(135) Third Prince Harold (3)
When Ariana visited the Rose Palace, the Third Prince, Harold, went to the Lily Palace, where his mother, Royal Consort Aelra, was staying.
Although Harold lost the Emperor's trust due to the perfume incident, Royal Consort Aelra remained in his favor. In fact, the Emperor visited her daily to console her as she wept, claiming she had failed to properly educate her son.
Thanks to Royal Consort Aelra's response, Harold's position was gradually recovering.
“What’s wrong, Mother?”
“Do you know that the Princess of the East has come to the capital?”
"Oh, of course. I met her yesterday when I was out in the city. She really looked beautiful."
“Yes. Compared to the granddaughter of the Lord of the West, which one is better?”
"If we're judging by looks, Princess of the East is obviously better. But if we're judging by wisdom and character, well, I'm not sure. I haven't had a long conversation with Princess the East yet, so I don't know."
"Yes."
The Empress looked around the gardens of the Lily Palace with a faint smile. The Lily Palace was beautiful, but its decorations could not surpass those of the Rose Palace.
As long as Empress Aegis existed, the Royal Consort would always have to remain in second place.
“When the Princess left the palace, and when the perfume caused trouble, her response was the same. In this mother’s eyes, she seems to surpass Victoria. What do you think, Prince?”
"Of course, that's true, but even so, what can I do? I've already joined hands with the Western Lord, and his wishes are clear. When I eventually take that position, I want Victoria by my side."
"The Western Lord is not bad, but what about the Eastern Lord? The East is a wealthy and powerful nation, so it should be more than capable of supporting the Prince."
"Of course, if the Western Lord would lend me his power, I could ask for nothing more. But the Eastern Lord is stubborn and stubborn. I doubt he'll lend me his power."
The Royal Consort narrowed her eyes as she watched her son mutter softly.
“What if the Prince gets his hands on the Princess?”
Harold burst out laughing.
"My mother thinks I'm too good-for-nothing. Princess of the East is arrogant and has many people protecting her, so it won't be easy to get her."
"Prince, don't try to deceive your mother. Aren't you already plotting to get your hands on the Princess?"
The Harlld laughed.
"As expected, I can't fool my mother. But I'm worried that if I provoke her rashly, she'll completely turn against me."
“If the Prince wins the Princess’s heart, the Eastern Lord will surely be of great help to the Prince.”
"I wonder if that's true? Will that stubborn person agree with my wishes?"
"The Prince doesn't seem to understand the heart of a parent with a child. That's just how parents are. They're willing to give up their long-held beliefs for the sake of their children."
Harold doubted that it was true, but he had never had a bad experience listening to his mother. Besides, she wasn't asking him to do something he didn't like, but to win Ariana's heart, so he had no reason to refuse.
A faint smile spread across Harold's lips as he thought of Ariana. Looking at his son, the Royal Consort spoke.
“The Princess just entered the palace.”
“Yes? The Princess? Why...?”
"It seems she's come to see the Empress. Perhaps she's planning to at least pay her respects before venturing out into society. Isn't that clever? Knowing what's important and using your position to your advantage."
Even though she was going to hold a debutante this year, meeting the Empress in person was not easy.
"As a Princess of the East, and even more so, as a person who stepped forward to resolve a problem that had put His Majesty the Emperor in an awkward position, without expecting anything in return. Even as the Empress, I would have had no reason to refuse."
Harold pursed his lips in embarrassment at the Royal Consort's words. The problem that had caused the Emperor such embarrassment was the perfume business in which Harold had invested and which had failed miserably.
But the Royal Consort smiled affectionately, as if she had no intention of reprimanding Harold, and gently patted her son's arm.
"I think it would be a good idea for the Prince to take this opportunity to show the Princess around the Lily Palace. I will be away for a moment."
The first meeting with the Empress was successful.
The Empress and Princess, having once opened their hearts, listened attentively to what Ariana had to say, marveling at her knowledge and experience, and enjoying her lighthearted banter.
Ariana's invitation to throw a big party soon was also readily accepted.
Ariana wasn't surprised that the Empress and Princess had opened their hearts to nothing more than bread and cute gloves.
Because all of this was Victoria's doing in her past life.
The Third Prince told Victoria what the Empress and Princess liked, and Victoria won the hearts of the Empress and Princess by giving them mushroom bread and cat-paw-shaped gloves as gifts.
The Empress and the Princess adored Victoria, but Victoria repaid their affections with betrayal.
Ariana had no intention of betraying the Empress and Princess, as long as they didn't touch her. After all, what Ariana wanted wasn't the most noble position.
“Come play again, Princess.”
The Empress said to Ariana with a kind smile as she left the garden.
The grand garden of the Rose Palace connected to the main palace used by the Emperor, with a path running along its edge. Few people frequented it, but Ariana remained tense until the very last moment.
