For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 4 - Today's Fortune Is Very Bad
#4. Today’s Fortune Is Very Bad
“What did you say?”
Lia, forgetting that the First Prince was just beyond the door, exclaimed loudly. But instead of answering, Perth opened the door to the study. Sitting at the desk beyond the opening door was a man. He boasted a flamboyant appearance with platinum blonde hair, the First Prince Alfonse Psychedelia, also known as the first prince.
Somewhere, there seemed to be a halo effect, but it was just sunlight pouring through the large window. As Lia couldn’t open her eyes, Perth quickly approached behind the prince and drew a thin curtain. Only then did the prince’s appearance become visible. With a smile on his masked face, he looked just as he did at the party. Lia bowed first and greeted him.
“Long time no see, Your Highness.”
“It’s been a while, Lady Penelope.”
Alfonse also remembered Lia. She wasn’t particularly noticeable, but due to the influence of Count Penelope, it was as if he had forcibly memorized her. Looking at Lia in front of him, he thought anew. Unlike the Count, she seemed ordinary both in appearance and character. Her father, the Count, had a strong obsession with one thing. Once he decided to pursue something, he proceeded quickly without compromise. Her appearance also seemed strong.
“Have you heard all the explanations regarding the work?”
“Yes. I heard there’s a plant I need to grow.”
Alfonse nodded at Lia’s words. Judging by his expression, he seemed to have been quite worried about that plant.
“The gardeners in the palace all seemed hesitant. I’ve had to pin my hopes to the outsiders. I never imagined there would be so few people with plant-related abilities.”
“Other than me, how many others are here?”
“About three. They’re all men.”
“I see.”
“How nice it would be if all three of them were flowery women like Lady Penelope.”
Alfonse’s forehead slightly furrowed as if he didn’t like the gender. Lia smiled softly without replying. She had heard rumors, but having a direct conversation confirmed it. It had been said in social circles that Alfonse was kind to all women.
Of course, as long as he was kind, there shouldn’t be a problem. His incredible attractiveness to women was the first cautionary tale heard by women entering society. Nevertheless, many women were drawn to him because of his princely status and flamboyant appearance.
Lia subtly glanced at Perth. Whether Perth read the meaning of the reproachful gaze in her eyes or not, he conspicuously avoided eye contact with her.
“Your Highness, do you remember our agreement?”
“Oh, is it about the idea of drinking tea together once a week with Lady Penelope?”
What nonsense is this? Lia widened her eyes at the sudden remark. The conversation was progressing without asking for her opinion.
“My aide has never asked me for anything before, and now suddenly he’s asking. He’s worried about whether Lady Penelope, the only noblewoman and female among the apprentices, will adapt well to palace life. He wants me to invite her for tea once a week for a month to check on her.”
Alfonse laughed out loud and patted Perth on the shoulder. He was pleased with Perth’s handling of the matter.
Perth, who usually didn’t seem comfortable with his attractiveness to women, was being so proactive in helping her. It was an unexpected scenario. Although Lia’s appearance was somewhat ordinary, she was the only daughter of Count Penelope. There was no harm in getting closer to her. Of course, it wasn’t just a simple friendship.
“It might be difficult for you to work in the palace after living a noble life.”
“I’m fine.”
“You may be fine now, but it could get difficult later. How about accepting the favor when His Highness offers it?”
There was a spark between Perth and Lia, invisible to Alfonse. Nevertheless, he smiled broadly without noticing.
“Don’t decline. It’s fine, really. Since you’ve come to the palace, go to your quarters and unpack.”
Alfonse courteously gestured towards the door of the study. Perth followed his finger and opened the door. As Lia slightly held the hem of her skirt and politely bid farewell to Alfonse, she glared fiercely at Perth. As soon as the door to the study closed, she voiced her protest.
“Explain.”
“An unmarried man, a remarkable man enough for Lady Lia to fall for, a month of encounters. All conditions have been met, haven’t they?”
“I doubt the part about a man remarkable enough to fall for. From the start, there’s no way the first prince and I could get married!”
“I assure you, it meets the conditions for marriage. Realistically, there are no issues with the conditions.”
“He’s known to have an engagement partner.”
“There was never a condition that marriage must be concluded.”
Perth didn’t give in to Lia’s protests. They couldn’t continue this conversation in front of the study. Fortunately, perhaps sensing Lia’s feelings, Perth took the first step. Even as they headed to the quarters, Lia’s protests didn’t cease.
“A prince! Do you think this makes sense? I would like to say this to the Chief Aide, but do you know what rumors are circulating in social circles about the prince?”
“If you speak any further than that, you will be guilty of insulting the royal family. Let’s talk about that outside the palace. And if you’re asking me if I know what the rumor is, yes. I know.”
“And yet you recommend the His Highness to me?”
“You only need to have tea time four times a month, once a week. After all, Lady Lia doesn’t really want to get married, does she?”
