Chapter 18: The Princess and Her Shadow

Suddenly, a thought struck Lucy.

Wouldn’t it be convenient if she had someone who could mimic her appearance?

If she had such an ability at her disposal, living a double life would become significantly easier.

Intrigued by the idea, Lucy turned to the priest and requested ownership of the girl. Since the children under the temple’s care were all orphans, she assumed there wouldn’t be any major hurdles.

Besides, she reasoned, the girl would have a much better life in the palace than struggling to survive on scraps.

However, the priest did not seem pleased. Though he maintained an awkward smile, his stiff expression made it clear that he was reluctant.

“This child has never received proper education. She is too inexperienced to serve by Your Highness’s side,” he said, choosing his words carefully to avoid offending her.

Lucy was not the kind of person to change her mind easily.

Resting her chin on the terrace railing, Lucy began negotiating. “If it’s about money, I can pay her ransom.”

The royal family could easily handle any financial concerns. Even the smallest of the jewels she owned was worth more than the cost of one child. But she quickly realized money wasn’t the issue. The priest’s troubled expression remained unchanged.

“How could I possibly accept money from the princess?” he said, stroking his thick beard. “It’s just that this child is not suitable for you. If you need a servant, we can send someone well-educated instead.”

Lucy found his insistence puzzling. If he were a high-ranking member of the temple, she might have understood his hesitation. But refusing to part with a mere orphan he was only temporarily protecting? That was strange. Given the temple’s current financial struggles, there was no logical reason to hold on to her.

“We can educate her ourselves,” Lucy countered.

“Even so, she may still be rude—haha…” the priest trailed off, sweating as he tried to dissuade her.

Between them, the red-haired girl shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting back and forth in confusion.

It was more complicated than Lucy had expected. She had assumed the priest would simply hand the girl over, but instead, she was met with resistance.

She could have easily pulled rank as a princess and forced his compliance, but she didn’t want to rule with tyranny.

‘There’s no need to go that far… Besides, there’s no guarantee she can even mimic me.’

Sighing, Lucy gave up. “I understand.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, but she made no further attempt to argue.

For some reason, that look sent a shiver down the priest’s spine. His face hardened as if he had just realized something crucial.

Just then, a fellow believer leaned in and whispered something into the priest’s ear.

……

The priest listened intently, then, after a moment’s consideration, his attitude shifted entirely.

“On second thought, perhaps leaving this child in the palace wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he said, nodding. “If you wish, I can entrust her to you as your maid.”

“Really?” Lucy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course. However, I’d like some time to offer her guidance before leaving.”

“Go ahead.”

And just like that, the priest relented. He took the girl aside for a private lesson, disappearing for a while.

Minutes passed before he returned, bringing the girl back to Lucy.

“Introduce yourself,” he instructed.

The girl hesitated but then stepped forward, lifting the hem of her skirt in a polite curtsy. “My name is Perry. Thank you for taking me in.”

She appeared to be around the same age as Lucy, with striking red hair, deep crimson eyes, and pale, almost translucent skin.

“Please take care of me, and thank you, Priest,” Perry added.

“No need for thanks. It’s getting late, so we’ll take our leave now. Please look after Perry,” the priest said before departing with his congregation.

Now, only Lucy and Perry remained on the terrace.

At that moment, Rubia, who had finished her business on the imperial side, returned.

“You’ve been waiting a long time—huh? Who’s this?” she asked, tilting her head at Perry.

Lucy gave a brief explanation of what had transpired. Rubia initially looked exasperated but soon nodded in agreement with Lucy’s excuse—that she needed a friend.

‘Our poor princess… You must have been lonely without any companions.’

—

Lucy’s Room.

By the time dinner arrived, Rubia had taken Perry to complete the necessary formalities. When they returned, Perry’s appearance had changed considerably. She was now dressed in a maid’s uniform, and her previously unkempt hair was neatly tied into a bun. She seemed unused to such attire, awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

“The formalities are complete. She’ll need to be trained in palace etiquette gradually, but for now, she won’t have any major issues adjusting,” Rubia reported.

“Good work. Could you step aside for a moment? I’d like to have a private conversation with her.”

“Of course! Enjoy your chat~” Rubia beamed, then left with a bright smile.

Now, Lucy and Perry were alone.

“Hello.”

“…Yes, Princess,” Perry replied stiffly.

She kept her gaze lowered, her voice rigid, as if she were speaking to a wall. It was understandable—any ordinary child would react the same way if suddenly placed before royalty.

In situations like these, it helped if the higher-ranked person made the first move to ease the tension.

Lucy casually sat down on the bed, watching Perry closely.

“You don’t have to be so tense. I’m not that strict.”

Then she asked, “You have the ability to imitate others, don’t you?”

“?”

Perry’s body stiffened. Her wide eyes shot up to meet Lucy’s, reflecting pure shock.

‘How does she know?!’

It was obvious she had kept her ability a secret.

“How did you…?” Perry’s voice trembled.

“I met someone like you before. But you’ve been hiding your gift, haven’t you?”

“…Yes. The director warned me that if people found out, I could end up as an experiment… or worse.”

Perry’s face paled. Panic overtook her, and she suddenly clasped her hands together, practically begging.

“Please, Princess! Please keep it a secret!”

“Alright.”

“Huh?”

Perry blinked in disbelief at Lucy’s nonchalant response.

“I took you in because of your ability. I had no intention of telling anyone.”

“Oh… Thank you…”

“Then, would you mind demonstrating your ability?”

“Right now?”

“Why not?” Lucy smirked.

Perry hesitated but eventually nodded. Taking a deep breath, she observed Lucy carefully with her two-toned red-orange eyes.

Then, with a quiet whisper, she chanted, “Original Skill: Duplicate.”

A crimson glow engulfed her body. As if melting into liquid, her form slowly shifted—hair turning silver, feline-like eyes emerging, and even the delicate embroidery of Lucy’s dress materializing perfectly.

A moment later, a perfect copy of Lucy stood before her.

“Incredible,” Lucy murmured, fascinated. “Even your voice is identical.”

Perry fidgeted. “But… why do you need this ability?”

Lucy smiled. “Actually… I need you to pretend to be me while I sneak out.”

Perry’s jaw dropped.

“That’s impossible! How can I act like a princess?!”

“Don’t worry. Most of the time, you’ll only need to be me when I’m alone. If anything goes wrong, just say it was my order.”

Perry still looked unsure.

Lucy sighed. She’d have to resort to brainwashing her into using her abilities if she doesn’t agree to her plan.

“Alright, how about this? If you cooperate, I’ll grant you a wish.” Lucy suggested.

Perry hesitated. Then, after a long pause, she finally spoke.

“There’s someone I want to find…”

“Someone you want to find?”

“My younger sibling, I lost him long ago …

“Do you know where he might be?” Lucy asked

” I know the whereabouts of the house we lived in together before he was lost…”

“Then let’s go right now.”

“What?”

Lucy took out a robe from her inventory and put it on, prepared to leave.

Perry was dumbfounded at the sudden mention of going to see his younger brother.

What startled her even more was the way Lucy was planning to leave the castle.

Clank-!

Lucy confidently opened the window.

“Umm… This is the 7th floor?