~Chapter 86~
Hilda’s emerald eyes, shining like jewels, were filled with Kilian’s face.
Hilda looked up at Kilian without saying anything, and Kilian looked back at her the same way.
“……”
“……”
A moment of silence fell between them. Kilian quickly glanced at Hilda, scanning her from head to toe.
Even though she wore a cheap dress not fitting for a royal, her face was still dazzlingly beautiful.
Then, slowly, Kilian spoke.
“We’ve arrived at the royal palace.”
“……”
“Please get out, Princess.”
With those words, Kilian reached out his hand to Hilda, helping her get down easily from the high carriage.
But—
“It’s fine.”
Hilda answered with a noble voice.
“Even though I was brought here as a prisoner, my legs still work.”
“……”
“I can get down by myself. You can take your hand back.”
Hilda was beautiful.
Even after being abandoned by her own country.
She stayed proud, like true royalty.
Even if nobody respected her.
Because of that, Kilian understood very quickly what kind of person Hilda Everett was.
“I see.”
Kilian withdrew his hand.
“If that’s what Your Highness wants, I’ll be leaving now.”
“Go ahead.”
“The soldiers will guide you to the audience room. Just follow them.”
“Understood.”
“Then, goodbye.”
Kilian gave a small, polite bow and turned around with no regrets.
He began to walk away slowly.
“Um, is it really okay to leave her alone like that?”
It was Theorn who hurried up to Kilian with a worried face. It was only natural. The Emperor himself had asked Kilian to be the escort, and now Kilian was leaving before it was finished.
“She clearly said what she wanted. There’s no reason for me to force kindness on her.”
Kilian answered calmly, as if there was nothing to worry about.
“I’m not a prince on a white horse, Theorn.”
“Duke…”
“My job was to escort her from the border to the palace. That’s it. The princess didn’t want me to stay with her, so I’m respecting her wishes. The Emperor will understand.”
Hearing those words did not make Theorn feel better, but there was nothing he could do to stop Kilian. So, Theorn just sighed and started walking back with him.
“But… isn’t she really beautiful?”
He remembered Hilda’s face and mumbled softly.
“That princess, I mean.”
“……”
“I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful before. Of course, she has a different look, more exotic because she’s from Aldrosia.”
“Yes, she’s beautiful.”
“Right? You think so too, Duke—”
“But for Hilda Everett, that might be a fatal weakness.”
“What?”
“For someone without power, beauty is useless. Hilda Everett probably suffered a lot because of her looks.”
Yes, people were right.
Hilda Everett was beautiful.
But that was all.
“It’ll be the same in Draxion. Do you think the royal family here will treat a prisoner princess well? No, of course not. And Aldrosia won’t help her either. If they cared, they wouldn’t have sent her as a prisoner in the first place.”
“……”
“Hilda Everett knows this too. That’s why she acts so cold and defensive.”
“So, what do you think will happen to her?”
Theorn’s voice was nervous, worried if this beautiful princess could survive in Draxion. But Kilian still looked calm and answered without a blink.
“Who knows?”
“What?”
“It’s all up to her. Whether she remains a prisoner, becomes a traitor to Aldrosia, or even lives or dies.”
“I see… If Princess Hilda knows any secrets about Aldrosia, she might make a different choice. Hmm… But does she have the courage?”
“Who knows? That’s another thing I can’t say. But if she’s as brave as Aisha Ashton…”
Aisha Ashton.
Kilian stopped suddenly, as if he’d made a huge mistake by saying her name.
“……”
The silence was awkward—especially for Theorn.
Theorn also knew. For the past few days, Kilian’s mood had been terrible.
But he never imagined it was because of Aisha Ashton’s absence.
‘No way.’
Theorn remembered what kind of face Kilian made when he saw the “Sunday’s Exposé” Kilian Winters Special Editions.
Honestly, it was surprising Kilian hadn’t killed her already.
Aisha Ashton must have been such a thorn in his side, so you’d think he’d be happy now. But lately, his mood was worse than ever.
While thinking that, Kilian and Theorn left the palace and started walking down the street. Theorn thought it was a relief—at least he didn’t have to change the subject himself.
But then, before he overheard people on the street talking about the “Sunday’s Exposé,” he really thought things were okay.
“I wonder what the next Sunday’s Exposé will be about?”
“Yeah. I can’t wait! I’ve only been waiting for Sunday since Monday!”
“Me too! Oh, want to hear something funny? My dad used to complain I wasted money on it, but now he’s a subscriber too! Can you believe it?”
“It makes sense. The news about the Empress Dowager last time was a huge deal.”
Kilian walked faster.
He passed by the young noble ladies chatting.
“Baron, I heard you’ve been subscribing to the Exposé for a while.”
“Yes, I have. Why do you ask?”
“Can I borrow your old copies?”
“Didn’t you say the Exposé was trashy?”
“Well, things are different now. I know there’s lots of gossip about society in there. But I’m just really curious.”
“Since you’re so honest, I guess I have to. Just return them in good shape, okay?”
Everywhere they went.
“What’s the bonus in this week’s Exposé?”
“Whatever it is, I have to get it. I even saved up money for it!”
Everywhere.
“Who is Vivi Bubblemouth anyway, to be so bold?”
“I know, right? I’m dying to know! Whoever they are, they must be amazing.”
“You’d have to be to pull off something so incredible.”
Everyone was talking about the “Sunday’s Exposé.”
They were all talking about Aisha.
Kilian started walking even faster, like someone being chased.
“……Haa.”
He let out a quiet sigh, making sure Theorn didn’t notice.
“Duke! Duke Kilian!”
He kept hearing Aisha’s voice in his mind, over and over.
