Feeling a bit stubborn, I said, “I understand what you mean, but why should I help?”

“Don’t you owe me something?”

Ridiculous!

Of course, I thought that the day would come when I would pay for what I owed him, but doing it like this felt a bit uncomfortable.

Almost involuntarily, I blurted out, “Are you going to accept it so easily?”

“Is there a problem?”

“To claim that you’ve repaid the debt to His Highness, you should at least wager your life.”
I impulsively blurted out, and then, upon seeing Prince Kaidel’s pleased gaze, I realized my mistake.

“How touching. You were considering sacrificing your life for me. Hm.”

“No, it’s not that…”

I shut my mouth on my own.

The smile on his lips seemed genuinely pleased, but it was clear he was also teasing me.

This is why I didn’t want to get involved in a conversation.

However, a debt is a debt, and using it as an excuse to be manipulated at any time is out of the question.

Pretending as if I heard something, I said, “It seems like the princess called, so I’ll be going now…”

Upon that, Prince Kaidel slightly frowned and firmly said, “No, she didn’t call. I heard it clearly.”

“If she didn’t call, how did you hear it? Since she called, didn’t you hear it? I should be going now…”

“Stay still for a moment!”

He slightly blocked my way as if slightly irritated.

His tone brought back memories, and a small laugh escaped me. It was from the time when the talented prince and the wandering commoner shared a secret.

As if discussing business between nobles, I gestured randomly, sometimes tapping my head and pointing with my finger, and said, “Still, popularity is a good thing, isn’t it?”

Then, he posed as if seriously contemplating and said, “Most of the time.”

“What about the times when it’s not?”

“It’s now. Originally, the popularity was excessive, but it’s even more intense today after the victory party. I didn’t attend the party because it was too busy.”

Come to think of it, he was an imperial war hero. I had forgotten because he acted so nonchalant.

“You should attend more parties. If you show up frequently, it might lessen.”

“I’m busy. I have to make Prince Grayan a crown prince and graduate from the academy early.”

“…”

What confidence is this?

He was sure of his victory. I envied and marveled at his self-assurance, feeling a slight hint of jealousy.

I was surprised, opened my mouth wide, stared at him for a moment, then quickly returned to the play.

“Is it okay for you to say that?”

“Will it spread as a rumor?”

I shook my head in a daze.

“Fortunately. We can’t detach our lives anyway.”
During a pirate raid, he promised Prince Grayan that he would take responsibility for any mistakes or betrayals on my part and spared my life.

If I make such a fatal mistake, he would also lose his life.

But did he have to express it so strangely?

“That… doesn’t that sound really weird? Please refrain from causing any misunderstandings.”

“…”

He looked at me again with an indescribable expression.

“Then tell me how I should have said it to you.”

“Well…”

No, I don’t particularly want you to tell me. Rather, it seems like you want to talk to me right now!

I realized I was getting entangled in his words and nervously shook my head.

He was taking advantage of the break from the charming girls to have fun teasing me.

I was wrong to think that a conversation with this person was possible.

But after confirming our obligation, I felt somewhat indifferent about what he wanted. Perhaps he brought up the topic with that intention.

I said halfheartedly, “Thank you for the gift. The pillow is truly excellent for lying on the desk.”

“Of course. The academy leads the trends.”

I chuckled at his unexpected pride.

“Now, shouldn’t you go?”

“Sure. Let’s go to the floor.”

As if it was obvious that I would dance with him, he reached out his hand, and I instinctively took a step back.

“…”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

I quickly returned to her side as if the princess had called.