Translator/editor: ruby

Blondina opened her eyes wide.

A fragrant, flowery smell enveloped the room and a fresh breeze came in through the window.

The child looked at the stunning patterns on the ceiling and the expensive vase on the table next to her, blinking. She murmured in a sleepy voice,

yes, this is the Imperial Palace.

She should have opened her eyes in the attic of the old inn. The flashy decorations all around her couldnt have been more different.

Blondinas fate turned around in the blink of an eye

From an unknown, small village in the countryside to the royal family of the Empire, she was now Blondina Ryn Atez.

Her father. The day she met her father, the emperor, she was transported to the royal castle.

The jewelry shops owner remained the only person who knew of her secret identity, and rumors began circulating in the village that she had been kidnapped.

In this era of rampant human trafficking, it didnt take too long for all the villagers to accept Blondinas ill fate. She had no one to feel sorry for her.

Her half-asleep daze was interrupted by a voice outside the door.

Highness, if youre up, Ill come in.

Yes, come in.

Blondina sat up on the bed and stretched out her limbs as the door opened.

The maid came in alone, with no escort.

Its probably because Im from low birth.

The details were somewhat foggy, but it seemed that she was a sort of bastard daughter, the result of a one-time rendezvous.

She also knew very well that her lowly blood was a disgrace to the royal family.

Those were the only things she could be sure of, for now.

Your Majesty invited you to a tea party today. Ill guide you to the Imperial Palaces garden.

Yes. I see.

It was strange. Blondina was on her way to meet her father, yet she didnt feel happy about it.

Princess Blondina has arrived.

A chill ran through her body as the maid called out over the garden door.

I cant possibly face the royal family like this after living as a commoner my whole life.

An attendant took her inside.

Come in, Princess.

She carefully entered, feeling the carefully cut grass under her feet and the pleasant aroma that hovered by her.

There was a huge stone statue of a leopard at the entrance, bigger than a bear. A statue commemorating the sacred leopard clan that was in charge of protecting the Empire.

Blondina unthinkingly cowered away. The statue reminded her of the innkeeper who hit her, and she couldnt help but feel a bit afraid. It was an instinctive fear shed acquired from experience.

Princess?

The attendant stopped and turned around to call her. Blondina sunk her feet into the grass again and cautiously walked toward her family.

There were four people sitting in the sunny garden.

They were the emperor and his wife, along with Blondinas half-brother and half-sister. They were almost seething with arrogance.

The emperor put down his teacup and called her.

Closer.

Blondina tottered towards him.

The emperor walked up to her and slowly started to examine her face

Their eyes met.

I wish my eyes were as golden as your hair

The emperor roughly smoothed out Blondinas hair. A smile showed in the corner of his lips.

At first glance, it looked like a very dry smile.

Keep this in mind, Princess. Your descendance may be complicated, but no one needs to know that .

Excuse me?

You must not reveal your embarrassing past to anyone.

.

Embarrassing. You tell me I shouldnt reveal your secret, but Youre the one that should carry your past embarrassment, not me.

Blondina looked up at him silently. The emperor continued on, smiling, disregarding the girl.

You were found in another kingdom in a sickly state and brought back to the palace.

Blondina bowed her head, just for politeness.

Yes.

Even if others dont believe it, thats the truth. Do you understand?

I will be careful of what I say and do, and live as if I were dead.

Yes. You must be humble, but youre not a stupid girl.

She already knew that for the emperor, she was nothing but some scum of low birth. Maybe thats why his harsh words didnt hurt all that much. They were nothing compared to the sharp pain of the innkeepers blows.

The emperor shooed Blondina away as he returned to his seat. He paused to say his last words to her.

Oh, I forgot to say welcome to the palace. My daughter.

Blondina thanked him with a bow before turning around.

My daughter. Could his voice have been any colder saying those words?

She walked away lost in thought.

Why did my father ask to see me today?

The answer was a no-brainer for her. Dealing with the aggressive mood swings of the innkeeper had taught her how to read a room.

It was a clear warning from the emperor. It would be too complicated for him if she were to reveal the real truth. So she was destined to live as if she were dead, in a separate palace. That was it, because she was nothing but the emperors servant.

It reminded her of the childhood feelings of the Empress staring at her silently, with that look of disgust and contempt.

Blondina set off towards her palace.

At that moment, she heard a little boys voice.

Hey, you.

She stopped and turned back. Lart, Blondinas brother and the prince of the empire, stood behind her.

Blondina instinctively bowed. She wasnt used to being a princess, after all

The boy smiled.

Well, well, it doesnt take noble blood to get here, apparently.

He was actually younger than Blondina, but she didnt know that. She just smiled.

You. Blondina, was it?

The girl nodded instead of answering.

I see your empty head has enough space for some manners, at least. Bowing and all!.

.

Where did you learn that? In a barn? Did the cows teach you?

The princes voice was filled with contempt and ridicule.

Why would you come up to me all of a sudden and start a fight? Im worth less than an ant in your view.

It became clear to her upon seeing the hateful look in his eyes. It was an act of nothing but unconditional contempt.

Blondina answered unthinkingly.

Cows cannot teach humans. Dont you know that?

.

Prince Larts eyes narrowed .

How dare you make fun of the royal family with your vulgarity! You know very well you belong in a back alley!

Well, Ive never been shy.

A royal? With your blood? I wont stand for it!

Blondina scoffed. It was good to finally be able to escape the innkeeper, sure. Still, she was convinced shed be a million times happier living alone with the money from selling the ring than among all these people that loathed her.

Blondina looked around before loudly whispering her answer to the prince.

My blood may be dirty But half of it is the emperors.

What?

If you deny me, you deny the emperor. Thats also known as treason. You dont want that, now, do you?

Blondina may not have received a proper education, but she was more quick-witted than any noble lady around. The prince just stared at her dumbfounded. However, he was not about to let a street rat have the last word.

Well, Im denying you.

A girl, a dirt-poor girl at that, pretending to be naive! Its no ordinary thing to see someone so unimportant with this little respect.

Dont mistake yourself for a member of the imperial family, you low-born scum!

His Majesty the Emperor welcomed me personally.

You dont know anything! You! If you are going to be disrespectful to me, Ill!

Prince Lart pointed a trembling finger at Blondina.

The girl knew the princes threats were just empty words, the consequence of being surrounded by an illusion of infinite power at his young age.

Either way, she just watched the childs anger bemusedly.

It was difficult for her to believe that shed have to constantly stand up for herself, worried that was the attitude of the imperial family.

What do you want me to do? Be angry, shout, and toss a cup of tea at you?

At this point, all she wanted was for her brother to leave her alone so she could go to her quarters.

Besides, her fathers warning was clear live like a dead man.

Okay. Im sorry for everything. Im sorry, lets stop. Okay?

What?

Im a little tired today, so.

Go.

The emperor said to live as if she were dead.

She would live up to that. Even though she didnt do anything wrong, she apologized first, and it hurt to be treated like this.

I dont want to be kicked out yet.

Unlike Blondina, lost in thought with a serious expression, Prince Lart was redder than a tomato.