Chapter 20 Ive met a real beast (13)

Translator Zimming

But unlike the original story, Ancia didnt die. Of course, the real Ancia is gone, but Diana doesnt know the fact. So she wont suffer from guilt for the rest of her life.

You were so cool back then. I can never do that. Everyone is praising you and going crazy!

In The Beast and the Lady, there is a story about Ancia not blaming Diana. Of course, she indeed felt jealous and hateful because of the situation, but she couldnt hate her sister, the only person who genuinely like her.

Others may not know, but Diana may realize that I am a fake.

I recalled the original and try to act as real Ancia.

Thank you.

Youre so pretty.

Diana smiled brightly. Fortunately, she didnt seem to have any doubts.

Are you feeling better, sister?

Huh?

They said you were drowning before.

Oh, yes,

I was worried, but Im glad you looked healthy.

She looked around and came close to me.

Sister, take this.

Diana handed me a small red box.

What is this?

The thermos is made of Mana Stone of Fire. Itll be warm with this. I wanted to give it to you earlier, but I didnt have the chance to.

Its fine. Im all better.

Dont worry about our father! I bought it secretly with my money!

She looked around again and held the thermos tightly in my hand.

It was both admirable and sad to see her secretly trying to give me something. The real Ancia has passed away.

Thank you. Ill use it well.

Dianas eyes are wet with tears. She is very much like Blake, to shed tears at the slightest thing.

What are you crying about?

Im so happy because you accept it

When I handed her a handkerchief, she shook her head.

No. I can use mine. By the way, your handkerchief is beautiful. Did His Majesty gave it to you?

Yes.

His Majesty seems to really like you. Thats a relief.

The heroine of this world is different. I was worried that Diana, like Richard, might be weird, but she was much cuter and lovelier than what I expected.

I thought of Blake and Diana standing side by side.

The two will get along very well.

Im supposed to be happy for them, but I feel lonely instead.

***

After the ball, I returned to the Crown Princes palace.

The moment our carriage entered the palace, I felt at ease. As expected, I felt at home here.

Ancia!

As soon as I got off the carriage, Blake approached and gently hugged me. I hugged him back.

Its a pleasure to have a family to welcome you back from an outing.

Of course, it was only moving from one palace to another, but it felt like I have just came home from a short trip.

Your Highness, how am I?

Pretty.

It was a short remark, but I was delighted, it meant more than anything I have heard today.

I took off my fancy dress and took a bath, soon changing into comfortable pyjamas.

As I climbed onto the bed, Blake asked me.

Ancia, did you have fun today?

I was so nervous that I was not really enjoying it. But it was nice.

Did you dance? His Majesty led you well, right?

No, I didnt.

Why?

I want my first dance to be with you.

.

His Majesty knows that.

Blake expression changes, and he didnt look happy. He replied,

You should have danced with His Majesty. I would never be able to go to such a place

Why cant you go?

Im cursed

I clasped his hands.

Today, I met someone who could lift your curse. She was such a pretty and lovely girl.

Swallowing the words inside, I looked at Blake.

Your Highness, please promise me one thing.

Promise?

Yes. When the curse is lifted later, please dance with me.

I dont want much. I wanted to dance with Blake whose curse had been lifted at the ballroom, for once.

Of course. Who else would I dance with besides Ancia?

Blake looked up at me.

Ancia, Im so scared.

Curses will definitely be lifted. You dont have to worry.

Not a curse, but Im afraid Ancia will leave me.

He held my hand firmly together.

Im afraid my wife will suddenly leave me behind.

Where am I going?

I told that lie again. But Blake grabbed my hand even harder.

Ancia, dont leave me

Your Highness

Ancia is the only one for me. Ancia, I will do whatever you want, so dont leave me!

He must have felt I was lying, and Blake cried out in desperation.

Your Highness, dont cry. Dont cry.

I hugged him and patted him on the back. I can always say that I definitely wont leave, but the white lie Ive always told him about, somehow, didnt come out.

Ancia, tell me you wont leave.

Your Highness

Promise me you wont leave me.

Im not leaving.

By succumbing to Blakes pleas, I finally made another promise I couldnt keep.

***

I promised Blake I wouldnt leave. But at the same time, I thought I should prepare for a breakup.

Diana is Blakes first love. Although the pair split up when Diana fell for Richard, it was Blake who first loved her.

So even though Blake is young and follows me, if he meets Diana, hell choose her instead.

But Blake seems to like me much more than I thought.

The next day, I sent a letter to Count Bellacian saying I wanted to see Diana. Then the count replied that he would send Diana at any time.

Count Bellacian hated it if Diana plays with Ancia. So I thought there was a high probability of him rejecting it. Yet, what came was an unexpected response.

***

Your Highness, today my sister will visit us.

Yes. I know.

Blake nodded his head.

He cried so much, telling me not to leave, but he must be nervous to meet his first love.

I secretly talked to Hans and made a new outfit. The clothes he wore today were those clothes.

Children are always like that. Even if they talked with someone theyve met for several hours, theyll still forget the conversation the next day. I was disappointed even though I knew that. But Its a good thing.

Are you nervous?

A little bit. If my sister-in-law hates me, its not nice, right?

Huh? Wasnt it the excitement of meeting his first love?

I felt something was wrong, but he might be saying that only in front of me.

Its all right. Dont worry.

Diana, as a heroine, was kind-hearted and had no repulsion for the curse.

Itll be an earlier meeting than the original, but its better to be faster than too late.

I fixed Blakes Cravat.

Soon after, the Bellacian carriage arrived.

Sister!

Diana, wearing a bright yellow dress, looks extraordinarily lovely today.

I was so happy to hear that you wanted to see me. I couldnt sleep at all last night because it was like a dream! Oh, I love the dress. You look so pretty today. Why are you getting prettier every day?

Diana was much brighter and a little more talkative than what was mentioned in the original story.

Diana, say hello to the Crown Prince first.

Oh, greetings to the Crown Prince.

Nice to meet you, Lady Bellacian.

Blake said in a rather mature way.

Your Majesty, thank you for inviting me.

Diana also used good manners. There was no sign of fear or reluctance from her.

The two person standing side by side looked much better than I imagined.

Diana, Im sorry, but I need to see His Majesty for a while. Can you wait here?

Yes, dont worry.

Your Highness, can you show Diana around the palace?

Of course. Leave it to me!

Yes, please.

I went to the Imperial Palace to give them time to get to know each other.