Chapter 57
“What did you like about today?”
“Just… walking around the streets, having tea together, and dining at such a nice place like this.”
Vivian lifted the crystal water glass in front of her. The refreshing lemon water slid down her throat.
“Louis, you’ve been so busy since we came to the capital.”
“Was it only me who was busy?”
At Louis’s words, Vivian scrunched her nose and let out a small laugh. She gently spun the base of the water glass with her fingers. As she rotated the glass, the water inside swirled into small shapes.
“I hope we can spend more time like this in the future.”
Vivian’s voice was small as she broke the brief silence.
“I know you’re very busy, Louis, but… I hope we can have moments like this more often.”
Vivian mustered the courage to look at Louis. His golden eyes were fixed straight on her.
Louis realized why this restaurant was popular among couples. The tables were smaller than in other restaurants. Perhaps because they were sitting closer than usual, he could see Vivian’s face in detail.
It seemed she wasn’t wearing makeup today, as her light freckles were visible. Seeing the freckles dotted across her slightly flushed cheeks, he found them oddly endearing.
He could also see her fingers trembling slightly as she touched the glass.
The distance was perfect for seeing each other well, yet not too close.
“My father, and the father of the empire, the current Emperor, is quite a remarkable ruler in the history of the Tapeullon Empire.”
Louis smiled faintly as he noticed Vivian frowning at his words, as if asking what he was talking about.
“Unfortunately, under such a great emperor, I was the only child, so I was treated as the next ruler from birth.”
Louis continued, looking out at the now completely dark night.
“I must follow my excellent father. To do otherwise would tarnish his reputation. Meet his expectations. Father. Father. My excellent father.”
Louis’s voice was steady. Neither particularly high nor low, just the usual tone.
“Being the only son of the esteemed Emperor Henry, as others say, I was quick to learn and received praise. But the praise always began with my father, not me. ‘Smart like his father. Clever like his father.'”
Vivian recalled the compliments she received in her childhood at Louis’s words.
Vivian, who loved reading and was often praised for being smarter than her peers. Yet no one ever added that she was smart because she resembled someone or because of someone else.
“So, somehow, my goal became to surpass my father and become a great emperor. To surpass him, I realized there was nothing I could do but strive with all my might.”
Louis let out a weak laugh and brought the water glass to his lips.
“I respect my father, but sometimes I’m afraid. Afraid history will remember me as a son inferior to his father.”
“Louis…”
At that moment, a knock was heard, and the ordered food was placed on the table one by one. The staff poured the recommended wine into their glasses and left the room. Even after the staff left, neither Vivian nor Louis picked up their fork and knife.
“I will succeed.”
Louis’s golden eyes, which had been calm, suddenly turned as sharp as if holding a knife.
“I will become a great emperor, known as Luideos Lindez Tapeullon, not just as the son of Emperor Henry.”
He was a crown prince who always received praise. Intelligent, wise, and skilled in swordsmanship—a perfect crown prince.
Vivian never imagined such a prince would have these concerns.
“I know the path won’t be easy. Whether by choice or not, you must walk it with me, Vivian.”
Vivian did not avoid Louis’s gaze. His eyes were sharper than ever, but she didn’t want to shy away at this moment.
“That look seems to be answer enough.”
Louis smiled, and the sharp tension melted away like snow under his smile.
“I just… I just want you to be happy, Louis.”
Vivian’s words made Louis’s smile fade and gradually disappear.
Vivian was startled by her own words, spoken without realizing it. But she didn’t regret it. It was her true feeling.
It would be nice if he said something, anything.
But Louis didn’t say a word and slowly picked up his fork. After that, Vivian and Louis quietly ate their meal.
After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant. A few nobles seemed to recognize Louis, but they didn’t easily approach.
Louis and Vivian boarded the carriage prepared for their return home. On the way to the Dinever estate, Louis, who was quietly looking outside, spoke first.
“Next time, I’ll prepare a more date-like date.”
* * *
In the carriage returning to the royal palace after dropping off Vivian, Louis looked out into the darkness and recalled the events that had just occurred. It was a meeting orchestrated by his mother.
In fact, when he encountered Vivian at the fountain, Louis hadn’t realized the Empress’s scheme. It was only when he saw Vivian looking for the Empress in a hushed voice that he understood Annette’s plan.
He realized why Empress Annette had arranged for them to meet in front of the Gods’ Anguish fountain when he saw Vivian earnestly tossing a coin.
If he had parted ways with Vivian and returned to the palace, he was sure to face his mother’s nagging. So he decided to spend time with Vivian, to create the picture his mother wanted. Rayden, watching from the side, would surely rush off to report everything excitedly.
