Chapter 16
“Don’t talk like that. What does it matter if it’s countryside or city? The important thing is that it’s a place I’ve never seen before. Isn’t this city fascinating to you? To me, your hometown would be just as fascinating.”
The prince smiled warmly, speaking in a friendly tone.
“I’d like to hear your stories. Since we already ordered drinks, let’s talk at least until we finish them. Oh, go ahead and try yours—you probably haven’t had a chance to drink yet.”
“…Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.”
“Kindness? Not at all.”
For a moment, Elenon’s smile wavered. He looked embarrassed, almost genuine. Hearing her call it “kindness” in this awkward situation made his face heat up.
Noxia lowered her gaze, blew lightly on her peach tea, then took a sip. The sweet, fruity warmth spread across her tongue.
“How is it? Do you like it?”
“Yes, it’s good.”
She answered honestly. The flavor was rich but not overwhelming—she was pleasantly surprised.
“Good. I’d have been embarrassed if my recommendation didn’t suit your taste.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that.”
Noxia set down her cup with a small smile. It was the first time she had smiled at Elenon—today, and even last week.
Back then, they had met under the worst circumstances. Elenon hadn’t looked princely at all; he had been crying like a child. And Noxia, seeing that, had felt trapped. There hadn’t been a chance to share smiles. He hadn’t even known her name. Now, finally, they were inching toward a normal sort of conversation.
“And your tea, Prince? How’s the black tea?”
“The tea? Oh—I haven’t tried it yet. But it’s just tea, isn’t it?”
He raised his cup and tasted it. The flavor was exactly as expected—bitter tea smoothed by soft, creamy milk.
“So, what exactly are you curious about? I don’t know if I have anything interesting to say.”
“Hmm… let’s see. When did you first meet Lady Holby?”
“When I was ten. Lady Karnen was ill back then, and she came to my village to recover. The local lord had children my age, so I became their companion—and through them, I grew close to Lady Karnen.”
“I see. And are you still friends with the lord’s children?”
“No…”
Noxia’s face darkened at the memory of the baron’s ill-tempered son and daughter. Elenon noticed and smoothly changed the subject.
“So you’ve been friends with Lady Karnen since you were ten. You must be very close—lucky to have such a lasting friendship.”
“Yes. I feel fortunate too, though I admit it’s odd to say so since she was sick at the time. Still, I’m grateful we met.”
“I envy you. I hope your friendship lasts forever.”
Hearing a prince say he was envious made Noxia’s expression shift strangely. Realizing his slip, Elenon’s cheeks flushed.
I hope she doesn’t take that the wrong way.
It was just a polite comment, nothing more. At least, he hoped she saw it that way. He quickly sipped his tea to hide his face, the hot liquid burning down his throat.
“So, do you know anyone else here in the capital?”
“No, as I said before.”
“I see. And where are you living now?”
“I’m renting a small place near the city. Lady Karnen helped me.”
“Do you plan to stay long in the capital?”
“My goal is to settle here permanently. I’m starting work next week.”
“Where will you be working?”
“…At the Academy library, as an assistant librarian.”
Karnen had written her a recommendation, and after an interview three days ago, Noxia had been accepted. The message to start work next week came just yesterday.
She hesitated to answer because she knew the prince studied at the Academy. The thought of crossing paths with him there unsettled her.
“The Academy?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What a small world. Perhaps you already knew, but I’m studying there now.”
“Yes, I knew.”
“Then we may see each other often. I’d call that fate, wouldn’t you?”
Elenon joked lightly, but Noxia frowned again. The sight of her openly displeased expression made his lips twitch. Every time she reacted so transparently, he had to fight the urge to tease her more.
But I really shouldn’t.
He restrained himself. He’d already troubled her enough.
“Lady Decan, don’t you have questions for me?”
“For you?”
“Yes. You’ve told me your story—it’s only fair I tell you mine. Ask me anything.”
Honestly, I don’t want to ask anything at all, Noxia thought. But out loud, she chose something harmless.
“Um… what’s your major?”
“Literature.”
“Oh. That’s an impressive field.”
She replied flatly. His lips twitched again.
“I thought so too, which is why I chose it. But in reality, it’s less romantic than I imagined. We spend class analyzing and dissecting existing works, memorizing critiques, even rewriting classics. It wasn’t the reading and writing I loved—it was just endless analysis.”
“And that wasn’t what you wanted?”
“No. I realized too late that literature was only a hobby for me, not something I wanted to study so deeply. Maybe the truth is, I’m not suited for Academy study at all.”
For once, Elenon spoke completely honestly.
People praised him as the perfect prince—handsome, kind, intelligent. But he knew he wasn’t a genius. His high grades came only after nights of exhausting study, pushing himself until he bled from the nose.
On the surface, he looked graceful, like a swan gliding on water. But underneath, he was thrashing desperately to stay afloat.
His siblings were different. The crown princess was born brilliant. The eldest prince was a genius artist. Only Elenon felt like the ugly duckling.
He had worked so hard not to be an embarrassment, not to disgrace his family. He thought he had finally become a swan. But even as a swan, he was still thrashing beneath the surface.
“And you, Lady Decan? How about your studies back home?”
“Me? Oh… there wasn’t really much to say. Just a small countryside school. We only learned the basics—math, geography, history, grammar.”
And of course farming, raising animals, churning butter, chopping firewood…
But she didn’t want to explain all that to a prince. It felt embarrassing.
“Hearing you talk like that, I bet you were a good student. Maybe it was so easy for you that you hardly remember.”
“That’s not true.”
Noxia flushed. She had been one of the best students in her village, but she had no desire to brag before the prince.
“They say strong denial means strong truth.”
“It’s really not true! What about you, Your Highness? You must have been a top student.”
“Ha, do I seem like that?”
He chuckled at her quick attempt to change the subject, though his eyes briefly darkened.
“You guessed right. My grades are excellent.”
“Wow, that’s… amazing.”
And annoying, she thought, but didn’t dare say aloud. He seemed to notice anyway, grinning mischievously.
“What? Do you find me irritating?”
“N-no! You’re admirable, truly. A model royal for the people.”
“Haha.”
“Don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not laughing at you.”
“Still…”
Noxia pouted. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was teasing her again. Her sulking expression only made Elenon want to tease her more.
I really should stop.
Suppressing his laughter, he drank more tea to calm himself. His cup was already half empty.
Noxia, still frowning, sipped hers as well. It had cooled a little, but the sweet and tangy flavor was still just as good.
