Chapter 1
Chapter 01
The Sky, Radiant and Dark
Title : The Air – Desires in the Wind
Author : Salmon
Released : June 24, 2023
Copy : Grey
“How’s her condition, Miw?”
“The patient was exposed to a toxin that affected her nervous
system, which caused her to lose consciousness. But we have to wait for
the blood test results to know what kind of toxin it was.”
“Is she safe? I mean, there’s nothing serious to worry about, right?”
“She’s out of danger now. We just need to wait for her to regain
consciousness. Once she wakes up, I’ll perform a full physical examination
again to be sure.”
“Thank you so much.”
Vayo thanked her friend. who ran a small clinic on the outskirts of
town Before slipping into unconsciousness. Princess Catherine had made
one thing clear under no circumstances was she to be taken to a hospital
or reported to the authorities. So. Vayo had no other choice but to bring
her to this trusted doctor friend, confident she would keep such a crucial
matter a secret.
“You still haven’t told me who this woman is, Lom.”
“I can’t tell you who she is yet.”
Is this going to get me in trouble? What if she turns out to be a
fugitive? You’re not pulling me into this, are you?”
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“The reason I’m not telling you is because I’m still not certain and I
can’t prove who she is yet. But don’t worry-she’s not a criminal, and I
promise you won’t get into trouble because of this.
”
The lieutenant stared at Princess Catherine, who remained
unconscious and was receiving IV fluids She couldn’t reveal who this
woman truly was just yet-a noble, and the heir to the Kingdom of Madelin—
because there were still too many truths she had yet to uncover
If the real Princess Catherine was with her now, then who was the
other princess staying in the hotel under tight protection? —the one seen
with Grace, the royal handmaiden?
Everything was far too convoluted and riddled with hidden agendas.
Any decision made now was bound to have lasting consequences. That
was why she needed to think with utmost clarity and caution—stay calm
despite the mounting pressure and the sense of being cornered by forces
beyond her control. Yet, like it or not, she was already entangled in this
mess far too deeply to back out now.
Ever since the moment Princess Blew had called out to her for
help…
“Lom, what took you so long?”
“What happened?”
“There was a clash behind the hotel—it’s believed to be the work of
Madelin terrorists hiding in Thailand. The boss immediately ordered
maximum protection for the princess and told everyone to tighten security
to the highest level. He was furious when he couldn’t reach you—especially
since you’re the head of her security detail.”
“Is the princess safe?”
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“Her Highness is perfectly safe. She’s currently inside and has
ordered that you go to her immediately after your return.”
“Understood. Thanks a lot, Beam, for taking care of everything here.”
Vayo acknowledged her trusted junior officer. Sub-Lieutenant Beam,
with a nod before proceeding to an audience with Princess Catherine. In
accordance with Her Royal Highness’s expressed command. She had just
returned to the hotel in the early morning hours of the same night the
incident occurred. While she still couldn’t be certain that the woman was
truly the princess, Vayo felt assured that, at the very least, she would be
safe under medical care.
“I have come to request an audience with Her Highness.”
“Princess Blew is waiting for you, Vayo. This way, please.
”
The summoned guest followed the royal handmaiden Grace, who led
the way through the spacious quarters until they reached one of the
balconies. There, in the soft light of morning. Princess Catherine stood by
the railing—though Vayo still could not clearly see her face.
“Miss Vayo has arrived, Your Highness.
“I humbly pay my respects.”
“No need for formalities or royal language, I simply wish to speak
with you regarding the unfortunate incident from last night.”
“What does Your Highness wish to know?”
“Grace, please leave. I wish to speak with Miss Vayo privately.
”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Vayo glanced after Grace, Princess Catherine’s close handmaiden,
who had quietly stepped aside to allow them a private audience.
Meanwhile, she remained calm and tried to observe any differences
between this princess and the one who had suffered the attack the night
before and was now under her care.
