The Princess's Private Tutoring - Chapter 3

Episode 3. Private Tutor

There was a reason why Celestia was searching for Houston with fire in her eyes.

He had promised her the night before that they’d go to the lakeside early in the morning.

And he forgot.

Feeling hurt, Celestia forgot her manners for a moment and flung open the bedroom door.

And she saw.

Houston’s friend, the man she always saw every summer vacation, the one who, unlike Houston, treated her like a proper lady, always keeping his manners and greeting her with a gentle smile—Killian.

His naked body, and his manhood—hanging down, yet impossibly prominent!

The man who perfectly fulfilled the third condition of her ideal type: Killian Merius Eustia, the Duke.

Caught changing after a shower, Killian froze for a moment, and in that pause, Celestia screamed, “Kyaaaaaa!”

Startled, he hurried over and wrapped her in his arms.

The still-wet moisture soaked through Celestia’s dress.

Quickly closing the door, Killian whispered into the crown of her head, “If anyone finds out, it could tarnish Your Highness’s honor. So, please, stay quiet for a moment. I’ll apologize after I’ve dressed.”

His polite voice, his kindness even in such an awkward situation, the heat of his body that touched her cheeks chilled by shock.

Celestia was confused. Was it her dress that was soaked—or her heart? Was it water that drenched her—or love?

“Your Highness, I ask you, would you kindly close your eyes for a moment?”

His deep, weighty voice pierced through Celestia’s eardrums.

She had to respond now. Celestia carefully opened her mouth.

She must answer like a princess, with dignity.

She steeled herself.

But what came from her mouth was—

“Hic.”

A hiccup. And the answer she received was Killian’s soft laugh, scattering gently above her head.

***

Was that really a laugh?

And if it was, what did it mean?

At the time, Celestia had been too flustered and embarrassed to think.

So it wasn’t until much later that she began to ponder it.

Killian, why did you laugh?

What was it about me that made you laugh?

Because you were baffled? Embarrassed? Ashamed? Or because you thought I was ridiculous?

Celestia thought about it for a long time but couldn’t find the answer.

So she decided to ask the person himself.

But meeting Killian wasn’t easy.

He replied to every letter she sent, but always politely declined her requests to meet.

There were times they happened to cross paths at kingdom events or banquets, but never once did they get a chance to talk alone.

And then, right after Celestia made her debut a year later than other ladies—due to an undisclosed health reason—he suddenly left the kingdom, saying he would pursue his studies.

At the time, Celestia was so filled with emptiness she couldn’t sleep for days. Through his absence, she came to a realization.

That she was in love with him.

That the childish joke she made when she was young had actually come from her heart.

The proposal she made when she was six.

“I’m going to marry Killian!”

Back then, Celestia, who adored Houston deeply, had fallen for Killian at first sight.

He was just like the prince in a fairytale.

Everyone in the royal family, including Houston, had taken her words as a joke.

Unfortunately, even then, Killian had politely rejected her.

“Once Your Highness grows up, someone like me won’t satisfy you. It would be improper for someone as lacking as me to desire Your Highness. You deserve someone better than me.”

That rejection had been a big shock to Celestia.

So, at just six years old, she experienced the pain of heartbreak in full. She cried for days, threw tantrums, and eventually collapsed sick.

After that, Celestia became distant with Killian. She didn’t even see his face again until they ran into each other at Houston’s villa.

Maybe because of that incident, Perriorson hadn’t liked Killian either.

If Perriorson had even a slightly favorable view of Killian, he would have at least mentioned him once as a potential match for Celestia.

Though there was a bit of an age gap, no one on the continent suited her better than Killian.

Even setting aside her list of ideal traits.

Yet Perriorson never once brought up Killian as a match for Celestia.

He even said, behind her back, “Absolutely not anyone from the Duke’s house.”

For reasons unknown, young Celestia didn’t have the strength to go against her father’s disapproval and let go of her one-sided love.

She tried hard to forget him.

But the older she got, the more he came to mind.

