ROYALTY
Caroline Havens: At Work
But nevertheless, my master is my master.
"So, our date is successful, right? People are waiting for our kiss. I'm sure you're nervous. Even I am."
[Do something, Cupra, please. If she kisses you, it's over. The moment she touches you, you'll lose control of the scene. There are people in the café with cameras. They'll make this a big statement and you'll be forced into marriage!]
"NO."
[Huh?]
"What?"
"I said no! This date isn't successful, and I reject you! Bye!"
I did it. For the first time, I rejected a girl. I moved back and left the café.
She was stunned—left alone in the café, rejected to her face.
"Thank God Cupra got out." I relaxed in my seat. I was seriously sweating.
"Master, you're the best."
"Thanks, Nickel, but it was just as stressful for you as it was for me."
I can't believe her—these rich dating scenarios are serious business.
"Well, what kind of girl will you approve for Cupra?" Nickel raised a good point.
What kind of girl do I want for him?
"Someone kind enough to cherish him and smart enough to save him."
That's the best. I won't always be here.
I have to find the best.
Then time passed, the clock ticked, and Cupra arrived at the mansion, but Nickel was busy with something.
"I can already smell something weird. Hash! Why am I talking to myself?
Have I gone insane?
I don't know.
Maybe I was born lunatic."
Caroline spun around on her chair, pushing off with her leg — until suddenly the door slammed open.
BAM!
"MASTER!"
Nickel was in a hurry. I stood up, alarmed.
"What happened?"
"Please get ready as soon as possible. After three hours..."
Nickel took a deep breath. I stepped back.
"After... three hours. I have my date."
Date...?
Date?? Didn't we just have that Momo and Cupra disaster?
"Date??"
"I know you're confused. Actually, Cupra and I were challenging each other to see who'd win their date first. Mine's at a ball, so it's tonight. We thought we'd hire two different coaches—but you were the only one we could trust."
Ah, I get it now. I'm wrecked. What a new havoc life keeps throwing at me, again and again.
"Ball!? You mean that party with royals and all types?"
Seriously? Oh my lord.
"Yeah, that one exactly!" Nickel said as he left, adjusting his tie.
His head bumped into the doorframe.
He walked away rubbing it.
I walked through the corridor, my hand sliding along the wall.
It feels weird—but so good—to do it.
The sun was getting dimmer, and I still haven't chosen a dress to wear.
I have to go with them this time, because we can't fix or hijack a royalty's cameras just for a date.
The event is a ball, but it'll start after an announcement.
I wonder what it'll be.
I think a long gown with a rose pin should do it.
But I don't wanna exactly look like that Momo.
"Master."
"What is it, Nickel? I'm trying to choose a dress. I'm busy right now."
"I brought someone for that."
He walked in with a girl—long ponytail, glasses, black knee-length skirt, and a white shirt.
"Is she the date?"
Then why are we going to that ball? I'm confused.
They both looked at each other. She blushed and hid her face behind a book she was carrying.
"No! It isn't what it looks like."
Her voice is like a small kitten.
"Actually, she's a fashion designer and expert saleswoman, so I thought maybe she could help you in picking a dress? Just an hour is left."
Nickel left, nearly tripping on his feet.
The girl came over and made me sit.
"Let's see."
She looks professional. And smart.
Can I make her and Cupra together?
"Be gentle, okay!"
She started lifting my arm, making me twist and turn as she checked my body.
"Hey, it feels weird."
"Just do as I say, ma'am. You've got the potential."
"Really? Okay, just don't disappoint me."
"I'll offer my head if I disappoint you."
She's joking, right? Who has this kind of dedication?
I still haven't recovered from Cupra's date. That Momo girl might seriously come after him.
Znnnnnnnn!!
I hadn't noticed, but my phone was vibrating—someone was calling.
"U... Hello?"
—[Charles] Hey Caroline? Where are you?
"Ma'am, please stay still," the dress expert—or whatever she was—snapped at me, clearly annoyed I was on a call.
Charles, Julius, Suzie, and even Natasha had all talked to me. Time was racing. Only 25 minutes left.
The moment I dropped my smartphone on the sofa, she held my head and—
20 minutes.
12 minutes.
3 minutes left.
"You're ready!"
Her words echoed in the room. Even she looked surprised.
I stood up and looked at the mirror—full body view.
A phthalo green gown, like something straight out of an old fairytale.
The top was corset-fitted, hugging my waist with tiny ribbons and flower details. The sleeves were short, puffed, and hung slightly off the shoulders, soft sheer ties dangling from them.
The skirt flared in layers of light, flowing fabric, swirling around my legs with every step. Ruffles everywhere, like waves—
and the front slightly open, just enough to reveal my legs underneath.
A dark teal veil covered my face from the nose down to the back.
Is this necessary?
"Is this veil necessary?"
"You can remove it if you prefer boldness over mystic presence."
I didn't understand whatever she meant, but I think I should keep it.
I walked with ease. I thought it'd be hard in gowns, but the little opening in front gave me enough space to move.
She's really a perfect fashion-ist.
Both brothers were waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs in their glittering red and blue suits.
