Chapter 73
Every time, without fail, the same thought crossed his mind—
He felt like a bastard.
Like some perverted wretch who got aroused regardless of what his heart actually wanted.
It should have been unpleasant, but strangely, it left him feeling free—
as though he had finally set down a heavy burden.
Admitting it had been the hardest part. He had fought against the truth with everything he had, refusing to accept it.
But once he acknowledged it… it turned out to be nothing at all.
Maybe it was because he had spent the last few weeks lashing out, snapping and bristling at everything. Now, there was a strange lightness in his chest.
Damn it. I really am nothing but a degenerate.
Franz let out a self-mocking laugh under his breath.
“Her lady-in-waiting is exceptionally skilled.”
Iella accepted the compliment with calm grace, directing the credit to Betty instead.
Flustered, Betty looked as though she didn’t know where to put herself.
“In that case, this girl has been wasting her talent all this time.”
“Ah… I suppose you could say that.”
“I hope she continues to put her talent to use.”
“Yes! Of course!”
When Franz smiled at Betty, she ducked her head, overwhelmed with gratitude.
Only then did Iella return the compliment.
“Your Highness looks wonderful again today.”
“I always look wonderful.”
It was true—he was always refined and handsome. But today, he had lingered longer than usual before the mirror, and the small difference was there. Subtle though it was, Iella hadn’t noticed right away.
“Well, you’re right. You look just as handsome as always.”
“…”
When he only stared at her in silence, Iella tilted her head, puzzled.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Let’s take our tea outside.”
“All right.”
She thought he meant the outdoor garden, but instead, a carriage had been prepared.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere you’ll like.”
The carriage carried them past the upper gardens, stopping only when they reached the slope of Humphrey’s Forest. Dazed, Iella stepped down and saw a pavilion beneath a towering tree.
On the table inside were all manner of decorations, elegant porcelain in graceful curves and bright colors, simple dishes and desserts, even wine. It was a smaller version of the pavilion in the lower garden, but it lacked nothing.
It was breathtaking. Iella couldn’t help but move closer.
“Wow…”
“I knew you’d like it,” Franz’s low voice sounded behind her.
“Really?”
When she turned, his eyes curved softly as he smiled.
“You liked it last time too. If only the rain hadn’t spoiled things, I would’ve shown you this place earlier.”
Iella recalled that day, a memory dampened by rain. She never imagined she would come back here like this.
“I’m happy. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Sit.”
With the natural manners of someone born to it, Franz pulled out her chair. Once she sat, he returned to his own seat, draping one arm casually over the armrest. He looked dignified yet relaxed.
Iella turned her gaze to the vase on the table. A sweet floral scent drifted up from a bouquet of vibrant lisianthus.
The quiet broke with the gentle sound of tea being poured from a small brazier-heated pot. The clear, tinkling stream filled the cup.
After sipping elegantly, Franz fixed his eyes on Iella. No, his gaze never left her at all.
“Did you get home safely yesterday?”
Before answering, Iella glanced briefly at the servants waiting on them, and at Hans, who stood by Franz, before replying.
“Yes. Thanks to you.”
“You’ve all worked hard. You may leave us.”
At those words, both Iella and Hans looked startled.
“Do you mean… everyone?” Hans asked.
“Mm. Return at four o’clock.”
Hans hesitated, troubled, but bowed once he saw the firmness in Franz’s eyes.
“Yes, understood.”
Once Hans and the servants withdrew, only the two of them remained on the slope of Humphrey’s Hill.
“Did you send them away because of me? It’s all right, you know.”
It had been bothering her, but not enough to dismiss everyone. In fact, being alone with him felt even more awkward. And besides… what if some dangerous animal appeared here of all places?
“Why, are you worried?”
“What if something jumps out?”
“If anything dangerous happens, I’ll throw myself in front of you.”
“Don’t say something so frightening. The danger is one thing, but you throwing yourself in harm’s way? I don’t want to become the villain hated by all Lapland for harming their prince.”
Franz burst into warm laughter.
