Chapter 513: Princess Time
Reitzlake Castle was known for many things, but comfort wasn’t one of them.
With halls so wide that the hearths did little more than tickle the carpets around them, it was the only place in all the kingdom that was immune to the balmy warmth of summer.
Despite the many burglars posing as dignitaries who prowled the halls, the most permanent guest was the draft whistling throughout the castle, forever battling with the mysterious groans from the wine cellars that everybody pretended weren’t haunted.
However, what it lacked in coziness, it made up for in walls so sturdy that a troll would sooner purchase the individual stones than headbutt their way past them.
It was a steadfast bastion forming the very foundations of the kingdom, with enchanted walls that meant mischievous mages seeking the royal treasury were instead teleported to the kitchen where they could immediately begin working off their debt.
Even so, it was also a home … and just as importantly, it was also safe.
High above the throne room, in a tower reserved only for princesses, little of the dangers of the outside world could be heard from within.
Instead, there was the distant chorus of a royal capital coming to life, of songbirds welcoming a new dawn and the hustle and bustle of merchants as they readied their stalls for another busy festival day.
With the reassuring presence of so many guards within calling distance of my chamber, only the warmth of the sunlight intruded, the shafts peeking between the curtains and tickling my face.
It was a scene of tranquility. And that meant only one thing.
I was in grave peril.
My eyes slowly opened, and yet instead of gently smiling as I looked forward to another peaceful day, I instead took stock of the dark and foreboding ceiling, knowing that no matter how unwelcome it appeared, it was not nearly unwelcome enough to shoo away those waiting to disturb me.
Yes.
That’s right.
I, Juliette Contzen, 3rd Princess to the Kingdom of Tirea, had been in this situation before … and that meant I would not be easily fooled!
Allowing no time for my foes to act, I instantly pulled aside my duvet and exited my bed.
Dropping to my hands and knees, I dipped low and checked beneath the frame. I climbed a chair and scanned the tops of the cabinets. I rifled through the wardrobes and the space behind the garments. I peeked into the adjoining bathroom. I turned my laundry basket upside down. I stuck my head out of the window, staring down the walls of my tower before craning my neck upwards to check above me as well.
Retreating back inside, I closed the curtains, allowing the darkness to return.
And then I waited … and waited some more.
Until eventually–
Nothing.
There was nothing.
In the quiet solitude of my bedroom chamber, I saw no hint of flames rising in the distance, I felt no tremor of something awakening beneath the ground, and I heard no scampering of footsteps to warn me of something about to explode.
There was only peace, broken not even by a ticking clock. Especially since I jammed it.
Somehow … nothing had happened.
Despite the fact that my princess senses were definitely tingling last night, no calamity had come to demand my attention.
Instead, it had only been a pleasant evening of crêpe inspections, followed by a stroll to the castle as all the servants rushed to change all their well-worked plans just to accommodate my sudden arrival.
I … I had slept through the night … and nothing had woken me!
Thus, I smiled as I twirled, before flopping face down onto my bed.
“Ohoho … oho … ohoho …”
H-How wonderful!!
The limits of outrageous etiquette had finally been reached!
Indeed, I could feel it like the pollen floating through the window! There was a gentle scent rolling in the air, the likes of which Reitzlake usually never possessed! The worst had passed and all that had exploded was the Granholtz Ambassador’s official boat in mysterious circumstances!
Could it be? Was a single night during this long festival all that I needed to spend rolling my eyes?
If so … that was marvellous! And suspicious! Hopelessly so! But I didn’t need to think about that!
Why, it meant I could finally focus on my true work as a princess–and that began by returning to sleep!
With a smile, I hugged the duvet to my face, relishing in the warmth only I could impart.
Naturally, I didn’t intend to slumber my way through the entire festival. There were still many stalls to inspect, and each day brought new merchants and new con artists. But since I’d likely need to attend at least one soirée, it was important that I gain adequate rest in preparation for having my soul leeched.
Indeed, it was time to enjoy all that summer had to offer!
But first–
“Heheheheh~”
I had to let out a groan.
Hearing a familiar giggle, I flopped onto my back and turned my gaze to the only part of the chamber I had neglected to inspect.
There, draped across the chandelier as she performed her daily stretches, lounged a certain clockwork doll, her smile bright enough that I should have noticed it at once.
