The Princess And The Lord
Chapter 1435: Meeting a Fangirl

Chapter 1435: Meeting a Fangirl

Lilly was led through the back garden of Cestine Palace, her breath catching at the sight of the parterre. It stretched before her like a work of art, with flower beds arranged in intricate geometric patterns, edged by precisely trimmed boxwood hedges.

White stone pavements meandered gracefully between them, their smooth surfaces catching glints of sunlight.

Along the way, ornamental pots overflowed with vivid seasonal blooms, and elegant spruces stood like guardians, their forms sculpted to perfection.

The air was fragrant with roses, jasmine, and a hint of fresh-cut grass, mingling into a heady perfume.

As they walked deeper into the garden, the scenery subtly shifted. Towering trees began to rise on either side, their dense canopies forming a gentle curtain of greenery.

It was here, half-concealed among these natural sentinels, that Lilly first glimpsed it, a vast, round glasshouse with a soaring dome ceiling.

Though hidden away behind the trees, it did not feel out of place. Rather, it seemed to emerge from the landscape as if grown there organically, its elegant white framework and intricate iron lattice blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage.

In the dappled light, its glass panels shimmered like crystal, reflecting fragments of sky and leaf alike. It felt separate from the grand garden, almost as though it existed in its own secret world, yet remained part of the palace’s flawless design.

The palace staff stopped at the edge of the clearing and spoke in hushed tones, as though raising their voice here would disturb the sanctity of the place. This, they told her, was no ordinary garden.

It was the royal family’s private sanctuary. Only they and the Archknight were allowed to enter freely. A select few gardeners and maintenance staff held permission to tend it, but even they came rarely and with great care.

Lilly was struck silent, her chest swelling with both wonder and reverence. To be allowed here was not just an honor—it was a privilege few could ever dream of.

She drew a deep breath, the cool, sweet air filling her lungs, and stepped forward onto the white stone path. Her footsteps softened as she neared the grand entrance of the glasshouse.

The interior, once she stepped through the threshold, stole her breath away. Though it was called a glasshouse, its sheer scale felt more like a shrine to nature.

Grey marble stairs descended before her, their polished surfaces glistening as sunlight streamed through the vast dome above. The light cascaded like liquid gold, illuminating towering exotic trees, delicate hanging vines, and flowering shrubs, all arranged with an artistry that made the entire space feel alive and sacred.

The air was warmer here, laced with a rich, earthy scent. She searched the vast expanse, but Lory was nowhere in sight. With a place this sprawling and labyrinthine, Lilly realized she could easily spend hours wandering and still not see all it had to offer.

"Hey, Lilly. Over here," Lory called out with a gentle wave of her hand.

Lilly followed the sound of her voice, weaving past potted ferns and tall flowering shrubs, until she came upon a small sitting area nestled amidst the greenery. A soft, plush couch in muted tones sat at its heart, flanked by a few elegant wooden chairs.

A low coffee table of polished wood stood in the center, its surface adorned with a simple porcelain tea set. Beneath the arrangement lay an ornamental gray carpet with intricate patterns that lent a subtle sophistication to the space.

What caught Lilly’s eye, however, was the odd little furnace set off to one side, a steaming teapot perched atop it. It seemed slightly out of place amid the grandeur of the glasshouse, yet its presence radiated a quiet, comforting warmth.

Combined with the soft cushions and the faint aroma of brewed tea, the area felt unexpectedly homey, a cozy refuge hidden within this vast botanical wonderland.

Almost at once, the tightness in Lilly’s chest that was born of awe and nervousness, instantly dissolved. Soon after, a genuine sense of ease washed over her. She drew in a slow breath and strode forward, her steps lighter now.

Lory lay lazily on the sofa, one arm draped over the armchair, her figure relaxed and elegant. She wore a flowing white long dress that seemed to catch and reflect the soft light filtering through the glass above. Her wavy, bluish hair spilled around her shoulders and down her back, a few loose strands tumbling across her chest.

When she turned her head to look at Lilly, her purple-hued eyes glinted like rare gemstones; it was deep and luminous, alive with warmth. A smile curled across her lips, growing wider as Lilly approached.

