The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 68

Grace looked around. She saw other Armento each struggling with their eyes closed, trying hard to draw out their energy.

 

“Wow! I finally did it!”

 

A girl shouted with joy as she looked at the flame hovering above her palm.

 

“How did you do it? Tell me!”

 

“Well… I just kept focusing and putting in strength, and it happened.”

 

“Wow… I’ve been trying for three days straight, but I still don’t get it.”

 

Another girl beside her asked urgently, her face full of envy. The girl who had lit the fire responded with an awkward smile.

 

Grace looked down at her hands. This white energy was supposed to be the basic building block of elements, right? If so, could this energy eventually become like that flame?

 

“You’ve awakened quite quickly. Most Armento take several days just to draw out their energy.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

Grace smiled awkwardly. Since the power wasn’t originally hers, being complimented made her feel a bit shy.

 

“The important thing is that you were able to draw out the energy. Converting it into elements is something we can work on later.”

 

“Okay…”

 

“With a bit more practice, you’ll get there.”

 

Count Filtners moved on to instruct the other Armento. Left alone, Grace tried to recall the sensation from earlier.

 

“…Hmm.”

 

She focused all her strength, and the energy at her fingertips glowed a bit brighter. Feeling proud, she looked down at her hand. She still wasn’t anywhere near ready to control or use this energy properly, but the fact that such a power came from her body was astonishing.

 

Suddenly, she felt eyes on her. When she turned, she noticed that many of the nearby Armento were watching her fingers with wonder.

 

‘…This is a little embarrassing.’

 

Maybe because they were still young boys and girls, their stares were very honest. Grace bashfully fidgeted with her fingers.

 

“Alright, time to eat!”

 

Some time later, Count Filtners spoke, and the Armento who had been sitting stood up one by one. Grace also got up and followed them.

 

Inside the dining hall, food was already set at each table. After everyone found a seat, just as Grace was about to pick up her fork—

 

“Um… what is that on your hand? It looked so cool…”

 

A brown-haired girl sitting next to her suddenly spoke up.

 

“This? It’s the fundamental energy of the four elements. It’s called Quantum.”

 

“Were you born with it?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“Wow! That’s so cool. How can someone have a power like that…”

 

She was supposed to say it was an innate ability. It was what Lord told her to do, but seeing the girl’s sparkling eyes made Grace feel a bit guilty.

 

“My name is Christine. What’s yours?”

 

“I’m Grace Winstaine.”

 

“Winstaine…? Wait, are you… the Duchess of Winstaine?”

 

“Yes. That’s my husband.”

 

Christine’s eyes widened. Grace smiled as she answered. The young girl’s surprised reaction was adorable.

 

“H-He’s… um…”

 

“Because they call him the Monster Duke?”

 

“Ah… yeah.”

 

The girl couldn’t bring herself to answer and fumbled awkwardly. She must’ve heard rumors about Frederick and was startled to find his wife sitting right in front of her.

 

Other boys and girls nearby also glanced at Grace and Christine with curious, wide eyes.

 

“He’s not a monster.”

 

“Ah…”

 

“All those rumors are just misunderstandings. He’s warm-hearted, righteous, and very kind. I’m proud to be his wife.”

 

Grace smiled brightly as she spoke.

 

She wanted to start changing people’s view of Frederick, to show that he wasn’t the villain the rumors made him out to be—but rather, someone good and worthy of respect.

 

“I hope I can introduce him to you someday. You’ll feel differently once you meet him.”

 

“Y-Yes…”

 

Christine blushed and replied shyly.

 

“But did you awaken your powers… late?”

 

“Yes. I only realized them recently, unlike the other Armento.”

 

A boy sitting across from Christine asked. Grace smiled as she responded.

 

“I didn’t know much at first. I couldn’t even really tell the difference between a magician and an Armento.”

 

“I heard that magicians and Armento don’t get along.”

 

“Why’s that?”

