Chapter 272 - Not Him Again

At first, Victor tried to refuse. After all, the only subject he needed to protect was his lord, the crown prince. However, the moment Victor heard the name from the princess, he changed his mind. ‘Lady Floyen?’ Victor believed he had fallen in love at first sight. He could not forget the lady’s elegant appearance at the princess’ coronation ceremony. She had resembled an elf in the knight’s eyes. ‘I can’t believe this opportunity has come.’ Although the crown prince had asked the lady for a dance, Victor was convinced that it was simply a scheme of some sort. ‘His Highness has the Handkerchief Lady. It must be that he asked Lady Floyen for a dance so he can keep the Handkerchief Lady safe from the emperor’s eyes.’ Having made up his mind, Victor promised Beatrice, “I will take responsibility and protect the lady.”

Hearing his serious pledge, Beatrice smiled contentedly. ‘Maximilian’s subordinates are certainly loyal.’ The only people Beatrice kept close were the empress’ subordinates. Therefore, the princess couldn’t help but feel a bit of envy. “Fair enough. I will keep what I saw today a secret in exchange.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Having finished the trade, Beatrice got up. “If anyone asks what happened, I came here to argue with my brother about the hunting competition. Do you understand?”

Victor nodded. He knew that Beatrice had no benefit in being seen as having a close relationship with the crown prince. Such would only raise the emperor and empress’ hostility. “Understood.” Beatrice left, and Victor—putting on the helmet—grinned, thinking the princess was a better person than he had once thought.

“Victor,” a familiar voice suddenly called from behind him. Startled, Victor turned around.

“Oh, Your Highness. You have returned earlier than expected.” His lord looked somewhat more tired than usual. Victor observed his lord for a moment before noticing the crown prince’s gaze on him. The knight quickly stood up.

“Did anything happen while I was gone?” Max asked as he sat in his chair. Victor hesitated for a moment, recalling the conversation he had with Beatrice just now.

“If anyone asks what happened, I came here to argue with my brother about the hunting competition. Do you understand?”

‘If His Highness finds out that the princess found out about my identity, I might be beheaded.’ His mind made up, Victor reported false information as planned with Beatrice. “The princess came and argued that her knight would be a better hunter than Your Highness.”

Max slightly furrowed his brow in response. ‘I wonder why she would suddenly pick a fight with me… Could it be because of…’ No matter how much Max thought about it, the only reason his sister would have a grudge was that he had witnessed her dance hideously alone in her room the other night. “I see.”

Seeing Max smirk sinisterly, Victor hurriedly added, “Of course, I mocked the princess once I heard what she had to say!”

Realizing his subordinate wanted praise, Max nodded. “I see. Well done. Anyway, I think it is time to start our evening meeting…”

“Ah, tonight’s meeting is canceled,” Victor replied quickly. “Captain Dennis should be with Lady Fresia by now.”

“Fresia? What did she need him for?”

“Ah, it seems she had something to discuss about Your Highness’ orders to keep an eye on the emperor’s movements regarding the hunting competition. Anyway, the captain should be returning soon.”

“I see.” As Victor was about to take off the crown prince’s armor, Max suddenly pointed out, “By the way… You seem uncomfortable.”

Victor flinched slightly. “I’m sorry?” he asked back. “In what way do I look uncomfortable?”

“I’m just saying this because you’ve been acting extremely nervous since I’ve arrived. Is something the matter?”

Victor had finally received the much-desired attention from the crown prince. Nonetheless, he felt his blood curdle. He swallowed dryly. ‘He was never this interested in me… What has gotten into him?’ If he reported what had happened, Victor was sure to receive disciplinary action for failing to fulfill his duties. Shaking his head, the knight forced a smile. “S-something the matter?! Of course not, Your Highness.”