For a moment, Lilly was utterly mesmerized.

The truth was, people rarely spoke about Lory’s beauty. Most conversations about her revolved around her illustrious lineage or her formidable Gifted powers.

But standing here now, Lilly couldn’t help thinking how unfair that was. With looks like hers, there were very few women in the world, whether princesses from foreign kingdoms, celebrated icons, or movie stars, who could rival Lory’s natural grace and breathtaking allure.

"What are you staring at? Come here, I’ve got freshly baked scones and apple pie," Lory called with a teasing smile.

She rose gracefully from the couch and settled herself on the carpet, her flowing white dress pooling softly around her. "Do you like jasmine tea?"

"I love it!" Lilly said eagerly as she crossed over and sank down across from Lory, finding a comfortable spot on the ornamental rug.

Almost immediately, the warm, sweet aroma of scones and apple pie drifted to her nose, making her mouth water.

Meanwhile, Lory reached for the teapot and poured slowly, the fragrant steam curling lazily from the spout as it filled the delicate porcelain cups.

Watching her, Lilly was struck with a sense of nostalgia; it reminded her of the tea parties she used to play at as a child, though nothing then had felt this refined, or this real.

"This place is amazing, Lory," Lilly said at last, her voice soft with admiration.

Lory chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I’m so happy Lucas rebuilt this glasshouse to its former glory." She cupped the teacup with both hands, her smile turning wistful. "Though it’s a new building, it still brings back so many memories."

Her eyes grew distant, staring into nothing as her voice softened. "I used to come here whenever I missed my mom..." A bittersweet silence hung between them before her expression brightened again. "Later on, I’d bring my homework here with Lucas. Though, to be honest, he mostly used this place to nap. Jay, Clift, Fargo, and Fred would drop by too. We’d hang out here for hours, lazing around and wasting time."

Lilly could almost picture it, the young Lory and Lucas lounging on the carpet, the Archknights in their younger days joking and teasing each other amidst the greenery and soft sunlight.

Then her imagination faltered as the thought of Nazareth, the Black Dragon, came and destroyed everything Lory had once held dear. It was hard to fathom how an eighteen-year-old girl had survived so much loss and pain, yet still remained kindhearted and radiated such a positive outlook on life.

Lilly shook her head slightly, pushing away the heavy thoughts. She decided to steer the conversation to something that might spark Lory’s interest.

"Hey, Lory... did you hear about the strange corpses they found in Black fog Hill?" she asked.

"Black fog Hill?" Lory’s brows arched, her curiosity instantly piqued. "Isn’t that place still sealed off? It was closed after the Dark Ages War, wasn’t it? The air was toxic, and the beasts roaming there were far too many and too dangerous."

"I know, right? But lately there’s been a rumor about some priceless treasure hidden in the mountain," Lilly said, leaning in slightly. "So, the World Guild Association sent a team of hunters to investigate... and what they found was—"

"Corpses?" Lory interrupted, her voice low with interest, her amethyst eyes glinting sharply.

"Exactly," Lilly said, her tone hushed. "And not just any corpses. The details are... disturbing."

"What about it?" Lory leaned her upper body forward, her eyes narrowing slightly with interest.

Lilly hesitated, glancing down at her lap for a brief moment. "This is just a rumor, okay..." she said, lowering her voice to a whisper as if the glasshouse itself might be listening.

"I heard some of the bodies were missing limbs. And all of them looked starved and malnourished. But nothing’s been confirmed yet because many of the corpses were torn apart by beasts." She gave a small shudder and shook her head as if trying to dispel the gruesome images. _{f|ree(w)ebn\o.vel.com}

Lory blinked at her, momentarily stunned. Then her lips parted in incredulity. "Wait. How can you eat while talking about mutilated corpses?"

Lilly shrugged innocently, picking up a scone. "That’s—that, and this is—this." Her explanation was simple, almost comical in its matter-of-factness.

Lory couldn’t help but chuckle, her laughter soft and musical. "I suppose you’re not alone. Most people grew a strong stomach after the Dark Age War." She leaned back slightly, her eyes distant for a beat. "I still remember eating among beast carcasses without flinching... back then, we didn’t have the luxury of being squeamish."

