“Jediel, shall uncle carry you?”

“Give him here. I’ll carry him until we get home.”

“Really? You’re just carrying him, right? You won’t take him away?”

The child looked up at the two adults with suspicious eyes. Their appearance was so cute that they wanted to tease him more, but Killian and Onyx decided to stop now. The two took the doll again and tucked it into their arms.

“How could we do that?”

“Unlike someone else, I’m Uncle Onyx, not Mister. Uncle, not Mister!”

Onyx snickered towards Killian and lifted his chin. At that, blue flames began to flicker in Killian’s eyes.

Seeing those flames, Veronia quickly opened her mouth. She needed to block the two men’s endless competitive spirit from igniting in advance.

“We need to treat Onyx’s wrist first. We should go to the pharmacy and buy ointment and cooling bandages.”

“But I’m fine…”

“I’m not fine. If we don’t go to the pharmacy, I’ll just go home like this.”

“Ah, alright. If we go into that alley and walk a little further, there’s a pharmacy. Let’s go there.”

“Okay.”

Killian’s heart ached again as he listened to the affectionate conversation between the two. He thought that if he had known it would be like this, he should have fallen and broken his arm or leg.

Killian’s contemplation didn’t last long. His gaze was stolen by the blond man walking from the opposite side.

The blond man was wearing shimmering silk clothes adorned with colorful jewels, dazzling from head to toe even in the soft moonlight. Looking at him continuously made one’s eyes sting and hurt.

Meanwhile, behind him stood 4 guard knights with large swords at their waists, all wearing red cloaks embroidered with golden sun emblems. It was a flashy attire that clearly seemed to be that of imperial knights.

Why would he want to show off being from the imperial family like this while coming out to the festive streets? What was the reason for wanting to steal people’s attention regardless of time and place? It was an appearance that raised several questions.

“We greet His Highness Prince Caspian.”

As Killian first politely greeted him with courtesy, one corner of Caspian’s mouth curled up pleasantly.

“What a coincidence! It’s been a while, Lord Killian.”

After a brief greeting, Caspian’s gaze immediately turned to Espin.

“And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Espin. I am Prince Caspian Boynson of the Asnedeum Empire.”

“It’s an honor to meet Your Highness the Prince by such chance. I am Princess Espin Montez of the Hisrick Kingdom.”

The young prince’s eyes sparkled with interest as he took in the beautiful appearance of the young princess. Espin didn’t like the look in this prince’s eyes whom she was meeting for the first time. The gaze scanning her up and down gave her an unpleasant feeling.

As the three exchanged greetings with courtesy, Veronia became unable to breathe properly, going “Heup.”

‘Why is Caspian here? He used to hate any outdoor activities with so many commoners and noise. Why…’

Veronia lowered her hooded head further and covered her face. Noticing her tension, Onyx stepped half a step forward and gently shielded her body.

Killian was just as nervous. No matter how much he changed his hair and eye color, and even added scars and tattoos, he couldn’t completely erase the atmosphere of the past.

If even Windler could recognize him, Caspian would be able to as well. So he had to avoid creating a situation where Caspian and Veronia would face each other head-on at all costs.

Unaware of these uncomfortable feelings, Caspian created his most charming smile and glanced at Espin. Then, wiggling his eyebrows, he said to Killian.

“Did Lord Killian lead Princess Espin to a place like this?”

It was a ridiculous expression. It was an expression of dissatisfaction. It was clearly an expression of looking down from above.

Although the question was directed at Killian, it was Espin who answered.

“No. I begged Lord Killian to come with me. Actually, this was the event I was looking forward to the most during this diplomatic visit schedule.”

At Espin’s answer, Caspian tilted his head as if he couldn’t understand.

Veronia, watching from the side, thought to herself. That guy really doesn’t understand. Even if explained dozens of times, he would never understand.

“Princess, do you like such crowded streets with nobles and commoners alike? That’s unexpected.”

The intention behind these words was transparent. It was to make a suggestion to leave here and go to a quieter and more luxurious place.

But before Caspian could achieve his intention, he ended up offending Espin. The smile had almost disappeared from Espin’s face by now.

She moved her clearly red lips smoothly and said,

“Actually, this is my first time in such a lively place. You know about life in the palace, don’t you? Quiet but boring, luxurious but artificial.”

