The Story of How I Pretended To Be A Boy and Ended Up Being Loved By A Mafia Boss - Chapter 17

Lord Ray had hired a manners instructor for my mother and me.

This was because, as the wife and daughter of a duke, we would eventually attend parties and public events.

I worked hard to learn general knowledge and proper manners, determined not to disgrace Lord Ray or the Duke’s family.

Being busy working toward my goal helped me not think about Ryu, and the excitement of becoming a proper lady kept me looking forward to it.

Three months passed quickly, and when I received approval from the manner’s instructor, Lord Ray invited us to a dinner at the palace.

“Ah… I’m getting nervous.”

We were currently riding in the carriage to the palace.

My mother, dressed up beautifully, and Lord Ray, in a tuxedo, sat across from me, looking like newlyweds.

Of course, I was also wearing a shiny yellow dress and had on light makeup for the first time.

I was looking forward to meeting the King and Queen…

When we arrived at the palace, the knights rushed toward the carriage.

“Welcome back, Duke.”

“Ah, thank you. Please take care of the carriage.”

Entering through the main entrance, there was a large, long staircase in front of us, with a ceiling so high it seemed to touch the sky.

“Anis, your mouth is hanging open.”

“Ah, sorry!”

Walking behind Lord Ray down a long hallway, knights and maids we passed bowed to us.

When I tried to return the bow, Lord Ray stopped me and said not to do it.

After walking for a while, Lord Ray stopped in front of a large door.

“Are you both ready?”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

Inside, the King and Queen were sitting at opposite ends of a long table.

Between them were a red-haired man in a wheelchair and a red-haired woman with curly hair.

Those must be Princess Cecilia’s prince and princess.

When they noticed us, the four of them stood up.

“Welcome. So, you are Lord Ray’s beloved wife and daughter.”

The King walked toward us, and my mother and I bowed our heads.

“Thank you for inviting us tonight.”

Just as I raised my head, I saw the King suddenly step back in shock.

What happened?

Did I make a mistake?

I looked nervously at Lord Ray, who smiled gently at me.

“Brother, this is my beloved daughter, Anis.”

When Lord Ray introduced me, the King paled and opened his mouth.

“Anis?”

“Yes.”

“Your Majesty, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Anis.”

As I smiled, the King seemed to stagger, pressing his forehead as if feeling dizzy.

“Your Majesty! What’s wrong?!”

The Queen hurried to the King’s side and supported him. When she looked at my face, she too was shocked.

“Y-You…?”

“Huh?”

(Do they know me?)

“Anis, I’m sorry. Please go sit with your mother.”

I followed my mother to the table.

“Brother, you’re not feeling well. Let’s step outside for a moment.”

Lord Ray, the King, and the Queen left the hall.

The King and Queen were both so shocked after seeing my face… Could I look like someone they knew?

“Come on, Anis. Let’s greet them.”

Oh, that’s right.

“Prince Set, Princess Luna, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Roanne, the wife of Lord Ray.”

“I’m Anis.”

“Ah… I’m Set. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Luna…”

The two of them also seemed confused, not knowing what was going on.

We sat at the seats across from them, and Prince Seto scratched his head in frustration.

“I guess we’ll just start eating, since we don’t know when they’ll be back.”

“Yes. We can’t just sit around waiting.”

Princess Luna spread her hands.

At first, I was worried about eating with just the prince and princess, but I couldn’t leave now, and it might be easier to talk to just them. So, I decided to enjoy the dinner.