CH 133

“The crown prince… Hasn’t his reputation improved as of lately?” he asked as soon as I finished speaking. I thought that he was someone who wasn’t interested in worldly affairs, but it seemed that he had grown as a member of society, seeing how he was expressing interest in the crown prince. However, despite being proud of him, I couldn’t bring myself to agree with his words.

‘Although people are saying he’s changed, I still can’t trust that his very essence has become different.’ In the novel, the crown prince was described as an ambitious figure who was aiming for the throne. It had been mentioned that he didn’t hesitate to get rid of anyone from his sight, including his own family. If we were in the modern era, then he could be considered a psychopath, which meant that if he found out how others viewed him, then it would be simple for him to deceive them about his true nature. “A good public image doesn’t say anything about their true personality,” I stated matter-of-factly.

“What does that mean?” Max shot back with a hardened expression.

“I’m saying that I’m still scared of him,” I revealed my feeble thoughts. 

His face stiffened at my response. “You’re… scared?” He had an unusual expression that I had seen before. He looked just like he did on the day the banquet was held at Count Arlo’s mansion, when he had appeared at the balcony and made an empty promise to me.

‘Wait, this guy… I hope he’s not going to say that he’s going to punish the crown prince.’ Concerned, I hurriedly changed the topic. “Anyway, where were you until now?”

“The battlefield,” he answered with a vacant look. 

‘The battlefield?’ I looked at him in surprise. Now that I thought about it, I heard that it was about two months ago when the crown prince started sending reinforcements to the south and began preparations for the attack. ‘Was that when he was called to the south?’ I wondered as I gazed at him, then noticed that his face had become slightly thin. ‘He definitely looks like… he’s been through a lot.’ I unconsciously reached out my hand towards his face, then quickly pulled it back as I became startled by what I was doing.

‘What did I just do!’ He gazed at me intensely as I averted my eyes in shame, thinking that he had noticed my actions just now. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I gingerly asked.

He let out a deep sigh then said, “Jubelian, I’m actually…” 

I focused on his words, just in case he was going to point out and scold me for my behavior, when he suddenly clamped his mouth tightly. ‘Did he not see it?’ I thought I was in the clear for a moment, but he soon brought up the person I didn’t want to hear about, even in passing.

“I heard there will be a banquet hosted by the crown prince soon. You’re not thinking about not going, are you?” 

‘Wait, he took all that time just to ask me this?’ Although I was glad that he didn’t point out my behavior, a sense of gloom that I had been suppressing washed over me at the thought of meeting the crown prince. I soon nodded helplessly and sighed with resignation, “You’re right. All the nobles are required to attend… so I’ll have to go even if I don’t want to.”

He gave me a gentle look when I finished speaking. ‘Why is he looking at me like that? What does he want to say?’ 

He continued to stare at me for a long time, then asked slowly, “What are you going to do if the crown prince asks you for a dance that day?”

“Ask me for a dance? Don’t ever mention such a terrible thing even if you’re joking!”

He slowly dropped his head at my hate-filled remark. “Is that how much… you dislike him?”

What he said had been too much to be considered a joke, but it was also true that I had been too serious with my answer. Feeling a little embarrassed, I locked my arm with his, and changed the topic. “Let’s stop talking about this. We should go wash up and have breakfast.”

He looked at me and sighed. “Okay.” 

For some reason, the arm which I was dragging him by, held no strength to it. ‘I guess he hasn’t eaten well for a while.’ I thought about what mercenaries ate during the war and came to an obvious conclusion, knowing fully well that they usually cooked something themselves while camping or ate the food that was being served. It was clear that either of those options would taste terrible. ‘I should buy him something delicious today.’ With this thought, I turned to him and asked, “Hey, is there anything you want to eat today?”

He watched me observantly for a moment then replied, “…Strawberry cake.” 

As soon as he said those words, I understood exactly what he meant. I was sure that he had been stressed out the entire time he was away and was craving something sweet. ‘I’ll feed him delicious food and buy some clothes for him today.’

“Okay. I’ll get ready to go out, so please wait here for a minute!” I said cheerfully.

* * *

The empress was enjoying a cozy tea time with her daughter for the first time in a while. “My little princess, I hear that you’ve finished preparing for your coming-of-age ceremony without encountering any problems.”

“Yes, Mother.” 

The empress’ face appeared caring, like a mother’s, as she smiled at her daughter’s strange response. However, her mask collapsed in an instant. “I hear that the people are shouting hurrahs everywhere the crown prince’s triumphal procession is passing through.” A smirk soon settled on her face. “What I’m saying is… while you were hung up on preparing for a mere banquet, that rat has become recognized by the people as the next emperor!”

Beatrice felt her heart being torn apart, but kept her emotions hidden and answered calmly as usual. “Don’t worry, Mother. Sooner or later, there will be a chance to turn the tables again—”

The empress suddenly threw her teacup and shouted in an exasperated voice. “All you’re doing right now is drinking this tea! How will you be able to turn the tables?”