~Chapter 13~
∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
“Wait, wait a moment. Haven’t we met somewhere before?”
Elchevita gripped the man who was staring at her so intently, urging him for an answer.
“Come on, tell me… hmm? Are we really strangers?”
She hadn’t planned for this, but for some reason, it felt like she had to act this way.
Just moments ago, Elchevita had been on her way from mourning the death of a dear academy friend. She had spared no effort in organizing a delegation to come to the Kingdom of Deloard, securing five whole days for her mission.
On the way to Rose’s grave, her mind had been a storm of thoughts. She had swallowed many tears, encountered countless people, and endured much heartache.
The necklace around her neck bore silent witness.
A delicate silver chain adorned with tiny rose-shaped ornaments, with a pale green gemstone at its center.
It was originally meant for her friend, Rose Lutiens, an heirloom of the Lutiens family.
Rubutiela.
“Your name?”
“There’s… Carlos.”
“And your family name? Which house do you belong to? Oh, forgive my manners—I am Elchevita, the First Princess of the Kingdom of Croa.”
Elchevita Gradis Luel Croa.
The man’s violet eyes wavered. They were strangers, yet there had been a flicker of recognition—something that should have passed unnoticed. But somehow…
“…May the Goddess’ blessing be upon you. I am Carlos Lépineon Seymour Deloard, the First Prince of this kingdom, greeting you, Princess.”
“Oh! I see. So you are the prince of this country?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“So, we are both standing in not-so-simple positions, then.”
Carlos lingered, unable to look away from Elchevita’s radiant smile. He didn’t know why, even though it shouldn’t have mattered.
“If time allows, I’d love to share tea with you. Would that be alright?”
“…That would be fine.”
“Great! Then please, allow me to guide you. I’ve heard the Kingdom of Deloard, especially during the Bladia Spring Festival, is full of hidden wonders. You know them, right?”
Realizing the question, she replied calmly, “Yes. I’m aware.”
“That’s good, then. Please, go on a date with me!”
And just like that, fate had quietly woven its threads.
“Team leader, aren’t you going to have tea?”
“No time for tea.”
“They say it’s a rare Hibiscus imported just for this occasion.”
“I don’t like tea.”
Ridiculous. When Elchevita suggested tea in the story, he had smiled warmly and agreed. Or was that privilege reserved only for her, the heroine?
I shot him a glance, sharp as ice. His friendly façade didn’t last long—it had disappeared as soon as our conversation about being strangers began.
“Are you sulking?”
“…….”
“So, you are sulking.”
Earlier, he had been rejected—ten minutes ago, to be precise—and now he was pouting.
“Indeed, we are strangers.”
That simple statement had landed like a blow.
Afterward, Carlos only replied, “I understand. So we are strangers,” and no more. Perhaps naturally so.
If either of us denied it, countless complications would arise. But what if Carlos truly remembered… that incident? That story? How much, and from where to where?
Better keep quiet.
The moment for despair had not yet come—and, by all means, it mustn’t. Not until my retirement was confirmed on the 27th, at least.
Even if delayed, my dream would come true. So please, just stay still and quiet.
I followed silently behind him, trying to hide the unease in my gaze.
Thanks to the teleportation device from the Royal Security Bureau, our entry into the palace was almost instantaneous.
The only problem was Carlos’ clearly sour mood.
“Why are you upset? What did I do?” I muttered under my breath, trying to read the situation.
Honestly, I had no idea why he was acting like this. After all, I was the one nearly knocked off my feet by unexpected news—the extended grace period, the team leader appointment. Why was I the one worrying about his feelings?
The walk to the conference hall was long. My steps faltered as I tried to keep up while carrying a mountain of documents for the meeting.
Carlos adjusted his pace to mine, only to suddenly stop in his tracks.
“To be honest, I’m hurt.”
“Huh?”
His voice echoed through the grand hall, reverberating in my ears and sending a chill down my spine.
Huh… did I just hear him say he was hurt?
“What… hurt?”
Who was he to be hurt by me?
Before I could argue, my hands froze mid-motion. His towering frame, broad shoulders, midnight-black hair brushing his eyebrows, and perfectly sculpted nose and lips…
And those violet eyes, unwavering yet intensely commanding.
A single glance from him could dominate anyone.
Danger radiated from him in waves.
I instinctively stepped back.
“Ah.”
The space between us widened as I fumbled with my papers, letting them slip to the floor in a chaotic pile.
I quickly avoided his gaze, bowing my head. Carlos’ attention and concern were the last thing I wanted. Especially being hurt… it made no sense.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!
I hurriedly gathered the scattered documents, hoping to retreat into the hall before another conversation could overwhelm me.
“I feel it’s unfair.”
But even that attempt at escape failed.
Two large hands reached down to help gather the fallen papers.
Dark hair, calm and orderly. The silver-embroidered uniform of a man who clearly belonged to authority. And the name I already knew by heart:
Carlos Lépineon Seymour Deloard.
“Phew…”
He slowly opened and closed his eyes.
So this is it. The moment of reckoning.
“Why am I the only one remembering?”
He bent one knee to meet my gaze, his question low and commanding.
“Why am I the only one who knows you?”
Please, answer me.
My hands, unsure of where to go, were caught in the air, aflame with heat.
His patience, stripped away, was kindling a dangerous fire.
He murmured, almost growling:
“Answer me, my lady.”
I nearly fainted from the force of his words.
It was terrifyingly intense.
The truth I had buried deep beneath the surface was being forcibly unearthed.
How… how could you know…?
My eyes, fixed on the floor, shook violently.
I closed them tightly, trying not to lose myself.
Calm down, Rose. He hasn’t said anything decisive yet.
“Rage… rebellion… Elchevita…”
I pressed my chest, holding in the rapid beat of my heart.
The silence stretched long after Carlos’ veiled threat. Neither of us spoke.
It felt like time itself had frozen.
Two people who had never lost their memory… confronted with words they hadn’t expected…
My mind was a blur.
And so it was I who finally broke the stillness.
“Tea…”
I just wanted to escape the situation.
“Maybe I should’ve had tea after all.”
“……”
“Isid said the Hibiscus brought in this time is extraordinary. I really regret missing it, don’t you?”
I forced a smile, though my chest threatened to break under the weight of the moment. If I didn’t, I knew I might cry.
