TRETTHD 65

#65. I Don’t Like Your Highness

Belia studied the emperor’s expression.

It wasn’t a particularly pleasant one.

But she didn’t stop.

“Playing around with small guilds like this is too wasteful for someone with the title of Second Prince,” she said.

On top of that, she subtly reminded him that Khalid was not only a prince of the empire but also the man who would marry Belia, the first princess of the Kingdom of Ronica.

“Hmm… It makes me wish the princess had married the First Prince instead,” the emperor muttered, stroking his chin after a long pause.

His gaze was sharper than before.

Even if he grew suspicious, Belia knew it was more advantageous to play along, so she did not back down. She met the emperor’s gaze head-on.

“Haha. Well, the princess must have trusted Khalid enough to come this far. I can imagine she was anxious. But why the captain of the guard? Wouldn’t it have been better to ask for a territory or a mine instead?”

The emperor asked. Belia responded with an even brighter smile, pretending ignorance.

“Oh my. I thought a territory or a mine would be too burdensome, so I made a lighter request… Would that have been better?”

“Then, is there a particular territory you desire?”

“If possible, it would be nice if it were close to the Kingdom of Ronica, so I could visit my parents more often,” she said, her tone playful, as if joking.

The emperor mirrored her tone. But beneath their words were sharp blades hidden in language.

“There are no vacant territories in the west… then how about the east?”

“The east is on the opposite side from Ronica. It’s better for the Second Prince to stay in the capital and serve as the captain of the guard. As for mines, we already have gold mines, so they’re unnecessary,” Belia said with a composed expression.

So she asked for the captaincy.

“Very well. Still, it doesn’t look proper for a prince to simply be a captain of the guard, so I’ll grant you authority over the guard as well,” the emperor said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Belia said, smiling brightly, having secured what she wanted. The emperor stroked his chin and asked again.

“Hmm. Not a knightly order, just a guard… what exactly do you intend to do?”

The emperor seemed genuinely curious.

Belia merely smiled, thinking it was better than doing nothing. The post of captain seemed trivial, but to Belia, who knew the future, it was crucial.

Demanding a higher position now would have been premature. Besides, after the emperor died, the guard would be the most essential force to control the capital first.

‘…The emperor can’t even imagine it.’

He had no idea that he would soon die.

Concealing this, Belia spoke directly to the emperor, who was scrutinizing her.

“Prince Khalid doesn’t have much experience handling practical matters. So giving him a higher position would actually be a burden.”

“Haha. Is that so?”

The emperor seemed to doubt her, but there was nothing concrete to accuse her of. He asked again, appearing magnanimous.

“Then, does the princess desire anything?”

Belia paused at the sudden question, then smiled brightly and voiced her truest desire at this moment.

“I…”

Belia’s expression brightened as she left the emperor’s office.

Finally, she could stand on the same level as Raul. Compared to him, she might seem lacking, but this was far better than asking for a territory or mine.

But…

‘Opening Shanetane Avenue…’

As Belia feared, the empire requested that the Kingdom of Ronica open Shanetane Avenue. It wasn’t an official demand, just a subtle push to give the empire some leverage over Ronica.

Belia had seen the consequences of opening Shanetane Avenue in her previous life, and her heart sank at the thought.

‘…I’ll relay the message to my father, but as a mere princess, I can’t guarantee the answer.’

The emperor seemed disappointed, but it didn’t matter to Belia.

‘…The real reason I was called here was Shanetane Avenue.’

She had skillfully coaxed what she wanted from him, only for him to encourage the avenue’s opening. She shook her head and laughed bitterly before continuing her walk.

“Princess Belia.”

Was today just unlucky? Of all places, she had to run into Raul here. Reluctantly, she turned toward the voice.

“Prince Raul.”

“It’s been a while.”

“…What is going on here?” Her voice betrayed her confusion.

Beside Raul was someone familiar, cheeks flushed, glancing around nervously.

“Why is Baroness Kinethra with Your Highness?”

