Chapter 7

Llewellyn.

He called out her name as if he had been holding in the urge for a while. Llewelyn sneered as she recalled what he had said.

An engagement?

Almondite nodded earnestly. Yes, an engagement. About our relationship

How ridiculous, Almondite. Do you actually want to get engaged just because you and I slept together once? Llewelyn cut him off coldly. Almondite had a questioning look in his eyes.

I've slept with you once, and you are thinking of getting engaged. You are still an innocent noble master. Llewelyn explained.

How so?

In that greenhouse, did you not say I was your first? I didn't know you were romantic enough to be engaged to the first woman you've been with, Alman.

Llewelyn did not miss the opportunity to ridicule Almondite. The man before her did terrible things to her without any explanation and went down to his estate right after, leaving her behind.

So you think the temptation was a lie? he demanded.

Did you think it was real? Llewelyn retorted. I just wanted to see how you would turn out.

Standing with her back to the moonlight, the shadows made her smile look eerie. Almondite smirked. He seemed to have come to a conclusion.

Llewelyn's smile faded and she pressed her lips together in a thin line.

If you want to reveal that we slept together, you are welcome to do so. I wonder how people will react when they find out that your Majesty the Duke has been seduced by the shabby princess.

Hearing that, Almondite's expression changed. He looked as if he was glaring at his foe, but then his expression cleared. Llewelyn's piercing turquoise eyes regarded him coldly, as if she was bitter about his obvious higher standing to her.

You have changed a lot, Princess. he said softly.

Times change. People change.

Yes, Princess.

Almondite hesitantly approached her, his blue-green eyes shining. He reached out towards Llewelyn, and gripped a strand of her hair tightly. His skin was cold, his eyes even colder. It was the expression Almondite made when he was genuinely angry, something she had rarely seen as a young woman.

Now that he was grown up, that same expression on his matured features frightened her. Was it because of that? The hand holding her hair relaxed.

But there are things that do not change, Princess.

Llewelyn tilted her head up at him with a raised brow.

Sometimes the princess makes me go crazy.

She frowned.

I will change my plans. he stated.

What are your plans? she questioned.

Almondite did not answer. He chuckled and pressed his lips to her hair. It was elegant and brief, then Almondite turned on his heels and left the greenhouse.

Llewelyn caressed the hair that touched Almondite's lips.

That expression on his face means he's really pissed off

Apart from the hatred she had for her childhood friend Alman, Llewelyn was inevitably familiar with him. Usually when you piss off a guy like that

Ignoring the ominous feeling rising within her, Llewelyn returned to her room.

Surely he wasn't going to actually spread the fact that she slept with him? However, the news the next day was a little different than expected.

Wow, Princess!

Usually, the maids did not talk to the princess. So the fact that a maid had run to Llewelyn, who had barely finished dressing, meant that there was a big problem.

What's going on?

That That is

Say it. Llewelyn pressed impatiently.

Your Majesty the Duke of Biserk has decided to settle in the capital.

Okay. She turned to the maid with an unfazed look.

It was annoying, but not surprising. Was she meant to fuss over it?

However

I ask you, please stop dragging it out.

The maid swallowed and blurted out, It is said that the reason is because he has the princess in his heart.

Does he really?

He said that he was going to support the princess

The country's Brigent tolerated being a backup if they declared that they had affection. It was similar to sponsorship. It was meant to be a so-called hogu*. The problem was that I don't know what it might mean to be support for a princess who has the right to succession to the throne.

[E/N: hogu is a type of armor typically used in sparring. Essentially, Almondite is being a shield for Llewellyn.]

This man. Llewellyn ground her teeth. Who said that a woman's resentment wasn't scary?

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Sit down.

Just as she expected. Llewelyn was summoned by Bastian as soon as she woke up. Pamela was absent, which was surprising because she always stood behind Bastian and controlled every single thing he did.

Hello, Your Majesty.

You know there is no need to say hello here. To be greeted, I must have called you to an audience. Bastian smiled faintly. She sat down in the indicated seat. Bastian nodded and the attendants disappeared. Llewelyn was once again surprised by Bastian's change. Suddenly, it became natural for him to give instructions.

When he first ascended the throne, Bastian was anxious about his image as the king. He was afraid to even give directions and orders.

Do you know the reason behind the Duke of Biserk's sudden claim to wanting to support you?

Llewelyn stared at him distractedly, not answering.

Have you and Duke of Biserk had a promised a future since childhood?

Bastian's hardened expression, a sharp contrast so his usual kind smiles, frightened Llewelyn.

When the skinny and unsightly illegitimate child became king, his appearance blossomed at a frightening rate. Bright blonde hair resembling his mother's, his defined jawline, his chiselled body the ladies all admired this unmarried king. With deep blue eyes the colour of the ocean, it was enough to complete a painting.

Perhaps because Pamela was not there, Bastian seemed to be a normal, rational king, not just his mother's puppet.

No. Never.

Then you are lucky.

Lucky? Llewelyn's eyes flashed, she did not understand Bastian's words.

Like I said before, I want to go to a monastery. I don't covet anything, I don't want anything. My heart has not changed.

Bastian looked up at her sharply.

I don't want to live a luxurious life like before. I just want to get out of here.

At those words, Bastian looked a little wounded.

II didn't mean to insult you. I never doubted your feelings on this. Just I'm a little angry. The fact that you want to go to the monastery, but may have had a promised future with the duke It was like you were fooling me.

I am sorry. Are you angry with me?

Bastian looked at Llewelyn with a frightened expression. Bastian was still Bastian. Even though the relationship between their power was clear now, he still looked at his sister like in the old days.

I don't think you're aiming for my place. Really.

Thank you for trusting me, brother.

Bastian smiled faintly at Llewelyn's reassurance.

So, you're saying that the duke is one-sidedly supporting you?

Yes? Yes

Can I stop you?

Llewelyn tilted her head. What is Bastian testing?

Bastian's blue eyes twinkled. All she had to do was nod her head. But for some reason, the words stuck to the back of her throat, refusing to come out.

Why am I doing this? I don't know the reason. I just thought that he shouldn't interfere.

I will do it.

Huh?

You don't have to help. If my brother comes forward to stop me, it will look like you're interfering with your sister's marriage, and it won't look good. So You know. Rumors of being wary of me will come out and you'll be annoyed. My brother, no, your Majesty is busy with other things.

I will definitely refuse his proposal.

Llewelyn smiled. Bastian nodded and asked.

Really, the Duke of Biserk has no heart?

Yes.

Llewelyn nodded her head resolutely. It was strange to like it. Even Bastian would not be unaware of the entanglement between him and the Duke of Biserk, so why would he ask such a question?

Then I'll let you.

Bastian began to bring other topics to Llewelyn.

Patrons are expected to arrive from the Holy Land in a week.

That's faster than I thought.

Right?

She chatted with Bastian for a long time. It had been a long time since she had a conversation like this with her half-brother.

Their tea time wasn't too long. She wasn't even tired. It was because Bastian didn't have a strong temper to attack her like Pamela always did. However, the conversation was not interesting. It was because Llewelyn did not open her heart to Bastian.

Then, as Pamela appeared in the doorway, Llewelyn sighed inwardly. There just seemed to be no way to get away from her.