EURL CH 06

Chapter 6

“Wow… it’s exactly the same.”

I looked around with wide eyes and let out a small exclamation.

Of course, how much could it have changed in three years? Still, this cozy little space was just as I remembered.

The tree stump I used to sit on was still here. And in front of it stood the large pine tree where I always took naps. I walked behind it and ran my hand along the surface.

It was still there. The carving I made when I was thirteen.

Rubellus ♥ Aira

“…It’s faded.”

I muttered bitterly. Maybe new bark had grown over it, or rain and wind had worn it down. You had to look closely now to see the carving.

It had been eight years, after all. It couldn’t possibly still be clear. Maybe it was better this way.

“Good. I’m grateful you’re forgetting too. I won’t ever do something so childish as carving into a tree again.”

I gently patted the trunk and moved to the side.

There was a huge pine tree with a hollow inside. The leaves were still growing, and the roots looked healthy, but the inside was strangely empty. I used to crawl in there and nap for hours.

I peeked inside.

It might be hard to sleep in there now. Even at fifteen, I barely fit. I’ve grown since then, so there’s no way I could hide inside—

“Oh. I can still get in?”

It wasn’t wide, but if I bent my waist a bit, I could squeeze in.

Oh… if I brought a blanket, a lantern, and a lighter, it would be perfect.

My eyes sparkled as I imagined it, and then I snapped back to reality.

“No, Aira!”

How thoughtless. After today, I shouldn’t even set foot here again. And already I’m thinking about turning it into my secret space again.

I lightly smacked my own head and carefully stepped back out.

With a sigh, I returned to the tree stump and sat down.

Still… It felt nice to sit here again. My sanctuary.

I smiled faintly and looked around. Whenever I was sad, happy, joyful, or miserable, I ran here. I had practically lived in the palace for twelve years, so it was easy to come and go.

Lowering my head, I examined the stump.

Hm?

My gaze suddenly landed on my wrist.

“Oh, I’m still wearing this.”

The bracelet Elphine gave me this morning.

I had taken off the pearl necklace Mother gave me, but in all the chaos I forgot about the bracelet.

Luckily, today’s dress was a fresh cream color. It didn’t clash.

I lifted my arm and held the bracelet up to the sunlight.

“It’s even prettier like this.”

I tapped my heels lightly against the stump as I admired it. The pearls shone smooth and plump. No matter how I looked at it, it seemed like a high-quality piece.

“It doesn’t look cheap enough for Oppa to be embarrassed about.”

It might even cost more than his salary. Or maybe I just don’t know much.

I pressed my lips together lightly and shifted my gaze from the pearls to the red gemstone hanging in the center.

This was my favorite part.

“It doesn’t seem like a ruby.”

Hmm.

I narrowed one eye, inspecting it like a real appraiser.

It looked more pinkish than a ruby. I remembered an appraiser once saying at an auction Bianca dragged me to that rubies were defined by deep red tones.

“Then what is it?”

I frowned. I had skipped so many gemstone auctions because they looked boring. I should have paid attention.

“What could it be?”

“Rubellite

A low, rich baritone voice came from behind me.

“It’s rubellite. It seems Elphine didn’t tell you.”

“—!”

I spun around instantly.

I was so startled I couldn’t even scream. I just jumped off the stump like a startled animal.

“W-Who—”

But that wasn’t the only shocking thing.

When I finally saw who it was, my eyes widened completely.

Brilliant golden hair shining under the sunlight.
Violet eyes glowing beautifully.
A high nose, tightly closed lips, and a sharp jawline that looked like it could cut.

A face I knew all too well was staring straight at me.

“Your… Highness…

I stood there awkwardly and called out to him.

Even as I said it, I wondered if I was dreaming.

Because standing behind me was Rubellus.

My long, long unrequited love. The name was carved into the tree. The man who would soon become the ruler of this country.

Rubellus A. de Jahard.

He stood among the dense bushes, looking directly at me.

Your Highness—no, should I call him Your Majesty now?

I barely managed to call him “Your Highness” and then just blinked.