Ariana, who was walking slowly and elegantly, noticed a person walking from the opposite direction and stopped walking without realizing it.
A tall and slender figure, a head taller than others, a black suit with red cloth on the sleeves and collar, and silver hair that shines as beautifully as the moon.
The moment she saw him, nothing came to mind. Her mind was completely blank, filled with him. She stared at him walking toward her, eyes wide open, unable to blink or breathe.
He walked briskly with his gaze down, and then belatedly noticed Ariana and raised his head.
In an instant, his red eyes wavered, his firm lips crumbled, and cracks appeared in his once dignified demeanor.
“Ari... Princess.”
It was wonderful to hear his voice after such a long time.
Yes, there was a person with a voice like this. It was such a pleasant voice to hear.
Only then did Ariana blink and straighten her posture.
“Northern Lord, it’s been a while.”
Cyrus's reply came a little late.
“I see.”
He moved his lips as if he wanted to say something more, but he ultimately remained silent. Ariana, too, remained silent, staring up at his face, unsure of what to say.
Their gazes were intricately intertwined. Before, they could read each other's thoughts without even speaking, but now she had no idea what he was thinking.
It was difficult and awkward. She was nervous and suffocated.
She wanted to avoid this uncomfortable position, but she didn't want to.
It was when Ariana was about to clench her fist.
“Cyrus!”
Her heart sank at the cheerful voice coming from behind jer.
“Oh, Princess. You haven’t left yet.”
Princess Charlotte, who had approached without notice, spoke as if she found something strange. Cyrus's gaze shifted from Ariana to Charlotte.
No, Ariana thought.
Don't look at that woman with those eyes, those pretty eyes. Don't look at another woman with those eyes.
She was startled by the sudden surge of jealousy that surprised even her.
Ariana hid her feelings and turned to the Princess.
"I'm so happy to see my benefactor after such a long time that I've been slowing down to say hello. Well then, I'll be leaving now."
Ariana bowed her head slightly and passed Cyrus. The moment their bodies were close enough to brush against each other, Charlotte instinctively scanned Cyrus's expression.
Cyrus, as always, was looking at Charlotte with cold eyes. Charlotte thought it was fortunate Cyrus hadn't followed Ariana's footsteps.
If Cyrus had followed her back at that moment and shown a regretful expression, she would have lost her long-lost friend.
"Cyrus, I didn't even know you were in the Empire. What's going on? I haven't heard from you."
“I am the Northern Lord, Princess. I came to visit in haste, as His Majesty requested a brief visit.”
“But it would have been better if you had told me in advance. How long will you be back?”
“I plan to return immediately after paying my respects to His Majesty.”
"Why? Since you've come such a long way, why not spend the social season before you go? If the Northern Lord shows up at the party, all the young ladies will be delighted."
"I'm not the type to sacrifice myself for the pleasure of others. I must go see Your Majesty, so I'll be leaving now."
“Yes, but before you go back, could you spare me a moment?”
Cyrus didn't answer Charlotte's question, but only nodded slightly before walking away.
Charlotte watched Cyrus's back with a pang of regret. Even though she knew he had no feelings for her, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
It had been like this since she first met Cyrus, at the age of eleven, still innocent and naive. At fourteen, Cyrus had beastly eyes, a haggard appearance, disheveled hair, and blood-stained clothes. Returning from the battlefield, he burst into the palace, holding up the head of the enemy general of Paganus and speaking.
-“Your Majesty, I will take responsibility for the Northern Territory.”
No one could ignore Cyrus, still a young boy. Having lost his parents and repeatedly crossed paths in his quest for revenge, Cyrus was as strong and ferocious as a seasoned warrior.
Some people who had no discerning eye for people stuck out their tongues at the sight of Cyrus, but the Emperor accepted Cyrus.
Charlotte did the same.
She couldn't take her eyes off that beastly man, that man who exuded a dangerous scent. From then on, Charlotte's long-term unrequited love began.
'I guess there won't be much time left to love Cyrus to my heart's content.'
Charlotte was already of age, and marriage proposals were pouring in from all sides. The Emperor and Empress didn't mention marriage, out of consideration for their precious daughter's freedom for as long as possible.
'I wish I could force myself to have someone I can have.'
Cyrus had now matured to the point where even the Emperor could not treat him lightly. Furthermore, the Emperor felt a deep debt to Cyrus and could not treat him lightly.
No matter how much he tried to force it, the Emperor would never order Cyrus to marry the Princess.
'I don't want to do that either.'
What Charlotte wanted was Cyrus' heart, not to force him to break and put him in her vase.
A lonely light passed through Charlotte's eyes.
'I don't have much time left. This year will be the last time I'll be free to do anything.'
