Chapter 65.1
The painting, supposedly a portrait of Ricardo by his mother, was tucked away in an inconspicuous corner, smaller and less striking than the others. I parted my lips to speak, but the sight of Ricardo’s soft smile as he gazed at it silenced me. What I perceived as a rather unsettling image was, to him, perhaps the first tangible expression of his mother’s attention.
“It seems she’s quite pleased with the gift we chose. She said she painted it with me in mind.”
“Is that so…?” To me, it seemed she hadn’t been pleased at all. As a gesture of gratitude, the painting was far too somber. Despite its grand title, the curled-up, dark figure of a child hardly looked loved.
“Which makes me all the more grateful to you, Amelia.” Ricardo’s gentle voice drew my gaze back to the painting. A weight settled in my chest.
“…You mentioned wanting to treat me to a meal as a way of thanking me?” I could feel Ricardo’s eyes on me, a hopeful expression gracing his composed features. “I haven’t received a definite answer yet, but if you’re agreeable, I would be grateful once more.”
“Alright,” I replied, swallowing a sigh. Seeing Ricardo’s joy over the painting stirred a strange unease within me. I couldn’t detect a shred of affection in the portrait supposedly painted with him in mind, yet he seemed more pleased than ever.
A tender smile spread across Ricardo’s face at my answer. “Thank you. How about this evening?”
“You might not believe this, but I already have plans for tonight.” Of all nights. I offered an awkward smile.
Ricardo blinked slowly, then a look of understanding dawned on him. “With Damian, perhaps?”
“…Yes.” I felt strangely self-conscious, even though I’d done nothing wrong. A nervous laugh escaped me as I replied softly.
“Then, another time.” He was smiling, but the mention of Damian seemed to crack the veneer of his pleasant expression.
“His Highness Haroon will be down shortly.” Checking his timepiece, Ricardo turned to me. I fell into step beside him as he led the way. With every stride, the eyes of the nobles attending the exhibition followed us.
“Where is His Highness Haroon now?”
“He’s in the private reception room upstairs.” We spoke, trying to ignore the lingering gazes. The upper floor was reserved for those of high standing. ‘So that’s why I haven’t seen Haroon.’ If he were on the main floor, he’d be surrounded by nobles, making him impossible to miss.
“I also have a message for you from His Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“A message?” My request to the Crown Prince had concerned Alexid Lefkindea’s movements. I’d expected a formal report, so this was unexpected. ‘Surely, it doesn’t mean he’s already returned to the Empire?’ The Randy family had no information about Alexid’s return, so I’d felt relatively safe. A flicker of anxiety ran through me as I waited for Ricardo to continue.
“He’s keeping a low profile, with no intention of returning to the Empire.”
“…Is that what His Highness told you to tell me?” Alexid might not be returning immediately, but that didn’t mean he had no intention of doing so. From the moment he left for Kishan, no, even before that, he’d been waiting for his return to the Empire.
As my brow furrowed, Ricardo continued, “Outwardly, he added.”
“….”
“He’ll send a detailed report separately, but he thought you should be aware of this much.”
“Indeed.” I nodded slowly. Outwardly quiet, with no intention of returning to the Empire. But in reality, planning his return. That’s how I interpreted the message. Alexid’s period of study abroad was nearing its end anyway, so his return wouldn’t be surprising. But for the Crown Prince to send a message like this meant Alexid might be moving much faster than anticipated. I unconsciously nibbled on my lower lip.
In the original story, Alexid Lefkindea’s return had been hastened by war. Since his engineered war had been averted, I’d assumed he’d need time to devise a new plan. Even if he’d had a backup, I’d expected a delay before its execution. The Crown Prince’s message implied Alexid was actively scheming for a swift return. My brow furrowed further.
“He troubles you that much?”
“As I said, he’s become involved with the Hazel County.”
“Forgive my bluntness, but no matter how close the acquaintance, he would discard anyone who ceased to be of use to him.”
“….”
“So, you needn’t worry, Amelia.” I simply nodded, absorbing Ricardo’s words.
We walked in silence for a while. A hesitant air about Ricardo drew my attention. Puzzled, I looked up, meeting his violet eyes as they flickered towards me.
“Ricardo?”
“I apologize if I overstepped.” He was watching my reaction, a crease between his brows. Why this sudden change? I wondered, then it clicked. He thought I was offended by his reassurance that I shouldn’t worry.
I offered a light smile to put him at ease. “It’s alright. As you said, the Hazel County is of no use to him now.” His words were true, so I wasn’t offended. My concern was what would happen when Alexid took an interest in me, as he had in the original story. I wanted to build as many defenses as possible before his return, to avoid any entanglement.
Following Ricardo upstairs, we approached the area where I expected to find Haroon, and indeed, he was there, surrounded by nobles. He sat on a central sofa, listening with a bored expression to their chatter.
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