“Well…”
“Isn’t it a good suggestion? By having tea time with Lady Lia four times a month, both Lady Lia and I can fulfill the conditions of the contract with the Count.”
It was strangely persuasive. Lia found herself nodding along unconsciously every time Perth spoke. No wonder he was the chief aide to the first prince. As Lia seemed convinced, Perth also smiled subtly without her noticing. She was quite a naive noble lady, easily agreeing with just a few words. It seemed that this approach would work twice more in the future.
“I thought you were affectionate, but it seems you have a cunning side too.”
That was Lia’s conclusion after much contemplation.
“Don’t judge people based on one aspect, Young Lady.”
Perth advised sincerely. Normally, he would have just brushed it off with a smile, but somehow he felt sorry for Lia and decided to offer his opinion. Lia stared intently at Perth’s profile.
“What are you asking?”
“Strange.”
Perth turned his head slightly and met Lia’s gaze. Her eyes, revealing her abilities, were also a clear green. Meeting her eyes felt like seeing through to his very soul.
It was a strange feeling. Normally, it was Perth who looked into people’s souls. Unconsciously, Perth swallowed nervously.
“…Is it a habit for you to express your thoughts about people directly like that?”
“Not necessarily.”
“It’s better to be careful with your words in the palace, Lady. Despite being a noble, you are just an apprentice from now on. Especially here in the Queen’s Palace.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Lia couldn’t quite grasp Perth. His nagging tone, combined with concern for her, only confused her further. When he introduced himself as the first prince’s aide, she was almost angry at herself for thinking Perth was affectionate. But upon hearing his words, she realized it wasn’t a proposal that would harm her. Just who was Perth?
Lost in thought, they began to approach the Queen’s Palace.
“Your quarters are this way.”
Unlike the first prince’s palace, the Queen’s Palace was adorned with many ornate decorations. It was hard to find a spot that wasn’t embellished from columns to ceilings. Lia struggled to keep her eyes from darting around.
Perth, perhaps accustomed to seeing it every day, paid no attention to the decorations in the Queen’s Palace and walked ahead. He knew the shortcuts well. Thanks to that, they could enter the quarters without encountering anyone. Unlike the first prince’s palace, the quarters in the Queen’s Palace had no decorations. It seemed to prioritize practicality above all else.
At first glance, it resembled the Prince’s Palace in terms of its exterior structure. Internally, it had spacious rooms and various facilities. As Perth entered, the caretaker of the quarters quickly greeted him.
“Hello, Mr. Aide. How did you personally come to such a humble place?”
“Hello, caretaker. This is Lady Lia Penelope, who will be working in the greenhouse as an apprentice starting today.”
Perth was polite even to the subordinates. Lia also politely greeted along with Perth.
“Hello, I’m Lia Penelope. Please take care of me from now on.”
“Lady Penelope! I’ll definitely take good care of you. I’m the caretaker, Marie. Your luggage has all arrived in your room.”
“Thank you, Marie. Could you please guide me to my room?”
“Of course.”
“Lady Lia, I cannot enter inside, so I’ll wait here.”
Perth didn’t move from the entrance. The quarters had a female-only policy, as a principle, males were not allowed inside.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“I’ll wait here and read a book. Please take your time.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a book, barely the size of his palm, emerged from Perth’s embrace. Without hesitation, Perth sat on the chair where the caretaker had been sitting, crossed his legs, and started reading. Marie and Lia headed towards the room. Lia’s assigned room was on the second floor. The sound of the creaking wooden floorboards with every step was intriguing.
“Is it too noisy for you?”
“No, it’s fine!”
“Even though the Lady lived in a mansion, I hope you’ll understand. Although it’s called a palace, this building is so old that it looks fine on the outside but has many problems everywhere.”
Lia was okay with it. Just leaving the mansion and coming here made her heart race. The sound from the floor was intriguing to her, and it gave her a sense of reality that she was going to work as an apprentice in the palace.
“Here we are.”
Marie pointed to the end of the second floor. As they cautiously opened the door and entered, they found a simple room with only a bed, a desk, and a chair. Thanks to the window above the desk, sunlight was streaming into the room. Despite being a small room, Lia’s luggage made it look even more cramped.
“There’s one bathroom and toilet on the second floor and one on the first floor. There’s a separate dining hall, so you can eat your meals there.”
“Yes, thank you.”
“After checking your luggage, please come downstairs.”
“Thank you, Marie. Please take care of me again.”
“If you need anything, feel free to find me anytime.”
Marie smiled kindly and went downstairs to the first floor. Feeling that the caretaker was a nice person, Lia felt good. She entered the room intending to tidy up her luggage. However, there was so much that she was confused about where to start.
Lia decided to start by bringing down the trunk on top. As she tried to do so, she accidentally lost her grip on the trunk handle, causing it to fall with a loud thud. All of Lia’s belongings collapsed with it. Before she could even start her apprenticeship, she heard the thudding sound, and then the door opened without a knock.
“What’s going on!”