The Land of Phaleno: The Princess's Rebirth (Book I)

Chapter Eleven: "Aristocrat Living Like a Commoner"

The grand palace gates, forged from intricately wrought iron, stood as a testament to architectural grandeur. Tall pillars of gleaming white marble flanked the entrance, while above, the royal crest, etched with exquisite detail, proclaimed the kingdom's power and elegance. The massive gates stood wide open.

Before the gates, a bustling scene unfolded. Royal servants, adorned in blue and gold livery, scurried to and fro, preparing and distributing provisions to the populace. Long tables were neatly arranged, laden with an array of essential commodities – rice, wheat, oil, and fresh vegetables.

With warm smiles, the servants diligently organized packages of provisions and assisted the people who had come to receive aid. Stationed around the queuing area were palace guards, their watchful eyes ensuring the safety and order of the proceedings.

The people who had gathered were filled with anticipation, patiently waiting in line while conversing and sharing camaraderie. The atmosphere was imbued with joy. Children played nearby, while their parents stood calmly, awaiting their turn to receive assistance. The murmur of the crowd mingled with the gentle rustle of the morning breeze.

Amidst the throng of people, a simply dressed woman stood in line. Unbeknownst to the others, she was Lady Rose, a beautiful noblewoman of twenty-seven, disguised beneath a black veil that concealed all but her eyes and the lower portion of her face. The veil covered her usually meticulously styled hair, adorned with jewels.

Lady Rose wore a long, drab brown gown, a stark contrast to her opulent aristocratic attire. In her simple guise, she endeavored to blend in unnoticed. Yet, her lively demeanor and the radiant expression behind her veil betrayed her true nature.

She freely waved to the other recipients of the provisions, laughing easily. In a soft yet spirited voice, she conversed with her fellow recipients, all the while maintaining her disguise.

Suddenly, a minor disturbance erupted amidst the crowd. Lady Rose, who had been patiently waiting in line, felt a sudden push from behind. Turning, she saw an elderly woman, dressed in rags, attempting to cut in line.

“Out of my way! I must have these provisions immediately,” she croaked, shoving at those in front of her.

Enraged, Lady Rose stood tall and blocked the elderly woman’s path. “Good woman, please join the end of the line! No one is entitled to cut ahead of others, regardless of their perceived need. We are all here patiently awaiting our turn.”

The elderly woman huffed in annoyance. “I have waited long enough. I simply wish to be done with this.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd as unease spread among the recipients of the provisions. Some glared disapprovingly, while others shifted to get a better view of the unfolding scene. The tension escalated as Lady Rose stood firm, her face flushed with anger, barring the elderly woman’s path.

Undeterred, Lady Rose straightened her posture and stepped forward, confronting the elderly woman. “Do you think we all here are not eager to be done with this?”

The surrounding crowd began to gather, drawn by the commotion. The murmur of the crowd grew louder, mingling with the rumble of conversation and footsteps. A physical altercation seemed imminent as the elderly woman attempted to push past Lady Rose, who stood firm.

The elderly woman retaliated, but Lady Rose pushed her back. “Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to an elder in such a manner?” the woman demanded, startled.

Lady Rose, her face flushed with anger, hiked up her gown, ready to engage in a physical confrontation. “I am the daughter of my mother and father! And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with irritating old women like you!” she shouted, her voice filled with raw emotion.

The eyes of the onlookers turned towards Lady Rose and the elderly woman, forming a tighter circle. Some appeared uneasy, attempting to calm the situation, while others whispered about the unfolding drama.

A palace servant, assigned to the area, approached the disturbance. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his gaze sharp as he assessed the scene.
Feeling exposed, Lady Rose quickly pulled her veil over her face, attempting to conceal her identity from the palace servant.

Meanwhile, the elderly woman, her voice trembling, tried to explain. “This young woman is angry with me! I was only gone for a moment, but when I returned, she refused to let me back into my place in line!”

Lady Rose, growing impatient, retorted with a tone of exasperation, “Enough, you old woman! You are clearly in the wrong! I have been standing in this line for three hours! What lies are you trying to spin?”

In the midst of the crowd, the minor altercation escalated between Lady Rose and the elderly woman who had tried to cut in line. With a firm voice, a palace servant intervened.

“Enough!” he commanded, his voice carrying over the crowd. “Everyone will receive their provisions. I have marked the faces of those who have been waiting, so please return to the back of the line, madam,” he instructed the elderly woman, gesturing towards the end of the queue.

The elderly woman appeared disappointed and grumbled, but eventually retreated to the back of the line after being caught in her lie. The palace servant added, “If I catch anyone else cheating, they will not receive any provisions!”

Lady Rose, satisfied with the outcome, nodded in agreement. “Yes, listen carefully! You old woman!” she sneered, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

The palace servant then turned his attention back to Lady Rose, gently lifting the veil that covered her face. “I know it is you, Lady Rose. There is no need to disguise yourself,” he said.

Lady Rose, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment, whispered softly, “I am in need of funds, so please overlook this one instance. I am also among the impoverished.”

The palace servant sighed deeply. After a long pause, he finally nodded and granted Lady Rose permission to remain in line. "Very well, but this is the last time. Don't cause any more trouble," he warned.

Lady Rose offered a faint smile, grateful for the concession, and rejoined the queue. Amidst the steady flow of people, a sense of calm gradually returned as the distribution of provisions continued.

Despite her noble birth, Lady Rose often mingled with the common folk, engaging in activities considered unconventional for a member of the aristocracy. To her, acknowledging her noble status would only confine her to the rigid rules and royal obligations that felt too restrictive.

Lady Rose preferred a life of freedom, choosing to live life on her own terms rather than being bound by strict protocols and the expectations and norms associated with nobility.

To support herself and avoid relying on her family's wealth, Lady Rose opened a small noodle shop on the outskirts of the city. There, she served her customers with sincerity and humility, never revealing her noble lineage. Her shop became a popular destination, not only for the delicious food but also for the warmth and humility with which Lady Rose served her customers.

The contrast between her and her sister, Lady Shireen, highlighted the divergent paths they had chosen. While Lady Shireen reveled in her position as a lady-in-waiting to the princess, with all its attendant luxuries, Lady Rose had opted for a simpler, unadorned life, one filled with the freedom and independence she craved.