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But no matter how closely she looked, the beautiful face that had
captivated her from their very first meeting, the tone and cadence of her
speech, and her every graceful movement were too identical—far too
perfect for her to find any flaw as she had hoped.
“Why did you disappear last night during the incident, despite being
the head of our security team?”
“I had an urgent matter to attend to, Your Highness”
“So that matter was more important than my safety?”
“Yes. It was more important than the duties I was assigned.”
“I have my answer now. You may leave, Lieutenant.”
The lieutenant cast a side glance at the woman who had abruptly
dismissed her after only a few questions. She bowed slightly in respect
and prepared to take her leave—but not without leaving behind a final,
important remark.
“If Your Highness wishes to assign blame or hold someone
accountable, I humbly accept full responsibility for the failure in my duties
as team leader. My subordinates bear no fault.”
“I won’t punish you, Vayo. The incident that occurred was a
spontaneous confrontation. But once everything settles, I hope that such
an event will not happen again.”
“
”
…
Even Beam, who had been stationed nearby, hadn’t realized it was a
spontaneous confrontation—she only had a vague idea that a clash had
occurred between two parties behind the hotel. If the Thai people
themselves were unaware, how could anyone from Madelin—who wasn’t
even nearby—possibly know? And why would such an important matter be
reported to a foreign princess?
“From now on, I will dedicate myself to fully caring for the princess,
even if it costs me my life.”
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“Thank you.”
There is one point where the two Princess Catherines differ. Even
though it is a small detail that most overlook due to their difficult-to-
differentiate external appearances—height, build, and every expression—
there is one thing that can no longer be concealed, no matter how
flawlessly and discreetly the preparations were made.
Those eyes that do not show any hint of warmth when smiling, were
the same eyes that she had the chance to lock gazes with just now.
Finally, she realized who the imposter princess was!
“Helena, is there anything suspicious about that police officer?”
“Don’t worry, Grace, I’ve been preparing for this for many years.
There’s no way I’ll let everything fall apart because of just one police
officer.”
The fake Princess Catherine, played by Helena, responded to her
conspirator, Grace. After years of planning, Helena had undergone full-
body plastic surgery, from head to toe, to perfectly impersonate Princess
Catherine Blew de Laina of Madelin. With the help of her trusted servant,
Grace, who was well-trusted by everyone, no one would be able to detect
the grand plan that was unfolding.
“But I don’t trust Vayo. I think there’s something we need to be
cautious about with this police officer.”
“What do you mean?”
“Last night, when the incident happened. Vayo disappeared, and no
one could find her or answer us where she went, even though she was
assigned to protect the safety of Princess Blew here.”
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“But if that police officer knew that I’m the imposter, she wouldn’t
stay quiet. From what I’ve observed, Vayo hasn’t shown any signs of
suspicion or abnormality.”
“We can’t be sure yet, not until we find Princess Blew’s body.”
Even though the assassin hired for the important job had reported
that Princess Catherine was eliminated as ordered. Grace felt that without
confirmation—or a photo of the real princess’s body to prove she had truly
been removed from the scene—they couldn’t place full confidence in the
outcome. If they were planning something big, a small oversight like this
could jeopardize everything.
“But Henri confirms that the person hired for this job has handled it
already.”
“Helena, I just have a feeling that not everything is going as smoothly
and perfectly as it seems. I’ll order Henri to send someone to keep an eye
on Vayo at every step before we leave Thailand next week. We need to wrap
up everything here as quickly and smoothly as possible.
“Grace, handle everything as you see fit. I’ll take it from here—as the
first in line to the throne of Madelin.
”
With the important royal duties for various countries that Princess
Catherine must visit and establish diplomatic relations, as well as the
throne of King Arthur de Laina, who plans to abdicate to Princess
Catherine as the first heir to the throne in the near future.
By then, everything in Madelin will be in her hands…
“See you tomorrow.”
Vayo said goodbye to her trusted officer, who was preparing to switch
shifts with another security team, before returning here tomorrow to
accompany Princess Catherine as scheduled.
