Chapter 121. The Leash is On

She’s gone mad…

That thought naturally came to mind. It had to.

In what world does a princess openly insult the future king of a friendly nation…?

‘I knew Roelyn was immature, but…’

To remain so childish at her age and cause such a major incident.

As Ellen glanced at Roelyn with newfound eyes, their gazes met, and Roelyn flinched, lowering her head deeply.

Wow… To see the great Roelyn Frederick so subdued. At least she knows she did something wrong. It’s a relief that her character isn’t completely hopeless.

‘Angela Besnard must have played a part in Roelyn becoming like this. It would have been easier for her to manipulate Roelyn if she remained an immature and foolish princess…’

Reflecting on Angela’s character, it was hard to believe she genuinely cared for Roelyn. Their friendship likely served only to make Angela shine more.

Therefore, staying away from Angela Besnard would be… beneficial for Roelyn, in many ways.

…Could that be why Enoch brought Roelyn to Evitern Castle? To separate her from Angela?

‘…Well, that’s not important right now.’

For now, Ellen politely took Prince Ikram’s outstretched hand. She spoke in a respectful voice.

“I am Ellenore Bayern, Your Highness. Welcome to Evitern Castle.”

“You don’t have to be so formal, Grand Duchess. Please, just call me Ikram.”

“What? I couldn’t possibly…”

“It’s alright. Truly.”

Ikram Halmatiya seemed to be a very generous person. After all, he didn’t immediately return to Katar after hearing such insults from Roelyn but patiently waited for her apology.

Perhaps it was because he came from a country with a mild climate year-round, he seemed to have a gentle and forgiving nature.

Ellen hesitated a bit before calling him by his name.

“Then… Ikram.”

“Yes, Ellenore. May I call you by your name as well?”

“Of course. Feel free to do so.”

“Ha ha, thank you.”

His broad smile was like sunshine. Now that she thought about it, he was also incredibly handsome, but with a very different aura from Enoch.

If Enoch was decadent, languid, and cool… like winter weather, or the middle of the night, then Ikram was bright and lively, like a summer day.

“By the way, you are truly beautiful. Enoch is a lucky man to have such a lovely wife.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

“And you carry yourself with such grace… I’m starting to envy Enoch.”

“You flatter me…”

…What is this?

‘Prince Ikram’s eyes seem to be sparkling when he looks at me.’

Feeling a bit flustered, Ellen avoided his gaze and gently withdrew her hand… Why had they been holding hands for so long?

“Moreover, I heard your mother’s side is Katarian? No wonder I feel a peculiar sense of familiarity with you.”

“Ah, yes. My mother is of mixed Freuden and Katarian heritage, and her family, the Raman household, is from Katar…”

Ellen shared all she knew about the Raman family. There wasn’t much, so her information was limited…

“I see. I’ve heard of the Raman family. They are merchants who travel between Europia and Almaira. They were once a noble family of considerable standing in Katar.”

“Really? Is that true?”

“It seems you didn’t know. How about we go inside and talk more in detail?”

At Ikram’s kind suggestion, Ellen nodded eagerly and began to lead him to the annex.

But just then, Enoch suddenly intervened, pulling Ellen into his arms like a hunter catching prey.

“……?”

Ellen stood frozen, looking up at Enoch with wide eyes. …What’s this about? Her gaze seemed to ask, and he grumbled in a very dissatisfied voice.

“I’m first.”

…What?

Before she could ask what he meant, he lifted her up. Ellen gasped in shock. They had guests! She hadn’t even properly greeted Julian or Roelyn yet!

“E-Enoch, put me down!”

She whispered fiercely, but Enoch ignored her. Glancing briefly at Ikram and the other two, he spoke in a flat tone.

“The chief steward will handle the tour. See you later.”

Then he turned and strode towards the main building without looking back once.

“Are you out of your mind?”

Enoch ignored the sharp question and continued speaking.

“Ikram will be staying at Evitern Castle during the hunting competition. You’ll have plenty of time to meet him.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Julian will also be here, and Roelyn… well, she’ll be staying here for a while to recuperate.”

Ellen paused, recalling her earlier thoughts, and cautiously spoke.

“To keep her away from Miss Besnard?”

“Ah, as expected. My wife is quick-witted.”

He smiled and kissed her cheek as if she were adorable.

