Chapter 41
As she responded while carefully putting all the emotions that had built up into her words, Kasselard shut his mouth with a sullen expression. It was not a face that looked convinced at all.
‘Ahh! It’s sweet and cold, this is great!’
She could feel Kasselard glaring at her, but Ephinia pretended not to notice and focused on her ice cream. This was his palace, his dining hall, and his chef, so if he wanted ice cream, all he had to do was order as much as he liked.
She almost wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but instead, Ephinia ignored his gaze and brought the last spoonful to her mouth.
“You eat so prettily. And you didn’t give me a single bite. Was it good?”
“Yes.”
“Can’t you at least let me taste it?”
It’s already gone, how would I do that? Is he going to lick the bowl? The Crown Prince?
Before Ephinia could respond, Kasselard rose smoothly from his seat. Even if there was distance between them, with his height, it was less than six steps when he approached.
As he came right up beside her, holding the back of her chair and lowering his head, a thought flashed through her mind. When his face drew closer, Ephinia reflexively grabbed his face.
“What’s with your hand?”
“What about you, Your Highness?”
Ephinia spoke while suppressing her rising voice.
“If you’re trying to kiss me, I’m going to pull out all your hair!”
“I’m not sure you have enough strength in that hand to do it. Want to try right now?”
Do you think I can’t?!
By now, Ephinia had completely forgotten about proper etiquette toward royalty. Sparks practically flew from her eyes as she grabbed a fistful of his pale hair without hesitation. Kasselard, who hadn’t expected her to actually do it, let out a startled cry.
“Ow, hey!”
So even a Transcendent feels pain when their hair is pulled. Just a few minutes ago he had been tearing at his own hair, so she hadn’t thought it hurt… no, that’s not the point!
“Y-Your Highness!”
“Baroness Linier! Please calm down!”
The attendants and even his aide Christian rushed forward to stop her, but they couldn’t bring themselves to lay hands on the Crown Prince’s Guide, and could only hover anxiously. Kasselard, with an expression that was somewhere between a smile and a grimace, spoke to Ephinia.
“That hurts! Ephie, I was wrong!”
“Then why are you smiling?!”
So you want me to cry while you’re pulling my hair?
Unbelievably, Kasselard liked even this. He was certain he was gradually going insane, but since he liked it, there was nothing he could do.
“Well… a frowning face wouldn’t look handsome, would it.”
What was this guy even saying?
His hair roots were so strong that even after being pulled, barely any strands came out. Ephinia finally gave up and released his hair. As soon as she let go, Kasselard somehow looked disappointed. It was obvious that it hadn’t hurt him much at all.
‘Anyway, we’re done eating.’
“It seems Your Highness has finished as well, so I’ll be going now.”
“You’re leaving? It’s late, just stay the night.”
“What kind of thing are you saying?”
Pulling his hair couldn’t possibly have counted as guiding, but Kasselard’s reaction was strange. Ephinia stood carefully, making sure not to brush against him.
“It’s not even fully dark yet, and I can return safely.”
Even if it had been midnight, she had absolutely no intention of staying overnight at the Crown Prince’s Palace. Ephinia said her farewell to Kasselard early and left the dining hall.
It was improper etiquette, but she had to get out before Kasselard could hold her back.
* * *
This man always acted strangely after guiding. If it had been before, when she said she was leaving, he would have simply ignored her and perhaps given a slight nod… no, he probably wouldn’t even have done that much.
“I’ll escort you.”
“I have a guard knight assigned by House Lanas, so it’s alright.”
Even though Kasselard had caused such a scene at the ball where she was introduced, officially she was still the Crown Prince’s Guide. House Lanas spared no effort in protecting her, and even now, four more guard knights were assigned to her aside from Meredith.
“It’s night right now. It’s dangerous. I’m coming with you.”
As if he had no intention of listening to her answer, Kasselard said that and strode ahead first. Ephinia didn’t like it, but she knew she had no other choice.
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