Chapter 458: : Take the seat

Chapter 458: : Take the seat



Minutes pass, and Prince Fraser hasn't said a word to me. He hasn't even glanced at the documents outlining my funding request.

Instead, he continues to stare at me, his gaze making me increasingly uneasy.

Why is he looking at me like this? And why did he want to speak with me alone if we're only discussing the funding request? These questions swirl in my mind as the tension in the room grows palpable.

Isn't he concerned that Princess Paislee might misunderstand the situation? Or is he just incredibly self-assured?

I sigh nervously. "Your Highness, if you're finished reviewing the documents for our request, may I start my presentation-"

Before I can finish my sentence, he interrupts abruptly. "No need. I've already reviewed it, and I have no objections to the request." With that, he proceeds to stamp his approval on the document. "I will personally send this to finance, so please expect a response in a few days."

That's it? He approved it without any questions? But I thought he was in a bad mood. Why didn't he try to find any mistakes, like he usually does?

I glance at him, waiting to see if he'll say anything else. Instead, he continues to stare at me with that same peculiar expression on his face.

What is happening? Why is everyone acting so strangely?

Princess Paislee seemed nervous around me, and now Prince Fraser being nice at me despite being in a bad mood?

I nod my head. "Thank you for granting me an audience. I won't take any more of your time

"We're not finished yet," he interrupts.

My heart races with anxiety at his words. Did I just jinx myself?

I nod in understanding and wait for him to continue speaking.

However, he remains silent, just staring at me. The tension in the room thickens, leaving me uncertain of what comes next.

What is going on here? Did they change the meaning of conversation to staring? I thought The wanted to speak to me.

I was startled when he suddenly speak. "Csille what..."

What what? Why does he always cut himself off? Is he playing games with me? Does he find it amusing to keep me on edge like this?

I hear him sigh deeply and lean back in his chair, still staring at me. He seems like he has a lot on his mind but struggles to express it.

He then bows his head and rests it on the table, his frustration audible in his breathing.

"Your Highness? Are you alright?" I ask cautiously.

Seconds pass before he lifts his head, his eyes filled with emotions. "Csille, I'm not okay."

My heart aches at the hurt and confusion in his voice.

What could have happened to put him in this state? Did Princess Paislee reject him?

But... that doesn't make sense. Why would the female lead reject the male lead?

Prince Fraser laughs sadly before bowing his head to the table once more. "Never mind. You should go. I know you have a lot of things to attend to."

I have many questions for him, but I decide not to pry. It's best for him to sort things out on his own. Hopefully, he won't take long to do so.

Hopefully...

"Dame Csille, I've completed the inquiry on the task you assigned me. Here's the price list for all the materials you requested," Sela says, placing a stack of papers on my desk detailing the supplies needed for the renovation.

I smile at Sela and nod appreciatively before returning my focus to the documents I've been working on. There's a lot to be done, particularly now that we're preparing for another meeting. Each department head will need to present proposals on the next steps following the explosion.

I've been weighing my options on which side to support-whether to back the war effort or advocate for peaceful negotiations. However, my choices are limited, given that I would be betraying the Vrawyth Kingdom.

Lost in thought while reading a document, the door suddenly bursts open. I glance up to see Rufus staring at me.

He looks... troubled? Even his disheveled clothes suggest something happened. Did he argue with someone again?

"To what do I owe the honor of His Highness's presence?" I ask formally.

Rufus groans and quickly walks in front of me. "We need to talk, Csille. Please."

I immediately set the paper down, sensing the desperation in his voice.

Something must have happened!

I nod. "Sure, why don't you sit do-"

I was startled when he grabbed my hand tightly. "Not here. I need to talk to you somewhere private. Please, Csille. I need you right now, urgently."

I stare into Rufus's anxious eyes and nod helplessly. How could I refuse when he asks like

We're currently making our way to the meeting room for our final discussion on the Vrawyth Kingdom's course of action.

I sigh guiltily. "I know I made a lot of mistakes before, but please don't look at me like that. I

am trying, Brother."

"The thing is, we can't see it, Csille. Your actions don't match your words." He then walks into the meeting room, leaving me alone.

I sigh. Things are definitely getting worse, not just my relationship with my family but with

everyone here.

I really hope this will all be over soon. I'm exhausted from dealing with this every day.

I enter the room and find everyone awkwardly silent. Again.

I nearly roll my eyes when I realize the source of the tension is the three main leads, who can't

even make eye contact with each other.

I take the only available seat next to Leander and Brother Pascal. I was about to greet Leander

and the others when Princess Paislee suddenly stands up and walks towards me.

"Dame Csille?"

I look at Princess Paislee standing in front of me.

What does the Crown Princess want from me? What did I do this time?

I glance at the two Princes, hoping they'll intervene, but they don't even bother looking our

way.

"Yes, Sir Farren? Do you have anything to say to me?"

Princess Paislee nods. "Switch seats with me, please."

I almost want to turn my back on her and continue my greetings with the others.

She wants me to sit beside Prince Fraser and in front of Rufus? Hell no! Why would I ever put

myself in such a difficult situation?

I would rather sit beside a bear than exchange seats with her. And out of all the people she

could ask, why me?

What do you want from me, Princess Paislee? Do you have a grudge against me?

"Dame Csille?"

I give her an awkward smile. "Apologies, Sir Farren, but how can I sit beside His Highness?

That is your rightful position, do-"

"Rightful position?"

I almost fall off my chair when Prince Fraser suddenly speaks up. He is currently looking at me

with a displeased expression.

"Can you please explain what you mean, Lady Csille?"

I frown when I hear him emphasizing the word "lady." Why is he so angry that he's dropping

my title? What I said is right, isn't it? The chair beside him is rightfully for Princess Paislee. Or does he not want other people...

I sigh. I do think my words can cause misunderstanding for others. "Apologies for my choice

of words. What I mean is, Sir Farren should sit beside you because it is his duty to protect you at all costs. So, how can I take her seat?"

Prince Fraser frowns even more. It looks like my words have made him more irritated than he

already is.

"He can stand behind me. Isn't it better for him to do that so he can move easily in case

someone decides to harm me?"

I nod my head. He has a point on that one. But what does it matter to me? I don't under-

"Take his seat, Csille."