I had nothing to say.

I just felt small.

Well, that’s not true. I had many questions.

First of all, why is he here?

Is he a deer? A boar? A rabbit? Why is he appearing out of the forest like a wild animal?

But I wasn’t exactly in a position to question him, considering I was the one hiding here.

I opened my lips slightly, then shut them again.

Wait… what if he scolds me for being here? Honestly, this is basically his home.

If anything, I’m the one trespassing on imperial grounds.

What if he says, “Do you think this is your house?”

What would I even say?

I shrugged my shoulders and squeezed my eyes shut for a moment.

Nothing came to mind. My head felt completely blank.

Without realizing it, I stuck out my tongue and licked my dry lower lip, then swallowed.

Maybe the sound of me swallowing was louder than I thought.

His gaze dropped to my lips.

That look—his eyes seemed like they could shoot lasers.

Under his sharp stare, my shoulders shrank even more.

Did he catch on to me trying to think of excuses?

His gaze felt hot on my face.

Over the past twelve years, he had seen me scheme plenty of times. He had never gotten angry before, but maybe this time he would.

I’m scared…

What if he really gets angry?

Without realizing it, I clasped my hands politely in front of me. A chill ran through my body. Now I was actually cold.

Then suddenly, as if snapping out of something, Rubellus lifted his head and looked at me properly.

“Are you cold?”

…Excuse me?

“You look cold. You’re trembling.”

He stepped closer.

Before I could react, he was standing right in front of me.

I only reached about his chest, so he had to bend his knees slightly to examine my face.

The familiar scent of magnolia mixed with musk drifted to my nose. The fragrance that only Rubellus wore.

“I—I’m fine. I’m really fine.”

The moment I caught that scent, I instinctively held my breath.

Why? It felt like I shouldn’t breathe it in carelessly.

It was a scent I used to love.

When I heard that the empire’s finest perfumer created it for his sixteenth birthday, I secretly obtained it before anyone else.

Of course, not the official imperial version, but a copy mixed and sold in the market.

When I slept alone, I would lightly spray it on my pillow and imagine what it would feel like if he hugged me.

“You’re dressed lightly. The Great Imperial Forest is colder than other places. It’s understandable you’d feel cold.”

His voice was right in front of me.

It felt like I was already in his arms. If he just placed his arm around my back, it would look exactly like the dream I used to have—

No!

Get a grip, Aira!

“I—I’m fine! Really, I’m fine!”

I shook my head violently and quickly stepped back.

I almost threw myself into his arms.

No. At least preserve some dignity.

And why am I stuttering so much? How many times have I said “fine”?

Aira. Pull yourself together. Or you’ll be kicking blankets again tonight.

If we ever met again, I wanted to show him a more composed version of myself.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

He smiled sweetly, as if my stammering didn’t matter at all.

Instead of returning the smile, my face stiffened. I couldn’t even move my facial muscles properly anymore.

“If I startled you, I apologize.”

He spoke gently again.

I awkwardly hid my bracelet behind me and nodded.

“N-No… This forest is originally Yours—I mean, Your Majesty—I mean, still Your Highness? Anyway…”

Ah.

I wanted to bite my tongue.

Why didn’t I just say, “I’m sorry for wandering around carelessly. I’ll return to the palace at once.”

What was that?

“Your Highness, no, Your Majesty, no, still Your Highness, anyway…”

Father, Mother, all the money you spent on my etiquette and speech lessons was wasted. Please go demand a refund from my tutor.

While I was screaming internally, Rubellus, who had been quietly watching me, spoke again.

“I only wanted to tell you that the gemstone is rubellite.”

Yeees…

I tried to respond, but my throat felt completely dry.

I forced an awkward smile and nodded repeatedly.

He continued, still smiling warmly.

“My mother said she named me after that gemstone. It’s not as valuable as a ruby, but it holds deep meaning for me.”

Ah… I see.

I didn’t know why he was telling me this, but I nodded quietly.

I wanted to smile like a refined, graceful lady.

But my facial muscles simply refused to cooperate.