Flower of Steel

It was such a frightening look that if possible, the Crown Prince would rip Rave to death with his eyes. But even with that kind of look, Rave just grinned.

“Oh, I changed my mind, Your Highness. I believe I answered that I would see what you would do and follow. It means that I haven’t decided my direction yet.”

“You have a death wish,” said the Crown Prince.

“Well, you can’t justify killing. It’s not wise to say things you can’t do.” Rave answered with such an out-of-line attitude that the Crown Prince became more vicious. It almost felt like the air was ringing.

“You should watch your mouth yourself, Rave Graciel von Harsen. I’m sure your father will make that justification, actually.”

At those words, Rave also turned cold and glared back. Oh, my head. Why am I stuck in other people’s fights? I’m busy today! I don’t want to waste my golden Friday between these nutjobs!

“*Hicc* Your Highness.”

“What?”

Hearing my call, the Crown Prince looked at me less viciously than he did at Rave. It still was frightening, but I had to say what I had to say. I gulped down my throat and spoke with a serious expression, “I’m running out of time, so I have to go if you’ll excuse me.”

Huh? Thanks to gulping, my hiccup seemed to have stopped. That made me feel better, and I smiled, forgetting that I was in front of the Crown Prince. Did he see me brighten up? He looked at me with a dumbfounded look. It was Rave, who opened his mouth instead of the Crown Prince, who was watching me silently.

“Ha… Marina, I sometimes find it hard to decide if you’re too brave or slow-witted.”

Well, I, too, sometimes think I may be too courageous. I mean, I almost had the Crown Prince kill me many times after protesting against him. But I’m not slow-witted! No way! My wits are the only weapon that made me survive all those times! With that concluded, I spoke to answer Rave’s confusion.

“I’m brave, Rave.”

“Do you think so?”

Rave frowned at my answer. But I couldn’t tell what the Crown Prince was thinking from his expression. It was expressionless, but it didn’t seem bad either. That awesomely handsome face seemed to even wear a smile. That’s when the Crown Prince spoke.

“You can go.”

“Pardon?”

“A promise is important, isn’t it?”

I had to foolishly ask him back as I didn’t expect him to let me go, and he smiled. It’s strange. Seeing that smile made my heart sink and my face blush, so I wanted to escape. I don’t know why I am doing this. While I was thinking that, Rave stood in front where I was watching the Crown Prince.

“Right. A promise is important, so I’ll escort Marina to her appointment. Then if you’ll excuse me, Your Highness.”

As I listened to his words, I realized I had to tell him that he didn’t need to do that and opened my mouth, “The Main Gate is the place, which is like- right in front from here.”

At my answer, Rave coughed and raised his voice. “HMPH! Your superior is offering to escort you, and you need to say no more. Let’s go!” Then he whispered to my ears, “His Highness can change his mind, you know?”

Well, how can I dislike him? My superior is sometimes serious and dim-witted but sometimes a very thoughtful person. He’s sometimes very arrogant yet modest… I should take back the last part. Anyway, I bowed to the Crown Prince, and he hopped on the horse again and quickly left.

‘Where is he going at such a late time?’

I became curious about his destination but decided to forget about it. He must be off to buy a doll or something. But that’s disappointing. He’s off to buy another doll instead of Doll Master M’s doll!

As I walked with Rave while thinking various things about the Crown Prince and left the Main Gate, a carriage with a familiar family’s emblem on it had familiar faces in it waiting for me.

“Sister!”

“Sis!”

It was Lumi, Jianne…, and the wonderful-looking Rian. I waved at them. Then I heard a rumbling noise coming from next to me.

“That punk.” I was worried that Rian heard Rave’s voice, but he was still smiling, so I was certain he didn’t hear it, which made me relieved. “Rave, it’s time for you to go.”

Rave then looked at me with a sad look on his face and commented, “Wow, have you been waiting for this moment? You’re so cold!”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m cold, so go back to your home now.” I quickly brushed him off, worried he might pick on a fight with Rian again.

Rave grinned, “I’m not going home.”

“What?”

“I’m going to watch the play too.”

I was so dumbfounded that I looked at him with a frown, and he made a flirty smile and placed his hand on my shoulder. Then he said, “I’m just joking! Joking! Did I scare you? Go have fun.”