“Your Highness, I believe the most important thing when forming a relationship with someone is sincerity.”

Khalern nodded as if it were obvious.

“You mentioned having someone in your heart. Although you’re not officially in a relationship, showing such… feelings for someone with whom you still have room for other romantic interests…”

I paused for a moment, choosing my words carefully. Should I tease him a little? Give him some leeway?

But this man is just making fun of me, knowing my intentions very well. Is it okay to disregard that? No matter how much he teases, what if the person he likes sees him looking at me with such a gaze? It seems like a confirmed playboy.

“Like this, what?”

Khalern leaned in, subtly asking.

‘Look at this, he’s closing the distance so skillfully.’

I distanced myself subtly, aware of the apparent closeness.

“I don’t think it’s good to give room for romantic interests with others.”

“I think the same.”

Khalern nodded decisively.
“If the person you have feelings for sees this, they might misunderstand. Inflicting harm on the other person is a despicable act.”

“Right. It’s incredibly despicable.”

Without giving me a chance to wonder about Khalern, who strongly agreed with my words, he continued speaking.

“Cheating is the worst action that betrays that sincerity. Isn’t it?”

“Huh? Uh, yes, that’s right.”

“We should be everything to each other. Looking at others is unacceptable. If such a thing happens, no matter what happens, there’s nothing to say.”

“Yes, well… that’s true, I guess?”

Although I thought I could say something, I found myself responding to Khalern’s gaze without realizing it.

“Sneaking away is also a betrayal to your lover. It should never be done.”

“That’s right.”

A secret breakup is the worst. I nodded.

“Hiding things from your lover is also unacceptable.”

“That’s right. If they find out later, it will be upsetting.”

It’s torturous not to be trusted.

Although something felt strange about the flow of the conversation, Khalern wasn’t saying anything wrong. Khalern seemed satisfied with my response and smiled subtly.

“It’s fortunate that we share the same thoughts.”

“Yes, well…”

I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something had been restrained. Especially Khalern’s face, still single, felt very uncomfortable. It had a weird feeling of my hand digging my own grave…

Feeling somewhat uneasy for no apparent reason, I couldn’t get rid of the discomfort. I proceeded with what I originally intended to say.

“Anyway, it’s true that I have feelings for Your Highness, but I don’t expect any reciprocation. Just being by your side is enough for me. So, it’s better not to engage in actions that could cause misunderstandings for the person you have feelings for.”

Even though he probably doesn’t believe that I have feelings for him, my advice not to cause any misunderstanding for his actual lover was met with Khalern stroking his chin with long fingers.

“The one I have feelings for is overly oblivious, and no matter how much I show signs of liking them, they never notice. At this point, I start to doubt if they are teasing me.”

Maybe you just don’t like them?

Before the word “dash” could pop out of my mouth, I swallowed it with a gulp.

“Well, since I plan to make it clear soon, let’s enjoy it a bit more until then.”

Khalern smiled. I gave up on further explanations, feeling that no matter who the person he liked was, he seemed quite pitiful.

“So, are you cold?”

Khalern raised his eyebrows as if pouting. Watching him, who didn’t seem cold at all, I got up.

“I’ll borrow robes from the knights.”

But before I could stand up, my elbow was grabbed, and I found myself sitting on the road.

“Just use this.”

Khalern pointed with his eyes at the blanket covering my knees. It wasn’t cold, but having it over me gave a sense of security.

“Is a mere blanket too precious for someone you like?”

Damn. ‘Someone you like’ is now a slippery slope.
“Darn it. It’s reached the point of mentioning the ‘person you like,’ even Noi Rose would catch on.”

Suppressing the urge to use the blanket as a fan and staying calm, I handed it over quietly. He promptly draped it over my shoulders and then spread one arm wide like unfolding a blanket.

“If you’re cold, we can cover up together.”

‘He said cheating is a despicable act.’

I shook my head at his smiling face, as if inviting me this way. How could he think of pulling a stunt like this in such an exposed garden? If someone sees us, what kind of rumors will spread?

“I’ll borrow robes from the knights.”

Speaking firmly, I was met with Khalern narrowing his eyes.

“I don’t like that because it makes me uncomfortable.”

What could make you uncomfortable? At that moment, I shot back, questioning his gaze as if in reply.