RBRP Chapter 4 - 1

Redemption of the Blue Rose Princess

Translator: Baobao
Proofreader: Dream
Quality Check: Orange Flower

Chapter 4 - 1: The Dark-haired Aide is Reaching Out His Hand

*Some changes from the previous translation:

Advisor Naizel Otto - Chancellor Nizel Otto 

Alicia-sama - Your Highness/Her Highness Alicia

Zac Graham - Zack Graham

At a later date, a letter was immediately issued from the Royal Court arranged by

Chancellor Otto. Clovis had officially been appointed as a Clerk under the Royal Court.

Following that, was the letter of his appointment as the Princess' aide by Alicia.

Clovis's appointment ceremony was then held in the presence of Her Highness, Alicia.

It's evident whose Privy Council members aren't present here, but perhaps it's due

to the short notice.

Draped in a conventional navy blue dress, Alicia seated next to the King,

eyeing the supposedly occupied red seats with a cocked head.

Appointment ceremony for a prominent position was frequently held below

the massive hanging chandelier, in between the audiences. 

In that case, It was common that each head of Court Officials and the Privy Council,

consisting of the head of influential aristocratic families who managed substantial territories,

be present and "approve" the individual.

However, half of the members of the Privy Council weren't present in accordance with

Duke of Shrafford, Father of Riddhe Sutherland who expressed his discontent towards

Clovis before.

...Or, most of the Privy Council are possibly opposing me having Clovis as an aide.

The scene of Chancellor Otto arguing with Riddhe flashed within Alicia's mind.

Riddhe was criticizing Otto for being disrespectful of older aristocratic families.

Alicia shook her head vigorously and dismissed her concern. At this point,

there was no turning back. As a Princess, it was her duty to keep true to her word.

In any case, the appointment ceremony was concluded without any trouble,

and Clovis had publicly become Alicia's aide. Soon after the ceremony, Alicia

went to visit the newly appointed aide

"Good work, Clovis. Are you feeling alright?"

"I don't feel any discomfort at all. I am just delighted to meet Her Highness, Alicia again."

Alicia sighed in relief at the sight of Clovis' face. His expression was stiff during the

appointment ceremony, but looking at him closer like this, his complexion was much

better than when Alicia met him at the service recognition ceremony.

"Honestly, I probably wouldn't know until you start working, but is there anything you

want to ask me?

Alicia promptly asked the thing that she had been keeping for this visit.

Generally speaking, Clovis was appointed as Alicia's aide against his will. Yet, Alicia

still didn't know what kind of man Clovis was in this current life. But it should be the

same from Clovis's side. 

It wasn't odd to feel uneasy over a ten-years-old Master who seemed to know

neither right nor left.

Confronted with Alicia's innocent blue eyes, Clovis' gaze slightly wandered

away from Alicia. Soon, his thin lips opened in a reserved manner.

"Then… I only have one. Why did Your Highness choose me?"

Chancellor Otto who waited at the back was about to open his mouth to

chide in when Alicia gestured to him with her hand. The reputable Chancellor

quickly stepped back with a frown, seemingly uneasy with the situation, yet he

still respected the Princess's wishes.

"I am greatly indebted to Her Highness Alicia, and also Sir Otto for the rest of

my life. It is my pleasure to serve Her Highness the Princess. However, my presence

will cast a shadow on you."

Clovis turned his eyes away from Alicia, a slight pain was apparent on his beautiful face.

"The number of vacant seats at the appointment ceremony is the proof. They could be

absent due to another matter, but most of the vacant seats are from older aristocratic

families who are strict to their conservative view. It must be a silent protest against

appointing Graham bloodline to serve the royal family…"

Indeed, Alicia already grasped this was the reason why Clovis's face was stiff during the

appointment ceremony.  At the same time, Alicia was surprised by the precise analysis of

her indiscernible concern that she felt during the ceremony.

However, Clovis seemed to loathe and hidebound by anything concerning the

"Graham's Bloodline". Chancellor Otto, for one, would come up with the idea that

the conservatives were not present because the aide chosen by the Princess wasn't

one from the older aristocratic families which were associated with the Privy Council.

 

"I can't taint the names of the ones who reached out to me. It is still not too late.

If you think that I look miserable, you merely took pity on me..."

"Why would I lose my name because of you?"

With a perky voice like a small bird, Alicia cut off her aide's words, causing

Clovis to make a puzzled look.

"Because, I am of the Graham bloodline."

"Yeah, but so what? You are Clovis Cromwell, not Zack Graham."

Despite Alicia spouting nothing but obvious remarks, Clovis widened his almond

shaped eyes and looked straight at Alicia's face.

"There are only a number of people able to discern that…"

"I wonder. Nizel over there has recommended you to the King, didn't he?"

Clovis opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, as if trying to find something

to say. As his perplexed look didn't suit his charming beautiful face, Alicia giggled softly.

And then, her expression turned grave.

"In the long run, those who couldn't see your worth might use your background to

berate you, just like what Sir Riddhe did. You are likely to receive unpleasant treatments

because of me. I am really sorry for that."

"There's no need for Your Highness to apologize!"

Clovis shook his head fiercely, put his hand on his chest, and took a stance to make an oath.

"Her Highness Alicia has picked me up, who is supposed to disappear quietly

and be forgotten as the one with the cursed blood. From the moment this hand

was taken, I shall offer my allegiance to you. I will serve Her Highness in return of my life!"

As I said, those words of vow are heavy…

Alicia was glad that Clovis voluntarily appointed himself as her aide once again,

though Alicia felt tense that the word "In return of my all" had advanced to "In return of my life".

Thus, Alicia's short visit to her aide Clovis came to an end. She heard that Clovis' family

residence was more than one hour away, even to the nearest mansion by horse-drawn

carriage. Therefore, he was provided a room in the guest residence which was built on

the palace grounds.

Clovis left the room used for their meeting along with Chancellor Otto who

receive specific explanations about his job, including the matter concerning his dwelling.

A single bead of sweat drifted off from Alicia's forehead while she saw them off with a smile.

Alicia gently pressed a white lace handkerchief against her temple. And then, she

touched her cheeks, wondering if she did well at putting on a smile.

Fortunately, neither Clovis nor Nizel seem to notice anything unusual. But,

truthfully, what Alicia just told him wasn't a lie, but rather her genuine thoughts.

And also, her conversation with the newly appointed aide was much more enjoyable

than she had expected.

Yet,

Alicia reminded herself that she was still far from being composed. Though she

knew that the current Clovis wasn't the one who killed her, the moment she relaxed,

the figure of the assailant who thrust his sword in contempt haunted her.

Consequently, Alicia's body stiffened in contrast to her wish of gaining his favor.

It would be fine. The future definitely would change.

Alicia told herself, while recalling her contract with the Star Envoy.

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