When Ariana visited the Rose Palace, the Third Prince, Harold, went to the Lily Palace, where his mother, Royal Consort Aelra, was staying.
Although Harold lost the Emperor's trust due to the perfume incident, Royal Consort Aelra remained in his favor. In fact, the Emperor visited her daily to console her as she wept, claiming she had failed to properly educate her son.
Thanks to Royal Consort Aelra's response, Harold's position was gradually recovering.
“What’s wrong, Mother?”
“Do you know that the Princess of the East has come to the capital?”
"Oh, of course. I met her yesterday when I was out in the city. She really looked beautiful."
“Yes. Compared to the granddaughter of the Lord of the West, which one is better?”
"If we're judging by looks, Princess of the East is obviously better. But if we're judging by wisdom and character, well, I'm not sure. I haven't had a long conversation with Princess the East yet, so I don't know."
"Yes."
The Empress looked around the gardens of the Lily Palace with a faint smile. The Lily Palace was beautiful, but its decorations could not surpass those of the Rose Palace.
As long as Empress Aegis existed, the Royal Consort would always have to remain in second place.
“When the Princess left the palace, and when the perfume caused trouble, her response was the same. In this mother’s eyes, she seems to surpass Victoria. What do you think, Prince?”
"Of course, that's true, but even so, what can I do? I've already joined hands with the Western Lord, and his wishes are clear. When I eventually take that position, I want Victoria by my side."
"The Western Lord is not bad, but what about the Eastern Lord? The East is a wealthy and powerful nation, so it should be more than capable of supporting the Prince."
"Of course, if the Western Lord would lend me his power, I could ask for nothing more. But the Eastern Lord is stubborn and stubborn. I doubt he'll lend me his power."
The Royal Consort narrowed her eyes as she watched her son mutter softly.
“What if the Prince gets his hands on the Princess?”
Harold burst out laughing.
"My mother thinks I'm too good-for-nothing. Princess of the East is arrogant and has many people protecting her, so it won't be easy to get her."
"Prince, don't try to deceive your mother. Aren't you already plotting to get your hands on the Princess?"
The Harlld laughed.
"As expected, I can't fool my mother. But I'm worried that if I provoke her rashly, she'll completely turn against me."
“If the Prince wins the Princess’s heart, the Eastern Lord will surely be of great help to the Prince.”
"I wonder if that's true? Will that stubborn person agree with my wishes?"
"The Prince doesn't seem to understand the heart of a parent with a child. That's just how parents are. They're willing to give up their long-held beliefs for the sake of their children."
Harold doubted that it was true, but he had never had a bad experience listening to his mother. Besides, she wasn't asking him to do something he didn't like, but to win Ariana's heart, so he had no reason to refuse.
A faint smile spread across Harold's lips as he thought of Ariana. Looking at his son, the Royal Consort spoke.
“The Princess just entered the palace.”
“Yes? The Princess? Why...?”
"It seems she's come to see the Empress. Perhaps she's planning to at least pay her respects before venturing out into society. Isn't that clever? Knowing what's important and using your position to your advantage."
Even though she was going to hold a debutante this year, meeting the Empress in person was not easy.
"As a Princess of the East, and even more so, as a person who stepped forward to resolve a problem that had put His Majesty the Emperor in an awkward position, without expecting anything in return. Even as the Empress, I would have had no reason to refuse."
Harold pursed his lips in embarrassment at the Royal Consort's words. The problem that had caused the Emperor such embarrassment was the perfume business in which Harold had invested and which had failed miserably.
But the Royal Consort smiled affectionately, as if she had no intention of reprimanding Harold, and gently patted her son's arm.
"I think it would be a good idea for the Prince to take this opportunity to show the Princess around the Lily Palace. I will be away for a moment."
***
The first meeting with the Empress was successful.
The Empress and Princess, having once opened their hearts, listened attentively to what Ariana had to say, marveling at her knowledge and experience, and enjoying her lighthearted banter.
Ariana's invitation to throw a big party soon was also readily accepted.
Ariana wasn't surprised that the Empress and Princess had opened their hearts to nothing more than bread and cute gloves.
Because all of this was Victoria's doing in her past life.
The Third Prince told Victoria what the Empress and Princess liked, and Victoria won the hearts of the Empress and Princess by giving them mushroom bread and cat-paw-shaped gloves as gifts.
The Empress and the Princess adored Victoria, but Victoria repaid their affections with betrayal.
Ariana had no intention of betraying the Empress and Princess, as long as they didn't touch her. After all, what Ariana wanted wasn't the most noble position.
“Come play again, Princess.”
The Empress said to Ariana with a kind smile as she left the garden.
The grand garden of the Rose Palace connected to the main palace used by the Emperor, with a path running along its edge. Few people frequented it, but Ariana remained tense until the very last moment.
