# Chapter 34
Chapter 34
The emperor's edict fell on Grace's viscountcy.
The family was in mourning, as they could no longer refuse the call.
With a melancholy expression, Viscount Grace turned to his daughter.
“We can not do anything with it.
His Majesty personally ordered it.
“It’s like the letter said,” thought Olivia.
She hoped she was wrong, but seeing that she was right, she bit her lower lip firmly.
“That’s definitely what Princess Cayena meant.”
Furthermore, Olivia had heard the news that all the existing ladies-in-waiting in the princess's palace had been expelled.
The palace was undergoing extensive remodeling.
Olivia consulted Maria, the only friend close to her that she could talk to.
“It's clear as day that His Highness hates me.
So, isn't it strange that she chose me as her lady-in-waiting?
Olivia sat on a tree swing and kicked the ground.
It was all very complicated.
“That is true.
It's really surprising that she chose you as a court lady.
“I wonder why this person needs me.
Maria laughed at her friend, who was deeply worried about Princess Cayena.
“Do you think there must be some deep meaning to this?
It looks to me like she's trying to keep an eye on you.
Her tone showed that she was convinced that there was no special reason behind Princess Cayena's movements.
All of society knew that Cayena was jealous and distrustful of Olivia.
But Olivia didn't think this case was that simple.
“If she were such a person, she would have done this a long time ago.
And since she had sent away all the ladies-in-waiting in the princess's palace, she would be filling their places with new people.
What kind of people would gather in the princess's palace?
Olivia had no way of knowing, so she felt frustrated.
“It would be better to go to the palace early and find out the situation first.”
Olivia acted on her determination immediately.
She didn't have much to pack.
She wanted to take a maid along with her, but that would bleed the house a lot.
As the eldest daughter, she had to suppress her desires.
“You don't have to go there early.
Why don't you just go tomorrow?
She had already ordered a carriage.
Olivia carried her bag and said goodbye to her family.
“I'll be fine.
Don't worry about me.
With the Edict in hand, she headed to the imperial palace.
From there, the procedure for entering the castle was simple.
“It’s overwhelming…”
The imperial palace was impressive from the entrance.
Leaving aside its size or splendor, the atmosphere inside was breathtaking.
"This is where I will stay in the future.
I have to adapt quickly."
She headed to the princess's palace with the help of the courtiers.
“I received your message earlier, Miss.
Grace.
A well-dressed court lady was waiting for her at the entrance to the princess's palace.
“It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time.
I'm Olivia Grace.
“I'm Vera Lexton.
You can just call me Vera.
She must have been a senior lady-in-waiting.
Olivia was sure that every existing court lady had been expelled.
Was it someone who survived the court?
“In that case, it is very likely that this is one of Princess Cayena’s relatives.”
Vera guided Olivia to her accommodation.
The accommodation was a private room much nicer than Olivia's parents' room, which was the best room in the Grace mansion.
Olivia dropped her bag and looked around the room in awe.
“There is even a full-length mirror in a court lady’s room.”
Vera briefly described her future tasks to her.
“There will be a total of four ladies-in-waiting, including you and me, Miss.
Olivia.
As such, you will receive many rights and permissions, but the work will also be very important.
Olivia was a little surprised to learn that there would only be four court ladies.
Vera explained that she herself was responsible for the court ladies of the princess's palace.
“Miss Olivia will be primarily responsible for the hospitality of His Highness's guests in the future.
Additionally, you will manage the party schedule, general ceremonies, and procedures.
It was a very good position to give to Olivia, who would certainly have the most humble family of those gathered here.
In addition to allowing her influence in social circles, it was the second highest position in the palace of the Democratic Princess.ois de Vera, or perhaps the most important.
“What exactly is she thinking?”
At this point, the princess seemed like some sort of mysterious figure.
“Now, get ready.
We must go and greet His Highness.
Vera meant that Olivia could now wear nice clothes if she wanted.
However, Olivia was already wearing the best dress she had, excluding her banquet dresses.
She didn't have an outfit to “get ready”, so she had to prepare something else.
“Is there anything I should be cautious about?
Vera smiled at Olivia's question.
