Nathaniel raised his hand and placed it on her hand. Now, the temperature that transferred across his entire palm made him smile subtly.

Impulsively, he dipped his lips into the palm of her hand. Unlike Jayna’s lukewarm hand, Nathaniel’s lips were warm.

“More.”

“Yes?”

Looking into her round eyes, Nathaniel whispered.

“Tell me more.”

He wanted to confirm several times. Even in the midst of happiness, he was afraid she might come to hate him.

Until now, Jayna was the first person to show him this level of affection.

“Nathaniel, I like you.”
He was so happy that his breath stopped at her shyly uttered words. Nathaniel smiled widely at her.

Martin looked at his place with eyes full of emotion.

In a corner of the comprehensive aide office, incongruous to its surroundings, a mahogany desk was situated.

“Khek.”

Looking at the shining plaque of the Senior Aide to the Crown Prince placed on it, tears welled up in Martin’s eyes.

Although the gazes of the people around were peculiar upon hearing the story that it was a decree from the Crown Prince, the unperceptive Martin was clueless.

‘I will work tirelessly for you, Your Highness!’

Burning with enthusiasm, he sat down and began organizing Nathaniel’s schedule.

He checked everything from the business department he was overseeing to diplomatic matters.

‘Is this something I can handle alone?’

The more he organized, the more cold sweat trickled down due to the tremendous amount of work he had undertaken.

Moreover, recently, the workload had increased exponentially as he took over tasks that the Emperor had been handling.

“Hey.”

“Oh, yes.”

Yuri, who had been Martin’s immediate superior until a short while ago.

But unintentionally, Martin received a rapid promotion, and now his position was higher than Yuri’s.

Yuri opened her mouth with an awkward face.

“The diplomatic mission from the Freeche Kingdom has conveyed their apologies. They requested a dinner arrangement with the Crown Prince and Princess.”

“Oh, yes. I’ll inquire with His Highness.”

Yuri, glancing at Martin’s plaque, scowled before leaving.
Martin quickly stood up and left to inform Nathaniel.

Yesterday, through Martin, the diplomatic mission had conveyed their apologies to Nathaniel.

I thought it would end with a simple greeting, but it led to a request to arrange a meeting.

Although Nathaniel seemed to want to refuse, thanks to Martin’s enthusiastic push, the meeting was arranged.

I wore a dark burgundy velvet dress with black lace, and my hair was twisted up, adorned with a pin with black pearls and a ribbon.

It was a choice quite different from my usual style.

‘Originally, the Emperor and Empress should be the ones to attend such events.’

Recently, there were rumors that the Emperor was deeply in love with Diana and wouldn’t step outside the townhouse.

‘Is he really insane?’

Muttering to myself, I held Nathaniel’s hand and walked through the corridor. Perhaps it was because I wore high-heeled shoes for the first time in a while, but I was already tired.

“If you’re not feeling well, you can go in and rest.”

“Well, it’s not necessary.”

I glanced at Nathaniel out of the corner of my eye. Unlike his usual casually comfortable attire, he looked much better dressed up.

‘He looks handsome.’

I felt oddly proud, and my shoulders shrugged involuntarily.

When we arrived at the restaurant door, I opened it to see a table adorned with red and white flowers.
As we entered, the diplomatic mission sitting on the opposite side of the table stood up.

There was a middle-aged man and woman, and a very young man.

‘Is that person the representative?’

Dressed in splendid attire, he looked like a representative without a doubt, offering greetings.

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Nathaniel remained silent, perhaps displeased. Kilian must have felt it was insufficient, as he bent one knee.

“That day, I couldn’t contain my curiosity and was disrespectful to Your Highness. Please forgive me.”

Although he was an ambassador from a mere principality, he was a marquis. Kneeling to this extent was quite damaging to his pride.

I poked Nathaniel’s side, still unresponsive.

“No need.”

As Nathaniel barely responded, Kilian finally rose. Turning his gaze in my direction, he slightly bent his body and extended his hand.

Feeling Nathaniel’s gaze, I nervously placed my hand on top of Kilian’s.

“It is an honor to meet such a beautiful lady, Your Highness. I am Kilian from the Principality of Fritche.”

Kilian’s lips lightly touched the back of my hand before pulling away.

‘Thank goodness for the gloves.’

Feeling Nathaniel’s almost penetrating gaze, I awkwardly smiled.

“I’ve heard of Kilian’s esteemed reputation even though I am ignorant of magic. It’s an honor to meet you today.”
As he stepped back, other envoys who followed Kilian each greeted us. I welcomed them with a smile as usual.

Soon, dishes were brought to the table one by one. We began our meal, engaging in lively conversation.

“I’m not sure if the food will suit your taste.”

“I usually don’t find imperial cuisine appealing, but today it’s genuinely delicious.”

Fortunately, the atmosphere wasn’t bad.

After the meal, we were treated to light snacks and good wine. We had to be careful as the alcohol content was low, making it easy to get intoxicated.

‘Somehow, I feel a strange gaze…’

While talking with other envoys, I sensed an insistent stare. At first, I thought it was Nathaniel’s gaze, but it wasn’t.

I subtly rolled my eyes to survey the surroundings.

‘What’s going on?’

The owner of the threatening gaze that seemed to pierce through me was Kilian.

When our eyes briefly met, a shiver ran down my spine.

I quickly turned my head.

“Why is that?”

Nathaniel, who was beside me, lowered his body and asked.

“It’s nothing.”

Although I said that, the creepy feeling didn’t easily disappear.

At that moment, Nathaniel raised his head and locked eyes with Kilian.

Suddenly, at the sound of grinding teeth, I tightly held his hand.

“Don’t get angry. He’s just looking.”

“The gaze feels dirty.”

I laughed at his choice of words.

“May I leave first?”

“Sure.”
“Don’t show any signs of being upset.”

Nathaniel let out a light sigh and nodded. I got up from my seat, greeted Kilian and the envoys, and went outside.

Nathaniel looked at Kilian with cold eyes. Although he recalled what Jaina had just advised, the annoyance didn’t easily subside.

“Hahaha, Your Highness. Would you also give me a drink?”

Kilian, aiming to get closer to Nathaniel, sat next to him and raised his glass.

“Seems like you’ve had quite a bit.”

“Oh, this is nothing for alcohol.”

In reality, Kilian had a strong tolerance for alcohol.

“Is that so?”

But that remark provoked Nathaniel’s unnecessary competitiveness.

Nathaniel filled Kilian’s glass to the brim and lifted his own.

With a clear sound, their glasses clinked.