Chapter 42

“Be vigilant, but don’t hate him too much, Rosaline. He’s a lonely man. When I was a child, there was an incident where the White Jade Castle where His Highness lived burned down. His Highness, who was under two years old at that time, was with his mother, the Queen, who later died in Idelavhim’s arms. He only managed to survive from jumping out of the window.”

“I express my condolences...” Rosaline said with a sullen look.

Raymond looked at her as if seeing something peculiar.

“After that, he suffered aphasia from shock and was recuperating for several years... By the time he got back to the castle, no one reached out to him. What help could a 5th prince who lost everything provide? At that time, the person who took in His Highness Diech was His Highness Elpidio.”

“What is aphasia?”

“Ah,” Raymond hesitated for a moment, then spoke carefully, “It’s a disease that makes you unable to speak for a while.”

Rosaline nodded her head, implying that she understood. Diech was seen in the distance, barely holding three glasses of alcohol. He was smiling brightly without any gloom.

“Because just a few years ago His Highness Elpidio’s power was much greater. Also, His Highness Ricardis at that time was not in a situation where he could afford to support someone. So, that’s all I know, Rosaline. Don’t make it obvious, and don’t try to do more for him. Just be like before.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Raymond smiled and looked down at her.

“Good child.”

He patted her on the back. She turned her gaze away from Raymond to find that Diech had just arrived and was gasping for breath. A blush appeared on his white face. He couldn’t hide his joy and handed the cups to the two of them. It was a colorless, transparent drink.

Rosaline toasted Diech first. The sound of the glasses was clear. Raymond shook his head. ‘Subordinates don’t toast superiors first, Rosaline...’ However, he had to save the nagging for later. Diech looked surprised for a moment. But soon, he smiled brightly and a light filled his golden eyes.

***

Every day was like a festival. The banquet lasted for three days. No matter day or night and no matter the place. Ricardis and Haqab often talked. Although it was a monotonous time with only meaningless conversations, on the surface, it seemed like a process of building a secure relationship. Rosaline, who escorted him, also saw Haqab frequently, but she pretended to not know anything except for the occasional eye contact.

It was when Ricardis went in to take a break. Rosaline took the opportunity to wander the banquet hall to fill her stomach. As she was eating this and that, not long after, she heard low laughter. It was Prince Haqab.

“I’m glad the food seems to suit you.”

Rosaline couldn’t answer because she was enthusiastically eating meat. Calyx said that it was not proper to speak when you have food in your mouth. Rosaline chewed her food hurriedly, trying to swallow it quickly. Haqab, seeing this, raised the corners of his lips and smiled.

“How cute. Just take it slow.”

Rosaline covered her mouth and gave a short answer, “Yes.” Haqab watched her eat her food. His gaze rested on her dark hair and wandered around her moving lips.

“I wanted to see you in our traditional clothes... What a shame. Would you like to try it on now? I will gladly present it to you.”

By then, Rosaline had swallowed her food.Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

“No, that’s okay.”

“The moon is bright tonight. Did you enjoy the banquet?”

It was a woman with silky hair. Her thin eyes looked sultry. From her ornaments and her clothes, Ricardis knew that she was a high-ranking noblewoman. But Ricardis had met numerous Baltans who were high-ranking aristocrats in these few days. To be honest, they all started to look the same to him. Ricardis smiled with his eyes bent.

“I came out to see the moon for a while because I feel a bit intoxicated, milady...”

Isserion whispered from behind.

‘This is the 3rd Princess Ganje.’

“... Princess Ganje.”

She widened her eyes.

“It’s the first time we’ve met, but I’m glad you know me.”

Ricardis glanced at Isserion, who put on an apologetic look. ‘I thought we had met her before, hadn’t we?’ He seemed to have been mistaken as they had greeted many people.

“I was joking. We met on the second day.”

‘... It wasn’t an illusion.’ Isserion covered his mouth and smiled.

“I was looking for the moment when you would be alone. There’s nothing more frivolous than holding on to someone who is leaving the banquet and talking to them, but I would appreciate it if you’d be generous.”

It was not an accidental meeting. Ganje came here looking for a time when there were no people around after leaving the banquet. ‘Is there something going on?’

“Do you have anything to say to me?”

“You are so beautiful. Even the moon hid behind the clouds because of your beauty.”

Ganje put her hands together, and her eyes twinkled. Ricardis’ external mask slightly cracked.

“Thank you, but... If that’s all you need...”

“I’m sorry, I’m just spewing out a moment’s appreciation.”

The moment Ganje was about to speak, she sensed a crowd coming at the end of the hallway. It seemed that other people were leaving the banquet hall.

She paused with her mouth open, then let out a deep sigh.

“At a time like this.”

Ganje knitted her eyebrows, looking awkward.

“Those useless bastards.”