Chapter 161

Chapter 161

People who looked at Rosaline with evaluative eyes nodded without even realizing it. When considering them separately, the man and woman were not a fitting combination at all, but they seemed to match surprisingly well when put together. The fact that there was no awkward height difference, like the man being excessively tall or the woman appearing like a dwarf, added to the harmony between them.

But more than anything else, the atmosphere melted and blended as the two occasionally met each others gaze and exchanged light smiles. They couldnt be exactly alike, but they fit together like puzzle pieces. Perhaps due to the subtle harmony between them, peoples gazes remained fixated on them even after they descended the stairs.

Ricardiss eyes contained only Rosaline. Under the bright light, she literally sparkled and shined. She was in the midst of radiance. She scanned her surroundings with sharp eyes, prepared for any potential danger.

The scenery in her eyes changed rapidly. Her focused expression was incredibly captivating. He could only watch in awe. Rosaline turned her head, her sharp gaze meeting Ricardis, appearing puzzled.

As the two gazes clashed precisely. Rosalines expression changed instantly. The sharpness directed at her surroundings a moment ago was nowhere to be found. Her face seemed absent, lost in something.

Ricardis gently rested his hand on Rosalines waist, seemingly drawn by an invisible force. After a moment of distant expression, Rosaline broke into a broad smile, her eyes sparkling in the light. Ricardis wiped his sweating hand on his clothes.

The first time he saw her, shock rendered him speechless, resembling a fool. In that frozen moment, every detail about herher hair, eyes, eyebrows, and attireetched itself into his mind as it gradually became muddled. The door swung open, and upon seeing the elegantly dressed Rosaline, he stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity.

Initially sparkling with anticipation, Rosaline grew gloomy as time ticked on. Her disappointment was evident, as he stood foolishly gazing at her.

Observing her expression, reminiscent of a dejected puppy on a rainy day, Ricardis finally snapped out of his daze. He attempted to say something, but too much time had slipped away. Everything has its time, they say, but this was a missed opportunity.

Even Chloe, who rarely lost her smile despite setbacks, furrowed her brow. Her expression seemed to chastise him as if saying, Your partner goes through hours of preparationbathing, perfuming, wiping, touching, dressing up, only to find you standing there without a word when she appears looking so beautiful? And you consider yourself a man? A human being!

Later, despite Ricardis sincerely praising her beauty, Rosaline didnt seem entirely convinced.

[Youre the most beautiful in the world!]

[Dont lie]

[Its true, from what Ive seen]

[You are more beautiful, Your Highness]

Indeed, from an objective standpoint, that was undoubtedly the case. However, Ricardis wasnt one to simply state, Well, thats true. After countering Rosalines words, he attempted to flatter her using phrases that might only work on girls under 10, such as, Why do those people over there keep staring? Probably because youre so dazzlingly beautiful, or The stars in the sky seem dimmer today. Perhaps they mistook you for a star and came out to greet you.

Perhaps Rosaline appreciated Ricardis earnest efforts more than the actual content, as she lightened up and smiled as usual. However, it was clear she didnt fully embrace the compliment about her beauty, leaving Ricardis feeling uneasy throughout.

And astonishingly, Ricardis expressed this feeling first. Racing. It was an amazing revelation. Even His Highness Ricardis felt fluttery!

The warmth heating her chest rose steadily and reached her head. The reason her head felt heavy, and she couldnt help but lower it, was because the strange warmth made her head feel heavier. It was a moment when an unprecedented reaction and the perception of unfamiliar emotions were born.

In response to this shy reaction, Ricardis remained continually astonished. Even if she had sensed his sincerity, he thought a response like, Ah, really? I also thought I looked very pretty today, would be the best. But she went a step further.

This leap, this great leap, the advancement of humanity always begins with the one who takes that step first Ricardis rambled within his mind.

I also.

It was a small voice. It startled Ricardis and drove the restless Ricardis in his mind away. Was I also thought I looked beautiful an inevitable part of her response?

I also felt my heart racing because you, Your Highness, looked magnificent.

Rosaline glanced up momentarily and smiled shyly. The little Ricardis inside Ricardis mind went into a celebratory frenzy.

He covered his mouth for a moment and glanced elsewhere. Despite trying to suppress it consciously due to the awareness of other peoples eyes, his face was irresistibly alight. He frowned slightly, feeling like his bursting chest was agonizing.

War, Balta.

He whispered the words unexpectedly, causing Rosaline to tilt her head.

Elpidio, Diech.

With each word he uttered, Ricardiss face gradually returned to its usual perfect, handsome, and composed state. It was an extreme way of restraining very positive emotions with very negative ones, but it seemed effective.

Haqab.

After uttering the last word, Ricardis returned to his perfect, elegant, and calm usual self.

He noticed Rosaline staring at him with a questioning look, then graciously extended his arm towards her. Shall we go, my lady?

Rosaline smiled brightly and placed her hand on his arm.