Chapter 20 : First impressions are important

The rattling carriage.

Watching the scenery change as fast as the galloping horse, Reyzen’s expression remained indifferent.

On the surface, his composure might seem mature, unbefitting of a young boy.

However, inside, his heart was pounding with excitement more than ever, and the subtle tremble of his crossed legs revealed his feelings.

The guards accompanying him had not noticed.

‘I’m finally going to see her in person.’

Come to think of it, he had never gone to visit someone of his own accord before. 

There had never been a need—people always came to him, bowing their heads to gain his favor.

In truth, he had barely managed to fit this visit into his schedule, despite having promised it long ago.

As a member of the royal family, Reyzen had to serve as a role model for everyone, which meant he had to study twice as hard and undergo countless forms of training.

Even at a young age, there was hardly any time for rest.

He had neither the time nor the necessity to visit anyone—making this trip an extraordinary occasion.

Especially since the reason for it was to meet a woman he secretly admired.

“Hey, do I look untidy anywhere?”

“Huh? Not at all, you look perfectly neat…”

“I see. 

Alright then.”

As they neared the territory of Ershi, his pounding heart grew alongside his nervousness.

Wanting to look good in front of someone you like—it was a universal desire, regardless of age.

Worried that something in his carefully chosen attire might look strange, he asked his escort.

But even after receiving reassurance, his anxiety did not ease.

For the first time, Reyzen wanted to make a good impression without any political motives or calculations—simply for her.

Every tiny detail, no matter how insignificant, gnawed at his mind.

Officially, this visit was to receive her teachings.

But his true goal was to leave a good impression.

It was a dilemma.

Time was running out, yet he still couldn’t decide what would be best. 

He hadn’t anticipated this situation—a mistake on my part.

I should have taken Serena’s potential into account…!

“…Can’t I just wear anything?”

As the selection process dragged on, Serena, standing idly in her underwear, spoke in a blunt tone.

Just looking at her weary expression, he could tell how much of a hassle she found this.

And she wasn’t wrong. 

Thirty minutes had already passed because of his indecision.

“Ugh… but I don’t know which one suits me best…!”

Today was the day Prince Reyzen was scheduled to visit the mansion.

It was also the first time he and Serena would officially meet—a momentous occasion.

That’s why everything had to be perfect.

A variety of dresses had been prepared for her, but that was the problem.

The dresses were beautiful, and Serena herself was beautiful, meaning everything looked good on her—making it impossible to choose the best one.

Some might think it was excessive to fuss over something so trivial, but first impressions are crucial for building a lasting connection.

Especially if that connection might one day lead to marriage.

“Enough. I’ll just wear this one.”

Without knowing his inner turmoil, Serena shook her head and picked a dress hanging on the wall.

A deep black dress, as dark as the night sky.

Unlike the other colorful outfits, this one stood out.

It wasn’t a bad choice, but wouldn’t a brighter color be better?

“Any reason why you chose that one? 

I think this one would suit you too.”

“I like this one. 

Besides… that one looks too childish.”

Childish? 

What’s wrong with pink?

Still, since she had already made her decision, Serena changed into the black dress.

She didn’t seem accustomed to the flowing fabric and looked slightly uncomfortable, but once she wore it, she exuded a quiet, delicate elegance—a noble lady through and through.

Well, she was a noble lady, after all.

“This is uncomfortable… Do I really have to wear it?”

“Just for today, alright? 

We have an important guest, so you need to look your best.”

“Who is it that we have to go through all this trouble for? 

It’s not that guy from last time, is it?”

She must have been referring to Gelrod.

“Not this time. 

This one is someone even more important.”

“Stop being vague and just tell me.”

“You’ll find out soon enough. 

For now, it’s a secret.”

Serena puffed out her cheeks in protest, thinking he was teasing her.

Her reaction was cute, but he held back.

If she knew that the prince himself was coming, she’d be shocked. 

Keeping it a surprise would make the moment more enjoyable.

“Now, let me brush your hair. 

Sit down.”

“No. 

I’m not a doll.”

“Aw, are you sulking?”

“I am not.”

She grumbled and resisted at first, but in the end, she sat down as told.

She always had to put up some resistance at least once.

As she stared into the mirror in front of her, he gently combed her hair.

Thanks to the effort he had put into caring for her, the once rough and tangled strands were now smooth and shiny, flowing like waves.

If someone saw Serena now, they would never imagine she had once been covered in dirt and soot.

No one would doubt that she was a noble’s daughter.

“…Hey.”

As he was braiding her hair, she suddenly spoke up, her voice unusually serious.

