Chapter 19: Please Do Not Joke About Such Matters

Chapter 19: Please Do Not Joke About Such Matters

Did they find out that Cassadin was the culprit?

But contrary to my concerns, Sasha seemed very excited.

He personally visited our mansion because he wanted to see you, Miss! Hes in the parlor right now.

Did he say anything else?

Hm? Anything else

Sasha cocked her head and blinked her large brown eyes. Thankfully, it seemed like Cassadin hadnt been revealed as the culprit yet.

If thats not the reason, then why did he come to see me? I was hoping never to meet him again after treating him. Why was there any reason for him to visit me? He must have had an awful amount of free time as a Crown Prince.

Sasha, who wouldnt know I harbored ill feelings toward the Crown Prince, dragged me to the mirror at the dressing table.

Looking up at the mirror in front of me, Sasha was already busy getting me ready as she hummed. Her elated mood showed no sign of going down any time soon.

Do you think His Highness fell in love with Miss at first sight? Seeing how he came to visit Miss even after the concerning events of yesterday, its not just me that would think so.

Sasha, do you really think thats possible?

He probably just came because my healing abilities piqued his curiosity. The Crown Prince was more than capable of doing so.

I suddenly felt quite impressed by the Cassadin who assisted that man in my past life. Just how patient did he have to be to put up with such a nutcase for all those years, even if it was for revenge.

That reminds me, did you look into what I asked you to investigate yesterday?

Sasha answered as she brushed my hair.

About Grand Duke Damian? The entire empire is in chaos over that matter right now. Rumor has it that the one who tried to poison the Crown Prince was the Grand Duke. Why would a man like the Grand Duke want to do such a thing?

I heard hes currently imprisoned in the imperial dungeon, but he might soon be released due to a lack of concrete evidence.

Lack of concrete evidence, you say

It was true that the plant used for the poison only grew in the north, and Damian being late to the birthday banquet wasnt enough proof to accuse him of being the culprit.

But it was most likely because of his exceptional swordsmanship that he was imprisoned. How common was it that someone was skilled enough to infiltrate the palace and plan to poison the imperial family?

He was a monster that routinely won the annual swordsmanship tournament. And only a select few knew he was suffering from heart disease. He would have definitely fooled the Emperor as well.

Then how exactly did he hide a heart disease that not even doctors could cure so perfectly?

Could I find any hints if I go to the prison and visit Damian?

If hes the Damian I know, then hell be released from prison soon. I was the one who framed Damian for Cassadins deeds, but even if Damian were the actual culprit who poisoned the Crown Prince, then the man would have found a way to escape from prison.

To him, other people were just tools he could use and discard when they were no longer needed. It wouldnt be a bad idea to produce a dramatic encounter while he was in prison.

Once he got out of prison, Damian was certainly going to investigate who caused this. And when he finds out that Cassadin was the culprit, he may try to use that to persuade Cassadin to side with him.

The Damian I knew was that kind of man. So before that happened, I needed to shake up that damned Damian first.

What kind of outfit do you want, Miss?

Hm

Having made up my mind, I gave Sasha a bright smile. Maybe it was a good thing that the Crown Prince came here.

As flamboyant as possible.

As soon as I was finished dressing up, I stepped out of my room to head to the parlor, where the Crown Prince was waiting.

Sister.

As soon as I stepped out of the room, a familiar voice greeted me.

I slowly turned in the direction of the voice. Cassadin was standing there, leaning against the wall next to the door. The memories of him tempting me last night in my room were still vivid in my mind.

Where are you going in such a hurry?

Theres a guest waiting in the parlor.

I didnt bother to mention that it was the Crown Prince. I didnt want the Crown Prince to meet with the one who fed him the poison.

Can I come with you?

Thats going to be a bit difficult.

And why is that?

Cassadins gaze sank to my wine-colored dress.

It must be quite an important guest.

There was sarcasm in his voice. After failing in his attempts to seduce me last night, the beast no longer hid his true colors from me. I was very pleased with that face.

Yeah.

My cheerful response caused Cassadins eyes to narrow. It seemed like that wasnt the answer he wanted to hear.

The Crown Prince chuckled at my answer.

This goes completely outside of my predictions. It has also been the case since I first met you, but youre quite an interesting person, Mlady.

Just when I was staring at the Crown Prince like he was some sort of madman, someone burst open the parlor door without permission.

When I turned to look at the door to see who was the rude person to open the door without knocking, I saw Cassadin standing there with a plate of cookies in his hand.

I apologize for the interruption.

Cassadin said that with a completely unapologetic expression. Just looking at his face, it looked like he was just about to throw the plate of cookies in his hand at the Crown Princes face.

I brought some cookies, thinking you might be hungry.

Clatter.

Cassadin carelessly placed the plate of freshly baked cookies on the table. His gesture was devoid of even a trace of sincerity.

These are cookies that Sasha baked. Why did Cassadin bring these instead of Sasha?

When I glanced at Cassadin with a puzzled look, I found him staring at the Crown Prince with a calm expression.

I see. You may leave now.

Despite the Crown Princes dismissal, Cassadin did not leave. The Crown Prince, who had been looking at me all this time, looked at Cassadin as if he finally sensed that something was strange.

I said leave.

Cassadin did not leave. He just stood there like a statue. He sure was one troublesome brother, alright.

In the end, I opened my mouth.

This is my younger brother, Cassadin. Please forgive his rudeness.

!

The Crown Princes eyebrows shot up at my words.

The Emperor didnt inform me about this.

The Crown Prince alternated glances at me and Cassadin.

You two dont resemble each other at all. One has platinum hair, the other has silver. Even the colors of your eyes are completely different.

I presume you arent related by blood then.

Why was he so interested in someone elses personal life?

Even if we are not blood-related, he is my one and only younger brother.

Hes a bit too handsome to be called your younger brother, dont you think? From his features to his aura. Its no wonder you have high standards with a younger brother like this.

My younger brother is indeed quite handsome.

He must have found my answer funny because the Crown Prince began laughing, and his shoulders shook from the intensity. Does this man not have even a bit of restraint? After a while, the Crown Prince cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed for laughing so heartily, then continued.

We were in the middle of an important discussion, so Id appreciate it if your handsome younger brother could leave us.

Is it a conversation I shouldnt hear?

The Crown Prince sipped his tea, then answered him.

Well, if you insist, Ill tell you.

The Crown Prince picked up a cookie and casually bit into it. His attitude towards eating something was so nonchalant that it was almost unbelievable that he was a man who had been poisoned just the day before.

Your sister is to become the Crown Princess in the near future.

That was the topic of our conversation.

Your Highness!

I called out to the Crown Prince in shock. Why was he coming out like that even after I declined his offer?

I have declined the offer, Your Highness.

If you are going to refuse, come to the Imperial Palace yourself, Mlady.

The Crown Prince laughed mischievously like an immature child, as if he found this entire situation to be amusing.

Tomorrow at noon. In front of the fountain at the Imperial Palace.

But you must come alone, Mlady.

And without waiting for my response, the Crown Prince got up from his seat. He is such an irrational man.