A Transmigrated Princess's Guide To A Fluffy Royal Life!-Chapter 48: The Worst Spy in the Kingdom

Aldric’s voice remained calm. "She is the light of our court, Duke. I’m sure you’ve heard the capital speak of her."

The Duke’s mouth twitched. Not quite a frown. Not quite a smile either.

"I heard much," he said finally. "And I came to see if it was true... that the youngest daughter of House Florabelle had the kingdom eating from her hands."

His tone wasn’t cruel. But it was sharp—like a blade disguised as courtesy.

Aldric’s jaw twitched.

Seraphina’s hand lightly tapped her fan against her palm.

Evelisse bent her knees into a perfect curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. I hope your journey was safe and that the palace air agrees with you."

Fluffy whispered from her sleeve, "Ten out of ten. Noble enough to make your tiara sparkle."

The Duke inclined his head. "Polite. Well-coached."

"Careful, Duke," Queen Seraphina said with a smile. "She’s sharper than she looks."

"I look forward to discovering that myself," he replied.

Seraphina stepped forward. "We thought perhaps a tour would make your visit more... agreeable."

The Duke inclined his head. "Of course, Your Highness."

King Aldric nodded to the steward nearby. "Call for a guide."

Within moments, a castle page jogged in, breathless.

He was a slender man with a curly mustache and a scroll in one hand. "Allow me to dazzle you with the grand histories of Florabelle! Shall we begin with the eastern wing’s mural corridor, Your Grace?"

Evelisse watched him closely.

Too closely.

Because two minutes later, she was tiptoeing behind them.

"I’m stalking," she whispered.

"No, you’re bumbling," Fluffy whispered back from her hair bun. "You are the worst spy I have ever seen."

"I’m the best for my age!" she hissed. "I’m learning!"

Down the corridor she crept, ducking behind potted plants and statues, her dress making soft swish swish swish sounds. At one point, she dove behind a tapestry and accidentally sneezed when the dust tickled her nose.

The Duke paused.

Did not turn.

Just... paused.

Then continued walking.

Fluffy whispered, "He totally knows."

"Shh!"

They turned a corner into the west gardens.

Roses bloomed along white trellises. Marble benches glistened with dew. And Evelisse, squatting behind a hedge, crawled forward on all fours.

The guide droned on about imported elven moss and sun-aligned fountains.

Suddenly, the Duke raised a hand.

"That will be all. I wish to walk the garden alone."

"But Your Grace, the tour—"

"I’ve walked in grander gardens under worse kings," the Duke said simply. "I won’t get lost."

The courtier paled. "O-of course."

He bowed and scuttled off.

Evelisse crouched behind a tall hydrangea bush, biting her lip.

’He’s going off alone... this is my chance.’

But just as she crept forward—

BARK!

"NO," she whispered in horror.

Too late.

Snugglewuff barrelled around the hedge, ears flopping, tail wagging violently.

"Traitor!" she whispered.

He bounded right toward her, tongue lolling out with pure, unfiltered joy.

"Stay back—!"

He tackled her. Not hard. But enough to knock her into a bush with a fwump.

Leaves flew everywhere.

And then... silence.

Except for the gentle footfalls of boots approaching.

A shadow stretched over her.

Evelisse winced.

"I suppose," came a voice—dry, deep, faintly amused—"you plan to continue being a terrible spy?"

She looked up.

The Duke was staring down at her with one brow raised.

Snugglewuff let out a happy bark and sat proudly at her side, as if this had all been a brilliant, planned ambush.

"I... uh..." Evelisse scrambled to her feet, brushing leaves off her dress. "Greetings, Your Grace."

He crossed his arms. "Following me through five corridors, sneezing behind a curtain, and being betrayed by your own dog. That’s either treason or comedy."

"I wasn’t following, exactly..." she tried.

The Duke said nothing. Just stared.

She tried to recover. Straightened her back. Folded her hands. Channelled the inner princess her mother believed in.

"I merely wished to ensure Your Grace enjoyed the gardens. They’re... very historically important."

"Ah. A patriotic spy, then."

Fluffy wheezed laughing in her head.

Snugglewuff sneezed on her shoe.

"Your dog has no loyalty," the Duke said, turning to stroll toward the fountain. "Come then, little princess. If you’re going to spy, at least do it properly."

Evelisse blinked. "You’re not mad?"

"I’m amused."

She scurried to walk beside him. The garden air smelled like lemon blossoms and damp stone.

"Do you often sneak after guests?" he asked.

"No. Only the mysterious ones," she replied honestly.

He chuckled. "And do I look mysterious to you?"

"Yes. And also possibly dangerous."

"Danger often wears a crown."

They walked in silence for a bit.

Then, very softly, Evelisse said, "You don’t like my father."

The Duke didn’t answer immediately.

He looked out at the marble sculpture of an old queen covered in ivy.

"I respected your father. Once."

A breeze stirred her ribbons.

"And now?" she asked.

His eyes found hers again. "You ask very direct questions."

"I have a system task," she blurted. "I’m supposed to get you to forgive him and carry me on your shoulders."

The Duke blinked.

"...What?"

She clapped both hands over her mouth.

Fluffy facepawed.

"I—I mean! Hypothetically. Like. If that was a quest. Not that I *have* one. Because I totally don’t. Heh."

The Duke stared at her.

Then let out a low, full laugh that startled some nearby birds into flight.

"Well," he said. "You are a strange child."

"I am very normal, thank you," she said with dignity.

They paused near the lemon grove.

"Princess Evelisse," he said suddenly.

"Yes?"

"I have a question."

She braced herself.

"If you were a spy... and your target knew... but let you follow him anyway... who do you think is really in control?"

Her mouth opened. Then closed.

"...Oh," she whispered.

The Duke looked pleased. "Think on that."

They walked back toward the main hall in silence, her head swirling.

At the garden gate, he stopped.

"Perhaps I will stay for the ball."

She looked up. "You will?"

He nodded once. "I’ve seen something interesting today."

Then he turned... and left.

Fluffy whispered, "He’s either very wise or very unhinged."

Snugglewuff licked her hand.

And Evelisse, still processing everything, slowly reached up and tapped her system screen open.

It shimmered with pink light.

[Objective Update: 1/2 Conditions Met]

[Forgiveness: Pending]

[Carried on Shoulders: Incomplete]

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