TPHRU 20

Chapter 20… 

The Bond Between the Princess of Mirage and the Demon King.

Even during breakfast, Felicia constantly felt Yoan’s quiet attentiveness toward her.

He didn’t speak excessively, yet he gently kept the conversation flowing so it wouldn’t fall into silence. At the same time, he never asked anything that might trouble her to answer. Perhaps he had a similar sense of distance with people as she did. That comfortable, unpressured atmosphere made Felicia feel at ease with him.

When breakfast ended, Yoan naturally took her hand and said he would show her around the castle. With a calm smile, he began walking, and once again, Felicia’s chest tightened faintly.

“You may use anything in this castle as you like. If you need something, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Matching his steps to hers, Yoan walked slowly, explaining various things about the castle. His words were a little blunt, yet his gentlemanly manners and graceful movements were far removed from the image of the “fearsome Demon King.”

Though the castle itself was old, its interior was refined and serene. Every corner was spotless.
She had heard that the royal family once lived here, and though aged, it was still large enough that Hugo alone could never keep it this beautiful. Perhaps the familiars helped with the upkeep.

“What a lovely residence,” Felicia said honestly.
The air here was clear and tranquil. The entire castle seemed imbued with Yoan’s calm presence, which made her feel secure. As someone who loved quiet places, she couldn’t help but say what she felt.

“I’m glad you like it. — Now, this is the library.”

With a faint, relieved smile, Yoan opened the heavy door. A wave of the scent of books drifted out.

Inside, rows upon rows of books lined the walls. Near the window stood a small table set, the only place brightly lit by the sunlight streaming in, as if illuminated by a gentle spotlight. It was a peaceful, timeless space — the kind where one could easily lose themselves in reading.

Glancing through the collection, Felicia noticed many books by her favorite authors and in her preferred genres.

“I love this book,” she said, picking up a volume she especially adored. “Do you like it too, Your Grace?”

Yoan’s eyes softened indulgently as he looked at her, a faint smile on his lips. His straightforward gaze made her cheeks flush.

“Yes, I do,” he replied in his low, resonant voice.

The sound of it made her dizzy. Her heartbeat quickened — she had never felt this way before.

(He means the book… He’s just talking about the book…)

She tried to steady her heart by reminding herself of that.

“This library, of course, is yours to use whenever you wish. In this castle, live as you please, Felicia. You’re one of its residents now. — And also, call me Yoan.”

Still smiling gently, Yoan placed his hand lightly over the book she was holding. Her heart refused to calm.

“Yoan…sama?” she asked hesitantly.

“That’s right. We live together now — ‘Your Grace’ is too formal.”

“But…”

As the Duke and the king’s half brother, calling him by name felt far too casual. When Felicia hesitated, Yoan’s expression turned slightly sulky — a new, unexpectedly boyish side of him that made her heart jump again.

“I’m asking you to call me that. Is there a problem?”

“No… none at all. Then, as you wish.”

Placing a hand over her chest as if to soothe her racing heart, Felicia nodded.