episode_0040

As soon as the sword practice was over, Albert headed straight to the garden.

His body was drenched in sweat, his legs were screaming for rest, but it wasn’t the time to worry about such things.

He couldn’t bear the frustration and agony any longer.

Finally, when he arrived at the garden, Luna appeared.

She was absentmindedly gazing at the flowers, seemingly about to head somewhere else, and he couldn’t let that happen.

So, Albert spoke.

“Can we talk for a moment?”

As Albert approached, Luna naturally lowered her head.

This was clearly an opportunity.

An opportunity to apologize to Albert and a chance to return to how things used to be.

However, admitting fault and apologizing required considerable courage.

It was even more difficult when in a special relationship.

Luna found it truly strange.

Apologizing should have been something she was good at.

Just the usual apologies—sorry, my bad, I’ll be more careful in the future—would suffice to satisfy the other person.

But why was it so hard?

It was truly a mystery.

Thinking this, Luna took out a pen from her pocket.

She didn’t know what kind of conversation they should have.

Apologizing would be nice, but unfortunately, it seemed difficult at the moment.

However, she shouldn’t show a dismissive reaction as she did before.

Because if she made another mistake, it might truly be irreparable.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“Well… How about taking a walk for a moment?”

Albert’s courage to grab Luna faded away without continuation.

Truly pitiful. A man unable to utter a single word of apology, floundering. If her father saw this, he would surely give him a piece of his mind.

But perhaps it was fortunate. The impulsive suggestion to take a walk bought them some time.

If they walked, somehow things would work out.

No, they had to make it work.

With that determination, Albert set off, and shortly after, Luna followed suit.

The two of them started walking along the garden path side by side.

An awkward silence lingered between them, devoid of any conversation.

Albert and Luna were both thinking the same thing. They needed to apologize for what had happened yesterday.

It was almost as if they were truly alike. Both lacking the courage to speak first, neither could bring themselves to say anything.

How much time had passed?

Neither of them noticed, as they were lost in their thoughts, until they had circled the garden once.

“About yesterday.”

It was Albert who broke the silence first.

As he spoke, his heart pounded, and cold sweat trickled down his back.

But there was no more time to delay.

Breakfast would soon be served, followed by training with his father.

If they didn’t resolve this now, they would have to wait until the afternoon for another chance.

And in the process, failing to focus on training and incurring his father’s wrath was an inevitable consequence.

Not reconciling with Luna was unacceptable, not just because of the repercussions but also because it felt wrong.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Albert continued.

“I apologize for my disgraceful behavior yesterday.”

[I’m sorry too.]

Encouraged by Albert’s apology, Luna conveyed her own.

Why had something so simple eluded them until now? Their hesitation made them feel like utter fools.

‘Odd.’

They had exchanged apologies, devoid of explanations or understanding.

Yet, why did it feel so relieving? The fact that the burden had lifted felt almost unreal.

However, it didn’t last long.

A small question emerged in their minds.

[May I ask you one thing?]

“Yes, please go ahead and ask.”

[I’m curious about what you’re working so hard for.]

Luna recalled what Albert had said on the carriage last night.

Do you know who you’re working so hard for?

He had definitely said that.

Despite suffering from a hangover, she couldn’t shake off the question as he had tirelessly run.

“Ahaha…. That’s true….”

Albert scratched his head awkwardly.

He had some expectations, but he didn’t know they would fall so short.

Still, at least he had avoided the worst, hadn’t he?

Why did it have to end with the prince?

If she had asked, he should have given an answer akin to a confession.

In any case, there was only one answer to give back.

“It’s a funny story, but as you know, I’ve lived turning away from many things.”

The crisis of the family, the worries of his parents, and the suffering of his wife.

He had turned away from everything.

“I’ve come to my senses a bit late… Anyway, that’s it. If I don’t work harder now, won’t I fall behind?”

Of course, there were other reasons besides that.

No, rather, this was the sincere one.

“And if I make an effort now, won’t the person who becomes my wife someday be a little more comfortable?”

Albert’s gaze, as he said this, was directed towards the pitiful sky.

He had succeeded in mustering the courage to speak, but he couldn’t bring himself to meet her eyes.

The sensation of his face burning, and his heart pounding loudly, overwhelmed him.

He worried whether the sound of his heartbeat would reach her in the stillness where not even the cry of a cricket could be heard.

But then, a timely breeze blew and dispersed the stillness.

“I’ve been running so hard that I’m starting to get hungry. I should go and see if breakfast is ready or at least hurry it along.”

In the end, Albert couldn’t overcome his embarrassment and took the first step.

Saying he was hungry was a lie.

There was no room for such a feeling.

Luna stood blankly, watching Albert’s retreating figure.

As she did, she fell into contemplation.

The person who would become his wife in the future.

That person was none other than Luna herself.

Enduring pain and diligently working for the family, it was all for her own sake, he had said.

Why on earth?

Before their engagement, they had no contact whatsoever.

Even after the engagement, he had only received, never given anything in return.

And it would likely be the same in the distant future.

He didn’t think he could give anything back.

He couldn’t possibly not know.

But why was he so good to her?

He knew nothing.

And yet, she wanted to understand.

She was also grateful.

For making an effort for the self everyone else ignored.

Mmm-.

Luna’s chest tightened again.

But she didn’t dislike it.

* * * * *

Tap-tap-tap.

A slender finger tapped the table at a steady rhythm.

The owner of this restless behavior was Asilli Alexander, the Crown Prince and the empire’s little sun.

“I’m going crazy.”

Asilli had been in this state since attending the social gathering.

He tried to sleep but couldn’t, and he couldn’t focus on work either.

“Your Highness, if you command, I will take care of it.”

The one who spoke was his bodyguard.

Handpicked by Asilli himself, the most trusted and cherished bodyguard.

If given to him, the matter would be neatly resolved. Whether through bribery, bloodshed, or any means necessary.

Asilli highly valued this about him, keeping him close as a confidant.

Recently, a slightly different reason had emerged…

But that could be kept hidden from everyone, so it was fine.

However, he couldn’t entrust this to him. He wanted to resolve this issue personally.

There was also a small hope.

That a friend who knew the truth could provide reassurance.

Although the bodyguard knew the truth, he couldn’t be a friend.

“Are you sure? It might be difficult to distinguish just by embracing, but…”

Then it would be perfect.

However, the gaze of Lady Iris was squarely fixed on his chest. An unmistakable sense of surprise accompanied it.

So, it would be fine even if she knew the truth.

The dark truth being that the empire’s Crown Prince was actually a woman.

But aside from that…

“If that’s what you think, then testing it would be a good idea.”

Asilli spread his arms, speaking with authority.

As a crown prince, I was aware that it shouldn’t be this way, but I felt so wronged that I thought I would go crazy if I didn’t do this. Just because I was born as the youngest, I couldn’t even marry the man I love and ended up having to dress as a man. I truly hated the world.

“How could I dare to embrace you, Your Highness.”

And I truly hated him too.