Ariana, who was walking slowly and elegantly, noticed a person walking from the opposite direction and stopped walking without realizing it.
A tall and slender figure, a head taller than others, a black suit with red cloth on the sleeves and collar, and silver hair that shines as beautifully as the moon.
The moment she saw him, nothing came to mind. Her mind was completely blank, filled with him. She stared at him walking toward her, eyes wide open, unable to blink or breathe.
He walked briskly with his gaze down, and then belatedly noticed Ariana and raised his head.
In an instant, his red eyes wavered, his firm lips crumbled, and cracks appeared in his once dignified demeanor.
“Ari... Princess.”
It was wonderful to hear his voice after such a long time.
Yes, there was a person with a voice like this. It was such a pleasant voice to hear.
Only then did Ariana blink and straighten her posture.
“Northern Lord, it’s been a while.”
Cyrus's reply came a little late.
“I see.”
He moved his lips as if he wanted to say something more, but he ultimately remained silent. Ariana, too, remained silent, staring up at his face, unsure of what to say.
Their gazes were intricately intertwined. Before, they could read each other's thoughts without even speaking, but now she had no idea what he was thinking.
It was difficult and awkward. She was nervous and suffocated.
She wanted to avoid this uncomfortable position, but she didn't want to.
It was when Ariana was about to clench her fist.
“Cyrus!”
Her heart sank at the cheerful voice coming from behind jer.
“Oh, Princess. You haven’t left yet.”
Princess Charlotte, who had approached without notice, spoke as if she found something strange. Cyrus's gaze shifted from Ariana to Charlotte.
No, Ariana thought.
Don't look at that woman with those eyes, those pretty eyes. Don't look at another woman with those eyes.
She was startled by the sudden surge of jealousy that surprised even her.
Ariana hid her feelings and turned to the Princess.
"I'm so happy to see my benefactor after such a long time that I've been slowing down to say hello. Well then, I'll be leaving now."
Ariana bowed her head slightly and passed Cyrus. The moment their bodies were close enough to brush against each other, Charlotte instinctively scanned Cyrus's expression.
Cyrus, as always, was looking at Charlotte with cold eyes. Charlotte thought it was fortunate Cyrus hadn't followed Ariana's footsteps.
If Cyrus had followed her back at that moment and shown a regretful expression, she would have lost her long-lost friend.
"Cyrus, I didn't even know you were in the Empire. What's going on? I haven't heard from you."
“I am the Northern Lord, Princess. I came to visit in haste, as His Majesty requested a brief visit.”
“But it would have been better if you had told me in advance. How long will you be back?”
“I plan to return immediately after paying my respects to His Majesty.”
"Why? Since you've come such a long way, why not spend the social season before you go? If the Northern Lord shows up at the party, all the young ladies will be delighted."
"I'm not the type to sacrifice myself for the pleasure of others. I must go see Your Majesty, so I'll be leaving now."
“Yes, but before you go back, could you spare me a moment?”
Cyrus didn't answer Charlotte's question, but only nodded slightly before walking away.
Charlotte watched Cyrus's back with a pang of regret. Even though she knew he had no feelings for her, she couldn't help but feel drawn to him.
It had been like this since she first met Cyrus, at the age of eleven, still innocent and naive. At fourteen, Cyrus had beastly eyes, a haggard appearance, disheveled hair, and blood-stained clothes. Returning from the battlefield, he burst into the palace, holding up the head of the enemy general of Paganus and speaking.
-“Your Majesty, I will take responsibility for the Northern Territory.”
No one could ignore Cyrus, still a young boy. Having lost his parents and repeatedly crossed paths in his quest for revenge, Cyrus was as strong and ferocious as a seasoned warrior.
Some people who had no discerning eye for people stuck out their tongues at the sight of Cyrus, but the Emperor accepted Cyrus.
Charlotte did the same.
She couldn't take her eyes off that beastly man, that man who exuded a dangerous scent. From then on, Charlotte's long-term unrequited love began.
'I guess there won't be much time left to love Cyrus to my heart's content.'
Charlotte was already of age, and marriage proposals were pouring in from all sides. The Emperor and Empress didn't mention marriage, out of consideration for their precious daughter's freedom for as long as possible.
'I wish I could force myself to have someone I can have.'
Cyrus had now matured to the point where even the Emperor could not treat him lightly. Furthermore, the Emperor felt a deep debt to Cyrus and could not treat him lightly.
No matter how much he tried to force it, the Emperor would never order Cyrus to marry the Princess.
'I don't want to do that either.'
What Charlotte wanted was Cyrus' heart, not to force him to break and put him in her vase.
A lonely light passed through Charlotte's eyes.
'I don't have much time left. This year will be the last time I'll be free to do anything.'
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