— Don't worry, miss.
You will soon learn what you should and shouldn't do.
“… I understand.
She found Vera's words quite meaningful.
Before going to greet His Highness, Olivia checked her condition and followed Vera.
Even the doors to the princess's chambers were extraordinary.
The huge door was decorated in gold, depicting some kind of story.
It seemed to be a scene from a myth.
When the door that looked like a work of art opened, she saw a red carpet with glamorous patterns.
Stepping onto the soft floor, they soon arrived at the room.
"Finally."
Finally, the bedroom door opened.
The first thing that came to Olivia's mind was that the room smelled good.
There was a very subtle, calming scent that seemed to ease his tension.
The room itself was also like a work of art, fit for a princess.
Inside, the princess, who looked like the greatest masterpiece of all, was sitting on the sofa.
She turned her head away from her book and her guests.
“Wow…”
Olivia was stunned for a moment.
Her breath was stolen the moment she made eye contact with the unimaginably beautiful woman with pale lemon, almost platinum hair.
Cayena smiled beautifully as she looked at her.
“Oh, right.”
Olivia woke up from her stupor and quickly paid her respects.
“Olivia Grace greets Her Highness, the Princess.
“She certainly looks a little different from what I’ve seen of her.”
Olivia never knew Cayena very well, but she couldn't help but have questions.
“I thought the court ladies would come tomorrow.
“I came to the palace the day before, when I learned that Your Highness did not have a court lady to help you.
Olivia behaved appropriately so as not to appear over the top.
Cayena liked this intelligence.
Furthermore, she felt somewhat pleased to see Olivia's shiny wheat-colored hair and bright green eyes.
It was incomparable with Cayena's dazzling beauty, but Olivia's calm and intelligent atmosphere was attractive.
“Nice to meet you, Miss.
Olivia Grace.
“Now that I am one of Your Highness's people, feel free to address me informally.
From start to finish, it was a perfectly, courteous attitude.
Cayena suppressed a smile at his behavior.
Olivia continued: — Thank you for choosing me.
I am lacking in many ways, but I will serve Your Highness with all my heart.
Cayena approached Olivia, who was kneeling down.
Then, she grabbed her hand and helped her up.
“I hope we get along well in the future.
Cayena purposely showed him a sly smile.
They moved into the living room to drink tea.
“You must have been very surprised when you were selected as a court lady for the princess's palace,” Cayena said, smiling with eyes that seemed to see through the fact that Olivia was being cautious.
“I hope we can overcome the pain I did to you before.
“How should I do this?
“Hearing you say that comforts me,” Cayena said.
“And you're twenty now?
“Yes I have.
“So, you must have already had your coming of age ceremony?
I don't remember hearing about that.
I must have been very inattentive.
Olivia spoke candidly, not feeling ashamed of coming from a poor family.
— I didn't have a separate party for my coming of age because I have a lot of younger brothers and our family doesn't have enough money.
That's why Your Highness hasn't heard about it.
The nearby servants gasped in surprise or started coughing at Olivia's words.
Cayena smiled brightly.
“Then we can have our coming-of-age celebrations together.
Cayena didn't stop talking before opening the dressing room.
She immediately began choosing a dress for Olivia to wear to the ceremony.
“Luckily, our body types are similar, so you can wear one of my dresses.
Olivia was scared.
She immediately knelt down and said to her, “This is much more than whatand I deserve it, Your Highness.
“How can I be a proud member of the imperial family if I can't care for my people at least that much?
Please do not refuse, even if it is only for the sake of your master's honor.
Vera, who was next to them, helped Cayena by saying: — You are authorized to accept the kindness of His Highness.
“… thanks.
Cayena, who Olivia had met several times in the social world, and now seemed like a completely different person.
There was a noble dignity in his actions and his words were imbued with natural authority.
She was truly the princess of the empire.
Only the exterior seemed to have remained the same; Inside, she was completely changed.
Cayena stopped in front of her quarters and looked at Olivia.
“That's enough for today.
Go and rest.
After all, it would be a waste to expand so much energy into your questions.
Cayena smiled slowly as she looked at Olivia, who seemed to be lost in thought.