When he suggested a date, he was taken aback by Vivian’s focus on work, but then again, he thought, that was just like her.
He couldn’t forget Rayden’s expression when he boldly appeared, eyes wide, and handed over the name of the reserved restaurant while Vivian was briefly talking to another staff member.
The restaurant Rayden recommended was quite nice. The quiet atmosphere, the appropriate sense of distance, and the sunset pouring in from outside.
Perhaps that’s why.
Louis still couldn’t understand why he had shared those words with Vivian.
But one thing was clear. Something heavy and knotted within him had softened and lightened considerably.
The words ‘I just want you to be happy.’
Those words didn’t apply to Louis’s life. But when Vivian said them, he briefly, just briefly, wondered what such a life would be like.
The carriage gradually slowed down. They had arrived at the Crown Prince’s palace, and the carriage came to a complete stop.
Louis, emerging from the depths of his thoughts, opened the carriage door and stepped outside. Allen and Rayden, waiting in front of the carriage, bowed in greeting.
“Is there anything to report?”
“No, there isn’t.”
Nodding at Allen’s words, Louis headed toward his office.
In the unusually quiet Crown Prince’s palace, the sound of footsteps from Allen, Rayden, and Louis echoed loudly.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
As Louis sat at his desk, Allen placed the documents Louis hadn’t seen during the day on the desk and announced his departure.
“Already?”
Rayden widened his eyes in surprise. Although it was already time for others to leave, it was usually peak working hours for Louis’s aide.
“I must go today!”
Allen’s expression was quite determined.
“If I cancel another date today, I might never get married and die of old age beside Your Highness.”
Rayden nodded vigorously in agreement with Allen’s words.
“Did you have a girlfriend?”
At Louis’s question, Allen quickly covered his mouth with his fist, as if to prevent any harsh words from escaping.
“Go ahead.”
Louis gestured for Allen to leave, who was stifling his laughter with his fist. With Louis’s permission, Allen quickly removed his fist and politely bowed before leaving the office without looking back.
Once Allen left, Louis began reviewing the documents.
“Are you starting work right away without taking a break?”
Rayden asked, as if displeased.
“I must make up for the time wasted during the day.”
“Allen said there weren’t any urgent matters earlier.”
Even at Rayden’s question, Louis didn’t take his eyes off the documents. Seeing Louis quickly focus on the papers, Rayden sighed and took something out of his pants pocket, placing it on Louis’s desk.
But seeing Louis still unmoved, Rayden tapped the desk with his fist.
“Why are you still here?”
Louis frowned deeply, his concentration broken. Rayden admired his smooth skin, devoid of any wrinkles, despite the frown.
“This is for you to look at when you have time.”
“What is it?”
Louis irritably unfolded the paper Rayden had placed on the desk.
“This is…”
“It’s my know-how from over the years. Since it’s for you, Your Highness, I’m giving it to you for free.”
Louis slowly began to read the paper Rayden handed him.
“Is this reliable information?”
“After a date like today, should you be the one to say that?”
“Vivian said she enjoyed it.”
“She’s just too kind, way too kind.”
Louis’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“Ahem. Of course, spending time with the Crown Prince is wonderful, but wouldn’t it be nice to have an even better time? That’s the heart of a loyal subject.”
“Enough. I won’t trust such false information.”
Louis placed the paper between his index and middle fingers and handed it back to Rayden. With a disgruntled expression, Rayden accepted the paper he had carefully written, titled “Top 10 Date Spots in the Capital.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Rayden, who had been jotting it down during his missions, bowed his head and turned to leave the office, feeling somewhat disappointed.
Watching Rayden’s large frame shrink as he left, Louis pressed his palms against his eyes.
“Rayden.”
“Yes?”
“Leave it here.”
Rayden’s back straightened at Louis’s words. He walked briskly to Louis’s desk and spread the paper out, placing it right on top of the documents Louis was reviewing.
“The top three places I’ve marked with stars are the best I’ve visited. My ex-girlfriend loved them.”
“If she’s an ex-girlfriend, it didn’t work out. Can this really be trusted?”
“Well, if you put it that way, I have nothing to say, but it was really great at the time. Three stars! This place is very important. It was there that I had an unforgettable, passionate kiss…”
“Get out.”
Under Louis’s fierce gaze, Rayden quickly bowed his head and exited the office.
Louis looked at the paper Rayden had left behind, focusing on the three starred locations. Then he slowly folded the paper and placed it at the top of the drawer where he kept important documents.
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AyraRedwood
I love this chapter 🥰 and I love Louis not recognising his feelings (which was made so clear in this chapter) while still getting jealous of Aitor. I wish he could know that Vivi called Aitor handsome 💕