What a cool answer. A Hundred points. He was dazzling.

Hey, as a young lady, dont you have good taste in dresses? Why dont we go look at dresses together from now on?

Yes, but I have to deliver these papers to Captain Marius. Besides, the prince still has a lot of work to do.

What, thats not funny.

Vian quipped. I replied with a smile, I have a lot of work to do. I hoped that he would cut back a little.

I cant help it. Theres so much I want to know about Duelkis Kingdom, but when youre with me here, I wont ask you anything! May I ask one thing?

I wondered what the prince was talking about. What kind of favor could a prince ask from a squire?

Yes, sir?

Can you call me Vivian? Ive always wanted to be called that.

Sure.

Vivian smiled happily when I answered immediately. That smile made me smile back at him.

I thought the name Vian suited him, but Vivian suited him too.

He murmured a small thank you. Im sure he didnt mean for me to hear him, but I did.

My impression of him had changed a littlenot just a little, but a lot. He was much easier to talk to than before.

I think Victor is just a rebellious kid, thats why hes acting that way.

Oh, I accidentally called out Victor. Oh well, it was okay. After all, it was Victor we were talking about.

Ria, no, Alicia, even though you are younger than Victor you understand me better than my brother ever will.

Its easier than you think to understand. Its just that people have a hard time accepting it.

What do you mean?

In Victors case, hes just running away because hes afraid to face your true nature and be in despair. But its not that bad. The personality you are born with doesnt change that easily. Besides, differences in values are bound to occur between you and others. It is childish to reject a brother if he is not what he imagined a brother to be. The first step is to understand the difference, because otherwise there is no point in talking about it. He has a long way to go in that respect.

Vian listened silently as I spoke without hesitation.

If Victor had overheard what I had just said, I would have been broken, both head and torso, by tomorrow.

Well, if that happened, Vians position would be a riskCould it be that Victor sent me to Vian because he wanted hard evidence that Vian had a special disposition?

Youve got a great forensic eye. Youre in Victors unit, so youre on his side no matter what, but youre so relentlessly harsh with everyone you deal with. Im amazed.

After all, I am the best villainess.

I grinned at Vian, who just rolled his eyes at my words.

What are you talking about? He didnt say it out loud, but he looked as if he was about to say it. It was so rude.

Ive got work to do, so Im going to go now.

Wait.

Vian called out to me just as I was about to take a step forward.

What is it?

Are you ever afraid of anything?

Of course I do. But no matter how terrified I am, I dont show it. Isnt that the key to becoming strong? You know that better than anyone else.

Vian was silent for a moment, then muttered, I guess so.

Speaking of which, what was the family name of this royal family?

I had always wondered, but I never asked anyone because I was afraid they would find out I wasnt from this country.

But now that he knew who I was, he could tell me, right!

Um, can I ask you one last question? What is the princes last name?

Vian blew up at my question. I used to think he was cold-blooded, but now his expression changed.

After all this time! I know, its not something easy to ask about since you are a spy. Its Sanchez, Sanchez Vian. Its nice to meet you once again, Young Lady Alicia.

Yes, nice to meet you, Vivian.

When I called his name, his cheeks turned a little red, and he smiled at me like Id never seen before. I couldnt take my eyes off that smile.

This is our secret.

Having said that, he put his index finger softly against his lips.

The gesture was so beautiful.

I had to get to Captain Marius as soon as possible, but I couldnt take my eyes off Vian.