“She’s been under bad influence from that woman for too long. At the very least, we need to keep them apart.”

“…Miss Besnard is also attending the hunting competition, isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Do you think she’ll give you an embroidered handkerchief?”

Enoch stopped dead in his tracks in the hallway and looked down at Ellen in his arms.

He asked in a slightly expectant voice.

“Are you jealous?”

“No, not at all.”

“Why am I the only one jealous? It’s quite annoying.”

“……”

He often forgot that all his irrational states were due to her magic. Ellen just kept her mouth shut. It wasn’t worth arguing about.

“Did you see how that sly bastard Ikram was smiling at you?”

They had reached the living room, and Enoch set Ellen down on the sofa, growling. Ellen, feeling a bit tired, avoided his persistent gaze and replied vaguely.

“I don’t remember if he smiled slyly, but his eyes did sparkle oddly when he looked at me.”

“…Katar practices polygamy and polyandry. One person can have multiple spouses. Not only that, remarriage is also common. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Well, not really.”

“Stop being so cold to me. The colder you are, the more I want to torment you.”

“Aren’t you already tormenting me enough?”

Enoch was at a loss for words. This woman was certainly not a small, weak herbivore. In fact, she was more like a Pallas’s cat—omnivorous, very picky, hard to tame, and prone to escaping and hiding.

“You… really resemble it.”

“……?”

Seeing Ellen blink in confusion at his sudden comment, Enoch sighed deeply and pulled her into his arms. He was extremely anxious about this woman, who seemed ready to flee at any moment.

“Don’t push me away, Ellen.”

“……”

“Don’t run away from me. If you do, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

His words were irrational, driven by emotion rather than reason. Even though he knew he was under the influence of her magic, it didn’t matter right now.

And as always, Ellen did not respond.

She just remained silent.

“Ellen, answer me.”

“……”

Avoiding his forceful demand, she suddenly hugged his waist tightly and looked up at him. Her blue eyes seemed moist and glistening.

Where did she learn such seductive tricks? Despite the absurdity, he couldn’t push her away. When she looked at him like this, he was utterly powerless.

Ellen moved slightly and kissed him gently. Sweet breath flowed between their joined lips. At that moment, all thoughts vanished, and Enoch began to hungrily explore her like a beast.

Maybe, he thought fleetingly, the one who’s truly leashed was him…

Such self-mocking thoughts briefly surfaced and then faded away.

* * *

On the morning of the 27th, more guests arrived at Evitern Castle.

The guests’ interest in the first hunting competition hosted by the Bayern Grand Duchy was immense.

Most of the guests were nobles, but there were also many from prominent gentry families. Some conservative nobles, unable to let go of old prejudices, clicked their tongues at the sight, saying it would have been unthinkable in the past.

Regardless, Felix Werner, the next head of the Werner family, and his sister Luna Werner, walked confidently through the outdoor venue prepared for the opening of the hunting competition.

Everything they wore, from clothes and accessories to the hunting rifles slung over their shoulders, was of the highest quality. Their dignified and elegant demeanor immediately drew attention.

Despite the piercing gazes and the hunting competition itself, Felix wasn’t particularly nervous. The only thing that made him anxious was Ellen.

“Brother, look over there.”

Luna, having spotted Ellen, tapped Felix’s shoulder and pointed. Felix turned his head to see a familiar figure. Ellen. She was greeting people with a smile that exuded the dignity of a Grand Duchess.

Watching Ellen, who now seemed to belong to a completely different world, a great wave of emotion surged in Felix’s heart. He knew he should let go of these feelings quickly, but… it was far from easy.

Just then, Ellen’s gaze landed on Felix and Luna.

“Oh? She’s looking this way. …Oh? She’s coming over!”

Luna exclaimed excitedly. Felix blinked in a daze. Indeed, Ellen was walking towards them with a radiant smile, looking directly at him.

Felix’s heart pounded as if it would burst. Hoping the loud thumping was only audible to himself, he swallowed nervously, feeling tense.

Finally, Ellen reached them and greeted them warmly.

“Hello, Mr. Werner. And Miss Werner.”

“Oh, please call me Luna, Your Highness. I’m so glad to meet you. Thank you for inviting us today.”

While Luna chatted cheerfully, Felix, whose insides were burning, found it hard to speak.