TOOCM | 008

Episode 8

Upon returning from the banquet, Reina found a letter from the ducal castle waiting.

[I will visit tomorrow morning.]

The bold, swift handwriting reflected the Duke’s straightforward nature.

Its directness, devoid of flourishes, seemed intended to convey familiarity.

‘He really went to the Emperor for my sake.’

It was better for him to handle the Emperor than her.

Still, she hadn’t expected such consideration, leaving her flustered.

Thanks to him, she’d made an impression on her siblings at the banquet.

Whether this would turn out well was uncertain.

Reina wrote a reply expressing anticipation for tomorrow and handed it to a maid.

The next day, Kaiden arrived.

The princess’s palace buzzed with the sudden appearance of Duke Crencia.

“I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

Reina’s voice trembled.

Kaiden smirked, as if the question was trivial.

“Would I leave my fiancée to someone else?”

He lightly kissed the back of her hand, adding,

“No need for secret meetings anymore, right? I came because I missed you.”

His blunt affection made the maids’ faces flush.

Reina’s was worse—red as an apple, on the verge of bursting.

‘I said we need to deceive the Emperor, but I didn’t mean this enthusiastically…’

A carriage would’ve sufficed to show sincerity.

Yet, he came himself despite his busy schedule.

His open visit would reach the Emperor’s ears soon.

Perhaps that was his intent.

As Reina stood frozen, silent, Kaiden leaned in and whispered,

“React, will you? I’m trying here.”

His gruff tone, unlike his earlier warmth, snapped her to attention.

“I missed you too.”

Smiling, Reina responded, and Kaiden gently led her.

Passing curious staff, Reina boarded the carriage and sighed deeply.

Kaiden, observing, said,

“Where’s the boldness from when you came to me?”

His teasing, implying she was scared over this, made Reina bristle.

“It’s not the same!”

“Doesn’t seem that different.”

“I’m not used to hosting guests. No one’s visited my palace in years.”

Her honest reply made Kaiden study her slowly.

“For the past three years, there’s barely any record of public activity.”

“She was in seclusion?”

“No, more like no one visited. Typical for a royal without kin.”

Ben’s report matched her words.

When her brother, her pillar, vanished, she was as good as confined.

What had she been thinking these past three years?

He couldn’t know exactly, but her visit wasn’t impulsive.

“I want to leave this place.”

Her desperate eyes, as if anywhere but here would do, showed her urgency.

That’s why he’d gone to the Emperor and staged this show.

Moreover, as Reina predicted, a messenger arrived with Goreth’s shed skin.

Her ability proven, he had no reason to refuse her proposal.

Kaiden decided to keep an eye on this intriguing, suspicious princess.

Her ability to spark his curiosity was the biggest reason.

Dragons were indulgent toward those who piqued their interest.

That made this situation all the more enjoyable.

“You’ll need to get used to it. This level of performance keeps the Emperor unsuspicious.”

“Thank you. I didn’t expect such consideration.”

“I just figured if we’re in this together, I should treat you properly.”

“You’re curious about the Goreth’s spawning grounds, right? The shed skin means it’s already mated.”

Reina’s casual remark made Kaiden’s brow twitch.

“It wasn’t just for the deal.”

Not entirely, though he couldn’t deny it played a part.

He visited out of pure goodwill.

Ben’s report suggested Reina faced subtle harassment among royals.

By showing up, he ensured she wouldn’t be mistreated while in the capital.

Unaware of his deeper intent, Reina tilted her head innocently.

“It wasn’t?”

“No.”

“Why?”

Her question stumped him.

Her genuine curiosity left him speechless.

Not one for lengthy explanations, he retorted,

“I did it because we’re allies now. What am I supposed to say when you ask why?”

“I didn’t mean to pry. I’m just not used to this kind of kindness. It’s awkward.”

Realizing she’d overreacted, Reina’s eyes darted.

In her past life, Kaiden showed her similar inexplicable kindness.

When she didn’t understand, he’d said,

“I did it because I thought I should. If you don’t get it, just accept it.”

His dismissive attitude, then and now, was the same.

So was her inability to fully grasp it.

Perhaps that’s why she was curious about Kaiden Crencia.

“Then start getting used to it.”

“Huh?”

“You’ll receive this kind of kindness often from now on.”

With that, the carriage stopped.

Kaiden stepped out, offering his hand.

Reina stared at his large hand, then cautiously placed hers in it.

It felt strange. Just a gesture for escort, yet it carried a reassuring strength.

Like a sturdy rock steadying her against life’s waves.

‘He’s truly kind.’

Then and now, a good, strong man offering pure kindness.

With him, escaping this hellish palace seemed possible.

Reina, heart fluttering, pressed a hand to her chest.

Something welled up deep inside.

Kaiden gently held her delicate hand.

“I’m just not used to this kind of kindness. It’s awkward.”

Her casual words laid bare her situation.

Born noble, yet unable to enjoy it.

That was Princess Reina’s reality.

Seeing her doubt even small kindnesses, he couldn’t help but care more.

* * *

“Welcome.”

Ben bowed politely, guiding Reina to a sofa.

A dessert tray and tea awaited.

Éclairs with assorted toppings and sweet chestnut mont blancs caught her eye.

The warmed tea’s aroma was delightful.

Sitting dazedly, sipping tea, Reina was asked by Kaiden,

“Don’t like sweets?”

“No, I love them. I was just deciding where to start.”

“Don’t hold back. Eat.”

Urged by Kaiden, Reina eagerly forked a piece of mont blanc.

“!”

Her soft blue eyes sparkled.

The mont blanc melted in her mouth.