Feeling Belia’s gaze, Erze blushed and greeted her.

“Princess Belia! I’m so glad to see you again!”

“You just arrived today, I see.”

“Yes! On the way here, the First Prince helped guide me,” she explained.

Raul guided her? Belia looked at him incredulously. Raul smiled charmingly.

“It’s all true. She got lost in the palace, so I helped her along the way.”

“…I hope my guest hasn’t caused trouble,” Belia said apologetically.

“Not at all, it was nothing,” Raul replied.

Belia felt awkward having such casual conversation with Raul. She smiled faintly, intending to excuse herself.

But Raul was faster.

“Will you walk with me for a bit?”

“Pardon?”

“I’d like to talk.”

Belia glanced around. This was the central palace, and too many eyes were watching.

“I’m sorry. A new guest has arrived, so I must attend them,” she said, trying to decline tactfully.

Raul ignored this and pressed on.

“I won’t take long. My attendants will safely escort your guest to the Second Prince’s palace.”

“…I don’t want to give the wrong impression, Your Highness,” Belia said softly.

Yet Raul did not relent.

“Shall we walk with your attendants, then?”

Belia could not refuse outright. She sensed eyes on them from all around.

“…Fine. I can’t take much time,” she said.

Raul instructed his attendant to have Erze guide her. Erze, uneasy, followed quietly.

“Shall we go?” Raul asked, smiling brightly and naturally offering his hand.

Belia hesitated but took it. They walked through the palace gardens, visible from the central courtyard. This would prevent any misunderstandings. Their attendants followed at a discreet distance.

“What do you want to talk about?” she asked.

“Belia,” Raul whispered softly, but she shut him down immediately.

“I’ve told you before. I never gave you permission to use my name,” she said, her anger evident.

“I’ve thought about it,” Raul began, ignoring her words as if she hadn’t spoken.

“Do you truly have feelings for Khalid? If not…”

Looking into her eyes, he smiled meaningfully.

“Did you choose Khalid to reject me?”

That was the truth. But Belia did not react. She did not want to give him any excuse.

“On what basis do you say that?” she asked.

“There’s no other connection, is there?”

He looked refreshed, as if all his doubts had vanished.

“How long do you think a relationship maintained to get what you want can last?”

Belia knew his words were meant to unnerve her. She remained composed, refusing to show him the reaction he sought.

Raul laughed softly.

“Haha. Belia.” He stepped closer and whispered near her ear.

“You’re anxious.”

“…”

“Is it anxiety that Khalid might change, or that you’re concerned about me?”

Belia laughed bitterly. What nonsense was this?

“Your Highness, I think you’re mistaken…”

“Good or bad, I still care about you,” he said with a satisfied expression.

“So I will keep shaking you,” he continued, regardless of her resistance, regardless of her horrified gaze.

“I have no intention of giving up on you.”

He stepped back, smiling gently, and walked along the path. Belia looked at him coldly.

“…These are rude words, both to Princess Canterif, your fiancée, and to me.”

Raul ignored her response.

“You’ll come to me anyway.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Our fates are tied. I don’t understand why you resist.”

Fate? It was nothing but a curse. Belia’s lip curled slightly.

“Are you upset because I never properly answered why I refused you before?”

She exhaled to calm her rising emotions, then spoke firmly.

“I don’t like Your Highness.”

Belia grew irritated at this meaningless conversation. She just wanted to go home.

“Then keep disliking me. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

She glared at Raul.

“I am the Second Prince’s fiancée. In a few months, I will be his wife.”

So he should take note. This wasn’t the first time she had rejected him in her previous life. Why was he so obsessed?

“What would people think if they saw you acting like this toward me?” she asked.

She meant he should care about his public image, to avoid being seen as a shameless man lusting after his sister’s fiancée.

But Raul didn’t care.

“How people see me no longer matters. I’ve decided I will have you by any means,” he said, smiling brightly.

“So come to me with as little pain and hurt as possible,” he said, his eyes curved beautifully.

And that sight… sent chills down Belia’s spine.