Not long after they had parted ways and driven out of the hotel area
toward their destination, the lieutenant noticed a car trailing her from the
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street in front of the hotel. Even after nearly ten kilometers. it was still
following-keeping a steady distance behind.
“Terrible at tailing.”
The young woman muttered in frustration at the situation, which was
causing her irritation and also delaying her journey.
But for the safety of the real Princess Catherine, Vayo decided to turn
into a gas station, pretending to walk into the restroom, glancing out of
the corner of her eye to see that the car following her had parked just a
short distance away in the same gas station.
“It’s been too long in the restroom, almost twenty minutes now.”
“But the car is still parked, and there’s no other exit at the back.”
“Go check if she’s still there.”
“There’s no one in the women’s restroom.”
Damn it! Which way could she have gone when there was only one
exit?”
“The last restroom stall’s toilet lid was closed, and there were
footprints. She must have climbed out the window, boss.”
“Hurry up and follow her! Every damn one of you is useless!”
“Lom, why did you just arrive now? I almost couldn’t hold her back.”
“Has she been conscious long?”
“It’s been a little while. She asked for you as soon as she woke up.
but once she realized you weren’t here, she wanted to leave right away. So
I asked her to wait until the IV bottle was finished. Huh? Didn’t you drive
here?”
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“It’s a long story. Just close the clinic first, and I’ll explain later.”
Vayo cut the doctor off and headed straight for the patient who had
just regained consciousness—only to find Princess Catherine pulling out
her own IV line and forcing herself to stand, despite her body still
weakened by the poison. The effort caused her slender frame to sway
unsteadily, and she would have collapsed to the floor had Vayo not rushed
in to catch her just in time.
“Your Highness!”
“Vayo.”
“Please don’t strain yourself, Your Highness. You are still unwell.
What should I say next...? I’m not very good with royal terms.”
“You may speak freely. There’s no need for formality.”
Catherine sat back down on the patient’s bed again after receiving
help. She then realized that her body hadn’t fully recovered yet, even
though she had been treated and had been unconscious for almost a full
night.
“You’re bleeding.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’ll get the doctor to treat the wound.”
“No need. We must leave quickly.”
“If you don’t need a doctor, then I’ll treat your wound myself.”
The lieutenant was great at catching criminals, but when it came to
treating a small, bleeding wound, she wasn’t so confident. She fumbled
with the supplies, dabbed the blood with cotton, then cleaned the cut with
alcohol before gently placing a bandage-her hands a bit stiff and unsure.
“Thank you.”
“You said we must hurry, may I ask where you intend to go?”
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“Please call me, ‘Miss Blew.’ If you keep calling me Princess and
using royal terms, both you and I will be in even more danger from the
current situation.”
“Miss Blew”
“We must hurry back there to expose the truth—that Grace, my
trusted handmaiden, has betrayed us and tried to kill me. By now, the royal
guards of Madelin and Thai officials must be turning the country upside
down looking for me. I don’t want this to become a national issue, or else
my father will be deeply concerned about this.”
“Wait, Miss Blew. You can’t return yet.”
“Why are you stopping me?”
Although it was an unbelievable and difficult matter to speak about,
and it was awkward to inform the real princess about the entire situation,
she still tried to carefully explain it so that Princess Catherine would be
prepared for the current situation.
“Because right now, no one except me, not even the people of
Madelin or the Thai officials, knows what has happened to you, Miss Blew.
”
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
“What do you think will happen if everyone finds out there are two
princesses of Madelin? The imposter has your most trusted servant as her
ally and holds the power to command the people of Madelin, while you—
the real princess—have no one to verify your identity.
“
”
…
Blew.”
“At this moment, the impostor is impersonating you, Miss
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“This is my secret safe house. It’s a different location from the
police’s safe house.”
“How long do we need to hide here?”
“Until we find a way to prove that you are the real Princess
Catherine.”
