“Rose, are you okay?”

“Ah…”

What was that just now? It felt like I was holding the handle of a teacup, but did my hand lack strength?

“Miss Rosabelia, are you okay? Please stay still; I’ll clean up.”

Upon hearing Melissa’s urgent voice, my hand, which seemed stiff, finally moved. I repeatedly clenched and unfolded my slightly trembling fingers.

Although it now seemed like I was moving willingly, earlier, something felt a bit off…

“Why are you doing this?”

“Oh, no, I think my hand slipped.”

“Rose, please treat me casually as usual.”

Casually?

“Got it. I’ll call you Ian instead of Your Highness.”

Sitting on the nearby seat, Ian tilted his head as if that wasn’t enough.

“In front of Elizer Kyeong, didn’t you speak comfortably with me?”

“At that time… It’s because I was used to addressing juniors in the Order of Knights, so it came naturally… ”

“Does that mean you won’t treat me as a junior in the Order of Knights now?”

Ian, who wore a sulky expression, lowered his gaze. While observing him looking somewhat adorable, I lightly scratched my cheek.

“Would you like me to speak informally to you even in front of others, Ian?”

“Yes. I find it much more pleasant that way.”

Of course, I was used to it as well. Ian and I had spent quite a long time as senior and junior in the Order of Knights.

However, he was undeniably the prince of the Forness Empire and soon to ascend to the position of crown prince. It was not something I could do to speak informally to him in front of those who honored him as a prince.

“How about using honorifics when there are other people? We can talk comfortably when we’re alone.”

“Rose, I don’t feel good when you use honorifics with me; it creates a distance between us.”

“I’m not trying to create distance, Ian…”

Ian lightly pulled both of my hands. Looking up at his eyes, as deep as a lake, I suddenly realized one thing.

In my past life, I always wanted to be someone special.

I thought that was the only way to gain recognition from my family, so I kept moving forward, wanting to surpass others. Eventually, I even wanted to lead the way ahead of everyone else.

Because I thought it would prove my worth.

But now… just becoming someone special to one person filled me with overwhelming emotions.

I lowered my gaze as if suppressing the surging emotions. The intertwined hands seemed to cling to each other.

“…You’re a special person to me, too.”

“I… I hope everyone knows that you’re the only person I can speak comfortably to. But if you don’t like it, there’s nothing I can do. I can’t force you…”

Finishing his words with a cloudy expression, Ian let his eyebrows droop.
“I don’t mind, but…”

“Then, please treat me casually in front of anyone. That’s all I want.”

“Okay.”

His face, which had shown signs of fatigue, suddenly lit up with a flush.

Why does it feel like I fell for something?

He laughed as if he were delighted. Meanwhile, Melissa, who approached while observing Ian’s reaction, swept up the fallen teacup from the floor.

“Sorry, Melissa.”

“I’m relieved that Miss Rosabelia is unharmed. I’ll bring more tea, so please wait a moment.”

“No, I think I can go without it.”

As Melissa was about to say more, footsteps staggered outside the mansion. Ian, having heard it, quickly stood up from the sofa.

“I’ll check it out.”

“Your Highness, is there anyone else coming besides Miss Rosabelia?”

“There’s one more person. Melissa, guide Rose to the drawing-room.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Following Melissa, the drawing-room was as spacious as the living room. There was a large table in the center, surrounded by fabric sofas.

“Make yourself comfortable, Miss Rosabelia. I’ll bring some tea.”

She left, and not long after, Ian entered. Following him was a man who tied his long, violet hair into one.

The man stood there, looking somewhat surprised, upon seeing me other than Ian. It seemed like he hadn’t expected anyone else to be here besides Ian.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Rosabelia Winters.”

As I greeted while standing around the sofa, behind his glasses, the man’s eyes widened noticeably.

“That name… You’re, aren’t you a White Knight Order knight? The one who defeated the rumored demon on the outskirts of the capital?”

“That’s right.”

“I am Vincent Glazer, a demon researcher.”

Vincent Glazer? The name sounded oddly familiar.

“Vincent, the person you desperately wanted to meet is her.”

“Me?”

Lifting his glasses, Vincent’s gaze met mine again. Then, as if realizing something, he widened his eyes and shouted loudly.

“Could it be… the Sword Mastery?”

“Ah…”

I looked at Ian, who sent a reassuring glance, and then nodded.

“To have met two Sword Masters in one lifetime. I have no regrets even if I die right now.”

I remembered. Vincent Glazer.

Wasn’t he the one who wrote the book titled ‘The Great Knight of the Empire, Lawrence Glazer’?

“Thank you for coming all the way here.”

“Your Highness, the Sword Master, called me, so I had to come no matter where it is.”

“I called you because there’s something I want to ask.”