“Not bad!” said Coppelia, lifting a foot in greeting. “You almost got all the blind spots. You’re getting better. But better still isn’t enough. If you want to avoid falling objects, the only way is to become so unfun that they’ll just give up.”
For a moment, I almost wanted to object.
After all, falling objects worked differently in my kingdom than Ouzelia. All it required was to have someone who valued mischief above everything else … such as a clockwork doll on a chandelier not designed to support any weight upon it.
Instead, I blinked several times–mostly at the fact that Coppelia’s sock was different.
It was slightly frilly. As was the rest of her attire.
Naturally, I sat up at once.
“Coppelia,” I said, rubbing my eyes as I willed more sunlight to enter the chamber. “By any chance, are you wearing something different today?”
“Hmmmm … I wonder~?”
She deliberately stretched just a little bit more.
A moment later, she dropped from the chandelier, drawing a gasp of shock. For what she wore was not just the dress of a maiden waiting to revel in the summer.
It was to do so while working.
White frills framed a short apron over pastel blue fabric trimmed in gold. The garment was crisp and tailored, equal parts practical and striking, and so new it had obviously never known a wrinkle.
It was … a maid’s … no, a handmaiden’s uniform!
“C-Coppelia! … You’re wearing a uniform!”
“Heheh~ not bad, huh? Go ahead and praise me. I’m super cute.”
She gave a twirl, then skipped towards the window.
With a flourish, she flung open the curtains and allowed the sunlight to pour in, setting her colourful uniform, her smile, and her golden hair all aglow.
I immediately began applauding.
“It’s … It’s so wonderful! What a breathtaking sight! I’m … I’m overjoyed! How did you come to wear it?! Has something come over you?! Are you being threatened?!”
Coppelia giggled, clearly enjoying the reaction. As she should.
Just as I expected, she looked splendid! Or rather, this was even more than that!
Even in my mind, I couldn’t have pictured something so marvellous ... mostly because this was certainly not a uniform stocked by either the Royal Villa or Reitzlake Castle. It was simply too lovely!
“Ahaha~ it’s nothing that serious. The Summer Queen let me borrow it.”
“Excuse me?” I blinked in confusion. “The Summer Queen? She’s here?”
“Yup! She’s wearing something similar. I got curious and asked about the fabric’s sturdiness and melting point. She said it couldn’t be damaged by ordinary weapons or flames, then asked if I wanted to try it for myself.”
I gasped.
Why, to think that all this time, the secret to getting Coppelia to wear a uniform was to emphasise its practicality against the dangers she hurled herself at! How had I not considered this before?
“I … I see! How delightful! To think she’s already done such great service for me! Why, she might even become a handmaiden too someday! To have provided your new uniform is highly convenient!”
“Eh, it’s still a one-off,” said Coppelia, still posing to let me admire what was most certainly not a one-off. “It looked comfortable enough, so I figured I’d try it for a bit. Plus it means you don’t need to ask me about wearing a maid uniform anymore.”
“Indeed, I most certainly won’t! After all, you can now wear this as your standard attire! It suits you so well! Why, if you were to curtsey–”
“Not curtseying.”
“C-Coppelia! I shall do anything!”
My loyal handmaiden looked deeply amused. All the more so as she clearly wasn’t finished, even if curtseying wasn’t yet available on the menu.
“Well, I suppose I’ll at least complete the look. So watch this.”
With another twirl of her frills, she made her way to the door and promptly shoved aside all the furniture I’d carefully and delicately barricaded against it.
A moment later, she leaned into the corridor. The brief squeak of a trolley answered her, and she returned carrying a tray laden with baked goods.
“Okay~!” said Coppelia as I covered my mouth in joyful disbelief. “It took 372 attempts, but I can now declare the blueberry cupcakes are 98.7% similar to the ones from the library buffet!”
Coppelia beamed as she skipped towards me, her overfilled tray threatening to spill with every step. Yet when she set it down upon my bed, it was neither the crumbs at risk of tumbling free nor the towering stack itself which brought tears to my eyes.
She was serving me breakfast while in a maid uniform!
Why, with this, her training checklist was already 2% complete!
“H-How wonderful!! It feels like my summer wishes have already been granted!”
“You think so? … Because I’m not convinced. That 1.3% difference in taste is pretty noticeable. The blueberry muffins are still good, but it just makes you miss the real thing.”
