At that moment, what I felt was fear. I don't know why, but a wave of tension rose from my fingertips, making me sweat.
“It's all done, sir.”
Mercedes was cleaning Cesar's face and then gently patting it dry with a towel.
At that moment, that deep crack, that cold void suddenly disappeared. Before my eyes again opened a spring field filled with flowers, as if only a gentle breeze was passing by, not carrying any danger.
“Your Majesty said you promised the Queen, right?”
She turned her back to arrange the washing utensils and spoke.
"Yes. Three months from now, at the banquet hosted by the Queen, Cesar and I will attend."
"…Dinner."
She replied briefly. The voice was neither high nor low, it was impossible to measure any emotions hidden in it. So I just quietly looked at her back.
“How are you going to arrange your schedule today?”
She still turned her back and continued to ask.
"Just in time, it's time for breakfast. Starting today, I will teach Cesar etiquette."
Her hand suddenly stopped.
“Rites?”
The peace just now shattered in an instant. In that question lies a sharp blade.
But that was just a fleeting hunch. A feeling akin to doubt. Even now I still don't know how to properly face her.
"Yes, etiquette. At least so that when standing in front of others, Cesar will not be looked down upon."
Just then, Mercedes turned around. I don't know what to call that look.
An eerie silence arose. I had to wonder what I had touched in her.
"I got it."
Her expression relaxed. The grass is growing. The tree trunks and flowers gradually obscured that large crack. The spring breeze returns again.
But now, that green spring scene no longer makes me feel safe. In a seemingly peaceful place, there are always dangers lurking: poisonous snakes, wild animals, or a bottomless swamp.
I licked my dry lips and raised my voice.
“Yes, everything will be fine.”
I said those words to Mercedes, but I also said them to myself. I'll be fine. It's always been like that. As difficult as this is, I will definitely overcome it.
“Yes, sir.”
Mercedes replied in a calm voice, but the meaning was clear.
She didn't like that. Even though she hid it very well, her face still showed a vague expression of protest.
The Queen gave me three months. Not long, but not too short either.
Three months is enough to temporarily "embellish" a person to an acceptable level.
Asking philosophical questions about human nature is difficult. But at least I know what can satisfy Cornelia.
"As you said. As long as Cesar knows how to walk on two legs, knows how to use objects and knows how to talk."
That's right. The conditions she offered were just that. It sounds heavy but is actually relatively simple. Just need to meet those three things. Although it is not easy, it is not without hope.
At least, Cornelia did not ask Cesar to stand up for philosophical debates, recite poetry immediately or win a championship in a commercial convention. Just show the bare minimum appearance of a human being.
In three short months. I don't expect to perfect everything. The most necessary thing is one thing: to deceive other people's eyes.
Yes, we just need to create the illusion. During the short time of the banquet, just being able to fool everyone was enough.
Because we are royalty, honored guests. No need to stand the whole time. I haven't been to many parties, but I can roughly predict what will happen.
Just say hello properly, sit at the table to eat, and smile a few times.
The most important thing is to keep your appearance neat. People naturally evaluate things with their eyes first. If the look is skillfully crafted, all assessments will soften.
Like trimming your nails yesterday. Just by gradually grinding away rough corners, even ugly things can become round.
If this continues, maybe… maybe Cesar might actually look like a normal person. Isn't that the best thing?
“It's not easy.”
I sighed. But absolutely don't be discouraged.
I named this “Operation Make Cesar Human.”
“Start from the places everyone can see first.”
Cleaning a room, no one starts by wiping every small speck of dust when there are tons of bulky items blocking the way. The most important thing is to deal with the outstanding things first.
Luckily, I had support – Delfina.
Delfina is a gentle, quiet maid with light brown hair and pale yellow eyes. His personality is gentle and his words are the same.
Looking at her, I understand why Elda wanted to blame her. This type of person is easily taken advantage of or underestimated.
“Delfina.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Delfina used to help with costumes at the Moon Truong Thach palace like Elda. Thinking carefully, she is the most suitable person to support me in this matter.
“Can you give me a hand?”
Delfina looked at me with almost emotional eyes.
"You saved my life, it's like I've been reborn. If I can serve you, I'm willing to do anything."
The sentence was a bit too formal, but it really made me feel secure.
And so I told her the plan to "Turn Cesar into a human."
“Will you two attend the banquet the Queen is hosting?”
Hearing that, Delfina's eyes widened in surprise, not knowing what to say.
"That's right."
“I see…”
I know this isn't easy. But I also don't think it's impossible.
“First of all, Cesar has to look… a little more presentable.”
The socializing season lasts from early spring to late summer. The beginning of the season is when newly introduced ladies are noticed by gentlemen. The peak of the season is the mid-summer banquet hosted by the Queen.
The ladies will all make a beautiful dress for that day. Men are similar.
“Who manages Cesar's costumes?”
Delfina stood up slightly and brought some of Cesar's clothes.
"Usually, there is a personal butler who takes care of the royal costumes. Sometimes the makeup maids are also in charge of sewing."
"What about you? Can you do it?"
Delfina nodded timidly. How lucky.
“Your Highness has never worn formal clothes…”
That's right. Cesar always wears only a simple undershirt, which is torn in places. To be honest, it's just like a piece of trash.
We all understand the reason.
“Cesar probably won't cooperate, right?”
Delfina bowed her head and nodded slightly.
“Not only the Prince's outfit, there's something else missing.”
“What?”
Delfina blinked a few times, as if she didn't believe I hadn't guessed.
“That's your dress, Your Highness.”
"What does it matter about my dress? I still have enough left."
In the dowry of Duke Flores' house, there are certainly many evening gowns for me to choose from.
“But usually, before the banquet, people make new dresses…”
Delfina finished her sentence with regret.
At that moment, a knight outside the door announced a visitor - Countess Elvira.
“So you're here, Your Highness.”
“Long time no see, Countess Elvira.”
She looked at me, smiling aristocratically. But I couldn't understand why she suddenly appeared.
“Madam, what is the matter?”
Without answering, she just nodded slightly. The servants who followed immediately carried in several large chests. With another slight nod, they opened each chest.
The first thing that caught my eye were the gorgeous costumes that overwhelmed me. In another chest are jewelry, then hats, feathers, ribbons...
“What… is it all?”
Lady Elvira opened her fan, slightly covering her mouth and smiling.
"I heard that the Royal Highness will attend the summer banquet with His Highness the Prince. The Queen was extremely grateful for your determination, so she gave me this entire outfit."
It was a gift from the Queen.