Vayo explained the situation in more detail to Princess Catherine
before deciding to take the noble princess, whom she had promised to
help, to hide in her secret safe house located in the suburban area. She
bought it without her father knowing, so it was the safest place to hide.
Also, if Princess Catherine were to hide at the police safe house,
word would eventually reach her father General Wathit—or worse, the
rebels from Madelin. That would mean sending a princess already in a
difficult situation straight to her downfall.
“But I have my honor and dignity. Why do I have to hide?”
“Miss Blew, you should understand the situation now.”
“I understand, Vayo. But while the traitors are impersonating me, if I
don’t do something, the imposter might do something terrible or
disgraceful that will affect my country.”
“I’m just an ordinary citizen, so I may not fully understand the great
honor of a princess. But as a police officer, when I promised to help you,
Miss Blew, it is my duty to ensure your safety and protect you.”
“But I...”
“Therefore, while I am trying to help you, it would be better if you
cooperate and follow my advice for your own safety.”
How could she have the audacity to give orders to the crown princess
like that? But before she realized it, the words had already left her mouth—
faster than her thoughts could catch up. The noble princess pressed her
lips together and stopped trying to negotiate—knowing it wasn’t worth the
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risk, not when she was already at a disadvantage in every way against the
rebels.
“I understand.”
“Okay, good. Now that you understand, you must follow through as
well.”
“My father has never given orders to me like you have, Vayo.”
“My apologies, Your Highness. But if anything poses a danger to you,
I must be bold and intervene.”
Catherine locked eyes with the woman whose reasoning had
cornered her into reluctant compliance. Without another word, she turned
away and began exploring the safe house—owned by none other than Vayo,
the head of her security team. As she moved through the space, her mind
was already working carefully through her next steps, searching for
weaknesses—ways to get close to the false princess and the traitorous
handmaiden, so she could finally expose the truth.
“This is the master bedroom, and I’ll be staying in the small room
over there. Please make yourself at home.”
“Vayo.”
“Yes?”
“I can trust you, right?”
“And what do you think, Miss Blew?”
Instead of the answer she was hoping for. what Catherine heard from
the mouth of this so-called upright officer—of whom she only knew a few
vague details from Grace, and couldn’t even be sure whether any of it was
true or fabricated to deceive her.
It felt as though she could no longer trust anything Grace had ever
said or done. What had been real, and what had been a lie? From the very
moment Grace began plotting to take her life for her own advantage,
everything was thrown into question.
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“Even Grace—the handmaiden I believed to be loyal, the one who
grew up by my side for nearly my whole life-betrayed me and tried to have
me killed.”
“So how could I possibly trust someone I’ve only just met, right?”
“Did you truly mean what you just said?”
“If you trusted someone just because they were kind to you, you
would never be safe and you wouldn’t be able to escape the traps set by
those who want to kill you. It would be much wiser for you to stay cautious
and not trust anyone close to you—not even me.”
“I understand now that you are someone who firmly upholds your
duty, Vayo.”
“I will help you with everything I have, Miss Blew.”
“Thank you.”
“When everything has settled, you can then decide what kind
of person I am.”
“Lom, in just a few days, Princess Catherine is leaving for a
neighboring country. Don’t let Madelin find another reason to accuse us of
neglecting our important duties.”
“Who told you something, Father?”
“Mr. Henri, the head of Madelin’s royal guard, asked the higher-ups
to keep an eye on Thailand’s security team—especially the team leader.
Madelin’s watching you closely, which is why I need to know: did you do
something that might’ve upset them?”
“Seems like I’ve already been marked.”
If Henri, the chief of the Royal Guards of Madelin, personally
reported the matter to the authorities, there are two possibilities: First, he
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was complicit in the tragic events that happened to the real Princess
Catherine and collaborated with Grace and the impostor princess in a
grand conspiracy. Or second, if he was unaware, he must have been
manipulated by the imposter princess and her close servant.