Every time she spotted a flaw in one of the suitors Perriorson brought forward, Killian’s image became clearer.

No matter how hard she thought about it, only he matched her ideal type.

So it was time to end the one-sided love and resolve her curiosity. In other words, it was time to meet Killian.

Five years had already passed since she reached adulthood. Her patience in suppressing her curiosity and ignoring her feelings was truly admirable.

Resolute, Celestia jumped up from her seat. There was no time to hesitate.

Now that Killian was temporarily staying in the kingdom to resolve a matter concerning his estate, this was her chance.

“Lyla, would you bring me pen and paper?”

Celestia’s head maid, Lyla, laid out a pen and paper on her desk.

Celestia immediately picked up the pen and began writing. Her pen didn’t stop once.

“Send it to Brother Houston.” Celestia held out the sealed letter.

“Where should I send it? To House Houston?”

“No. By now…”

Celestia checked the time. It was already 8 p.m.

“Go to Blue Club. It’s just about time for him to be gleefully playing bridge.”

“Yes, understood.”

Lyla dashed off.

Though she never received a report that the letter had been delivered, Celestia found out a week later that Houston had received it and accepted her request.

***

The audience chamber doors opened, and Celestia stepped inside.

Perriorson’s darkened face brightened in an instant.

Houston, who had been seated to the king’s left, rose to his feet. He approached Celestia and kissed the back of her hand.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“I might forget your face, Brother.”

“I’ll visit more often.”

Despite Celestia’s scolding, Houston smiled. Only then did Celestia return his gaze and smile back.

“Come here and sit.”

Wanting to see his daughter up close, even if just for a moment, Perriorson waved his hand. Celestia placed her hand on Houston’s arm and sat to the king’s right.

Soon, an attendant brought Celestia’s tea and refreshments.

“We were just talking about you.”

No sooner had Celestia taken a sip of tea than Perriorson spoke.

“About me?”

“We’re thinking of bringing in a private tutor.”

“A private tutor?”

Celestia tilted her head as if she truly had no idea what this was about. Houston jumped in to explain.

“It’s time for Your Highness to properly begin your political training.”

“I’ve already received plenty of education in politics. More than enough. My competence has also been proven. Surely you don’t think I’m lacking, Your Majesty?”

“Of course not!”

“Naturally, Your Highness is perfectly prepared. For what you can do on your own. But there is something you still lack.”

“What is it?”

Celestia raised her chin, clearly displeased.

Houston lowered his eyes, as if deeply apologetic for having to say such a thing.

“Connections. As you know, since the end of the Hundred Years’ War, diplomacy has become increasingly important as nations cooperate more closely. Matters of state may be carried out logically and with practical gain in mind, but in reality, emotional aspects weigh heavily.”

“I agree.” Celestia acknowledged his point.

“Which is why it’s important to know the key figures of other nations. You never know when we might form ties with which country.”

“So what are you saying? That I should travel around as some kind of diplomatic envoy?”

The two exchanged rather pointed words.

“Of course not. Neither I nor His Majesty wish for Your Highness to leave the kingdom. That’s why I suggested bringing in someone experienced and well acquainted with key figures of various nations as your tutor.”

Celestia let out a short laugh. “Does such a person even exist? I’m sure there are people who are close to certain nations. But someone who knows the affairs of the entire continent and gets along well across the board? If such a person exists, I’ll consider the tutor idea.”

“There is,” said Houston confidently.

Celestia raised and lowered one eyebrow. “Who is it?”

She spoke as if uninterested, but Houston alone noticed the subtle excitement and anticipation in her voice.

“Duke Killian Merius Eustia.”

Pretending to rub his nose, Houston covered his mouth so only Celestia could see. Then, mouthing the words so only she could understand, he asked:

‘Are you satisfied, Princess?’

She gave him a sweet smile in return.

‘Of course.’

Everything was going exactly as she wished.

The suggestion had come from Celestia in the first place.

The day Killian would be in her grasp was not far off.