Chapter 38: Oh, Still Being Modest

Sylvia curled up on the huge bed, hugging her pillow tightly. She peeked out secretly through the gap in the curtains.

The Bone Palace was slowly flying over the Nightfall city. Below, there were crowds of people packed tightly together.

The entire main street from the palace to the city gates was blocked, leaving no room to move. Countless bloodline citizens held torches. Gathering into a sea of fire in the darkness.

“Your Highness, it’s time to go out.” The head maid stood respectfully by the door.

“The people are all waiting to behold your grace.”

Sylvia buried her head even deeper. “I don’t want to go out.”

“But it’s Her Majesty the Queen’s order…”

“Can’t I just stay inside?”

Sylvia’s voice was muffled. “I’ll just wave my hand.”

“That won’t do.” The head maid rubbed her hands awkwardly.

“According to tradition, royal family members must be seen by the people when they go out.”

“What nonsense tradition.”

Sylvia turned over in despair.

Just then—

The Bone Palace stopped.

Ophelia’s voice came from outside: “Sylvia, it’s time to come out.”

Sylvia knew there was no way to avoid it. She sluggishly climbed out of bed.

Adjusting her “simple” long dress.

The moment the dress touched her, it absorbed the surrounding light.

Shrouding her entire figure in profound darkness.

“Mother, can I just stand out for a moment and come right back?”

She made a final plea.

“Of course not.”

Ophelia took her hand. “You are the Little Princess of the Eternal Night Empire; this is your duty.”

Sylvia was led toward the balcony. With every step, the cheers below grew louder.

The moment she appeared on the balcony, the entire Nightfall City erupted.

“Long live the Little Princess!”

“Long live Princess Sylvia!”

“Long live the Eternal Night Empire!”

The deafening shouts nearly made her ears ring. Sylvia stood at the balcony’s edge, expressionless as she looked down at the dense sea of people. Her hands clenched tightly into fists, palms sweating.

“Look! Her Highness is wearing the sacred black dress representing the Eternal Night!”

“What material is that? It actually absorbs light!”

“As expected of our little princess, even her clothes are so mysterious!”

The crowd’s chatter floated upward.

Sylvia wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground. All she wanted was an ordinary black dress. And it ended up like this.

“Sis, wave your hand.” Avira stood beside her, eyes shining with excitement. “Look how thrilled they are.”

Sylvia stiffly raised her hand and gave a half-hearted wave. The cheers exploded instantly.

“Her Highness waved at us!”

“She saw me!”

Sylvia’s face paled further.

“See how composed the Little Princess is?”

A nobleman whispered to his companion.

“Facing such a crowd of cheers, her expression never changed.”

“Indeed, that’s the true bearing of a ruler.”

Another nodded in approval.

“Unaffected by mundane applause, that’s the sign of divinity.”

“She’s truly someone who can silence a million soldiers.”

Sylvia’s mind screamed in protest.

Composed my ass!

I’m nervous enough to die right now!

“Sylvia.” Ophelia’s spiritual voice echoed in her mind.

“Don’t be nervous, I’m here.”

Sylvia nearly burst into tears. Mother, you’ve got it all wrong!

“See that?” Avira said to Corvus standing nearby.

“My sister already carries the aura of one who rules the world.”

“Truly impressive.” Corvus replied respectfully.

“The Little Princess’s dignity makes everyone submit wholeheartedly.”

Sylvia’s despair deepened. The more she tried to appear ordinary, the more people thought she was unfathomable.

“Little Princess! Please take care of your health!”

“We will always support you!”

“Princess Sylvia is our pride!”

Cheers and shouts rose in waves.

Sylvia felt her social anxiety about to overwhelm her. Her gaze glazed over as she tried to mentally check out.

This, in the eyes of the crowd, became yet another interpretation.

“Look at her eyes.” Someone marveled.

“That transcendent expression, it’s as if a deity has descended.”

“Right, there’s no mundane desire in her gaze, only ethereal divinity.”

“Is this the Little Princess? Just standing there inspires awe.”

Sylvia wanted to explain but knew it was useless.

In this situation, whatever she did would be overanalyzed. The best thing was to get this public ordeal over with as soon as possible.

Time dragged agonizingly.

Sylvia felt like she had stood on the balcony for a century.

Finally, Ophelia spoke: “It’s time to depart.”

Sylvia felt as if she’d been granted a pardon. She immediately turned to rush back to her room.

“Wait.” Avira stopped her.

“Wave your hand again.” Sylvia had no choice but to turn back and wave mechanically.

The cheers below erupted again, even more fervently.

“Departure!”

Ophelia’s voice rang throughout the Bone Palace.

Twelve Bone Dragons roared in unison, dragging the massive palace slowly into the sky.

Three thousand royal guards and Avira’s Personal Guard formed ranks in the air, escorting around the palace.

This enormous formation spread across the night sky, blotting out the stars.

“Spectacular!”

“This is the power of our empire!”

“Safe travels, Little Princess!”

The people’s cheers soared into the clouds.

***

The moment the Bone Palace flew beyond the city gates, Sylvia immediately turned and dashed to her room.

She dove into the soft bedding, pressing her pillow tightly over her head.

“Finally over.” She muttered gloomily.

“I almost lost half my life.” But she knew this was only the beginning.

Another half month of tour displays awaited her. Thinking about being watched in places like the Emerald Forest and the Dwarf Kingdom made Sylvia want to cry.

“Your Highness, would you like to eat?”

The head maid quietly asked outside the door.

“No.”

Sylvia buried her head deeper. “I want to sleep.”

“But…”

“I said I want to sleep.” Sylvia’s voice was filled with despair.

“Hopefully I can sleep all the way to Dawn City.”

The head maid didn’t dare disturb her further and quietly retreated.

The Bone Palace flew steadily through the clouds.

Void Silkworm Silk’s soundproofing was excellent.

Not a whisper of the wind outside reached in.

Sylvia finally felt a trace of peace. But it didn’t last long. The door was gently pushed open. Avira tiptoed inside.

“Sis, are you asleep?” She whispered softly. Sylvia played dead, motionless.

“I know you’re not asleep.” Avira sat by the bed. “You were amazing on the balcony just now.”

Sylvia still ignored her.

“That calm composure—it even shocked me.” Avira continued rambling. “Did you know? So many people below were enchanted by you.”

Sylvia reached out a hand from under the covers, signaling her to stop.

“Especially the moment your gaze went blank.” Avira didn’t notice the gesture at all.

“It was like you were saying, ‘You mortals are simply not worthy of my attention.’”

“So cool!”

Sylvia finally couldn’t take it anymore, flinging off the covers and sitting up.

“Enough, sister!” Her hair was a mess, eyes full of despair.

“I was just nervous and spaced out!”

“Oh, still humble.” Avira smiled brightly.

“But the journey ahead will be even more interesting.”

“We’ll pass through the elves’ territory—you’ll see glowing trees.”

“And the dwarves’ workshops—their forging skills are fascinating.”

Sylvia’s face grew paler as she listened to her sister’s descriptions.

Those places sounded like they’d draw even more crowds.

Her social nightmare was just beginning.

“All right, get some rest.” With that, Avira bounced out of the room.

Outside, the sound of Bone Dragons flapping their wings echoed. The Bone Palace continued to fly.

Sylvia closed her eyes. Hoping to get a little more sleep before the nightmares started.