TYHL 190

~Chapter 190~

Khalid’s ears were burning, so he turned his head away.
Rubian nudged him, saying, “What’s with you? You’re gonna burn a hole in my cheek,” then jumped right back into her conversation with Sevelena.

“It’s actually really interesting. A doomed love story.”

“Perfect timing—our academy is putting on a play about that at the graduation festival!”

That caught Khalid’s attention, and he jumped back into the conversation.

“A play? Ruby… you’re acting?”

Rubian was a member of Professor Yulioppe’s Ancient Language Society at the academy.

“Yeah. Why are you making that face?”

“Well… you always hated being up in front of people.”

Rubian just smirked and let out a little laugh.

“People can grow, you know. I’ve even been on stage for quite a while!”

He believed her. With how she sparkled, it was obvious she’d be the lead. There’s no way they’d pick anyone else when she stands out so brightly—she’s thunder among pumpkins.

Khalid, momentarily distracted by Rubian’s confident smile, fixated on something she’d just said.

“A love story…?”

Wait, hold on.

“All right, everyone! Thanks for waiting! The play’s about to begin!”

“So you’re really the lead…?”

“Wooooah!!”

Khalid’s voice got drowned out by the roar of applause from the crowd.

For the first time in ages—though feeling a bit desperate—he quietly worked some magic.

[When’s your next rehearsal?]

Rubian shot him a sideways glance and touched her earlobe.

‘Next week?’

[You’ll show me when I get back, right?]

‘Hmm, sure! It’s kind of embarrassing, though.’

He wanted to ask who her scene partner was, but he pinched his thigh instead. If she mentioned “the blond one” again, he’d lose it. Licht was in that Ancient Language Society, too.

‘So petty…’

But there was no stopping the wave of jealousy.

—

By the time they left the theater, the sun was sinking.

Sevelena watched Rubian, who was still busy explaining the play’s plot to Khalid.

That’s when Rubian tripped over a protruding market stall decoration and staggered.

“Ah—!”

Both Sevelena and Khalid reached out and grabbed her.

“Are you okay?”

“Oh, thank you.”

‘She smells nice,’ Sevelena thought before she could help it. Her hand still tingled from how soft Rubian was.

‘She looks like spun sugar. No way she’d last a day in the Iosia forest…’
How did she even survive the war?
‘Maybe she really is the incredible mage Senia said she was.’

Sevelena was about to ask again if she was hurt, when a dark arm suddenly swept Rubian away.

“Let me see.”

There was Sir Khalid, bent over, brow furrowed in concern.

“Did you twist your ankle? Can you walk? If you can’t, I’ll just—like earlier—”

Sevelena couldn’t help but laugh.

Even the great Sir Khalid gets flustered sometimes.

“Hey, I’m fine. Seriously.”

“Oh. Okay…”

“Why do you look kind of disappointed then?”

“I don’t.”

“You so do.”

“No, really. Just watch where you’re going.”

“You tied my cloak so tight I was trying to undo it, that’s all. What’s up with you today?”

Sevelena stifled a smile.

‘Bet it’s so he can see her face better…
And block everyone else’s view with that big body of his.’

“Sorry about that.”

“Why are you apologizing again?”

Sevelena was surprised by how easily he said sorry—and the way he smiled, genuinely happy.

‘Who is this guy, really?’

She watched the pair walking together.
The princess barely reached Khalid’s shoulder, chattering away nonstop.
He focused all his attention on her, listening so intently he didn’t want to miss a single word—bending down slightly, just to hear her better.

‘He must have learned that from someone.
Looks like there’s someone who listens to her like that all the time.’

“Whoa! Look, a cute white horse!”

“Be careful.”

“Wait, it kind of looks like my Arhercalverrominia the Third!”

“What… is that?”

“My white horse. I’ll introduce you later!”

“No, I mean, why is my name in there?”

“Huh?”

“Arher‘Khal’dverrominia the Third—you used my name.”

“Huh? Oh wow, I did. Is that weird for you?”

“It’s… embarrassing.”

“What?”

Rubian was already distracted, hurrying off. The man who stayed behind rubbed his chin for a moment, then slowly followed.

“What the…”

Sevelena chuckled.

“I thought maybe he’d gone a little crazy from all the monster blood he’s spilled, but no—
He just never cared about anyone else before.”

“What are you mumbling about?”

“Nothing. Just look, Nova. Thought he was a wild dog, turns out he’s a loyal hound.”

Wagging his tail for his owner, clearly delighted.

“Yeah, good thing I didn’t reveal my real purpose.
I would’ve looked like a fool.”

—

“Remember, Sevelena! On this visit to Bamilon, you must get engaged to Sir Khalid Liorc!”

The king’s nagging voice clung to her like sticky syrup.

‘Yeah, right.’

Sevelena gripped her handbag tight.

‘It’s obvious that guy would give his heart and soul to the princess.’

And if Khalid’s not available…

‘Well, there’s always the next one. Maybe a Bamilon prince?’

Who knows what deal I’ll be sold off for.

A cart full of meat passed by, carcasses hanging from hooks.

Sevelena thought she wasn’t so different—
hang her up, and she’d be sold for the right price.

She laughed bitterly.

—

“Whew, that was fun!”

After wandering the festival, I finally returned to the mansion.

The royal party planned to stay here two nights while they reorganized their escort.

The king was staying in a grand estate owned by a local noble. From what the senior knights said, Dad had already had a quick dinner with him.

‘Supposedly, he looks like a kind, plump uncle…
Hard to believe with what’s going on behind the scenes.’

Anyway, I made a beeline for the drawing room to see Dad as soon as I got back.

‘Nice, the east and west wings are separated.’
The east was for the Cassalia king and his people; the west for Dad and the Zebert knights. No chance of running into the royal group—or the princess.

And as for keeping an eye on the princess…

“Sorry, but I really don’t want to be her babysitter alone.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve got other things to do, so I’ll be busy.”

Thanks to Khal’s comment, that topic was tabled for now.

“So… where will you be, then? With the knights?”

He stared silently.

“How’s that sweet skewer? Can I have a bite?”

“Hey—why do you always eat right out of my mouth?!”

“Tastes good.”

I couldn’t force him if he really didn’t want to.

“Hmph.”

Weird. I kept humming to myself.

“Oh, what’s this? Am I this happy to go see Dad?”

With a spring in my step, I burst into the drawing room.

“I’m back!”

“Ruby, I told you to be back before dinner. Where have you been running around—?”

Dad, sprawled out on the sofa with papers in hand, immediately launched into a lecture when he saw me.

I let it wash over me and quickly tattled about everything that happened with the princess.