I lowered my head as much as possible, keeping my eyes down, and entered the room. They said Cahillen the Hilik was a crazy guy who would draw his sword just by meeting eyes, so I absolutely had to avoid lifting my head.

“It’s not like I’m a lunatic. I wouldn’t kill just because our eyes met.”

Huh? Why does the mention of a sword suddenly come to mind?

“Hurry and show proper respect, what are you doing?”

Startled by the low, stern voice, I quickly grabbed my dress and bowed my waist.

“I present to His Highness, the 1st Prince, the shining sword of Hilik and the guardian, Renéola Violet.”

The 1st Prince didn’t respond. However, his gaze, piercing from above, was clearly directed at me. I wondered if he planned to leave me standing like he did with Floria at the victory banquet, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“That’s enough with the greetings.”

I straightened my posture and lifted my eyes.

“Leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ah, it seems like I’m allowed to pass just like this.

Relieved at the unexpectedly simple permission, I followed behind the head steward.

“Where are you going?”

A voice from behind grabbed me, sounding incredulous.

“You should stay here.”

Oh, damn.

I desperately gazed at the head steward as if grabbing a lifeline, but he, with a friendly face, didn’t even glance back and left the room. While resenting the stern head steward, the 1st Prince spoke again.

“Are you going to keep standing like that?”

With a voice lower than before, I quickly turned around and approached the 1st Prince. Of course, my eyes were still lowered. I felt his gaze silently observing me. After a while, the 1st Prince, who had been watching me like that, asked.

“Why is the sister of the 2nd Prince’s wife trying to enter my palace?”

As expected. It was the question I anticipated. Trying to answer with the response I had simulated several times,

“Perhaps the 2nd Prince’s wife ordered me to spy on you.”

“No. Absolutely not!”

I vehemently denied with a chilling voice, fearing he might draw his sword without any chance for explanation.

“While I was in the 2nd Prince’s Palace, I served the Princess of Etra closely. Occasionally, I had the opportunity to meet His Highness, the Prince. Whenever I saw him, I found myself looking at him, admiring his serious and calm demeanor, and the graceful elegance in his hand pouring tea. Then…”

Huh? Didn’t he just smile a moment ago?

It sounded like he was holding back laughter. But I couldn’t bring myself to confirm it. The 1st Prince wouldn’t be laughing. I must have misheard due to extreme tension.

“And, I dared to harbor those feelings. Knowing it was inappropriate, I tried to put away such impure thoughts, but my intentions didn’t go as planned. Therefore, I earnestly wished to serve by His Highness’s side, so please consider it graciously.”

So ridiculous and pitiful.
Even if I explained, it would be a feeble excuse. I didn’t think the 1st Prince would believe my words at all. Still, he wouldn’t casually kill someone who says they’re fine.

‘I’d rather he just dismiss me like this.’

There were many opportunities to win Floria’s favor, but I only had one life.

Facing the terrifying 1st Prince, even a glance was scarier than Floria. Besides, Gebis Parlon had also completely fallen off. Ah, Lord Robert is still there. Ugh…

‘It’s not like I signed up for a balance game from hell. I hate it, really.’

I sighed inwardly and spoke.

“But if it makes you uncomfortable, you can send me back right here.”

“The acting falls short of expectations.”

I froze at the unexpected comment made in a breezy tone.

“…Pardon?”

“I thought you were reading a book.”

The 1st Prince chuckled. It was definitely a laugh full of amusement, not something I misheard.

‘What, does he sense my intentions and tease me?’

However, it was a surprisingly pleasant voice to say that.

It was disconcerting to receive a response different from the expected ignoring or drawing a sword. The 1st Prince wasn’t the type to laugh out loud like this. Then suddenly, I realized his voice had been familiar since earlier.

“I was thinking of teasing you a bit more, but I can’t stand it anymore.”

Once the voice caught my ear, it began to sound unmistakably familiar.

‘No way…’

I desperately hoped it wasn’t true and looked up abruptly. Upon checking his face, I froze in place. It was a moment when I keenly realized that sad premonitions had never been wrong.

“Do you want to be my lady maid?”

Seeing my shocked expression, the sword swayed. There was a hint of teasing in his expression. Normally, I would have retorted at his sly face, but it wasn’t the right situation now.

“You’re unusually quiet. Oh, is it because you’re in front of your favorite person and can’t speak?”

“Just wait…”

“I felt stifled by your silence.”

I didn’t know I was so clueless. Cahillen, who was glaring at me with a defiant attitude, burst into laughter.

I closed my eyes tightly at his malicious expression, already knowing the mischievous intent behind it.

Damn it, could it be that this guy is the 1st Prince?