Chapter 44 - Strange Encounter

“NNGH!”

Someone covered my mouth. What? Who is it? I rolled my eyes nervously but calmed myself. ‘Calm down. If they were trying to kill me, I would’ve died already. There should be a reason why I was pulled into the alleyway by the entrance.’

Soon, the mouth cover had been lifted. I turned and saw the man who was holding me. But how… Why is that man here?

“You, why are you here?”

He was saying the same thing I wanted to ask him myself. The person was, to my surprise…

“Good evening, your highness. Secretary Marina von Harrant at your service.”

It was the Crown Prince. He was glaring at me with his purple eyes. He asked, “Are you… stalking me?”

Such ridiculous words came out of his mouth, and it made me laugh. What kind of nonsense is this nutjob talking about after showing up out of nowhere?

“Answer me, Marina von Harrant,” ordered the Crown Prince.

Even if it was nonsense, his will to attack was real. I felt chills run down my spine and gulp. If I show my weakness to a predator like that, it will bite off my neck at once. That’s why I answered confidently and proudly, “I didn’t stalk you, your highness. I just visited this store here.”

The Crown Prince frowned. He looked at me as if he didn’t understand and questioned, “Isn’t that a doll store? I don’t understand why a fully grown adult would visit such a store.”

I think his words upset me a bit. What was wrong with a grownup enjoying such a thing?

“A fully grown adult can enjoy dolls. I, well, like it in another way other than looking at it.”

“Another way?”

“Making dolls.”

He then stared at me with intense eyes that I couldn’t see what his intentions were. I felt like I would get possessed by his purple eyes but came back to my senses. He sure is so handsome.

“Is that it? What a strange woman. Anyway, it’s fine if you weren’t stalking me.”

“What brings you here, your highness? All alone…”

Anyway, nobody would think the Crown Prince would walk around here without a guard. It was sure to bring questions.

“It’s nothing. I’m here for a little business, and it doesn’t concern you. I’ll be gone then,” answered the Crown Prince and then ran off. Wow, can a human run like that too? He had splendid body movements.

“Huh? Why are you coming out of there?”

Rey seemed to be surprised when he found me coming out of an alleyway. I just answered casually, “It’s nothing. I was just… almost bitten by some crazy dog.”

Rey frowned and snapped, “Nonsense. Should we go back then?”

I began walking to the carriage with Rey when I felt something strange. Someone seemed to be looking at me. I turned my head and looked in that direction without realizing it. But there was nothing but an empty street.

***

My precious weekend had passed by with a snap. It was Monday, the start of a week that I wished wouldn’t come. I tiredly walked downstairs, and my loyal puppy Chelleno greeted me energetically.

“Marin! Let’s go to work! Oh, it’s so nice to go with you!”

He seemed very lively. It seems even the aftermath from this weekend didn’t exist to him. I took the carriage with Chelleno to the front of the Royal Palace. Before leaving, the driver said that he will be coming back in the evening. We then walked into the palace.

“Welcome, sir!”

“Good day,” said Chelleno in a dignified tone and looked at a junior knight bowing to him.

I laughed at him, trying to look dignified in front of others. He is a dignified man who fights over a red shirt with Rave! I felt like my mouth would fail me and turn into a grin. But I held back to protect his honor.

We’ve reached the crossroad where our paths split. I told him to go, but he refused stubbornly, “I’ll take you there.”

“It’s alright.”

“It’s not okay for me.”

Even though I tried to refuse, he insisted and escorted me to the office building in the end. So stubborn! I was about to say goodbye to Chelleno and get inside when I heard an annoying voice.

“Hello, Mari- I mean Associate Harrant!”

The man, who was waving his wide-spread palm at me annoyingly, was Rave. Usually, I would address people by their last name, but that man is so annoying that I didn’t want to give him such respect, at least in my mind.

“You’re as beautiful as always! Oh, don’t look at me with such a fierce look. I’ll melt!”

Because people can even call the emperor with any name in their mind, I can say whatever about that punk. That’s what I have done, and I will always do that and call him a punk.

“Oh, anyway. Why did that rascal follow you here? He has to go the opposite way!” shouted Rave.

“You sure are very interested in my cousin, aren’t you? Do you want me to introduce you to him? How about you two become friends?” I asked with a smirk.

Rave seemed to hate the idea. Yeah, you should look at who you’re trying to joke around. Maybe he still hasn’t figured me out yet.