Chapter 41
Franz looked down at Iella’s blinking face for a moment before glancing around. Then he released the arm wrapped around her waist and instead took her hand. He could feel her small, soft hand twitch in his grasp.
“Let’s go.”
“Pardon?”
“We don’t know when someone might show up here. We can’t stay like this.”
Iella accepted the logic easily and quietly followed him. She stumbled a bit trying to match his long strides and asked,
“Where are we going? My aunt said not to wander too far…”
She tried to pull her hand back, but Franz only tightened his grip gently.
“Didn’t you come out because you didn’t want to stay inside?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“Are you scared of me?”
Even though he knew she’d been frightened by her conversation with Agnes, something about seeing that fear directed at him made Franz feel strangely uneasy. Normally, he enjoyed watching others cower before him—but not now. Not with her. It wasn’t enjoyable at all.
“N-No! That’s not it.”
It had been scary. Just a little while ago, she was terrified. But now… now it was just a little uncomfortable.
“I don’t want to go back either. Let’s go somewhere and rest a bit before heading back.”
His voice was tired. Iella couldn’t bring herself to refuse. He led her toward the conservatory.
“Better than being alone in the garden, right?”
“Yes.”
They arrived at a long bench tucked away beside the greenhouse. A nearby fountain bubbled gently, sending arcs of water into the air.
Only when Franz let go of her hand did Iella realize they’d been holding hands the entire way.
Feeling oddly flustered, she rubbed her hand against her dress to wipe it off.
“Sit down.”
While she did, Franz pulled out a handkerchief and spread it on the bench for her. Iella paused when she saw it.
Under the bright lamp nearby, the pure white fabric with gold embroidery gleamed conspicuously. It was clearly of fine quality.
She knew it was a gentleman’s courtesy to offer a handkerchief, but such kindness felt unfamiliar. She had never received this kind of treatment before.
At least the lighting hid the redness creeping up her ears.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” she murmured, lowering her head in thanks and carefully sitting down.
Franz’s lips curled slightly at the sight of her flustered expression.
What era is this woman living in…?
To be this shy over such a minor gesture—at twenty years old, it felt like a mismatch. It was both pitiful and strangely endearing.
Compared to how absurd she had first seemed, she had improved significantly. At least he no longer wanted to laugh at her.
Iella sat silently with her head bowed, unmoving. Though it was odd for Franz to bring her here only to say nothing, she didn’t feel right speaking up either.
As the silence dragged on, she grew anxious and unconsciously bit down on her lower lip.
Franz watched her through half-lidded eyes.
Does she even know what kind of effect she has when she does that so defenselessly? Of course, she likely had no intention behind it.
At times, she seemed endlessly naïve, and other times, sly like a fox. Her occasional assertiveness proved she wasn’t entirely soft.
“Are you doing that on purpose?”
Startled by his sudden question, Iella jumped.
“W-What?”
“Your lips.”
Her lips? She clearly didn’t understand. Franz waved a hand dismissively.
“Never mind. Forget it.”
He sighed, pressing his fingers to his temples. The more he tried to sort out what had happened, the more tangled his thoughts became. He gave up.
Laughter and cheerful music drifted toward them, carried by the cool night breeze.
Franz turned to gaze at Iella. She sat stiffly, hands folded neatly on her lap, eyes lowered.
“What are you doing? You’re not falling asleep again, are you?”
He asked with a hint of amusement. Iella pouted in reply.
“No, I’m not!”
Her lips jutted out in a small sulk, and she cast her gaze downward. Then she turned to glance at him, red lips full and ripe like a fruit, expression sharp and cute all at once.
If other men saw that flushed face and slightly swollen lips, they’d surely go wild in a different way. Franz let out a strange smile.
“You’re not usually this quiet. Why are you so subdued?”
“…You were angry. I’m waiting for you to calm down.”
Her voice was small, subdued. Franz blinked.
Oh.
