Chapter 121 Lance Noticed
’Wait... maybe I can hide my face and just let my hair show?’ she thought desperately. ’The princess was known for her long, golden hair. Most people don’t even know what she really looks like—but the Royal Family... they would. She was kidnapped during her coming-of-age ceremony. That means she was already an adult—her appearance might have changed, but surely not so much that her own parents wouldn’t recognize her... right?’
Her eyes darted around until they landed on the small pouch she carried. As if struck by divine inspiration, Claire pulled out a delicate veil and quickly tied it around her head, covering the lower half of her face. Only her golden hair and striking eyes were left visible.
It wasn’t a perfect disguise, but maybe—just maybe—it would buy her a little more time.
Zion was so focused on leading the way that he didn’t notice Claire’s quiet series of actions behind him. Levi, on the other hand, did notice—but chose to ignore her. He was used to Claire’s antics, her scheming, and the countless inappropriate things she did to draw attention or manipulate situations. To him, this was just another stunt.
Right now, they were standing in front of the residents of the Royal Capital—Claire’s home turf, not theirs. Levi knew he didn’t have the authority or power to publicly put her in her place, not here. So, for now, all he could do was look away and pretend she wasn’t there.
But when Claire veiled her face, something strange happened—an almost mystical effect. The simple act of covering half her features seemed to solidify the growing belief among the crowd: the missing princess had finally returned to the Royal Capital. As fate would have it, Lance arrived at the scene just then, accompanied by Anna and Alvin. The roadside was overflowing with people, all eager to catch a glimpse of the so-called returning royal princess.
Lance’s eyes welled up the moment he spotted the veiled woman atop the elite warrior’s back. His heart clenched with hope. But then... confusion settled in. The rush of emotion he had imagined—the overwhelming longing he thought he’d feel upon seeing Addison again, his childhood friend—was strangely absent.
He tried to dismiss the unease, telling himself that it was only natural. Too much time had passed. Years of separation could change anyone. Maybe time and distance had turned them into strangers. Maybe their hearts had drifted too far apart.
Still, despite the unfamiliar stirrings—or lack thereof—Lance felt overwhelming relief. His body trembled, not with doubt, but with joy. His little Adi was back. That alone was enough.