 

Was that what Lord had meant when he said the relationship between them wasn’t close?

 

“Magicians think elemental power is incomplete. Since they can only use one type of attribute, they believe it limits the range of application.”

 

“They think they’re superior because they can handle mana. In combat too.”

 

The boys and girls each chimed in. Their cheeks puffed slightly, as if they were unhappy with the magicians’ views.

 

“If the powers are different, isn’t it hard to compare?”

 

“Well, Armento can have their attacks nullified depending on elemental compatibility.”

 

One girl answered with a slightly gloomy expression.

 

“But I’m still proud of what we have.”

 

“Elemental power is the purest form of energy. Sometimes, it can unleash explosive power beyond imagination. Its potential is even greater than that of magicians…”

 

Another quickly responded. Grace watched them with a smile. It was heartwarming to see the young ones speak their minds and have honest little debates.

 

 

Several weeks had passed since Grace started coming to Panbion. During that time, she had learned how to move the energy she had awakened.

 

Quantum was an extremely delicate force. If she lost focus even slightly, it would vanish, and she had to concentrate hard to draw it out again. Controlling it required her full attention.

 

With repeated practice, Grace gradually learned to move the energy. Not only could she manipulate it freely in the air, but she could even change its shape.

 

“Yes, just like that. Let’s take a break now.”

 

At Count Filtners’ words, Grace gathered the energy she had been rolling around in her hand.

 

“How are you feeling?”

 

“Much better. I’m not in pain anymore—actually, I feel stronger than before.”

 

Now that she could use the energy, the frequent headaches that used to plague her had disappeared. In fact, she felt more energetic than ever.

 

“As your power grows, you’ll feel that way more often. You’re picking things up quickly. With a bit more control, you’ll be ready for combat training.”

 

“Oh, I see.”

 

“There will be other Armento around your age there. It might be more comfortable for you.”

 

“I was fine here, too.”

 

Though Count Filtners had been attentive, the age gap hadn’t really bothered her.

 

Grace quietly watched the young Armento chatting together. Seeing them gathered in small groups reminded her of the younger servants back at the mansion, who used to hang out together.

 

Even while playing among themselves, the Armento would often come up to talk to Grace.

 

“I heard the Duke of Winstaine is a swordmaster! That his sword gives off an amazing aura! And he moves faster than the wind!”

 

Ever since Grace told them that the “Monster Duke” was actually a kind and good man, the Armento often came to her whenever they heard something about Duke Winstaine.

 

“Yes, that’s true. He’s incredibly fast with a sword. When I first saw him, I didn’t think a person could move like that.”

 

“My brother’s in the Imperial Knights, and he said the Duke is super handsome!”

 

“I’ll tell him you said that. I think he’ll appreciate it.”

 

Of course, even if she did tell him, Frederick would likely have no reaction. If people told him, “Everyone says you’re handsome,” he’d probably just go, “Is that so,” and move on.

 

“What does Winstaine look like?”

 

A boy with long, bright orange hair tied back asked her.

 

“Hmm…”

 

It was the first time someone had asked her about Winstaine—not the Duke, but the place. Grace thought for a moment, then went over to Count Filtners.

 

“Could I borrow some paper and a pen?”

 

“Here you go.”

 

Grace took the paper Count Filtners gave her and sketched a simple drawing of Winstaine Castle.

 

“Wow! You’re really good at drawing!”

 

The Armento watching her opened their eyes wide in amazement.

 

“Can you draw something else too?”

 

“Is there something you want to see?”

 

“Um… uh…”

 

The boy who had spoken hesitated. He clearly wanted something drawn but couldn’t decide what. Grace smiled gently and looked at him.

 

“What’s your element?”

 

“I’m Ignit!”

 

“Then can you create a flame in your palm?”

 

“Yes! Hngh…”

 

The boy strained and finally managed to spark a small flame in his palm. Grace immediately began sketching him just like that.