Chapter 31
“Your interest in me is… quite strong, Baron.”
“I hold immense interest, Duke Elias.”
Leo’s gaze toward Kalen turned sharp and slanted.
What an infuriating man.
A prestigious family, a handsome face, overwhelming wealth—and he was even third in line to the throne.
A man who’d simply been born a royal relative.
Leo had thought he cared nothing for politics, but Leo’s father had mentioned at the breakfast meeting that Kalen seemed to support Crown Prince Randol. Yet today, he had danced with Princess Ruena.
What on earth is he scheming?
Leo narrowed his eyes at Kalen.
Kalen knew exactly what kind of nonsense Leo was imagining, but he didn’t care. Both Randol and Ruena were his childhood cousins.
Whoever inherited the throne didn’t matter—as long as the kingdom was well-governed.
As the air between the two grew tense, Randol tugged Kalen’s arm.
“I’m getting a little hungry. Should we go find something to eat?”
“Sure.”
As the two headed toward the refreshments, Leo finally tore his gaze away and turned a sweet smile toward Ruena.
Randol glanced over his shoulder as he walked.
“Baron Healy still hates you, I see.”
“I don’t mind.”
“What do you mind, then?”
“Odin and Sif.”
“…So dogs outrank people in your life.”
Kalen simply smirked. The mention of Odin and Sif naturally brought to mind El, who would always end up running around with the dogs.
And the familiar silhouette he’d seen just moments ago.
“……”
Before Kalen could sink deeper into thoughts of her, Randol spoke again.
“Oh! I sent Baron Ros to run a small errand.”
“Barrett?”
“It’s a very personal matter, so don’t ask.”
Kalen only nodded once. Whatever Randol had ordered Barrett to do, it wasn’t Kalen’s concern. Barrett belonged wholly to House Elias; as long as the request didn’t harm the family, he would carry it out flawlessly.
***
Barrett had tilted his head the moment Randole gave the order.
“I made a mistake earlier. I couldn’t reveal I’m the Crown Prince. So you, as a viscount, must make sure that young lady never discovers my identity. Quietly follow her and find out where she’s staying. And this must never reach Kalen. This is an order as Crown Prince.”
It was a strange command… but still a royal one.
So Barrett obeyed and quietly trailed El.
When the carriage she rode reached its destination, Barrett frowned.
“This is Lady Moora’s neighborhood…”
It was too dark to see her face, but he recognized the direction. He frowned again.
“This is near Lady Moora’s home…”
Something felt wrong.
Getting off his horse, he followed her quietly. When she glanced around before entering her home, moonlight illuminated her face clearly.
Barrett’s eyes widened impossibly.
“Lady Eloise Moora? What in the world…?”
Once El stepped inside, he peered through the window. He’d never seen her in such fine clothing and makeup, but there was no doubt—it was El.
“Why would Lady Moora attend a party? I must tell the Duke immed—”
He froze mid-step.
Randol’s order resurfaced. He must never tell Kalen.
Barrett clutched his head.
His direct superior was Kalen. But a Crown Prince’s order could not be ignored.
Which should he obey?
Reveal the truth to Kalen?
Or keep the Crown Prince’s secrets?
El’s being followed meant she knew nothing—not of Randol’s royal identity, and not that she was being observed.
Everything was tangled in secrecy. Barrett’s life had never faced such a dilemma.
***
Perhaps the aftermath of the party had been too much; for the first time since she began living alone with Laura, El overslept. Only twenty to thirty minutes, but still later than usual.
When she woke, her head felt painfully heavy.
“So this is what it means to wake up with a heavy head… I didn’t sleep a wink.”
She had been exhausted last night, yet sleep never came.
Her whole body ached from the hours spent nervously watching Kalen, and the image of that man—Baron Amethyst Gore—kept flashing in her mind.
“What if he figured out who I am…?”
If that reached Kalen’s ears, she’d truly be in trouble. Attending a party in disguise and trailing him around was essentially spying. He’d definitely get angry.
I don’t want him to be angry…
Feeling gloomy, she sprang out of bed.
“No one will find out. I won’t have to go back to the Palace, and I’ll never see that Baron Gore again. It’ll be fine.”
She shook her head and started her day.
The moment she stepped into the living room, the dress and jewelry from last night caught her eye.
“I should return those first…”
As she wondered when to bring them back, she sensed movement outside the window. Startled, she peeked out.
A familiar face.
“Carl?”
It was Carl, the Elias household’s butler.
“You’re awake, my lady?”
“What brings you here so early?”
“A message from the Duchess. She wishes me to escort you.”
Wearing shabby clothes and pulling his hat low, Carl delivered Lady Lisa’s words in a casual tone—not the elegant manner he usually maintained.
It looked so odd that El stared at him. His cheeks flushed.
“She asked me to be discreet… so no one notices.”
“Oh, so Carl is playing spy today,” she teased gently.
“I’ll get ready right away.”
Since Laura wouldn’t wake for a while, El wrapped a scarf around her neck, grabbed the packed box, and headed out.
***
Lisa couldn’t stay still from sheer curiosity and rushed to the entrance to greet her.
“Welcome, Lady Moora.”
Spreading her arms warmly, she escorted El to the sitting room.
Before Carl could even pour tea, Lisa jumped straight in.
“Sorry to call you so early—I simply couldn’t wait. How was the party yesterday?”
“It was grand, and there were a lot of people.”
“And?”
“The Duke met many ladies who approached him. I think he remembered their letters well.”
“I see. Was there anyone he seemed particularly interested in?”
“Well… he danced…”
“Kalen danced?!”
Lisa’s jaw dropped.
Danced!
The last time Kalen had danced was at Adella’s wedding—six years ago. Him dancing now was monumental news.
Her cheeks flushed as she leaned in.
“With whom? Which family’s young lady?”
“With Her Highness, the Princess.”
“P—Princess…?”
“Yes. After speaking with several young ladies, he disappeared for a moment, but when the dance began, he appeared with Princess Ruena and danced with her. His movements were a bit stiff, but his lead was excellent.”
El worded it as gently as possible, using Leo as her convenient shield to hide her true vantage point.
A princess—surely Lisa would be thrilled.
But the joyful flush vanished from Lisa’s face. She suddenly looked rigid, troubled.
El fell silent, confused.
Something’s wrong…
After a heavy pause, Lisa forced a smile.
“Thank you. You did wonderfully. You may return now.”
The excitement was gone, replaced by concern. El had no idea why.
She rose, embarrassed.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Ah—this.”
“What is it?”
El handed her the box of dresses, accessories, and jewelry.
“I wore them well yesterday. I’m returning them.”
“These are yours, Lady Moora.”
“Mine? Oh—no, I couldn’t possibly.”
“You helped me with a difficult request. This is my thanks.”
“It’s far too much. I can’t accept it.”
“What am I going to do with a dress that doesn’t even fit me? The gloves don’t fit either, and the jewelry matches only that dress. Should I just store them in a wardrobe to rot…?”
Lisa had a point.
But the items were too valuable. El shook her head firmly.
“I’m sorry. I can’t accept them. Thank you… but I really must refuse.”
