Chapter 13
“By the way, my brother Kairon’s birthday is coming up soon. If anyone needs an invitation, just let me know.”
“Oh my, is it that time already? I can’t believe Prince Kairon’s birthday is almost here. I still remember last year’s hunting party like it was yesterday.”
“Yes, that was such a great event. Though honestly, I really loved the lakeside picnic from the year before too.”
“Prince Elenon, do you know what theme Prince Kairon has chosen this year?”
Prince Kairon Hermeon, three years older than Elenon, was famous for throwing unique birthday celebrations every year.
Two years ago, he hosted a grand picnic at a royal lakeside villa. Last year, he invited guests to hunt in the royal forests, then feasted with the game they caught themselves.
For a society bored of endless balls and tea parties, the crown prince’s creative celebrations brought refreshing excitement.
Naturally, expectations were high this year. Elenon smiled as his classmates gazed at him with open curiosity and admiration.
“Of course I know. But it’s still a secret.”
“Aww, don’t be like that, Prince. Just a little hint?”
“We promise we won’t tell anyone. Only us, please?”
“Sorry, but I really can’t. It wouldn’t be right to spoil it before my brother makes the announcement himself. You’ll find out once you get your invitations.”
“Is it still happening the day before his actual birthday?”
“Yes, that’s the plan. So make sure to keep that date free.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I’m already excited!”
“Good. Feel free to look forward to it.”
Elenon laughed brightly with his classmates. But only his face was smiling—inside, he felt hollow.
Their mocking words from before—calling his kindness fake, his smile forced, his attention toward girls shallow—still echoed in his mind.
And here they were again, in front of him, faces glowing with anticipation for the prince’s invitation.
Why hadn’t he noticed their artificial smiles earlier? Probably because he himself wore the same kind of mask.
“By the way, my brother said you can bring a guest this year—friends, lovers, even relatives. He wants the party to be larger than usual.”
Elenon spoke smoothly, concealing his dry heart, while carefully laying out bait. His real goal today wasn’t camaraderie. It was finding the girl who had seen him cry.
“So, maybe some of you could bring the same friends you took to the spring ball. Selbert, you brought your cousin, right? Heidi, didn’t you invite that foreign pen pal of yours?”
“Yes, that’s right. She’ll be thrilled to hear this.”
“Really? We’re allowed to bring friends? This party must be huge. I can’t wait!”
“My brother loves grand celebrations, you know. Speaking of the ball, who was that girl again? The tall one with brown hair and green eyes… I can’t seem to recall her name.”
He trailed off casually, hoping someone would bite. Hoping someone would reveal the name of the girl he so badly needed to find.
“Brown hair and green eyes? Who was that?”
“Did one of us even bring someone like that?”
“Oh, I think I know. Wasn’t it that guy—Henry, or Harry—from the south?”
“Idiot, he said a girl. Prince, do you remember what color dress she wore?”
“Yes, I do. Peach-colored. Very soft pink.”
He answered calmly, hiding his impatience as the conversation went in circles. Then—someone clapped their hands as if remembering.
“Oh! I remember now. The girl in the peach dress—she was the friend Lady Holby brought. What was it again…?”
“Oh, right, her! Big eyes, slim build?”
“But honestly, why would Lady Holby bring someone like that as her friend?”
“Don’t be mean. They say they’ve known each other since childhood.”
“Yeah, apparently Lady Holby met her back when she was recovering in the countryside. I heard she’s an orphan.”
“Really? An orphan?”
The tone shifted—quieter now, with ridicule creeping in. They laughed easily at someone who wasn’t present.
Karnen Holby had never studied at the Academy herself, so she had little connection with this inner circle of students. Her close companions—like Daisy Roben and Rachel Dalian—were tied to her family’s business rather than Academy ties.
But the prince’s circle were the Academy’s core—exclusive, self-satisfied, admired and envied. To them, Karnen was an outsider, tolerated only because she was a marquis’s daughter. And her countryside friend? Even less.
“Well, at least she was pretty.”
“Pretty? Please. She was average at best. Maybe she stands out in the sticks she came from.”
“And looks don’t last. What else does she have? A girl from some rural orphanage can’t have much to offer.”
“Who knows. Maybe she has some hidden talent, and that’s why Lady Holby keeps her around.”
“Hmph. I doubt it.”
Elenon bit back his irritation. He stopped fishing for details—today he had learned enough.
She’s Lady Holby’s friend. That’s enough for now.
He no longer wanted to hear their sneers. They didn’t even remember her name—only her looks and background.
Names matter. A name means recognition. You ask someone’s name when you truly want to know them, when you want to connect.
To his classmates, the girl was nothing more than a target for gossip. They never cared enough to learn her name.
Elenon suddenly felt ashamed—for even trying to use them to find her. Quietly, he offered her an unspoken apology.
Just then, the waiter arrived with tea and pastries, and the girl was forgotten by everyone else. Elenon let out a breath of relief.
They moved on, chatting about Academy assignments, popular new novels, and trendy sports. Elenon laughed and joined in, pretending he wasn’t tired, bored, or disgusted.
Then he happened to glance out the window. And froze.
“…!”
A young woman was walking down the street. Brown hair. Slender build. A familiar face.
Elenon shot to his feet. His startled classmates stared at him.
“Everyone, I have to leave early. Something urgent just came to mind.”
“What? Prince, where are you going?”
“It’s about my brother’s invitations. I’ll explain later.”
His face didn’t betray a thing. Once, he would have felt guilty for lying. Not anymore.
They lie to me. I lie to them. Fair’s fair.
He tossed money on the table—more than enough to cover the bill.
“Sorry to rush out. Use the extra for more food if you like.”
“Thank you, Prince!”
“You’re too generous as always.”
Elenon smiled like an angel. Then turned quickly before he acted on his urge to punch their smug faces.
Once out of sight, he ran. Down the stairs, through the lobby, out into the street.
As always, his bodyguard appeared at his side.
“Your Highness, is there a problem?”
“Not a problem. Just someone I need to find. A girl my age—tall, brown hair…”
Elenon stopped mid-sentence. His eyes locked on a figure across the street.
“…Found her.”
He muttered, then sprinted forward. His guard followed.
There—just ahead—the familiar brown head bobbed in the crowd.
“Wait!”
Elenon shouted. The girl hesitated, then turned around, surprise written on her face.