Lilly sighed, her gaze softening as memories of the past drifted through her mind like echoes from another lifetime. "You’re right. Back then, just having food on the table was a luxury. No one dared to be picky. But now... the younger generation—kids these days—they’ve become spoiled, turning into picky eaters." She pursed her lips and shook her head faintly.

"Well," Lory said with a light chuckle, "that just means life has become easier. People are softer because they don’t have to fight for every scrap anymore. Honestly? I don’t think that’s such a bad thing."

"You’re right." Lilly smiled, her mood lifting as she grabbed a scone. She stuffed the rest of it into her mouth in one big bite, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.

Lory watched her with a faint smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement. "By the way, where did you hear all this news?"

"Oh, that?" Lilly wiped the crumbs from her lips and grinned mischievously. "I actually overheard Ehan talking with Father and Grandfather."

Her grin widened as she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice like she was about to share a juicy secret. "They were saying strange things have been resurfacing lately. Like a Saintess with an unbelievably powerful healing Gift, a Bael, a Zalchana, and even a Scion. Then there’s some weird device they called MADD... Grandpa worried it would lead to something big again." Her expression sobered, her grin faltering for a moment. "Maybe even... another big war."

Lory’s fingers stilled on her teacup. For a brief moment, her amethyst eyes darkened, their depths seeming to hold storms unspoken.

Then a calm, reassuring smile spread across her face. "Don’t worry, Lilly. I’ll make sure it never comes to that. And if somehow it does... I’ll make sure you and your family will be safe."

Lilly, startled by the weight of Lory’s words, suddenly set down her fork and puffed out her chest with determination. "Don’t worry, Lory! If it ever happens, I’ll help however I can. You know, my father hired a powerful teacher to help me connect with my Gift. Now I have better control—and I might even discover new ways to use it to its full potential."

"Oh really? That’s amazing, Lilly." Lory’s smile warmed even more, her eyes softening with genuine pride. It was no small feat to train one’s power as an adult. That was why most Gifted people were taught from childhood, when their thoughts were still pliable and fresh. For Lilly to work so hard now spoke volumes of her determination.

Then a smooth, melodious voice interrupted, its low timbre curling into the air like silk.

"What an admirable resolve, Miss Hamilton."

They turned to see him standing a few paces away—Lucas. His short bluish hair was perfectly styled, neat and slightly tousled in a way that seemed effortless. He wore a regal dark purple robe adorned with silver embroidery of intricate leaf patterns, the elegant design amplifying his already commanding presence. His posture was poised, and most of all dashing as ever.

"Luc? Why are you here?" Lory blinked in surprise before her expression shifted to mild accusation. "Don’t tell me... you’re hiding from Fred again."

Lucas’s lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. "What makes you think that?"

Lory crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Because that’s what usually happens."

"Oh come on, Lory. Can’t a King take a break once in a while?" Lucas raked a hand through his wavy hair with a sigh. "I’ve just woken up from a comatose state, remember?"

Ah, there it was again—using his "patient status" as an excuse to shirk his responsibilities. This was classic Lucas, the way he used to be before Lory was gone.

But after losing her, he had changed drastically, becoming almost unrecognizable workaholic, burying himself in duties as if trying to drown his grief and sorrow. Yet now, with Lory back, it seemed his old habits had returned as well.

Lory pouted but said nothing. Truthfully, she was glad to see Lucas enjoying life again... perhaps a little too much lately.

"Don’t worry, Lory. Just let me rest a few minutes," Lucas said casually, waving a hand. "You know I finish my work faster than anyone else."

Lory clicked her tongue, annoyed but unable to refute him. He wasn’t wrong. As a genius, no task was too daunting for Lucas. Anything that would take her two hours to complete, he could finish in under one hour. thought it was impressive, but it’s frustrating for someone like her.

"By the way, Lory..." Lucas’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. His sharp blue-violet eyes flicked to Lilly. "Is your friend all right?"

Lory followed his gaze and froze. Lilly was sitting stiffly, her eyes wide and unblinking, her entire body gone rigid as if she’d been turned to stone.

Lory’s eyes darted to Lucas, and then a realization dawned on her. "...Oh, right."