Chapter 2 (Part 14)

Rune, snapped out of his reverie by the crown prince’s comment, cleared his throat and straightened his expression. If he didn’t want to be seen by that sharp-eyed human, he had to keep his expression under control.

“Ahem. Yes, well.”

“Duke Carlisle came with a smile on his face too. Could it be that there’s finally some understanding between you two?”

“…Are you serious?”

Rune’s expression hardened instantly. What a ridiculous idea, especially with Eden involved.

What was he thinking? 

Rune’s brow furrowed in displeasure, and the crown prince burst out laughing.

“I thought even enemies eventually fall in love when they’re so stubbornly unable to overpower each other.”

“Please don’t even joke about it.”

At Rune’s stern response, the prince began dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief, as if wiping away tears that weren’t even there.

“You used to call me ‘hyung’ and follow me obediently when we were young. But as we grew older, you’re talking down to me in a harsh way. Is this what I raised you for?”

“Please speak frankly. It was Your Majesty who first insisted on the need for peers my own age, not me, so I can’t be blamed for it.”

Of course, Rune, who had already been the butt of many jokes, couldn’t just let this one slide. He countered point by point, citing facts. At that, the prince sighed, shrugged his shoulders, and casually tossed the handkerchief onto the desk. A look of boredom crossed his face.

“No wonder the ladies always go to the Duke of Carlisle.”

“He’s not all that interesting either.”

“…Can’t argue with that.”

“When are you going to get engaged, Your Highness?”

“Why does the conversation always turn that way?”

“You’re 26 years old this year, I suppose it’s only natural, and it’s something the ministers bring up at every meeting.”

“Count Fernon is the same age as me, but he doesn’t even have a woman.”

He does now. 

Rune bit back the words that almost escaped his throat and opted for a different approach, saying something else.

“Is a Count the same as a crown prince of the empire?”

“I don’t see why they should be any different.”

The prince casually replied, indicating he didn’t want to discuss the matter further, and put his glasses back on to resume reviewing documents. Rune sighed inwardly.

While Ria had understood and accepted the culture here, where polygamy relationships were allowed even if a formal engagement or marriage wasn’t present, she had expressed discomfort with seeking new partners when one was already committed. Hence, Rune had to push harder.

It’s a shame.

At least, if they were engaged, Ria could easily reject the prince’s advances. A fleeting expression of regret passed over Rune’s face.

That was the only option available to them at the moment.

In reality, it was the only way he could do it now. He couldn’t hide Ria from the crown prince for the rest of their lives, and if he were to fall for her as Eden had, it would only be a matter of time before he did, so he had to make sure she had a good reason to refuse.

But the crown prince doesn’t seem to have any intention of getting engaged at all, so…….

But because of the affection he has for his parents.

Rune understood. The prince had always expressed a desire for such a relationship, just like his parents. The emperor and empress had supported that desire.

Sighing deeply once again, he felt a throbbing headache. Rune hoped that his growing sense of unease about the possibility of the four of them coveting her was merely a product of his anxiety.

Just then, the crown prince stood up from his desk, fed up with the stacks of papers that showed no sign of abating.

“I’m tired of looking at these documents. How about some practice with the sword after a long time? Call the Duke of Carlisle.”

“Are you sure?”

“I think it would be better if we got some fresh air and worked up a sweat.”

Rune gladly accepted the sparring invitation, thinking it would be better than sitting alone in the office, where Ria’s memory would haunt him, tormenting him with vivid recollections of yesterday’s events. It was a task he couldn’t handle alone in the palace office; he needed to move, to shake it off.

As he followed the prince towards the training grounds, Rune thought of a plan.

Perhaps if I get injured, Ria might stay by my side until I’m better.

Ironically, Eden, who had received the same summons to the training grounds, was thinking the exact same thing.

Realizing they both had the same thought of getting hurt just to have Ria’s attention until they recovered, they ended up finishing their practice cautiously, making sure not to hurt each other, despite their initial intentions. It was a result born from a strong determination that if they couldn’t have her attention, neither would anyone else.

Thanks to this, the prince and the captain of the royal guard, Diharn, who watched them, had an enjoyable spectacle, watching from the sidelines.

Their banter continued even afterward. As the sun set and Rune climbed into the carriage for the ride back to his manor, he was joined by Eden, who had appeared just as suddenly.

“It seems your eyes have finally lost their taste. I doubt this carriage is up to your standards.”

A dumbfounded Rune scowled and retorted, but Eden had the nerve to brazenly and confidently tap the wall of the carriage.

“Unfortunately, my eyes are perfectly fine. I got on correctly. I’m going to Astina Mansion.”

“You’ve been coming in and out all the time, and now you think it’s your home?”

“If you don’t want me to go, you can send Ria to my mansion.”

“Don’t even dream about it.”

“See, that’s why I have to go. There’s no other way.”

Ugh. 

Eden’s audacity left Rune speechless. But Rune had no choice. Eden was coming to the manor no matter what. If he kicked Eden out of the carriage now, it would only benefit him. He would surely look pitiful to Ria and seek solace from her.

With no other option, the carriage set off and soon arrived at the mansion. The cold atmosphere emanating from within made the coachman shiver throughout the journey. They continued their bickering until they reached the mansion’s entrance.