SLDS 49

When Alexis returned, only Yuria was left in the spacious dining hall.

“Where did they go?”

“They said they had some private matters to discuss over drinks, just between men. They excluded only me.”

Yuria grumbled, tormenting the innocent dessert. The plump fruit pudding rippled like a dancing wave every time she poked it with the small teaspoon.

“Oh dear, you must be disappointed they didn’t include you?”

Alexis patted the back of Yuria’s head as he sat down. Though they were seated close together at a diagonal, he turned his body in Yuria’s direction as if that wasn’t enough.

The crown prince, with his arms folded on the table, tilted his head and spoke.

“Am I not enough for you?”

“If Your Highness would be my conversation partner, what greater honor could there be?”

“The imperial way of speaking has quite settled on your tongue.”

Alexis laughed aloud, saying she was admirable. Beneath his dazzling platinum blond hair, his eyes looking at Yuria were filled with warm affection.

Soon, a dessert plate was placed in front of Alexis as well. However, as he had no interest in sweets, Alexis paid it no mind. Instead, he reached for his wine glass and leaned his languid upper body against the back of the chair.

“It’s been a while since we’ve met, so there must be a lot of stories to catch up on. This dinner was arranged for you, so feel free to monopolize my time as much as you wish.”

Yuria’s disappointment vanished, and she smiled brightly. The crown prince had been so busy lately that they barely had time to talk. She didn’t miss the rare opportunity and began to chirp like a baby bird.

“Hmm.”

Alexis’s reactions were mostly to smile or respond with a low rumble in his throat. Even when Yuria occasionally used harsh language that was not in line with proper etiquette, he never once reprimanded her.

“It may be burdensome, but for now, you have no choice but to endure it. Weren’t you planning on living in the imperial palace anyway? The timing was just moved up a bit, nothing else has changed.”

“Your Highness. Will you… truly take me as your crown princess?”

“I promised, Yuria.”

Alexis took a sip of wine, a faint smile gracing the corners of his lips.

His every action was as graceful as if measured with a ruler. Alexis Winter Graham, who exuded an absolute dignity even in his relaxed posture, was a man befitting his position as the crown prince of the empire. His handsome appearance and overflowing noble aura were as if a prince from a fairy tale had been brought to life.

Though he had a somewhat cold and indifferent personality, he was sincere to Yuria. Moreover, he was a man who had not forgotten and had kept the promise he made in the Black Forest five years ago.

Yuria’s cheeks flushed. Fidgeting with her hands hidden under the table, she carefully began to speak.

“Your Highness, forgive my presumption, but may I ask you for a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Please kiss me.”

At the bold request, Alexis’s eyes narrowed. He put down the wine glass he was holding and briefly rubbed his lips.

Yuria, sitting before him, had become an adult. When he first met her in the Black Forest, she seemed like a mere young girl, but now she was fully grown and showed the poise of a proper young lady.

Alexis had never once touched her until she came of age. Even though he had promised her a future to repay the grace of saving his life, they had never even shared that common kiss.

The only time their lips had touched was just once, the moment Yuria first manifested her sacred power.

Come to think of it, the contact was no different from artificial respiration. It was an act solely to save someone, without a trace of affection, let alone sexual love.

But the more he mulled over the memory, the more he was perplexed by the recollection of the heated sensation of that time.

The soft flesh that had been crushed in his mouth, the breath filled with heat. As that moment vividly came to mind, Alexis lightly bit the tip of his tongue and frowned.

“…It would be better not to speak of this anymore.”

It seemed he was very tired. Alexis was displeased that useless thoughts were clouding his mind. He erased the memory and dismissed the conversation with Yuria as well.

He failed to see what a shock his answer had been to Yuria.

Leaving the dining hall, one would soon come to a balcony. The outdoor balcony, as spacious and splendid as the dining hall, had a star-filled night sky instead of a ceiling painting, and a cool breeze blew.

Cecil leaned closely against the railing, swirling the glass in his hand. The rich-flavored wine rippled in the narrow glass like a stormy night sea.

“It’s quite a shame that I have to drink with you in front of such a wonderful view.”

“I was not the one who suggested we drink.”

Claude snorted. Then, with a sullen face, he filled his glass with more wine.

It was already his third glass. Claude had always avoided alcohol due to his creed of maintaining a clear mind at all times, but for today, he drank without a care.

Cecil glanced sideways, looking over the man standing next to him. A snort escaped him. Claude, fuming with anger, with his robust physique and face flushed red, looked like an enraged bull.

He was a terrible drinking companion. Cecil lightly moistened his lips with the wine and spoke.

“Sir Vandel, I’m sure I gave you some advice last time. Are you a stubborn person, or are you a foolish one?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m saying that your feelings are plain for even me to see.”

At that, Claude’s mouth fell open. He almost let the wine he was holding in his mouth spill out. He hastily swallowed the wine and asked.

“Wh-what feelings?”

“You like Yuria, don’t you?”

“That’s absurd!”

The roar he let out was so loud that Cecil winced and stuck a finger in his right ear.

“If it’s not true, then it’s not true. Why are you shouting?”

“Wh-who said I like her! Absolutely not!”

“Seeing how you’re stuttering, you don’t seem to have any talent for lying.”

“I said no!”

“Alright. Let’s say it’s not true. Still, it would be a good idea to control your expression. It would be troublesome if someone else misunderstands like I did, wouldn’t it?”

Cecil tilted his head back as if annoyed. He had brought Claude out simply to get out of the way, not to engage in a pointless argument with him.

In the silence, only the sound of insects chirped occasionally. The sequoia trees that surrounded Saint Palace rustled their leaves against each other whenever the wind blew, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Cecil was just sipping his wine, gazing at the scenery spread before him.

Claude, holding his glass, was lost in deep thought. Then, he spoke with difficulty.

“Am I… that obvious?”

“Well, it depends on how one looks at it. Anyway, in the eyes of others, isn’t looking after someone meticulously like a younger sister and taking care of a woman one likes only a paper-thin difference?”

“I have never once harbored any ulterior motives toward Yuria.”

“Who asked? I’m not curious at all.”

When Cecil cut him off, Claude whipped his head around. His glaring eyes stared at Cecil’s brazen profile.

“Weren’t you the one who brought it up first?”