Chapter 53
“Well, like you said, it’s fortunate enough that it was a nobleman’s son who entered her room. If it had been someone of low status, now that would’ve been something worth watching.”
“Then when do you plan to tie Rude and the young lady together?”
“Spread a rumor in the knights’ order—that Rude admires Velia. No need to make it big, just enough so everyone knows. And from now on, slip Rude into matters related to Velia. I’ll also send him to her often.”
“Yes, understood. And Bea is scheduled to be delivered two days before the Second Princess’s birthday.”
“Make sure it goes without a hitch. And don’t leave behind any evidence.”
“Yes.”
Tove was about to leave the room when he suddenly stopped and turned back.
“But… did the item get delivered properly?”
“Item?”
“The one that was supposed to be delivered to the young lady’s room.”
“Ah, the statue?”
“Yes.”
“It was delivered safely. Why?”
“When I checked her room, I didn’t see it.”
Barun recalled Rude’s report.
“He said it was put away somewhere, probably in a drawer. Doesn’t matter. As long as it’s in the room, that’s enough. If I’d planned to drive her out of the mansion sooner, I wouldn’t have bothered making such a troublesome thing anyway…”
“But I noticed there was another statue last time. Who was that one made for?”
“Another one? I gave it to my mother.”
“Your mother…”
Barun shrugged.
“Better to clear away anything that could cause problems later, before it becomes one.”
“What’s this about?”
“What?”
Velia cut into her chicken and popped a large bite into her mouth as she replied.
“You’re having a meal with me instead of Canary?”
Allendo asked as he poured himself water.
“Canary said she wouldn’t be coming today.”
“Why?”
“She said she had something to do… What did she tell you?”
“Huh?”
Allendo flinched.
“You usually have lunch plans with Canary. Didn’t she contact you?”
“Your Highness is just the same as ever.”
Of course she wouldn’t contact me.
Ever since the banquet at the Marquis’s estate, Allendo had been waiting nervously for this day. Being turned down by Canary for lunch left him with no appetite.
“Ha…”
“What’s with the sigh?”
“Nothing. Just heard she had work.”
Allendo brushed it off as he wet his throat.
“You don’t know what kind of work?”
“No.”
“She didn’t tell me either… I just hope it’s nothing serious. I’d like to visit the Duke’s estate myself, but if I show up, it’ll probably just make things harder for Canary.”
“She’ll be fine.”
“I hope so. I’ll ask her when I see her next.”
“…More importantly, what brings you here?”
“Hm?”
“If you came to the palace without Canary, then it must be because you had business with me. You’re busy with Bea, and yet you’re here… so you must have a favor to ask?”
“Right on the mark.”
“What is it?”
“At the banquet the other day…”
“Oh, right. Did you have a good talk with Carlton?”
“Huh?”
“I noticed later you were drunk. If you can’t handle liquor, don’t drink it. It looks really bad.”
Allendo clicked his tongue.
“Good thing you were with Carlton. If you’d been like that around other noble ladies or young lords, society would still be buzzing about you today.”
“Yeah, I get it. Stop nagging. I know already. I heard enough from my aide scolding me not to drink.”
“So, did you talk with Carlton properly?”
“Well…”
Velia’s cheeks flushed slightly.
“Yes. But leaving that aside, I want to ask you something.”
“Why so dramatic?”
“When I was drunk at the banquet, I overheard something… Do you go to the Forest of Mist?”
“What?”
“Didn’t you say something about an investigation there?”
“Ah, that… Hmm.”
Allendo rested his chin on his hand.
“It’s top secret. Want me to tell you?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”
“Huh?”
Velia tilted her head.
“Why so easily?”
“On one condition—you do me a favor.”
“A favor?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s all?”
“Don’t you think you’re being a bit disrespectful in your attitude toward the Crown Prince?”
“And don’t you think you’re being a bit stingy for a Crown Prince? Every second is precious to you, yet instead of dining with ministers, you’re eating with me just because Canary isn’t here… doesn’t sound like an ordinary favor.”