“The person coming today… Are they related to me?”

Her sharp question caught him off guard, though he managed to keep his composure.

“Why do you ask?”

“If not, then why would I need to get all dressed up like this?”

“What are you talking about? 

I just want to proudly show you off, like—‘Look at this amazing girl who lives in my house!’”

“…You’re an idiot.”

She scoffed, though there was a faint smile on her lips.

Though he might have flattered her a little, she didn’t seem to mind.

By the time their conversation ended, her hair was neatly arranged.

Now, everything was finally perfect.

Anyone would fall for her at first sight.

Of course.

Especially young boys—they’re easily captivated by pretty girls their age.

Feeling immensely proud, I watched as Serena, as usual, hugged Pangkin tightly against her chest.

Hmm. 

It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Reyzen, who carried a mature air about him despite his youth, might find it a bit off-putting.

“Serena, I’m sorry, but Pangkin…”

“No.”

“I haven’t even finished speaking yet?”

“No means no. 

I’m not compromising on this.”

Her stance was so firm that I decided to give up.

Just what did that doll mean to her?

The person who would soon arrive was likely the most prestigious guest the Christian family had ever received.

The entire mansion had been thoroughly cleaned and prepared, not a single speck of dust in sight.

The place was so immaculate that leaving even the tiniest stain would feel like committing a crime.

The servants were no exception.

Each stood stiffly with their backs straight, radiating tension.

The atmosphere was taut, like that of warriors preparing for battle.

Observing the scene, Serena clung tightly to Ershi’s sleeve.

“…Everyone looks so stiff.”

“Of course.

That’s how significant this person is.”

At that moment, the mansion doors swung open, and their awaited guest stepped inside.

Fiery red hair, as wild and vivid as a lion’s mane.

Eyes full of intensity, despite his young age.

His stride was short, yet his steps carried unwavering confidence.

At his arrival, all the waiting servants bowed their heads in respect.

Ershi, standing as the head of the household, greeted him with the utmost courtesy.

“It is an honor to have you here, Your Highness. 

Have you been well?”

“Yes. I apologize for keeping you waiting when I’m the one requesting a favor.”

“Not at all. 

We are simply grateful that you have come.”

Honestly, the wait had been nerve-wracking. 

But voicing such thoughts outright wouldn’t be wise.

Instead, Ershi smiled politely—a gesture of etiquette.

However, to a boy in love, that kindness made his heart race uncontrollably.

Had she dressed up just for his arrival?

For some reason, she looked even more beautiful than before, leaving his mouth dry.

His heart pounded as his mind struggled to keep up.

And amidst his daze, he belatedly noticed the presence of another girl—a girl who had gone unnoticed until now.

“…Who is that?”

Silvery hair, as if woven from moonlight, and delicate features resembling a doll.

But rather than her face, what caught his attention was simply her presence.

Unlike everyone else, she hadn’t even greeted him.

That alone was peculiar.

More than that, he found it irksome how closely she clung to Ershi’s side.

“Ah, this is my younger sister. 

Her name is Serena.”

“Your sister?”

He was taken aback. 

He had never heard that Ershi had a sibling.

More than the surprise, however, what really got under his skin was the way Ershi introduced her—with a bright, affectionate smile.

Reyzen wanted her attention.

He longed for her to look at him like that.

Yet here she was, showing that expression to some little girl who still played with dolls.

‘I don’t like this…’

Even though it was their first meeting, something about the situation irritated him.

But it wasn’t just him—Serena felt the same.

She was certainly shocked to learn he was a prince.

But what really rubbed her the wrong way was his condescending gaze, his hands arrogantly clasped behind his back as he looked down at her.

And to top it off, Ershi—a woman so graceful and dignified—had to bow her head to this brat?

That part especially bothered her.

She also noticed his displeased stare directed at her.

His scrutinizing gaze told her everything—he didn’t like her.

Fine.

Because her first impression of him was absolutely terrible too.

‘Ugh. 

What an ass. 

I hate him.’

Their eyes met in the air, neither backing down, both sending silent hostility toward the other.

“Since you’re close in age, I hope you’ll get along well. 

That would be fine, wouldn’t it, Your Highness?”

“Ah… Y-yes.

Of course.”

“Did you hear that, Serena? 

Be friendly with the prince.”

“….”

For Ershi’s sake, the two reluctantly nodded.

They didn’t want to, but they didn’t have much choice either.

‘Wow~. They look so good together~.’

Meanwhile, completely oblivious to the tension between them, Ershi simply thought how perfect the two of them looked side by side.