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“You’ve grown a lot, our Larisa. You’ve even learned how to use your head while Mother is away. I can’t call you a kitten anymore.”
Ugh, so cheesy. I replied with a shudder.
“But... is it really okay for me to know...?”
I was referring to Uncle Anto.
“Hmm. Is there a reason why you think you shouldn't know?”
“I'm asking because I don't know. They wouldn't have hidden it for no reason, right?”
Tatyana gazed steadily at my face and wore a playful smile.
“To be honest, your older sister here opposed the family's opinion. If there was anyone among us who should be most wary of Anto Libertan, it was none other than you. Fufu. However, because a certain someone spoke so passionately, spitting saliva as he argued that it must be kept secret, I ended up raising my hand in agreement. He did provide a reasonably convincing basis, after all.”
I could vaguely guess who had spoken so passionately.
“Was it Vasily?”
“Mm-hmm. No, Ivan.”
Ivan? Ivan really did that?
As I looked at her with suspicious eyes, Tatyana's smile deepened.
“My lovely Larisa. It is sad, but you must not trust anyone except your family.”
“....”
“For the past dozen years, Anto Libertan has been planting spies within the Imperial Court. Who do you think his target was? It was you. He is desperate to get close to you. He was in the past, and he will be in the future. A pure, naive young princess who knows nothing of the world is easy to deceive and even easier to use.”
At Tatyana's words, several faces flashed through my mind. Though, given my limited connections, there weren't many people to think of.
“That was also the reason Ivan tried to hide the truth. He hoped that you, in your youth, wouldn't feel fear when meeting strangers. Isn't it surprising, Lara? That even that idiot occasionally has a proper thought.”
Those words made me realize a truth I had overlooked.
The fact that the overprotection I occasionally felt from my family—to a degree that was hard to understand—was not my imagination.
The fact that I had to get Vasily's permission for even minor daily routines or appointments. The fact that Tanya tried to interfere in every detail, mentioning a list of potential husbands. It all meant that their intention was to protect me from Anto Libertan.
“...Then why reveal everything now?”
Tatyana's answer was hesitant.
“Because as of today, you are an adult.”
An adult. It sounded like a word that didn't quite suit me.
“That's how adults are. They seem obedient, yet they harbor resentment deep inside. No matter how much you try to control them, there comes a moment when they are far away, out of reach. That's how it is when you become an adult. You try to become a bird and fly away.”
“What? I don't act that recklessly—”
...Actually, I do. Ahem. I've acted quite recklessly just this year. As I shut my mouth awkwardly, Tatyana took my hand and led me.
“That is why I am warning you in advance. Be careful, and careful again from now on. Lara, do not truly trust anyone except our family, and do not give your sincere affection to anyone. Remember that if you consider that today's ally could become tomorrow's enemy, you will never be betrayed.”
To think that no one is on my side. That's such a sad thing, Tanya.
I hid my true feelings and nodded firmly. It was because I wanted my loving family's worries to diminish even a little.
That evening.
A grand banquet was held at the Imperial Palace, attended by sixty guests from home and abroad.
“Present here today are those who have traveled far to celebrate Princess Larisa's coming-of-age ceremony. First, Count Pavlov of Oblonsky...”
After more than seven diplomats were introduced, the appetizers were served. After several tedious speeches, a relatively relaxed atmosphere formed. It was at that moment, while seated in the seat of honor next to Ivan, that my glass was being incessantly filled with wine.
“Beautiful Princess Larisa. On behalf of His Majesty the King of Oblonsky, thank you for granting me the honor of offering wine to Your Highness. Regarding Crown Prince Viktor's congratulatory remarks...”
“Princess! The way you tilt your glass so boldly is as impressive as any great man! If Crown Prince Bazhim of my home country had seen you, he surely would have sensed destiny at first sight...”
Damn this coming-of-age ceremony. What a piece of crap tradition, urging one to become a drunkard the moment they become an adult.
Just how many Crown Princes are there? The gazes of the fishermen looking at a fresh bridal candidate thrown into the marriage market were insidious. I had been smiling mechanically, my soul practically gone, when suddenly I shuddered as if burned and snapped my eyes open.
'Valentin.'
Where is Valentin?
I hurriedly scanned the table. Valentin was not far away, engaged in conversation with an elderly clergyman who appeared to be a Cardinal. In the dark, quiet banquet hall where the dim lights flickered, Valentin's transparent silver hair looked as if a piece of the Milky Way had been cut and finely combed.
With a handsome man of such magnificent presence seated at one side of the table, it was as if a single ray of peaceful light had fallen upon a polluted world.
Those surrounding him paid no attention to whether I drowned in wine or not; their entire focus was on Valentin's words, while some were simply entranced by his beauty while pretending to concentrate. Perhaps because I was drunk enough, no further information entered my sight. His expression seemed stiffer than usual, but I couldn't tell why.
One thing was certain: during the five minutes I glared at him, our eyes did not meet once. Even when I let out a short laugh, rinsed my mouth with wine, or scanned the surroundings with a short sigh, Valentin never looked back at me.
Was it intentional? Or was he simply not that interested in me?
'Whatever.'
I like being drunk because I don't fall deep into useless thoughts. I like that if Valentin doesn't look back at me, I can just let it go.
“Lara, I believe I told you to avoid this in moderation.”
A cold reprimand pierced my ear. Vasily, who had been sitting next to Father, had approached from behind me.
“You don't listen even after I've asked you several times. Know that I will not let today's matter pass easily. Ivan, why are you sitting in that chair when you cannot even take proper care of your own sister?”
“Brother, I've swallowed five glasses of wine on behalf of my damnably popular sister. Those leech-like diplomats are pouring two glasses each by selling the names of their kings and princes. I'll stop my excuses here, so please take the child out as quickly as possible.”
Vasily signaled to a nearby attendant.
“Take Lara to her bedroom. If any unwarranted person approaches, you may warn them in my name.”
“Yes.”
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