The Hidden Knave, Arlecchino In Who Made Me A Princess

What Could've Been

When Lucas mentioned being simply 'Lucas' and not adding his magician title when meeting Claude, this wasn't what she was expecting...

The very next day, Claude told them to arrive at their palace with their guardians. Specifying Lilian for Athy, and whoever Arle considered her dad to greet them. When Clervie announced this, Lucas sneered and quickly gave Arle a comfortable and formal outfit.

She looked over the black blazer and short, black pants with knee-high, white socks, and hummed. When she glanced up at Lucas and saw his near identical outfit, she couldn't help but stare at him in disbelief.

His outfit was a formal version of her own. They were matching. Anyone with a fashion sense could see this...

Claude obviously saw Lucas's intentions while gazing at them from his throne. The leg crossed over the other moved slightly along with his thoughts. His gaze cold while scrutinizing Lucas.

"So, you're the one she calls father."

Lucas blinked, before lowering his gaze to Arle with a flattered smile. His gentle expression and demeanor made him seem like a good, youthful person.

"Is that so? Well-"

He turned to Claude, meeting his eyes head on instead of keeping his head low out of respect and fear.

"-When you have an absent father and only your mother's butler, it's not hard to be considered one."

Athy almost choked on her laugh, while Lilian looked at him in horror and shock. Lady Desdemona's, butler...?

Claude blinked before he stared at Lucas.

"Mother? So you were her butler?"

He scoffed, but didn't react or question it anymore.

"Regardless. I'm her father. It was difficult before due to my court duties, but they've grown up well. All thanks to you two."

Lilian bowed a bit deeper and thanked him, Lucas copied her gesture while Arlecchino held the cats and penguin in her arms.

Athy resisted the urge to object at his excuse, and just clung to her dress in retaliation.

"I'll be in charge of them from now on. There will be no need to worry."

Arle watched Claude smirk at them, an amused one.

"From now on, princess Athanastia and princess Arlecchino, will be treated as proper royalty."

This declaration was a bigger uproar for Arle. From then on, many maids tried to enter her side of the palace to help. But Lucas just smiled before kicking them all out from the main hallway.

She had also started having tea time with Claude and Athy. Arle didn't eat or drink any of the tea and sweets. Leaving them for Athy and the children. Sadly, Claude seemed to notice it.

"Are they not to your liking? Should I kill the chefs and hire new ones?"

Arlecchino didn't look up from her book while answering, just turning the page.

"It is not the food, I simply do not trust what you serve me."

Athy flinched at her words, realizing her words and hesitated to eat.

"Hmm...?" Claude tilted his head in thought.

"Did that butler teach you that?"

Arlecchino finally looked away from her book while considering how to answer. Royalty, especially children, were always close to poisoning and assassination attempts. Her fear should be normal. So Arle nodded and returned to her book in silence.