During this time, Lucius continued speaking.
“Indeed. Due to the powers passed down through royal lineage, growth during childhood tends to be slower.”
His tone seemed quite meaningful, but Annette, suddenly realizing that she had indeed become a child, didn’t quite catch his words.
Moreover, she had thought her 10-year-old body would be taller than the 8-year-old Crown Prince, who was apparently of similar height…
Regretting her earlier assertion of being 10 years old, Annette brushed her small hand over her face in distress.
At that moment, Lucius, barely containing his laughter, rummaged through his belongings and said, “I almost forgot, there’s something I meant to give to the princess.”
“Is it a purification stone?”
Annette quickly recognized the small stone glowing with a holy white light and asked.
“Yes. Since you were touched by monster blood, you need to be purified, but it would be difficult for you to enter the temple in your current state. Though we could have a priest come, it’s not quite the same as being at the temple…”
“I’m fine with it. Few people know about my current condition, so it’s safer this way. And… I don’t need to be purified by a priest, which is even better.”
Feeling relieved and also a bit embarrassed for revealing her true thoughts, Annette added softly.
But she was genuinely glad she didn’t have to go to the temple.
It wasn’t just because she didn’t want to reveal her condition. The looks of disdain she received from the priests at the Heyworth temple after each monster subjugation were deeply etched in her memory.
They performed the purification with an attitude that clearly said, ‘Why waste our holy power on a seed of the monsters?’
At those times, Annette had deeply longed for the purification stones, which were said to be sold only at the grand temple in Alcan.
The purification stones were a masterpiece completed by Emperor Lucius himself, employing the manpower of both the temple and the mage tower, mainly to aid his younger brother, Harjent, who supposedly turned into a grotesque figure after missing his purification due to a monster subjugation.
Though pricey, these stones were highly sought after by knights and mercenaries alike who ventured far for monster hunts. They would often visit Alcan’s capital to purchase these stones.
However, Heyworth’s royal knight order was an exception. With limited budget allocation and the royal family’s reluctance to procure the stones from Alcan, they were not an option for them.
Annette had felt a greater responsibility and often led the frontlines against the monsters, but now that she couldn’t do so anymore, she worried about her subordinates.
‘I wonder if we can request the temple in Heyworth to start selling purification stones.’
If that were possible, the royal family could no longer use it as an excuse.
Despite these thoughts, Annette hesitated to voice her suggestion.
Through this political marriage, Alcan had promised military aid to Heyworth in case of an invasion by Bayendor. She also knew, albeit without seeing the list, that the empire was sending extravagant gifts to the kingdom, as per the diplomatic delegation’s chatter.
‘And I couldn’t even prepare a dowry…’
Of course, Alcan had insisted it wasn’t necessary for her to bring anything. But still, she had expected the kingdom to prepare something basic, considering her status as a princess and the customs of the empire.
However, King Heyworth of Heyworth Kingdom sent Annette to the empire empty-handed.
Anyone aware of how the treasury of Heyworth had been filled up to this point would find this decision astonishing.
Unaware of this, Annette thought to herself,
“That’s right. It was already a generous gesture from the empire to extend an alliance. It would be shameless to expect more.”
With the knight order newly reformed, she believed that the royal family would not treat her harshly anymore.
Believing so, she brushed off her regret and reached out to receive the purification stone that the emperor was handing to her.
Zap.
It felt like a static shock in her palm.
Startled, she looked at Lucius, but he met her gaze without any disturbance, simply smiling gently.
Lucius, seemingly curious since Annette recognized the purification stone, asked,
“The Heyworth royal knight order has no record of purchasing a purification stone… Do you know how to use it?”
“Yes, I’ve received one as a gift before.”
Gifts were rare for Annette, so she recalled her surprise from that time and slowly nodded, deliberately ignoring the curious expressions of Lucius and Charlotte.
For some reason, she didn’t want to discuss that incident with anyone else.
Then, a maid of the Empress entered the banquet hall with a message from the Empress Dowager.
“The Empress Dowager wishes to have tea this afternoon?”
“Yes, she specifically requested that you bring our esteemed guest.”
Lucius slightly frowned at the maid’s words.
“Have you already informed my mother?”
“Yes, I had to… in a hurry to find…”
“Ah, right, there isn’t one in the palace…”
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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