Chapter 176

Translator: Yonnee



“Jerome, you’re so cool.”

With a dazed look in her eyes, Rosé clapped her hands as she said this to the older boy.

“I’m indubitably honored by your praise, Your Highness.”

“In…Indu-bitably?”

Stumped by the difficult word, Rosé turned her head to look at Sera.

‘What does that mean?’

Rosé mouthed the words silently and asked for help.

‘It’s a big compliment. He’s thanking you!’

Sera also answered back silently.

“Um… It… It’s not a big compliment. Y…You’re too humble, Jerome.”

Rosé ducked down to hide her pink face, hiding shyly.

While Sera immediately thought of how she’d tell the story of Rosé’s new behavior to Helios, Jerome glanced back.

‘Huh?’

But then, when Jerome glanced at Sera, his face was so obviously red.

* * *

“Your Majesty, thank you very much for the meaningful occasion. Thank you as well, Your Highness Roseline and Your Highness Ferreritan. I had a great time today.”

As politely as he did when he greeted them for the first time, Jerome bowed courteously before returning home with his parents.

Marquis and Marchioness Brunner had pleasant smiles on their faces as they stood behind their son, and it seemed like they were already familiar with his good attitude.

“I’m glad that you enjoyed your time here today, Young Lord Jerome. Be careful on your way home.”

Jerome bowed deeply once more as Helios said this.

Facing the other boy, Ferre looked a bit sad that they were saying goodbye. Nonetheless, he waved his hand.

“See you next time, Jerome.”

On the other hand, the most disappointed person about this goodbye didn’t budge from her place. Rosé didn’t say anything at all.

Perhaps shy, Rosé tightly clutched Helios’ pant leg and didn’t even wave one hand like Ferre.

As she watched from behind, Sera knew that Rosé would regret not saying goodbye today. She approached Rosé and softly whispered to her.

“Please wave your hand even a little, Your Highness. That’s how you’ll say that you want to play together again next time.”

Rosé glanced up at Sera furtively, then she soon turned to Jerome and reluctantly did as she was asked.

Her fingers, which were tightly gripping Helios’ pant leg, only unclutched them but did not move far from her chest.

“B…Bye bye, Jerome… See… See you.”

Rosé spoke with great difficulty, then soon lowered her head and hid behind Helios’ leg again.

The adults couldn’t hide their blooming smiles because of the little princess’ obvious puppy love she had for Jerome.

Jerome, however, looked as calm as ever. Perhaps he already knew Rosé’s feelings towards him.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He soon followed behind the marquis and marchioness as they walked towards House Brunner’s waiting carriage.

Walking with proper posture, Jerome looked back only once, and somehow… Sera felt that this gaze seemed to be directed at her.

“Young Lord Jerome seems to be more mature than I expected.”

Helios said this to Sera as they were walking behind the children on their way back to the Star Palace. The twins were holding hands.

Walking alongside him, Sera replied with a light smile.

“It does seem to be that way. I was surprised when Young Lord Jerome acted with more authority, but he played well with Their Highnesses today. He taught them about dominos, too.”

“I’m glad they had a great time.”

“You don’t have to worry, Your Majesty. Their Highnesses are both good kids who can get along with anyone.”

Sera knew that Helios was also worried that what happened with Young Duke Elijah would happen again.

As her eyes turned to look at him, she was met with a bright smile.

“Rosé and Ferre will one day become mature as well.”

He watched his younger siblings running around and playing freeze tag again.

“It’ll happen before you know it. Kids grow up so fast, and Your Majesty might feel a bit saddened by that, thinking, ‘When did they grow up like this?’”

Sera answered sincerely, but Helios burst into laughter.

“You’re right. And after seeing Rosé today, I definitely think it’ll be soon.”

“So Your Majesty also noticed. That Her Highness Rosé likes Young Lord Jerome.”

“Of course. I’ve never seen Rosé act so shy.”

Helios smiled slightly, recalling how she hid behind him that time.

But as though he was troubled by another unexpected development, he touched his forehead and shook his head in dismay.

“Unfortunately, it seems like Young Lord Jerome has someone else in mind.”

“Someone else?”

“Young Lord Jerome seems to like you, Miss Popo.”

When Helios said this, Sera stared back at him blankly for a moment.

Of course, Sera also noticed the peculiar glances that Jerome gave her earlier, but those glances alone weren’t an obvious indicator.

It was rather strange for His Majesty to know when even the astute Rosé didn’t notice.

“How do you know that, Your Majesty?”

So, Sera smiled lightly and asked Helios.

“Hm? Miss Popo?”

And as if he couldn’t understand Sera’s question, Helios asked back.

“No, I was just wondering how Your Majesty came to the conclusion that Young Lord Jerome likes me. It seems like Her Highness Rosé didn’t notice either.”

She didn’t think much of it as she said this. Even so, the innocent look on her face somehow flustered Helios.

“We’re almost there.”

Helios dodged the question entirely, giving her a completely different answer.

It was strange. Sera couldn’t figure out why His Majesty was suddenly acting uncharacteristically.