Tien continued.

Last time the young lady was injured, there were rumors of him running to help. It calmed down quickly, though.

Come to think of it .

Joan nodded as if she understood.

Its nonsense. If youre only going to say such useless nonsense, youd be better off not saying anything at all.

Unable to listen any more, I alerted the maids and walked away. What would Elvin think if he had heard that? I wonder if he would laugh at me saying that I overestimated myself. Just imagining it made me embarrassed.

Lady, arent you going back to the banquet hall?

If I go back, Ill just stand there, so Ill walk a little longer.

Should I bring your comfortable shoes?

Annie asked.

Its okay. I wont be walking long.

I walked slowly along the road with my eyes fixed on the floor.

Roxana was beautiful.

She was a beautiful woman with gorgeous features.

However, in terms of appearance alone, she was not as special as Elvin.

Ive never seen anyone more beautiful than Elvin.

It was a little difficult to understand that such Elvin fell for Roxanas appearance. It didnt make sense to fall in love with ones identity, family, or sexual orientation. I too wondered why he helped me, but now I couldnt ask. At that moment, the footsteps of the maids suddenly stopped.

Lady, in front of you

I stopped walking with a puzzled face and raised my head.

The Crown Prince was there.

From the look on his face, he seemed to already know what had happened a while ago.

Roxana.

Meeting the Crown Prince was not in my plan.

But there was no reason to be surprised.

This was the Imperial Palace, the Crown Princes territory.

There had been such a big commotion earlier, so there was no way it wouldnt have gone into his ears.

Speak with me for a moment.

Although I didnt want to, I couldnt avoid it. And didnt do anything wrong, so theres no reason to avoid him.

Yes.

When I nodded, the Crown Prince took the lead and stepped forward.

As I walked, I found the garden where I took a walk when I came to the imperial palace last time.

it was a place only the royal family could go in and out.

That was why no one was around.

I left the maids at the entrance and the Crown Prince stopped a little further inside.

Why did you call me?

I asked calmly.

Why did I call you? Are you asking because you dont know?

The Crown Princes voice was low and cold.

I stared at him coldly and silently.

Ha!

The Crown Prince, who met my eyes, burst out laughing.

He seemed to be trying to contain his anger.

But I was not in the mood to accept the Crown Princes anger now. I knew he was angry about Claires being caught, but it was his own business. Shouldnt it be me who should be angry about it?

But seeing the Crown Prince who seemed to have come to accuse meI thought that people really dont change.

If you dont have anything to say, Ill go now.

I finished speaking and turned around without waiting for his reaction. I tried to go back to the banquet hall, but the Crown Prince grabbed me by the shoulder and turned me around.

The maids who were watching had faces that looked like they were about to start screaming at any moment. I stopped and looked at the hand on my shoulder and frowned. The Crown Prince controlled his power, so it wasnt painful, but it was unpleasant.

Let go of me.

At my words, the Crown Prince gently withdrew his hand.

If you have something to say, do it. But if not, Ill just go back. If Im away for too long, people will think its weird. My father will be concerned, too.

My words did not work for the Crown Prince. So I brought up the Duke. It may seem childish and frivolous, but it couldnt be helped. The Prince, who saw me as an easy person and acted recklessly, still had to watch out for the Duke.

Is it so difficult to talk for a moment? (CP)

The Crown Prince distorted his expression as if displeased.

Or do you not want to talk to me anymore? (CP)

I looked at him silently.

You have changed so much. (CP)

During the conversation, the princes complexion changed several times. He seemed angry, then he seemed puzzled, and now he looked a little sad.

You cant even imagine how surprised I was when I heard that there was an accident in the break room earlier. I was worried. Im afraid youll get hurt again like last time. (CP)

I couldnt understand.

Didnt he come to ask about Claire? If not, what is he here for?

I couldnt understand more and more why he was holding on to me or what he was trying to say.

Your Highness was worried about me? Why?

I was stunned for a moment and asked, genuinely puzzled.

Why? The Crown Prince asked me back with a look of incomprehension.

Am I really the one you were worried about? (Roxana)

What? What do you mean? (CP)

The Crown Prince frowned.

Youre being strange. Is it so suspicious that I care about my fiance? (CP)

fiance

I soon realized what he was saying and was convinced.

My existence was essential for the Crown Prince to ascend to the throne. So, it was only natural for the Crown Prince to worry about me.

The Crown Prince sighed. He faced me and grabbed my shoulders.

It was a much softer and more careful touch than before.

I can see what you are thinking. Dont think of useless things. The only person I love is you.

I looked at the Crown Prince with surprised eyes.

However, the Crown Princes face was serious.

It didnt seem like he was lying. However, I could not believe everything he had said.

You dont seem to believe me. (CP)

That (Roxana)

The Crown Prince lowered his hand. He looked disappointed.

Ive been thinking a lot these days. So I try to do better, but its not easy. (CP)

While I was contemplating what to say, the Crown Prince continued with a bitter face.

The guards, who were rude to your maid, I ordered them to be demoted and punished. Measures were also taken to prevent the spread of rumors. Let me know if you want more. (CP)

Thats enough.

