TRETTHD 09

Chapter 9. A Warm Welcome

The royal palace of Ronica was usually a quiet place.

Of course, as the heart of the kingdom, there were always people coming and going, and the palace staff diligently went about their duties. Still, rather than bustling, it carried a cozy and gentle atmosphere.

But today, for the first time in a while, the palace was buzzing with noise.

Amidst the unusually excited atmosphere, Belia swept her gaze around.

Standing on the steps, she was surrounded by the King, members of the royal family, the Chancellor, and even the elders of the House of Nobles—everyone had gathered outside.

“How are you feeling?”
Herald, who stood beside her, cautiously asked, carefully observing her expression.

Belia knew exactly why her older brother was watching her so closely, but she acted oblivious and replied with a bright smile.

“I feel great.”

Her response was no different from usual, and Herald gave an awkward smile in return.

Still, his expression clearly showed discomfort—anyone could see it.

‘Honestly, he might as well just ask me outright. He’s so obvious…’

The reason why such a grand welcoming party had assembled, and why Herald kept sneaking glances at her expression, was because—

“Waaaaah!”

“Welcome to the Kingdom of Ronica!”

“Kyaa! Prince Khalid!”

—today was the official visit of Khalid, the Second Prince of the Empire, and the man rumored to have some sort of relationship with Belia.

Cheers erupted near the front gate, signaling his arrival.

Finally…!

After his last visit to the palace, Khalid had sent a formal letter stating his intent to visit Ronica again. While the matter had already been discussed and approved by the King, formal appearances were important.

Prince Raul, the First Prince, had already arrived in Ronica and was leading the joint imperial-royal investigation team. Now, the Second Prince, Khalid, was visiting the royal palace.

Two imperial princes visiting the same kingdom at the same time—it was unprecedented, and naturally drew the attention of other nations.

“Don’t be too rude to the Second Prince,” Belia advised.

“…Hmph.”

Herald didn’t bother to hide his displeasure at her concern for the Second Prince.

How dare he secretly meet with my sister…!

To Herald, Khalid was no better than a thief.

‘No… There’s no confirmation the rumors are true.’

Trying to calm himself, Herald turned his gaze to the front gate—where the Second Prince, the source of all this chaos, was leading his knights and attendants in procession.

As Khalid approached, people began to discreetly watch Belia’s face and demeanor.

Everyone was dying to know—were the rumors true? Were they really lovers?

“Well… I’ll admit he’s pretty good-looking,” Herald muttered gruffly.

Belia chuckled quietly. It seemed her brother was already feeling defensive about a man involved in a scandal with his sister.

“He’s even more handsome up close.”

Her playful words made Herald snap his head toward her, eyes wide.

His gaze was full of unspoken suspicion—You mean those rumors are true?

Belia didn’t answer.

Soon enough, everyone would know what kind of relationship they had.

With a faint, knowing smile, she glanced past Herald to where Raul was standing.

Though he wore a cheerful expression, she knew it was a façade.

The slight twitch of his lips and the constant fidgeting of his thumb and index finger—telltale signs he was displeased.

‘Hah. As if he’s ever sincere…’

Watching him coldly, Belia recalled their recent conversation. The memory made her clench her jaw in anger.

“He’s much better compared to someone,” she muttered.

Though she didn’t say who, Herald understood immediately.

“Well, he seems less sleazy than the First Prince, at least.”

“Pfft!”

This time, it was Cloze standing beside them who couldn’t hold in her laughter.

“Cloze…”

“Ah—sorry, sis.”

Cloze apologized between giggles, then quickly composed her face.

As Khalid finally reached the palace gates, the King and Queen stepped forward to greet him first, offering their formal welcome.

Khalid responded not with the cold look from their first meeting, but with a gentle smile and words of gratitude.

“Sis, I think I was right,” Cloze whispered.

“About what?”

“The Second Prince. He’s the one, isn’t he?”

Cloze nudged Belia in the side.

Belia blinked in confusion for a moment before recalling their earlier conversation. She clenched her teeth to stop herself from laughing.

She had to maintain her calm and elegant appearance.

“What are you two whispering about?” Herald asked.

“It’s a secret between me and my sister. So don’t ask, brother.”

“Again? You two are always leaving me out.”

“If we tell you, you’ll go straight to Father. So, no.”

Cloze huffed and turned her head away, while Herald gave Belia a wounded look.

But she just offered an awkward smile and looked away.

“…So mean.”

Herald suddenly felt a little lonely.

Once the royal greetings were over, the King turned to Khalid to introduce his children—the princes and princesses.

As Khalid and Belia’s eyes met, he gave a wide, pleased smile.

It was as if he were saying, “Let’s see how you greet me.”

‘Haa…’

Belia took several deep breaths to calm herself.

She knew this was insane.

But still…

“Kuh…”

Seeing how nervous and frozen she was, Khalid chuckled and turned toward Herald.

He greeted him politely, his expression cheerful in contrast to Herald’s discomfort.

Then the King began introducing the princesses.

“This is Belia, and beside her is Cloze. Aren’t they lovely?”

“Yes, very much so.”

Seriously…

Belia closed her eyes tightly for a moment in response to Khalid’s unashamedly flirtatious tone.

“Hello! I’m Cloze Ronica.”

“Princess Cloze, a pleasure. I’m Khalid Ingot.”

“Yes! So nice to meet you!”

While Belia was still mentally bracing herself, Cloze greeted him more brightly than anyone.

After all, the Second Prince seemed much better than the First.

And her sister had acknowledged her relationship with him.

So it was only right that she back her sister up now.

With that thought, Cloze gave a little wink and whispered softly:

“Please take good care of my sister.”

Khalid, clearly charmed, whispered back:

“Of course.”

The two of them chuckled together.

Then, finally, Khalid stood before Belia.

“Belia,” he said sweetly, raising an eyebrow playfully.

As if daring her to do something.

“Greet me as if I’m the only man in your world.”

His previous words echoed in her ears.

People began to wonder why Belia still hadn’t spoken or moved.

Then she bit her lip.

‘It’s too late to turn back now.’

She had started all of this.

They were already on the same boat.

There was no reason to hold back in embarrassment.

She lowered her head for a brief moment. When she raised it again, her expression was completely different.

‘Well, well…’

Watching the change in real time, Khalid grinned mischievously.

“Khalid,” she said.

“I’ve missed you.”

Then she stepped forward with open arms.

And smiled—soft and bright enough to light up the world around her.