell silent at once. 

Everyone could see the bloodlust behind his golden eyes. The nobles fell silent at the tense atmosphere. They felt that anyone who opposed Miltiades would meet their end. He had a history of killing people, so they were careful when speaking to him. 

I shook my head. ‘This is tyranny.’ There was a reason they called him a dictator.

Count Douglas, who had received the punishment of writing thirty thousand reflections, was demoted to a baron. Why? Miltiades didn’t like the reflections. ‘Is it just like him to do this, or isn’t it?’ He didn’t use to be this petty. 

I didn’t enjoy watching Miltiades pressure the opposition with his power. “He didn’t need to go that far. I’m fine,” I muttered to myself.

Callian, who might’ve been standing next to me for protection, heard my words and laughed, “His Majesty only wants the best for you.” 

“I know. That’s why I’m totally fine,” I smiled at him, but he looked sad. “I just need my dad.”

“Saintess…” Callian seemed to be overcome by emotion. I grinned widely. It didn’t matter if I was a princess or an imperial princess! Miltiades was mine! ‘That’s the most important thing.’

“His Majesty is holding back for your sake. If he wanted to draw blood, he would have already done so.” 

“He’s holding back? It doesn’t seem that way at all,” I exclaimed in shock as Callian nodded. “I was afraid that about fifty people would die today.” 

“…” Judging by how easily he mentioned bloodshed, I could tell Callian was indeed one of Miltiades’s men. 

Suddenly, someone chimed in, “Your Majesty, may I ask why you wish to name a princess with an unknown background as your heir?” 

The speaker was an old man, who appeared calm in this volatile situation.

I thought Miltiades would immediately unsheathe his sword, but to my surprise, he replied, “Because she’s my daughter.” 

His words made my heart race. ‘Because I’m his daughter? I have no choice but to declare today a holiday. From now on, I’m celebrating this day every year!’ I tried to hold back my tears of joy while Luciana patted my back. 

Faced with Miltiades’s candid response and no-nonsense attitude, no one could say anything further. During the awkward silence, Callian leaned towards me, “Saintess, let’s go back.” 

“Hm? Already? I think there’s still more to talk about.”

Callian smiled mysteriously, “You shouldn’t see what happens next.”  

“Ah, Daddy’s about to go on a rampage,” my eyes lit up. “Then I’ll stop him.” 

I remained in my seat while Callian gave Luciana a tearful look. Luciana sighed, “Saintess, stop messing around with the adults.”

I smiled sheepishly at Callian’s look of surprise. 

* * *

Despite the huge commotion around the crowning, I was finally given my title. 

“Congratulations on becoming the princess! You’re now officially a part of the Rahel imperial family.” 

“I can’t believe it!” Was it because I was used to being called ‘Saintess’? I tilted my head in wonder.

“Should I call you ‘Your Highness’ now?”

“No, call me ‘Saintess.’ I still am one,” I replied. Most saintesses who were adopted had to give up their titles until they returned to the Holy Vios Empire as adults. I was the exception. 

“I didn’t think the pope would accept the special agreement,” said Luciana. I agreed with her. The adoption procedure was different from usual, so the pope and the emperor agreed on one special term: even if I became the imperial princess, I would still have the title of ‘saintess.’

“Well, it’s a good thing. I’m still the saintess because of it!” I replied. There was something fishy about the arrangement, but it was all in the past. 

To celebrate my becoming a princess, my dad sent more presents to the detached palace, and my room was filled with even more items: dresses, jewels, ornaments, decorations, and even people!

“I’ve been assigned as Your Highness’s lady-in-waiting. Please call me Margaret,” said one of the multiple maids assigned to me. “We greet Your Highness.”  

I knew I was supposed to greet them, but I was shy around strangers. So Luciana replied on my behalf, “Her Highness welcomes you all.”

“We thank Her Highness for her welcome,” said the maids in unison, smiling at me pleasantly as I stuck close to Luciana and peered at them. 

“His Majesty ordered extra renovations for your palace, so you will have to stay at the detached palace for a while,” at Margaret’s words, Luciana turned to me. I was sad that I couldn’t move, but I took it in stride. 

I nodded, “I’m fine.” Margaret smiled.

* * *