In all the chaos, he had forgotten he was angry to begin with.
“Well, you should’ve done something. Sitting quietly won’t fix anything.”
The guilt on her face quickly transformed into determination.
It wasn’t just innocence—it was purity. She wasn’t good at hiding her feelings, and Franz found that charming in a way.
“Then tell me what to do. Anything.”
He hadn’t meant anything in particular by his words, but seeing the sparkle in her eyes made him think something could happen. The mere thought made his head spin.
No. Absolutely not.
This woman—so unaware of the effect she had—couldn’t possibly know what she was stirring up.
“You’re quite the innocent lady. What do you think I’d say?”
“You’re a prince. I’m sure you wouldn’t ask for anything unreasonable.”
“Not sure I’d bet on that.”
“Then… should I take it back?”
She asked cautiously, watching him. Franz chuckled.
“You really do whatever you want.”
Even as he feigned exasperation, he was amused. Tilting his head, Franz gazed up at the night sky.
Stars were scattered across the deep blue canvas above. His earlier irritation had faded, replaced by a faint smile.
His calm, indifferent gaze seemed to stretch toward the distant heavens. Iella looked at his profile and suddenly asked,
“Your Highness… You’re always so busy, aren’t you?”
Franz turned to her, puzzled.
“I heard you were at a club, and now you’re here at Count Vermont’s birthday celebration… You must barely have time to breathe. Mr. O’Neill was worried about your health.”
“Laziness leads to complacency.”
“But overexertion breaks you. It makes even possible things impossible.”
Franz looked at her without a word, and she continued,
“If you’re too lazy, you can’t do anything. But if you push too hard, your body breaks down. That’s what the book said.”
“Who said that?”
“I read it in a book.”
“Well, I guess it wasn’t complete nonsense.”
Leaning on one arm, Franz propped his chin in his hand and looked at her, a soft smile playing on his lips.
His ocean-blue eyes sparkled unusually brightly, deep and unfathomable like a bottomless sea. Iella couldn’t look away.
I shouldn’t read too much into that gaze… But… Am I really his type?
It was ridiculous. But when she considered everything piece by piece, it was… confusing.
Oh my god. Get a grip. What are you even thinking?
One look at someone like the stunning, seductive Agnes made the thought laughable.
“Why me, of all people?”
“Because I don’t like you. Liking someone would make things complicated. From my point of view, I can’t think of anyone more suitable than you—better even than Miss Clarence.”
Exactly. That’s all it is—because I’m useful. The studio, the dress—it was never for me. Don’t forget the contract. Don’t let yourself get confused.
As Iella drowned in her thoughts, Franz continued to watch her closely.
Her ever-changing expressions were a sight to behold. Maybe it was because everyone around him was so stone-faced, but he found her fascinating.
“You look weird.”
“Excuse me?”
Iella frowned at the strange comment.
There it is—another expression.
Franz stifled a chuckle. Iella blinked in confusion.
“…Was that supposed to be a compliment?”
“If you dig around, you’ll find one in there somewhere.”
Doesn’t sound like it, she wanted to say, but held back. Still, now she couldn’t help but think she really might look weird.
“Well, I’ll keep an eye out. I was really good at hide-and-seek as a kid. I caught everyone when I was ‘it.’”
Seeing her prim little face, Franz laughed aloud.
“Looks like you’re not wearing your plain dresses anymore. Not trying to impress me, I hope?”
“I’m trying to impress my parents. I don’t want to hurt them again.”
She smiled brightly, lifting her now fully healed palm.
“They told me to be ladylike and graceful today.”
At the Vermont party? Franz smirked internally.
“And Mother threw out all my old clothes. She said they were so ridiculous it was embarrassing.”
Thanks to Madam Dupont’s guidance, Iella had decided to present herself like a beautiful jewel in a box. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a little regret at tossing her old clothes. Even when she offered to just wear them at home, her mother had been unrelenting.