“This is a serious, Lom. It’s not like those times when you were
rebellious and got transferred, I don’t know what you’re planning to do but
if you’re thinking of doing something dangerous, back out immediately.
Don’t get involved, because if something goes wrong, even my rank and
position won’t be enough to protect you.
”
“Please just keep your rank on your shoulders, Father. If I make any
mistake, I will take full responsibility myself. I promise I won’t do anything
that causes trouble for you.”
“My child! Why are you this stubborn and reckless? You never listen
to me.
”
“Do you really not know where she got that attitude from?” Lom’s
mother asked with a teasing smile.
“Are you implying she takes after me, Yosita?”
“Yes, back when you were young, you were quite a hothead too. Don’t
tell me you don’t remember.”
“You always end up siding with our child.”
“That was beautiful.
“When did you come back, Vayo?”
“If I were a bad guy, Miss Blew, you wouldn’t have been able to
escape.”
“I wouldn’t have survived that night without your help.”
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Catherine responded to the police officer who had now become her
sole bodyguard in a foreign land. Now, the people of Madelin who had once
been loyal to her and her father had fallen into the hands of powerful rebels.
She could never have imagined that Grace would devise such a deep and
insidious plot—one that would be difficult to expose without crucial
evidence like the royal diamond necklace and the princess’s crown that
had been stolen.
“Miss Blew, you play the piano beautifully.”
“I know this isn’t the time for relaxation, but I have nothing else to
do here.”
“I didn’t say you did anything wrong. I already told you—you can play
the piano or use the record player if you’re bored.”
“Have you made any progress, Vayo?”
“Right now, I’m being targeted by Madelin’s people.”
Vayo informed Princess Catherine of this critical matter, based on
information she had received from her father. She also hoped to gain more
information from the Princess about the man named Henri.
As for which of the two possibilities was correct. it would ultimately
be up to the heir of Madelin to decide.
“What do you mean? Hurry and tell me.”
“Henri, the Royal Guard, is watching my every move. I think after
today I might not be able to come here again—at least until the impostor
princess travels to a neighboring country.”
“Lord Henri has been loyal to us for a long time. Even his father, Lord
Antoine, was devoted to my father. Why would he join forces with Grace
and that unknown woman to do such horrible things?”
Catherine spoke of Lord Antoine, the devoted royal secretary to her
father, and Lord Henri, her chief bodyguard. If what Vayo said was true, it
meant that the traitors who sought to harm her had been right under her
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nose all along. Yet, she had never once suspected that it would be Grace
and Henri.
Yes. That night, she did hear a man’s voice just before losing
consciousness.
“Power and wealth can always change people.”
“If Grace has both the impostor princess who looks identical to me,
the royal jewelry, and has Henri as a key ally, the path for us to prove that
I’m the true heir to Madelin seems dimmer with each passing moment.”
“Please don’t lose hope just yet, Miss Blew.”
“Right now, I have no power or influence left. I have nothing at all.”
“You still have me, Miss Blew.”
“
”
…
“Even though a single bodyguard cannot compare to the forces of
Madelin, someone like me—once I promise to help someone—I will help
them until the very end.
”
“I have a question.”
The youthful lady lifted her eyebrows slightly after seeing Princess
Catherine lock her gaze with hers intently before asking. She then returned
the look and waited attentively to listen.
“Why do you believe and have confidence that I’m the real
Princess?”
“Because amidst the similarities, there is one thing that is different.”
“What Is it that the impostor princess has that is different from
me?”
“Your eyes.
”
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“What about my eyes? I tried comparing myself to the picture of the
fake princess who’s impersonating me. Even I thought that it was me—let
alone everyone else in Madelin, who would easily be deceived”
“I can’t explain it clearly, but I just know they are different. Your eyes.
Miss Blew have a sparkle—like a sky full of twinkling stars—while the fake
princess’s eyes are like a starless pitch-black night.”
“
”
…
“Your eyes are more special than anyone else’s.”
