Chapter 254

Chapter 254

Julius posed the question with a serious expression, once again entrusting me with an important task.

Although I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I might be exploiting Yanghwa, the circumstances left me with no other choice.

In the event that the envoy truly originated from Princess Exchetra’s side, the worst-case scenario would involve accusations like ‘Julius kidnapped the youngest princess of the Suran Empire!’

And that could potentially escalate into a war.

Meanwhile, Yanghwa shared stories about her three older brothers and two older sisters, to the point where my ears felt like they might start bleeding.

It became evident that they had a significant sister complex – an intense fondness for their younger sibling. Strangely enough, Yanghwa remained oblivious to this fact.

“Excuse me, Princess.”

“Yes!”

“What would you do if I requested a favor from you?”

“What is it, though?!”

Yanghwa’s eyes widened, and she leaped up, joining me at my side.

Although I was taken aback by her sudden approach, given her state of undress fresh from the bath, her enthusiastic gaze urged me to continue.

“Well, for example, how would you feel about utilizing your position as a princess?”

“Hmm… My status as the princess of the Suran Empire? Why would you need that here?”

“So, hypothetically, if we were to suddenly establish friendly relations with the Suran Empire?”

As I voiced my thoughts with a hint of guilt, Yanghwa’s eyes narrowed, and she playfully nudged my arm.

“So, you wanted to get close to me for my power, huh?”

“Power! Princess, where did you pick that up?”

“You always think I’m so young, right? I know more than you think.”

‘Oh, really? What exactly do you know?’

I stifled a chuckle and glanced at Yanghwa with slightly blurry eyes, only to find her bursting into laughter before she could say anything further.

“If that’s the case, count me in. I’ve been a runaway, so I’ve got no shame… Besides, if you negotiate with my older brother, you might earn a reward.”

“But isn’t that essentially using you? Wouldn’t you feel uneasy about that?”

“Did you treat me kindly just for this?”

“I can’t say I didn’t.”

“It’d be nice… if you weren’t so brutally honest.”

“I’m sorry.”

Yanghwa shyly smiled, briefly toying with her bobbed hair using her fingers, then nodded. “Still, I think it’ll work out,” she said.

“Why’s that?”

“Because it’s true that you helped me. Even if it was partly for your own benefit.”

“…Princess, if you’re too kind, you might end up losing out.”

“Rosa used to say something similar. But I can’t help it. I already like you, Dalia.”

With that admission, Yanghwa spread her folded fingers, signaling for us to depart. I pursed my lips.

As expected, small and adorable beings possess an undeniable charm.

I struggled to comprehend why I was obliged to accompany Yanghwa to the upcoming party, yet I was resolute in my determination to ensure her safety.

I was prepared to shield the innocent and gentle Yanghwa within a socialite gathering teeming with ruthless and formidable individuals.

* * *

The carriage of Count Alshine, a masterpiece crafted by the skilled hands of the Acrab Artisan Association, stood out magnificently. It was the sole such creation within the empire, with a design deemed irreplaceable.

Elegant black roses adorned the fluttering flags, fashioned to resemble exquisite black buds, while the four grand wheels gleamed resplendent gold.

Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed by the glamor of the carriage.

“Kyaa! It’s so beautiful!”

I had to admit that it was a stunning carriage befitting a princess from a fairy tale. Yet, the notion of me riding in it filled me with shame, and I had scarcely used it except for formal balls.

As I ascended the carriage steps, a sense of anticipation mingled with a wave of motion sickness, caused me to raise a white flag almost immediately.

It didn’t help when on the carriage’s arrival, the mansion’s employees lined up in unison to bid farewell as we embarked on our journey. Their simultaneous exclamation of “Wow~” resonated in the air.

“Master, I must confess… I find this carriage rather extravagant.”

“Wasn’t it designed with you in mind by the Artisan Association?”

“True, but… Why the peculiar design? A carriage fit for a princess doesn’t suit me.”

Kaichen tilted his head slightly, casting his gaze between the carriage and myself before offering a smile.

“But it suits you.”

Kaichen, leaving me momentarily speechless, opened the carriage door, extending his hand toward me while offering a graceful bow.

“Please, step up.”

An additional wave of embarrassment washed over me as a series of gasps erupted from behind me.

Unusually, Kaichen wasn’t dressed in his customary official attire, opting for a suit akin to any nobleman’s attire for today’s occasion.

Unlike the previous gathering, Kaichen and I were now openly involved romantically.

Barristan had confidentiality informed me that rumors of our relationship were already circulating within the Alshine Mansion. While it wasn’t exactly a secret liaison, I chose not to address the matter openly, finding humor in the idea of eventually revealing, “We’re dating!”

Nevertheless, Kaichen’s conduct, portraying himself as a tender escort to his beloved, left me questioning his motives. If this wasn’t an overt display of affection, then what could it possibly be?

Yanghwa, who had shadowed me like a faithful puppy for two months, was well aware of our relationship. Hence, Kaichen’s actions elicited a chorus of “Kya! Kya!” from her, accompanied by playful pokes in my direction.

This girl seemed to be a perfect match for Julius.

Blushing faintly, I approached him. “Ahem! Master, do you realize that sometimes you’re even more audacious than me?”