Flower of Steel

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

At my greetings that I made while hiding my shock, the Crown Prince received them with an indifferent expression. “Yes.”

Rave, as soon as he saw the Crown Prince, also wiped the joking look on his face and bowed, “Your Highness, the future sun.”

Even at Rave’s greeting, the Crown Prince just glared at him with his intriguing purple eyes. Shortly after, Rave spoke to him, “Your Highness, if I may. It is not a gentleman’s manner to suddenly cut in front of a lady. A lady might be surprised.”

That’s right. That wasn’t appropriate even as a person! In response to Rave’s correct words, the Crown Prince slowly frowned. Oh, I’ve seen him so many times now that I can read his expression. That expression shows that he’s pissed off.

“I don’t need someone like you to teach me, so shut up.”

But Rave didn’t seem to back off and just glared at the Crown Prince while responding sarcastically, “You know that so well, and I’m not sure why you made such a mannerless appearance. Are you okay, Marina?”

Rave suddenly turned his target to me. The Crown Prince also turned towards me and asked, “Were you surprised?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I spoke to him honestly without hiding it, and the Crown Prince jumped off his horse. Then he glared at me with his purple eyes that made me feel weird, then a low voice came from him. “I believe it’s only right to take the responsibility if you’re surprised. I’ll take you back home to be responsible, Marina von Harrant.”

What insane reasoning is that? Why is he taking responsibility for startling me? And what does that have to do with taking me back home?

“It’s okay, Your Highness. Come to think of it- I don’t think I’m surprised at all- *hicc.”

I quickly covered my mouth from sudden hiccups, and the Crown Prince wore a smile on his handsome face. Others would be mesmerized by that smile, but to me, that was just a meaningful grin of an evil nutjob.

“You were startled, I see.”

“No, I was not. *Hicc. I have an appointment today. I have to- *hicc* go there.”

What’s wrong with this stupid hiccup?! Anyway, Rave also quickly nodded at my refusal, “Of course. I’m sure you wouldn’t try to snatch a lady’s appointment, would you? I don’t think that is the manner of a…”

“No. To me, the safety of Marina von Harrant is more important than her manners.”

It’s quite touching, actually, but to hear that from a man who threatens my mental health the most made me feel insane. But why is my heart pounding? Oh, I know why.

Yes, I am… afraid. How can I not when thinking about going back home frightened on the horse of that handsome nutjob? I saw him riding a horse the other day, and I remember he was controlling the horse like he was doing a rodeo. Wasn’t I surprised just now by how he stopped his horse in front of me?

My mind was becoming busy with such thoughts when the Crown Prince said, “She and I… will be going together to look at the embankment construction site soon.”

Hahaha. I see. It’s actually for him instead of me. I was feeling foolish for being touched by his words and began worrying that I would be late because of this handsome yet selfish man.

“I’m safe! *Hicc!* I’m going home with my cousins today!” I shouted.

“By your cousin, you mean Chelleno von Reclan, the central knight who’s famous for flirting with women? The most popular knight among all officers and knights combined?”

Huh? How come he knows all those details? Chelleno, what have you been doing within the palace? In place of the confused and hiccupping me, Rave answered.

“Your Highness, if I may correct that fact. It is me who’s the most famous within the palace. And my Marina here is actually going to watch a play with her female cousin.”

At that moment, something ominous got shrouded in the Crown Prince’s eyes. “Rave von Harsen. Didn’t I tell you before? Of your place?”