Cupra seemed to be exhausted after the date, but I think he'll manage.
However, my biggest enemy was in front of me: the stairs.
How should I go down?
What if my gown ruins my pace?
Or I miss a step because of this veil?
I'll die. Seriously.
From the right side, a man was walking toward me — white blazer, black inner, and ruby and sapphire-like lockets on his neck.
"Mr. CEO! Can you…" I reached my hand out, but my dress restricted me.
He stood in front of me, sighed, and looked at me.
"Just call me Dot. Also, isn't this too over-the-top? Well, I guess it's your choice, after all."
Was that a compliment? Connection? Mocking?
"Headless monkey," I whispered to myself — but he seemed to have heard it.
"Sir, it's totally fine. I've perfectly chosen it for Miss Caroline Havens."
How does she know my full name?
"Okay. Don't worry. I'm… not objecting to anything."
Is it me or is he being too casual here? Like he knows me.
"Hey everyone! We are getting late! Fast!"
Cupra yelled from down there.
Gehrmensch was about to step down.
"Hey!" I moved my hand a bit. I don't know if I look good or not, but I can't ruin this dress.
"What is it?" He looked at me—he seriously looked at me.
"Erm... can you help me getting down there?" I said it. Please don't refuse. Or at least give a decent excuse. Don't just NO me.
"Hmm... I think I can."
My fingers locked. I just looked down, through the veil.
"So, how should I help you?"
Even I don't know. I imagined something like… he'll pick me up. But it's too unrealistic.
"Sir, I'll hold her gown from behind. You can just hold her hand to support her balance!"
That's not what I meant, but I guess it's better than nothing.
He walked near me, swiped his thumb over his head to clean his sweat, then held my hand with the other one.
Both of our hands are touching. Is this how it feels to be in...
Wait, wait, wait... Caroline, focus. You are here for your money. You're going to the ball for your job, not to enjoy.
And it's not like this man will fall for me. It's just my dress, not me.
But I think I can enjoy this moment—rather than love or romance. It feels like... family.
Oh my lord, I'll cry.
If Calzina had seen this, she'd have already written it in a novel.
Cupra and Nickel also came for my aid. Cupra held my other hand, and Nickel made sure there was nothing that could hinder my step on the stairs.
Every step felt like a last breath.
I don't want this to end. I could walk down these stairs for eternity if needed.
As long as these are with me.
Am I getting emotional?
Well, I don't think I'll get any moment like this in the future.
All these people... are worrying about me.
If I'd fall or not.
I wonder… if I fell, what would happen to them?
Gehrmensch might break his calm composure. Nickel would call anyone on my phone for help. Cupra would just start to cry, and this fashionist would probably call a doctor.
I'm so bad for thinking this… but let me.
All of their expressions made me happy in a way I've never felt before.
Finally, the last step came. I thought maybe now it was over, but—
"Hey, why did you stop?" — Gehrmensch.
"Let us help you till the car." — Cupra.
"It feels like I've become a maid, and I don't mind it." I don't know her name, but…
"After all, you are a part of us now." — Nickel.
I want to die, if I can… just to see their expressions. I'm so bad.
I walked. The grace wasn't mine alone—these people with me... they're my grace now.
Charles would've felt like a proud dad if he was here. Julius would have mocked me like a brother. Suzie would be busy taking pictures, and Natasha would've joined us.
Cupra opened the door for me. The car was big and long, so my gown would be safe. I looked at Gehrmensch through the veil for a second, then sat in carefully.
"Is…" Gehrmensch probably wanted to ask me something, but the car moved. I was accompanied by Nickel.
Cupra, my fashion-girl, and Gehrmensch were together in another car.
"So…" I looked at him. Was he shy or what? I don't know.
"You…" Nickel started saying something, then looked forward, cracked his knuckle, and looked back at me again.
"Master, you look like a goddess."
Oh, that's what he meant.
I don't even know what I was feeling in that moment—my stomach wasn't just butterflies, it was a whole peaceful forest.
I didn't know what to say. I just… thanked him.
Now I think I should snap out of this feeling. Enough!
"Okay, so now tell me the details!"
I think first, we need to know about the date.
Cupra gave me a pair of earbuds with in-built speakers.
I guess keeping the veil was a good idea—the earbuds hid under it perfectly.
From his information… the YOUNG QUEEN of the PALACE???
IS HIS DATE??
What kind of match-making is this?
I'm already anxious. I'm not even in a place to judge her. She's leagues above me.
But I have to do it.
So from appearance—
She has silver hair?? And she's supposed to wear a red ballgown. Her eyes are so unique, she's even listed in the WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS BOOK—top ranked in eyes.
She's around 23, and her skin is fair as snow.
Who am I judging today?
A literal Angel?
Halt!
Our cars stopped in front of a massive castle.
Did this even exist in our city? I've never seen anything like it. Built from pure marble, by hand.
Legend says it took 500 years to complete.
Generations worked on this masterpiece.
Did I just regress a few eras? Or is this really a dream?
Flanking either side of the grand entrance, the bodyguards stood firm.
This was the royal-sublime, giving me goosebumps every second.
All of our members stood around me—
And then, we all walked inside.