“In that case, there shall be opportunities to replicate the real recipe! … Why, for such a lovely uniform to grace a kitchen setting is also marvellous to see!”
“Great! Because that’s what the Summer Queen’s up to now.”
“Excuse me?”
“I met her in the kitchen. You know, when I was there. For reasons. She’s having a great time. All the staff are rushing around trying to meet her demands. It’s amazing. I don’t know what she’s making, but it’s a lot of food. I figured you should probably know, since it’ll be a problem if we run out.”
And just like that, joy turned to a groan.
Indeed, it was one thing for Coppelia to amuse herself in a kitchen. That alone was usually enough to endanger every dinner plan for days. But for the Summer Queen and her love of bricks to visit threatened all the festivals to come.
“Wha–! And just what does the Summer Queen think she’s doing?! This … This is my castle, not hers! Where is she now? Is she still in the kitchen? Why, she’s supposed to be my loyal underpaid maid for the day!”
“I think she mentioned something about making sure everything was perfect for when you finally woke up. You know, by ordering your lackeys around and keeping them on their toes. I also saw her carrying a bunch of prizes from the stalls outside. She’s taking this inspection business seriously.”
I was outraged.
I knew putting her in a maid’s uniform wouldn’t be enough to make her act like one. But to be fired before I even had a chance to mock her was a new achievement.
Even so … by persuading Coppelia to wear a maid’s uniform, she’d achieved something I never could. For that alone, I’d postpone her firing until the very last moment. A rare mercy, but I was in an excellent mood and nothing was going to spoil it.
In fact, she could help more by making a start on her duties!
I reached for the servant’s bell upon my bedside table.
Ding-a-ling.
The call was answered with impressive promptness.
Appearing in a scattering of camellia petals, the Summer Queen wore the same uniform as Coppelia, although hers carried a soft pastel rose tint. Scarlet hair was braided into twin curls that tumbled in fluffy pigtails, spilling around her shoulders as she theatrically twirled.
She offered a smile that drew the sun towards her.
“Ah, what a relief,” said the Summer Queen. “I feared I might have to pull you from bed as I sometimes do my sisters. That is seldom a gentle affair. I imagine a princess would prove even more troublesome.”
I rolled my fingers, signalling her to attempt the greeting again.
She duly gave a curtsey. Yes, just like the one Coppelia should do.
“Salutations, Your Highness. I have come to serve as your dutiful maid for the day, all the while enjoying a festival held in my honour. Shall we indulge in endless revelry and all the frivolities of summer?”
I nodded with a smile.
“Indeed, we shall. It’d simply be disappointing if we did anything less.”
“Excellent. Because I’ve prepared an extensive itinerary. It’s flexible, but I’m most interested in a visit to the St. Liane Workshop, the Royal Botanical Garden and the Royal Arc Theatre. Where shall we begin?”
“With the paintbrushes.”
“Excuse me?”
“I require my paintbrushes, a canvas, and also everything else I'm missing. Coppelia looks wonderful and I intend to capture her before she flees.”
Coppelia gave the tiniest groan of regret.
It was too late. She was already permanently etched into my memory. The painting was for the rest of the world to share in my joy.
“Oh?” The Summer Queen studied the seams of the uniform she’d provided. “Then I shall be delighted to assist. As you can see, I possess an excellent sense of wardrobe.”
“Well, it’s certainly better than your maid senses. Need I remind you that you are here as my coin purse–I mean my guest? You are not a queen within these halls and cannot order my servants about. They struggle enough as it is with just the usual royalty in this castle.”
She tilted her head slightly.
“In that case, it shouldn’t be an issue. There are no other royal members present.”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“The other princes and princesses have already left the castle. I believe they have an important shared engagement together. All of them.”
I pursed my lips.
Suddenly, the clock that I’d jammed started ticking again.
“... Coppelia, out of curiosity, what time in the early morning is it?”
“It’s just past 6 o’clock,” she said brightly. “Plus 7 hours.”
“Oh, I see.”
A moment of silence passed, all the while both figures in maid uniforms stared at me.
“Would you like help getting dressed, Your Highness?” asked the Summer Queen.
“Want to take the fast route through the window?” suggested Coppelia.
I nodded as I began climbing out of bed.
“Yes, please.”