Chapter 25
A well-forged sword drew a great arc, slicing through the black monsters.
Grizelle’s lips parted slightly as she watched Arendtert, who brought down the monsters one after another without hesitation, his broad back to her.
‘He’s so cool…’
The prince, his crimson hair blazing like the burning sun, striking down monsters. And the pitiable young lady, protected by him.
Grizelle was weaving her own fairy tale in her mind with herself and Arendtert as the protagonists. The fact that he had told her to shut up just a moment ago was conveniently erased.
“Your Highness the Second Prince!”
“Leave it to us!”
Meanwhile, the Holy Knights, who had quickly joined them, swiftly formed ranks. As soon as they arrived, Arendtert retreated to the rear, only pretending to fight the monsters.
It was a sly move, subtle enough that only Grizelle, who never took her eyes off him, noticed.
But fate did not allow her a moment to be disappointed in him.
Krrrk!
“Kyaaah!”
A monster broke from the pack and charged at Grizelle, who had been taking shelter in Arendtert’s shadow. If it ate her, it would have put him in danger too.
Arendtert swung his sword nimbly. After dispatching the monster, lest Grizelle’s troubles spill onto him, he pretended to worry about her.
“That was close. Are you alright, Lady Willoughby?”
“…Yes, Your Highness the Second Prince.”
Grizelle clasped her hands and replied ecstatically. In her eyes, the man who had saved her was a hero.
Putting aside that he was a prince or handsome, he was the perfect man.
“Yes. It seems things are under control.”
Arendtert barely listened to Grizelle’s answer as he observed the Holy Knights’ movements. He then casually wiped the monster’s blood from his sword onto his cheek.
Even that act looked impressive in Grizelle’s eyes.
Arendtert, who had naturally faked an injury, walked toward the Holy Knights with a weary face, as though he had given his all to monster hunting.
“Is anyone hurt?”
“No, Your Highness!”
“Your Highness the Second Prince! Are you alright?”
The Holy Knights, busy hunting monsters, gathered around the Second Prince. Grizelle, hands clasped, stood dazedly watching the prince command the palace knights.
‘Why is he Sylaria’s fiancé?’
It seemed such a waste.
A man like that should belong to Grizelle. That he was another woman’s was unthinkable. Sylaria’s, no less.
‘…No.’
Grizelle’s expression changed as she watched Arendtert.
Sylaria had said she would break off the engagement with him.
It was a foolish move, but for Grizelle, it was a stroke of luck. Thanks to that, his side would be left vacant.
Crown Princess. A position Grizelle’s status ordinarily could never dream of reaching.
But if it was a place even Sylaria had reached, then things were different.
If a fool like Syllie could manage it, what couldn’t Grizelle do?
The beautifully decorated imperial palace, the heroic prince. Everything could become Grizelle’s.
If only she could win Arendtert over.
Standing among the pile of monster corpses, Grizelle gave a chilling smile. In her eyes, fixed on Arendtert, there burned ambition and obsession.
* * *
“Mmmh…”
Sylaria’s lips parted slightly as she lay in bed. Her whole body ached as if she had been beaten all over. She tossed and turned, then opened her eyes.
‘Where am I?’
The scene before her was unlike the guest palace she knew. As she slowly blinked, the blurry outlines grew sharper.
“You’re awake?”
In a bright, beautifully decorated room, an impossibly handsome man was gazing at her with a grave expression.
For a moment, it was so fantastical she wondered if she was dreaming. Or if perhaps she was in heaven.
“What are you staring at? Do you like my face?”
At the low voice and laughter that pleasantly tickled her ears, Sylaria gradually realized it was reality.
The man who seemed almost like an angel was Euclid, the First Prince. As her mind cleared, she tried to sit up, but a strong arm supported her, steadying her.
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