Chapter 28: Where the Path of Arrogance Leads

Esmeralda watched as Mia frolicked about the yacht’s prow, giggling and squealing and generally behaving in a fashion that tended to elicit remarks such as “get a room.” The young Etoiline smiled in satisfaction.

“Oho ho, Miss Mia seems to be enjoying herself. Excellent. For those of us with noble blood, the search for a life partner is a most important duty, after all. I must say though, I always thought someone like Prince Sion was more to her liking. This sweetheart of hers, what was his name again? Prince Abel of Remno? Not quite the same type, but still a very pretty face. Oho ho, now I know what she looks for in a man...” Her contented monologue then took on a more peeved tone. “Still, it’s a little upsetting that she’s paid so little attention to me. I’ll settle the score with her later...by splashing water on her face! Yes, that’ll teach her! Once we—”

Her excitement was interrupted by her maid, Nina, who quietly appeared at her side.

“Excuse me, milady.”

“Yes? Is something the matter, Ni— Ahem, maid?”

“Yes, milady. The captain has informed me that a storm is approaching and will reach us sometime tomorrow. We are advised to refrain from stopping at the island.”

“My, a storm?” Esmeralda looked dubiously up at the sky. “It certainly seems pretty clear to me. Are you sure the captain isn’t just imagining things?”

“I must remind yo—”

“Remind? The only one who needs to be reminded right now is you of the fact that this is my cruise. Do you really think something so unpleasant would happen to us when I am present?”

She glared at Nina, who quietly lowered her head.

“I apologize. I was out of line. Please forgive me for my impertinence.”

“So long as you understand. You are forgiven. Now, go tell the captain to proceed as planned,” she commanded before strolling happily off toward the bow.

Nina watched her go, letting out a deep sigh that was carried off by the wind before it reached her master’s ears.

“Miss Mia, I trust you are enjoying yourself?”

The question woke Mia from her Abel-fueled reverie. With a start, she turned to discover a smiling Esmeralda, who’d walked up beside her without her noticing. It suddenly dawned on her that all the giggling and squealing and get-a-room antics she’d been partaking in with Abel were, in fact, rather embarrassing. She quickly hid this sentiment behind a polite smile.

“Yes, the cruise has been reasonably pleasant so far. This boat had seemed a tad mediocre at first, but the experience of actually being on board has been surprisingly agreeable.”

“Oho ho, it’s an honor to receive such compliments. I’ll relay your sentiments to my father as well.”

“By the way, Esmeralda,” said Mia, brows suddenly furrowed in thought. “I was wondering what exactly a cruise entails. Do we just sail around like this?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Well, I just assumed that there would be some swimming involved...”

She’d been expecting to learn how to swim. It was, in fact, why she’d decided to come in the first place!

Then again, no swimming means more boat time...and more boat time means more... Remembering the romantic experience she’d just had, an enamored sigh escaped her lips. I wouldn’t mind some more of that. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe learning to swim isn’t so important...

Just as her priorities were beginning to slip, Esmeralda reassured her with a nod.

“Of course there will be time for swimming. The island we’re headed to right now has a beach that will allow us to enjoy some quality time in the water.”

“Really? We’re going to an island?” Abel joined their conversation. “The only island I’ve ever been to is Saint-Noel. What’s this one like?”

Esmeralda shot him a scrutinizing look, her eyes slowly scanning from the top of his head down to the tips of his toes. Finally, she nodded with approval. Apparently, Abel’s appearance passed her good looks test.

“In that case, Prince Abel, you’ll find this island to be considerably smaller than Saint-Noel. It does, however, have an inlet that’s perfect for swimming. Imagine... A soft beach, fine white sand, clear blue water... It’s like paradise.” She smiled at him. “I must admit though, Her Highness has found herself some very good friends. I’m almost jealous.”

“That’s right,” Mia said, her ego swelling with secondhand pride at hearing Abel praised. “You should be jealous.”

Just then, Anne appeared.

“Sorry for interrupting, milady, but do you have a moment?”

“Oh, Anne. Sure. What’s going on?”

“I think we should take out that swimsuit Miss Rafina prepared for you and—”

“My, Your Highness,” Esmeralda interjected with a sneer, “you bothered to learn your maid’s name?”

“Hm? Well, yes. She’s not just any maid, you know? She’s one of my most loyal and trusted subjects. Of course I know her name.”

“M-Milady...” Anne’s lips quivered with emotion, but she quickly got a hold of herself and turned to face Esmeralda.

“I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I’m Princess Mia’s maid. My name is Anne Littstein.”

“My! How presumptuous of you to assume I’d want to know your name. Moreover, for someone whom Her Highness has such a needlessly good opinion of, you sure don’t look very clever. Oho ho.” Her laugh was contemptuous. “Just so you know, Princess Mia’s maid, I don’t go around memorizing the names of all the nobodies who serve me. Therefore, I will not call you by your name either. It’s nothing personal. All right?”

She let out one of her trademark noble girl laughs, back arched and face to the sky, before casting a haughty glance down at Mia.

“Such eccentric behavior, Miss Mia, to be memorizing the names of your attendants. Surely, you have better things to do with your time. Those of regal blood should behave in an appropriately regal manner. Spend too much time with the riffraff, and their ways might start rubbing off on you. Be careful, all right? Oho ho.”

Mia made no reply. She regarded the snickering Esmeralda, feeling rather conflicted.

I should warn her. For her own sake. But she probably wouldn’t listen...

She knew where Esmeralda’s current path of arrogance led.

I hope she realizes on her own. Before she’s made to realize.

When a high-ranking noble made a mess of things, there was a good chance the imperial family would end up sharing in the blame. To that end, Mia strongly wished for Esmeralda to smarten up and get her act together. It’d keep the guillotine away. From both of them.

After all, losing her own head had been awful, but watching Esmeralda lose hers would probably leave a pretty bad taste in her mouth too.