Im sorry I couldnt be by your side when things happen like before. (CP)

!

I looked at the Crown Prince with a more startled face than before. The white moonlight fell on his head.

The arrogant atmosphere surrounding him was no longer visible. He looked pitiful. The night air and the scent of flowers all around made peoples minds dizzy. Perhaps because of that, the Crown Prince looked a little different.

Somehow it felt unfamiliar and strange.

I was relieved when I heard that you were okay, and I was offended when I heard that you were with Elvin. I was upset when I heard Elvin helped you again.

Dont be close to him. Im not saying I dont trust you. You cant trust Elvin. Next time, if you run into trouble, ask me for help.

I bit my lips. But in the end, I couldnt find anything to say, so I kept quiet.

Is the man in front of me really the prince I knew?

It was really surprising.

If a person suddenly changes, you wonder if its time to die, is it possible that he has an incurable disease?

I observed the Crown Prince with suspicious eyes.

But apparently he was fine. He held out his arm to me.

Lets go back. If you are late, you may not be able to see the award ceremony.

The Crown Prince seldom said the right thing.

I nodded and placed my hand on his arm.

We left the garden and entered the corridor again.

I could feel the maids looking at us with happy eyes. It was uncomfortable, but I walked with the Crown Prince without showing any expression.

It didnt take long to get back to the banquet hall. The hall was peaceful as if the commotion had not yet spread. I dont know if it was the Crown Princes skill, but it seemed that the situation was controlled better than I expected. After he took me to my seat, he went back to his seat. He talked to people with an indifferent face as if nothing had happened.

As he was doing that, the Duke came up to me and asked.

You are late. Did something happen?

It seemed that what had happened in the break room had not yet reached his ears.

But I definitely remember going out alone, but how did you come back with the Crown Prince?

It just happened.

Are you not going to tell me?

I just ran into him while walking alone. He was on his way back to the banquet hall, so we just walked together.

I looked around.

Elvin was nowhere to be seen in the banquet hall.

Perhaps he was somewhere else or returned earlier.

I was surprised at myself as I unconsciously looked for him. Embarrassed, I picked up a drink glass.

Drinking something cold seemed to calm my mind. The cocktail I picked up was fruity and sweet without bitterness. It certainly calmed me down if I drank something cold.

At that moment, the imperial attendant approached the Duke and whispered softly. The Duke nodded quietly, looked at me and said,

It looks like it is about to begin. Ill be back.

Yes.

Soon after, the award ceremony began.

The Duke climbed onto the podium in the attention of the people. The emperor and empress were standing there. The emperor spoke to the people with a gentle face.

Everyone knows that Duke Lillian made a great contribution to this war, right? I would like to take this opportunity to praise and reward him for his work.

The emperor awarded the Duke a medal.

There were also several close associates who contributed to this achievement.

Duke Lillian, you did a great job. Because of you, I and the people can feel at ease. I hope that you will continue to work hard for the Empire.

Of course. Your Majesty.

The emperor personally placed the medal on the Dukes chest with a satisfied face.

After that, several attendants came from somewhere with several large boxes. Inside one of the boxes was a brilliant gold and silver treasure. It was a gift from the emperor. Soon after, the Duke came down from the platform.

The gold coins in the box shimmered in the light of the chandelier. People looked at the Duke and the treasure alternately with envy. The Duke returned to his majestic appearance, receiving glances that alternate between envy and jealousy.

Here you go. This is a gift I prepared for you. I chose it after a lot of thought, but I dont know if youll like it.

I handed the sword that I had prepared in advance to the Duke.

It was very luxurious with large and small gems lavishly embedded in the sheath. The Duke accepted my gift with a bewildered face. Soon after, a look of satisfaction spread across his face.

Your eyes are truly outstanding. This is the first time I have ever seen such a beautiful and colorful treasured sword.

Isnt the jewel embedded in here jade? This is the first time Ive seen jade like this. Jade symbolizes health and good luck. The princess is very filial.

The Duke must be very proud of having such a beautiful and profound daughter.

At the flattery of the people, the corners of the Dukes lips slowly rose.

Thank you. I love it.

I am glad to hear that you like it. I was worried that it wont be to your liking.

How is that possible? You gave it to me. Ill cherish it.

The gift was prepared compulsorily without any intention. But seeing the Duke happier than I expected, I felt guilty.

The Princesss eyes are excellent.

The emperor, who was approaching me in no time, said:

I was very surprised on the inside, but instead of expressing it, I bowed my head and showed a normal face.

Im flattered.

Raise your head. Princess, have you thought about what you would like to receive for your birthday present?

Yes. There is one thing I want, but.. Can I think about it a little bit more?

Yes. But dont make me wait too long.

Yes. Do not worry. Your Majesty, it wont take long.

I looked at the Crown Prince talking to people from a distance. Feeling his gaze, he turned his head towards me. I looked away

before my eyes met his.

Then the second Prince, who was standing next to the emperor, met my eyes.

Come to think of it

While the emperor had a conversation with the Duke, I left, unable to participate in their conversation.

At that moment, a large shadow fell in front of me.

Why are you alone on a day like this?