Chapter 15
“Actually, I heard you are friends with Lady Karnen Holby.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Noxia’s eyes widened. The moment Karnen’s name came up, her tension shifted. She straightened her back and stared hard at the prince—not just cautious anymore, but determined to figure out what he really meant.
“And what about her? Why bring up Lady Karnen?”
If the prince showed uncomfortable interest in her, Noxia could put up with it somehow. His polite, kind behavior didn’t feel threatening.
But if Karnen was involved, it was different. Noxia worried this unpredictable prince might have special feelings for her noble friend.
Her suspicion was written clearly on her face. Elenon immediately realized her misunderstanding—and now it was his turn to panic.
“There’s no special reason. I was simply curious. I don’t know Lady Karnen very well, but I’ve heard many good things about her. Since you’re her friend, I wanted to talk with you.”
He rushed to explain. Even he knew it sounded like a weak excuse, but he couldn’t tell her the real reason.
How can I bluntly ask if she told anyone what she saw last week? I have to find out somehow…
This was the difference between them. Noxia was straightforward and honest. Elenon, raised as royalty, had learned to hide everything behind polite words.
She still looked suspicious. Before she could say more, a knock sounded, and the servant entered with their drinks.
“Here are your orders.”
“Thank you,” Elenon said kindly, smiling perfectly like a prince.
Noxia didn’t even glance at the servant—her eyes stayed fixed on Elenon, full of doubt. He started regretting bringing her here at all.
When the servant left, the room filled with the sweet scent of peach, black tea, and milk.
Noxia reached for her teacup. The porcelain was smooth and warm in her hands.
“Your Highness,” she said suddenly, taking the chance before he could control the conversation again.
“You mean to say, you spoke to me because you’re interested in Lady Karnen—and I’m her friend?”
“Yes, that’s right. But it’s not a romantic interest, I promise. Please don’t misunderstand.”
Elenon quickly added that he wasn’t secretly chasing after Karnen. But Noxia’s thoughts went elsewhere.
“But, Prince… you didn’t even know my name. Yet you knew who my friends were? How does that make sense? You didn’t know me, but you knew I was Karnen’s friend?”
Her brow furrowed. She wasn’t being disrespectful—just logical.
“Your Highness… did you investigate me?”
Her blunt words stunned him. Elenon froze, and that reaction only convinced Noxia further. Her unease grew.
“Is this because… I saw you that night? Last week, in the garden?”
She asked nervously. What other reason could there be for a prince to notice a countryside orphan like her?
Now that she knew he wasn’t after Karnen, she began to worry about herself instead.
“If that’s why, then let me say it clearly: I never told anyone what I saw. I don’t plan to either. I only know Lady Karnen here in the capital—and I didn’t even tell her. My hometown friends, sure, I write them letters, but I’d never mention you in them. So you don’t need to worry—”
She rambled faster and faster, terrified he had brought her here to threaten her into silence.
Elenon’s heart sank when he saw how pale she looked.
This isn’t what I wanted at all.
He hadn’t even gotten close to asking directly, yet clever Noxia had guessed his purpose and rushed to defend herself.
He had wanted to reassure her into silence. But now, he felt like a villain—forcing a frightened girl into a corner.
…I really am the bad guy, aren’t I?
He bit his lip, ashamed. Dragging her here against her will—wasn’t that exactly what an arrogant prince would do?
If he’d known her better, he would never have made this mistake. Noxia wasn’t the type to gossip. She was quick-witted, cautious, and avoided trouble naturally. She would have stayed silent anyway—even if he weren’t a prince.
Now he finally understood that much.
“…So as I was saying, I never told anyone, and I won’t—”
“Lady Decan, please! It’s fine. Really. I understand now.”
He cut her off gently, wearing his warmest, kindest smile.
“There’s no need to worry. Last week was nothing serious. A little embarrassing, yes, but everyone has moments like that. I’ve already forgotten it. If you forget too, it’ll be as if it never happened.”
It was a complete lie. He hadn’t forgotten for a moment.
Noxia clearly didn’t believe him, her face doubtful. But Elenon forced himself to continue calmly.
“And to confess honestly: saying I was curious about Lady Karnen was just an excuse. Sorry for deceiving you. The truth is—I’m interested in you.”
“Me?”
Noxia looked shocked, almost horrified. Elenon nearly laughed at her expression—it was so open, so easy to read.
She’s really amazing. Everything shows on her face.
Her brown hair, her green eyes, her round, gentle gaze—yet so full of emotion. Elenon found himself strangely delighted just watching her reactions.
“Yes, you. I heard you’re from another region. I’ve lived in this city all my life, so I rarely meet people from outside. I wanted to hear your stories.”
He smiled lightly, though inside he was desperately searching for excuses to fix the mess he’d made.
At first he had pretended interest in her noble friend. Now, he decided to change direction—claiming curiosity about Noxia herself.
“I know I was rude to drag you here. But my curiosity about you is real. Please don’t misunderstand my intentions.”
His large blue eyes looked at her pleadingly, almost like a soaked puppy begging for sympathy.
Noxia was thrown off balance. Just minutes ago, she’d felt like the victim. Now, somehow, she felt like she was the bully making the poor prince beg.
What is this? He’s the one who forced me here, so why does he look like the pitiful one? Stupid prince, looking like a puppy…
She bit her lip, frustrated.
“Why would someone like you be curious about someone like me? I don’t have any special stories. My hometown is just… the countryside.”
She spoke coldly. His words of “curiosity” felt almost like he was mocking her for being a country girl.
Is he teasing me because I’m from a rural place?
After everything she had gone through at the ball, she couldn’t help but be suspicious.
She glared straight into his puppy-like eyes. He only gazed back steadily.
…Doesn’t seem like he’s teasing me, though.
If this was just acting, Elenon would make an excellent actor. That silly thought crossed her mind as she stared at him.