Beneath the table, Hans had left a gun in case of emergencies, but Franz hadn’t mentioned it. He didn’t want to frighten her. And besides, he had meant what he said: he would throw himself in front of her if it came to that.
“Don’t worry. I come here for naps sometimes. Nothing bad has ever happened.”
“Maybe it’s because the creatures here know this hill belongs to the prince.”
“Who knows.”
“Then… is today’s arrangement the price for yesterday?”
“Of course not.”
“Then what is it?”
“Iella… give me your day.”
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said.”
She blinked, not fully understanding. She needed a clearer explanation.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“You’re not going to ask if I’m trying something underhanded?”
The words were bold, a direct provocation. When Franz smirked, Iella frowned slightly.
“Don’t misunderstand. I mean nothing else. Just spend the day with me. Unless you want otherwise, I won’t so much as lay a finger on you.”
“In that case… then I don’t mind. All right.”
Franz tilted his head, eyes narrowing as he studied her.
“So you’re saying there’s absolutely no chance you’ll ever want me?”
“…What?”
“It’s just—you agreed so quickly. I mean, I promised I wouldn’t touch you, fine, but you trust me that much? Do I really look like the sort of man you can rest easy around?”
His confidence soared high enough to brush the sky. And he was handsome enough to make even that arrogance forgivable.
“I neither want it nor would I ever allow it. And I don’t believe a prince like you would stoop to flaunting brute force like some adolescent boy.”
“‘Never allow it’—so if you did allow it, that would be different?”
Though his tone was light, Iella felt her breath catch.
“That’s not what I meant. I would never allow it. We’re not in that kind of relationship.”
Straightening her back, Iella declared it firmly. Franz studied her a moment, then let out a soft laugh.
“And what kind of relationship would that be?”
“Certainly not the one between you and me, Your Highness.”
“Well, fine. Without permission, I won’t touch you.”
He stepped back easily. If he wanted, he could press her until she gave the answer he wanted, but forcing her would be no fun at all.
“You state the obvious as if it’s some great concession.”
“…”
For once, Franz was at a loss for words. He had never been left speechless like this before.
How childish she makes me.
This wasn’t like him at all. Normally, he would push back twice as hard, pressing and grinding until his opponent was left in tatters. But with her, he found himself flustered, his sharpness dulled, growing uncharacteristically childish.
And yet… even as he cursed himself for the thought, a faint smile lingered on his lips.
Iella had expected him to fire back, but instead, he looked lost in thought. She tilted her head. Even after a while, he said nothing.
She too held her silence. Their relationship wasn’t cold or strained, but neither was it comfortable enough to simply sit together without awkwardness. Still, she didn’t want to ruin things by making them tense on purpose.
Once, when they had walked through Humphrey’s Forest together, she had thought she could consider him a friend. But now… somehow, he had become a man she felt awkward around. The realization only saddened her.
From the high slope of Humphrey’s Hill, the view stretched wide: Biln’s countless red rooftops, the towering cathedral, and, in the distance, even a glimpse of the royal palace.
With his permission, Iella sat on a mat and began sketching the scenery. Judging from the sketchbook he had prepared for her, Franz must have anticipated this.
Sitting nearby, Franz scribbled idly at first, then leaned back against a cushion, drinking wine straight from the bottle. The image was far from princely refinement—more like that day in the cabin, when both had let the masks drop.
How many people, Iella wondered, had ever seen this unvarnished side of the prince? Not the polished, courteous façade, but his true self.
“What? Do you want some wine too?”
His sudden words startled her. She realized she must have been staring without meaning to.
“N-no.”
Quickly, she turned her head. Bowing over her sketch, she added meaningless lines to hide her embarrassment.
“Shall I at least fetch you a glass?”
“So I don’t look uncultured?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
Franz shrugged, unbothered, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
“There’s no need to always be graceful.”
“I really didn’t mean it that way. It’s just… Your Highness looks most elegant and striking when you’re being a little arrogant.”
And it was true. That air of pride, that touch of arrogance—it only made him more captivating.