“…”

“I was just thinking how glad I am that I came out here today. For the first time, I tried cotton candy and played a game called darts. It seems like it will become a special and beautiful memory.”

Espin winked at Jediel behind her with one eye and smiled. Jediel, having received a wink from the lovely princess, grinned cutely in joy.

Caspian was greatly displeased at that sight. He couldn’t understand a princess who couldn’t focus on their conversation and instead gave attention to such a commoner child.

But he couldn’t get upset at Espin whom he was meeting for the first time. After all, this was an occasion created to give her a good impression today.

Caspian tried to create something resembling a smile and opened his mouth. But with his facial muscles stiff, only an awkward smile appeared.

“…I see.”

“And I don’t want any interruptions in making these joyful memories today. Actually, we were just on our way to a restaurant. Lord Killian lost a dart betting game, so he’s treating us.”

It was a statement implying ‘don’t interfere and get lost.’ But it would be greedy to expect Caspian to catch that meaning.

“Oh, you were on your way to a restaurant! That’s perfect. I was just feeling a bit hungry too.”

“…”

“I have a strong intuition that my taste in food would suit the princess better than Lord Killian’s. What do you think?”

“…”

How could this man before her eyes be so tactless? And if that wasn’t enough, it was questionable where he had left his manners.

‘No, is it a problem with basic character? Tsk.’

Espin clicked her tongue inwardly but didn’t show it. She couldn’t allow her mood or the mood of her other companions to be ruined any further.

The princess raised the corners of her mouth fully and spoke in a clear voice like a nightingale’s song.

“Oh my, but what shall we do? We’ve already decided on a restaurant. It’s crowded and noisy, and serves food that commoners enjoy, so it’s not a luxurious place.”

“…”

“It doesn’t seem to suit Your Highness the Prince’s taste at all. You’ll probably be uncomfortable.”

“That… I…”

He was about to say it was fine, that it couldn’t be helped so it was fine. But Espin didn’t give him such an opportunity and continued speaking.

“We can’t make the noble Prince uncomfortable. So how about we conclude this chance meeting here and look forward to the next one?”

“…”

“I’ve heard there are many prepared coronation banquets. Then I’ll see you at the next banquet, Your Highness.”

“Let’s… let’s do that. Princess Espin.”

As Espin bowed her head demurely to bid farewell, Caspian awkwardly received her greeting.

If it were the usual Caspian, he should have been very displeased.

How dare she ignore his request! How dare she try to leave first! Even if she was a princess from a neighboring country, such behavior was rude. After all, he was a prince of the empire.

But strangely, Caspian wasn’t angry at all. No, he rather felt good.

‘That’s right. It seems enough to just greet her lightly in this chance encounter today. When we meet at the next banquet, we can get closer.’

Caspian smiled with satisfaction as he watched Espin’s retreating figure.

It was when the group was about to enter the alley across the street to go to the pharmacy. A man running from behind bumped into Espin with a thud.

“Kyaak!”

From the impact of the collision, Espin lost her balance and tilted sideways. But thanks to Killian quickly grabbing her waist, a mishap of falling to the ground was averted.

“Are you alright?”

“…Yes, thanks to you.”

Espin’s voice trembled, seemingly quite startled. As she held onto Killian’s arm and caught her breath, Onyx grumbled in an angry voice.

“What’s with that guy? He ran away without even apologizing? Should I go catch him?”

“It’s okay. There’s no need to…”

Espin didn’t finish the sentence she had started. It was because she just noticed that the handbag she had been holding was gone.

“Ah! My handbag is gone! That man must have…!”

“Damn it! That thief!”

Before Espin could finish speaking, Onyx quickly sprang forward. Killian didn’t stay still either.

“Wait here for a moment.”

“Okay…”

“Be careful!”

Veronia didn’t feel very good watching the backs of Killian and Onyx chasing after the thief.

‘I wonder if Onyx will be okay with his injured wrist? Killian isn’t familiar with the geography of this place… And there are so many people on the streets…’

Worries continued one after another. Espin seemed to have similar concerns, as a dark shadow fell over her face that had been bright all along. Veronia wanted to reassure her.

“Don’t worry. They’ll both return safely.”

“But…”

“Onyx knows the capital’s geography well, every alley. Moreover, Lord Killian is skilled in martial arts. So don’t worry too much.”

“…”

“Perhaps the person we should be worried about is that thief. If those two catch him, he’s sure to get a good beating.”