Flower of Steel

The Crown Prince’s face became fiercely vicious in response to my words and retorted, “You dare worry about my cousin’s honor? Piss off, if you’re done.”

Crazy a*sh*le. I swore at him in my mind and was about to leave by saying goodbye to Adrian, but someone held my wrist tightly and didn’t let me go.

“My apologies, Your Highness, but I’m not done yet. And it was me who talked to Marina. If you want to scold me for it, I’m all ears. But please don’t treat the lady I’m interested in this way,” said Adrian with a smile.

The Crown Prince’s face became cold as ice. Ugh, I hope this doesn’t brew up any trouble.

“Are you talking back to me?”

“I am just asking you as your only older cousin. As you may well know, I only want to show my good side to someone I’m interested in. Please understand generously, Your Highness.”

Adrian bowed politely, then grabbed my hand and quickly walked past the Crown Prince. Even I became dazed at such boldness as I thought, ‘Whoa, look at him? That ill-tempered Crown Prince won’t let him do this even if he’s a cousin… or does he let him?’

I frowned as my hand hurt from the way Adrian so tightly grabbed it, and he quickly loosened his grip and asked as he looked at me worryingly, “I’m sorry. Did it hurt?”

“It’s alright. It’s just a bit numb,” I replied reassuringly.

However, Adrian was like a sad puppy and apologized, “I’m sorry. Were your feelings hurt because of me?”

I shook my hand to say no. That a*sh*le says worse things than that. There’s no need for an apology for such words, so I replied, “You don’t need to apologize to me, Rian.”

At my honest answer, Adrian smiled brightly and said, “You called me Rian again.”

I almost became mesmerized by that smile. Hey, Marina. Wake up. That is a delicious fruit inside a painting that you can’t take!

“No, I didn’t.”

“Don’t you like me?”

My eyes became larger out of astonishment at the words he had thrown at me disappointingly. Then I had to laugh as he continued, “I want to be friends with you.”

Honestly speaking, I thought with the slightest possibility that maybe Adrian was intrigued of me as a woman. But I guess he wasn’t. There’s no way that such a perfect man would like me. He just wanted to be friends. It’s good that he broke my fantasy so that I don’t expect too much.

“…A friend? Of course, Rian.”

I was relieved to see him brighten up with my answer. Actually, I didn’t want to see any man yet. He approached me with the intent of becoming friends, so it’s all good. If I’m friends with the successor of the Chancellor, then it can help my career and… Oh, I’m being a calculating person again. Rian only wanted to be a friend out of pure interest.

“Oh, then can I call you like how Chelleno does?” asked Adrian.

“Yeah. You can call me Marin!”

“Marin… Alright, I’ll take you back now.”

“Sure.”

Actually, it felt good to have more friends, as I only had three people who I could consider as ones. I hope they are doing well. Beth, Aria, and Mion. I suddenly miss them. Will I be able to see them again?

“Marin, what were you up to with my superior until now?”

As I got back to the hall with Rian, Chelleno ran up to me and asked as if he was waiting.

“It’s a secret!” I answered playfully, and Chelleno frowned.

“Marin!” shouted Chelleno.

“Sir Chelleno, since when have you been so interested in Marin’s personal life?” Rian asked with a smile as he wrapped his arm around Chelleno’s shoulder.

“W-wait! Sir, did you just say ‘Marin?’”

“Yeah, we agreed on me calling her that way from now on. Isn’t that right, Marin?”

I nodded as his voice calmed me, and Rian smiled at Chelleno. They seemed quite close to each other. Chelleno’s expression, however, seems to have hardened a bit. I guess I’m overthinking it.

Lumi found us and approached us. She was about to say something, then saw Rian beside us and bowed. Then, she pulled me towards her and said, “Sister, we should get some fresh air by the terrace.”

I nodded and left Rian and Chelleno’s side.

***

As we got out to the terrace, Lumi checked around the entrance to see if there was anyone around. Afterward, she said to me, “Sister, oh my god. I didn’t think he was the rumored Droinel! It’s my first time seeing him.”

What rumor? I looked at Lumi curiously, and she began to explain.

“He’s famous for not having any kind of personal relationship with anyone other than his family and the other knights! Just look at his face! He’s so unrealistically handsome! Besides, I heard countless girls wanted to stand beside him since he’s the son of the Chancellor and all. Such mesmerizing handsomeness and the title of the future duchess. It’s a seat envied by every central noble,” said Lumi belatedly.

Then she whispered, “Rumor says that he turns so cold as soon as a girl shows interest in him. He never showed interest toward a girl ever, so this must be…! I’m so happy for you! It’s going well between you two, right?”

I was astonished by Lumi’s words. This is a huge misunderstanding, so I clarified, “Going well? We’re just friends.”

“Friends? No way. Sister, what do you think of him, honestly?”

What did I think of him? Hm… Handsome? Splendidly handsome? And also, he reminds me of my first love that I gave up a long time ago. Such a splendid face is very rare. The only one who I can think of that can be compared is the Crown Prince.

“Honestly… he’s handsome,” I answered, and Lumi seemed glad.

“That’s right! I agree if it’s him! He’s perfect! Handsome and also from a prestigious family! It will be even more perfect since there’s no chance he will ever cheat on you!”