“…Fair enough.”
Allendo grinned.
“You’re sharp. Fine, I’ll tell you. We’re entering the Forest of Mist. Officially, it’s to inspect the barrier for imperial security. But the real purpose is to investigate the incident from eight years ago.”
“Investigate?”
“Yes. Carlton and the elite palace knights will march into the heart of the forest. We’re going to uncover why those demonic beasts appeared at the same time as the mansion fire eight years ago.”
“When?”
“Soon. But it’s classified, so keep quiet. Now, about my request—”
“I want to go too.”
“What?”
“I want to go with you.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“I’m serious. Let me in. I have business there.”
“…Is this supposed to be funny?”
Velia shook her head.
“No joke. I have something I need to find.”
“What you want to find… it’s not your lost memories from eight years ago or the reason you were injured, is it?”
“Exactly that.”
“And you think going there will suddenly make you remember?”
“Not sure. But maybe.”
“No. Impossible.”
“Why not?”
“It’s too dangerous. If something happens to you during a covert mission, I’ll be ruined—no, the whole imperial family will be. Absolutely not.”
“So it’s about your trouble. But I’ll be careful.”
“Being careful won’t save you from beasts. No.”
“But you said you wanted a favor.”
Velia’s eyes said plainly: We’re both asking something of each other, aren’t we? Allendo frowned.
“Did Canary tell you something?”
“Tell me what?”
“Never mind. Either way, the answer’s no. Do you know how many beasts are in there? You could lose your limbs looking for a memory.”
“Harsh words.”
“You need to hear it to come to your senses.”
“I already have. This is important.”
“How important could memories from when you were eight possibly be?”
“So important I can’t even explain it. I know it’s absurd. That’s why I’m proposing a trade—your request for mine.”
“My request?”
“Yes. So tell me what it is first.”
Her eyes told him she knew his “favor” would be about granting her access to the forest. Allendo rubbed his temples.
“What’s your favor, then?”
“Hmm—”
“Stop stalling.”
“Well… it’s this.”
Allendo hesitated. He hadn’t truly expected Velia to accept, but without her, the investigation into the Forest of Mist would be impossible. After all, he had bargained with the Emperor himself for permission.
“Just say it.”
“…Engagement.”
Velia frowned.
“Be engaged to me.”
At her stunned expression, Allendo shrugged.
“What?”
“Not very romantic, is it? Should’ve brought flowers?”
“You’re joking.”
“I’m not. I’m serious.”
“Why me? What about Canary?”
“That’s…”
“Wait. Don’t tell me… was this what you wanted to say to Canary at the banquet?”
Allendo slowly nodded.
“Allendo!”
Velia slammed the table and stood up.
“I know what you’re going to say. But calm down.”
“Unbelievable. Is that why Canary isn’t here today? She turned you down, didn’t she?”
Velia sat back down.
“Yes. She rejected me. And I think I hurt her.”
Allendo spoke flatly.
“Where did that proposal even come from?”
“Necessity. Entry into the Forest of Mist isn’t within a Crown Prince’s power alone. The markings on the barrier require the Emperor’s sanction. I got his permission on the condition of an engagement. The matter can only be hidden briefly—eventually it’ll come up in the ministers’ council. Engagement was the compromise.”
“So it’s to strengthen your position as Crown Prince against the noble faction who’d use the ‘accursed dragon scale’ against you…”
“Exactly.”
Velia looked at him with pity.
“I understand the situation…”
“But I shouldn’t have asked Canary?”
Velia nodded.
“She’s a wounded girl. Seems she hasn’t told you, but…”
“I know.”
“What?”
Allendo let out a sigh.
“I know how she’s treated at the Duke’s estate. I know the demands they make of her regarding me.”
Velia blinked.
“I once made her a similar proposal. Back when I was younger, more naive—when I didn’t understand the weight of the Crown Prince’s betrothal. I pitied her. Without knowing anything about her, I acted like I could embrace her pain. She shut down. Put up a wall. I think my cheap pity wounded her.”
Allendo gave a bitter smile.
