Chapter 20
At those words, Eshar thought for a moment before breaking into a bright smile.
“I know a place with a beautiful path. The roads are well-paved, and even if you pass by in a carriage, the view is worth seeing. You couldn’t even enjoy the sights properly because of me, so how about we take a look around there?”
“Pardon? Ah… yes. Let’s do that.”
At such a kind suggestion, Lynette’s heart grew a little unsettled. It felt as though she had done something unnecessary.
If it weren’t for her, Eshar and Euphen would have held hands without any hindrance, sharing their destiny together.
Was this what it meant to say one had fallen in love with someone they must never love? Like coveting what she should never have dared to reach for, she felt utterly foolish.
Eshar ended up treating Lynette to a proper meal and showing her a scenic spot before finally turning the carriage back toward the Imperial Castle.
“Whom do you serve under?”
“I serve His Highness, Imperial Prince Euphen.”
“Ah, I’ve heard he is a good man.”
“Yes. He is a very good man.”
Lynette replied calmly. Though her head told her she ought to actively encourage the two of them, her heart was not so easily swayed.
She parted her lips several times without speaking, then only after drawing in a deep breath was she able to finally voice her thoughts.
“Miss Eshar, once you meet His Highness the Imperial Prince, I’m certain you’ll come to like him.”
“Would I ever have the chance to meet him?”
“You helped me, didn’t you?”
Perhaps thinking it was said lightly, Eshar let out a soft laugh.
But Lynette was dead serious. She had to use this opportunity to let the two meet.
The best outcome would be for them to immediately recognize each other as fated partners. If not, then she would step in and personally connect Euphen and Eshar.
“His Highness the Imperial Prince would also like to meet you, Miss Eshar. He is someone who cherishes his people.”
“It would be an honor if I could meet His Highness Euphen.”
Eshar gave an exaggerated bow.
Before long, the carriage arrived at the Detached Palace. Lynette got out together with Eshar, who insisted she needn’t go so far.
“I don’t mind not meeting His Highness.”
“This is the only way I can express my gratitude.”
“I’m already grateful enough that you weren’t hurt, Lynette.”
As they exchanged meaningless words, Lynette tugged on Eshar’s arm. Dusk had already deepened, and she was certain Euphen would be waiting for their guiding.
On any other day, he would have been watching from the window, then approached the moment he spotted her. Why not today? The thought no sooner passed than a tall man strode swiftly toward them.
“Your Highness.”
Lynette bowed first.
Seemingly not expecting to actually meet the Prince, Eshar flinched in visible surprise before hastily bowing her head as well.
“Raise your heads.”
The man spoke and gave a faint smile.
“And who might this young lady be, Lynette?”
“She’s someone who helped me.”
“My name is Eshar.”
“Helped you? What do you mean by that?” Euphen frowned slightly.
“I twisted my ankle a little, but she called for a doctor and tended to me.”
“Are you all right?”
He stepped forward at once. As though to inspect closely, he leaned down without hesitation, and Lynette had to hurriedly draw her foot back.
“I’m fine. I feel nothing now, thanks to her.”
The man studied her face, checking her complexion. Then, with a sigh of relief, he swept back his hair before finally softening into a gentle smile.
“So you helped Lynette?”
At that, Eshar hesitated a moment before answering honestly.
“She was hurt because of me. She fell after bumping into me when I was running along the street.”
Lynette was slightly startled.
She hadn’t thought Eshar would say such a thing. That was why she had even gone so far as to claim she had merely twisted her ankle a little.
“I was careless as well.” Lynette quickly added, and Euphen chuckled.
“There’s no need to cover for her. I’m not about to get angry. It’s enough that you weren’t seriously hurt.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Eshar lowered her gaze in gratitude.
Looking between the two of them, Euphen spoke with mild surprise.
“It seems the two of you have grown close already.”
“Miss Eshar is a good person.”
“I only did what I had to.”
“Even if it’s what you had to do, being able to do it is impressive. It’s time for dinner, how about joining us for a meal?”
“Pardon? I wouldn’t dare…”
“It’s fine. Lynette will be with us.”
At the sudden inclusion, Lynette blinked. Normally, she always made up some excuse to avoid dining with him, determined to cut down the time they spent together.
‘But this time, I can’t avoid it.’
If she refused, Eshar would have to refuse as well. Then it would be difficult to arrange another meeting with Euphen.
“Yes.”
She answered with a small sigh, and the woman beside her followed a beat later with words of thanks.
As they headed toward the dining hall, Lynette worried for a moment that Euphen might try to hold her hand. But fortunately, he was a man well-versed in etiquette. At the very least, he knew not to act so inappropriately in the presence of a stranger.
Despite the sudden guest, the meal had been perfectly prepared.
When Euphen pulled out a chair for her, Lynette’s face warmed faintly. Eshar tilted her head slightly.
‘That’s far too much courtesy for a mere maid.’
She was surely wondering by now about Lynette’s true identity. Lynette could only hope she wouldn’t misunderstand it as something special. Yet the fact that the Prince personally attended to her was, undeniably, already far too special.
Warm soup was served, and in the hushed stillness where even the clinking of cutlery was scarcely heard, Lynette stole a glance at Euphen, who seemed to show not the slightest interest in Eshar, and then cautiously broke the silence.
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