Two-Faced Princess - Chapter 74

Although she didn’t order Adrian to send it, she welcomed the letter. The maid was more competent than expected. Not only did she take care of what was necessary, she had a pretty good grasp of Apollonia’s innermost thoughts.

[His Majesty seems to have concluded that Your Highness has nothing to do with Viscount Diamann’s disposal]

That was what the letter said. Though cautiously expressed, she sent a letter on the premise that Apollonia was the one who did all the work to convict the viscount. It was a surprising insight, considering that no one had ever told Adrian what really happened in Lishan.

It was the other letter that convoluted Apollonia’s head. It was from the Crown Prince of Bjorn, Apollonia’s fiance. Perhaps they had already heard about Apollonia’s situation, since the messenger came straight to Lishan to deliver the letter, bypassing the capital entirely.

[Your beautiful portrait has already captivated me. I want to quickly look at your face, kiss your apple-like cheeks, and formally take you as my wife…]

The letter continued with soulless praise of Apollonia being the most beautiful woman in the world.

Such grandiose words, but in fact, it was almost mandatory to exchange letters before a political marriage. They had no choice but to talk about appearance because they had no memories of each other.

Apollonia would have to give a similar reply when she had time. Something like, “I couldn’t sleep when I fantasized dancing with you” or “I can’t wait for you to take me to your country.”

However, the long letter also revealed the prince’s true feelings.

[People are beautiful when they train both their minds and bodies regardless of their gender. It’s the way of life for people in Bjorn. I’ll teach you swordsmanship when we return to Bjorn together.]

After that, there was more flattery, saying that the Apollonia’s figure when wielding a sword must resemble a goddess. It was clear that the Crown Prince’s ideal type was a brave and chivalrous woman. It was a country which glorified the military, after all.

He wasn’t naive enough to believe that Apollonia was the love of his life. However, he seemed to believe that if he married her, he could turn her into his ideal woman.

‘I must break up the engagement without going against him directly.’

Still pondering over the possibilities, she reached the end of the forest trail, a small cabin in front of her. It looked abandoned, but when she looked closely, the door was locked and there were fresh traces of people coming in and out. Perhaps it was one of the viscount’s secret rooms.

There were so many things he had hidden that Apollonia unintentionally discovered his secret warehouses and prisons several times. She found one key that fit the lock from viscount’s keyring. A cabin in the woods… it was probably a wine cellar at best.

Click-!

“…Viscount Diamann?”

The moment the door opened, a woman’s trembling voice was heard from the inside.

Apollonia froze, shocked, and quickly put on her hood. It would be better to hide her identity in case the person was a dangerous opponent.

As the door opened wide, she caught sight of the interior of the cabin. It was narrow and dark. There was a whip hanging on the wall and a few other pieces of furniture. In the corner, there were swords, robes, and a few medical bottles.

And in the middle of it all, she saw a woman sitting on the floor with her back turned. As soon as the woman turned her head, it felt like Apollonia would be blinded.

She was the most beautiful woman that she had ever seen in her life.

Silky black hair cascaded down to her waist, fluttering from an imperceptible wind. Flawless fair skin seemed to shine from within. Purple eyes, slightly darker than the average Bella’s, were deep enough to drown in.

Her small face was a work of art. Even without makeup, the long, curling eyelashes and the distinctive dimples radiated an immaculate, womanly aura.

There was even a subtle scent that somehow emanated from that woman’s body. It didn’t smell like any perfume Apollonia knew.

Apollonia once thought the legend of a country that had been ruined by a Bella’s temptation was a ridiculous story.  But if the Bellas of legend were like the woman in front of her right now, that story might have been true. There would be countless monarchs who would be willing to sacrifice their lives to see her smile.

The Crown Prince of Bjorn was wrong. There was evidence that the most beautiful woman in the world wasn’t Apollonia.

“Who are you?” The mellifluous voice was filled with helplessness.

Apollonia came to her senses and grasped the situation. She needed to hide her identity in front of a stranger.

“…I’m just passing by.”

“How did you open the door?”

“The lock is old and almost broken.”

“That can’t be true… ugh!”

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