THE CARRIAGE RIDE

“You’re gross, Sasaki-san. You stink of incense. Stay away from Hina-chan.”

“I think that’s up to Hina if she wants to hang out with me.”

“I’m telling you, you’re going to contaminate Hina-chan with your old person smell!”

This was the kind of thing that cropped up every once in a while between Nao and Hanako whenever the three of them were together. When they first met as very small children, they got along well enough, but once they started getting older, Nao started picking fights with Hanako. This was the year before they graduated elementary school and would head into middle school.

Lately, Nao had been pointing out everything she didn’t like about Hanako as often as possible, in order to make her mad. Hanako just acted like she hadn’t heard anything, having her usual Buddha-like serene air in response. She was so mature compared to the two of them, she just continued existing and letting Nao’s childish attempts to upset her roll off her back.

A proud ojou-sama! Hina often thought, but not in a villainess kind of way. Hanako was just so cool. Had she been born a boy, that coolness would have easily drawn in every girl in school. Hell, it already did pull a couple of the braver girls already!

Just at this moment, another girl came up to Hanako as the three of them were enjoying lunch in their class together. Her face was flush with embarrassment as she came over, an envelope in hand.

Hina, despite how she viewed the world with rose-coloured glasses, could only sigh as she knew what was coming.

Even Nao looked like she would pity this girl.

It wasn’t as if Hanako was mean. When the girl approached, her friend stood up at attention, giving her the focus she deserved. Like a gentleman rising up the moment a lady walked into the room, her manners were impeccable…for the reliable male lead of a romance novel, anyways.

And maybe that posh upbringing Hanako had was the main issue. There was such a thing as being too polite, after all.

“Sasaki-san…will you accept this letter?” the girl asked, presenting what had to be a love letter.

“I humbly accept this letter,” Hanako said, with practiced ease. It was politeness and manners that had been embedded into her whole being since childhood. She smoothly accepted it with a graceful and respectful tip of her head. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Seeing Hanako take it, the girl blushed and smiled so sweetly, bobbing her own head in return before running off, giggling as she did. She probably felt on top of the world and that feeling rose up as giddiness and mirth.

Poor girl.

When the girl was gone, Hanako went to place the unopened letter inside of her desk. Another among many, unfortunately. When she opened up the top, both Nao and Hina balked at the sheer amount of unread mail inside, from boys and girls alike. They were all neatly stacked, so it wasn’t as if she carelessly tossed them in there, or crumpled them up heartlessly, but the other girls felt like it was worse because she kept them so neatly stacked in a growing collection.

Nao was the first one to say something.

“You’re the worst, Sasaki-san. If you’re not going to respond to them, you should just be honest.”

“N-Nao-chan…”

“No, seriously. Sasaki-san, I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, but you are an asshole, aren’t you?”

“Nao-chan!” That was too far.

However, Hanako shook her head, quietly asking Hina to stay out of it. She gave her a reassuring smile, before facing Nao, her expression going into what Hina called the ‘customer service smile’. The bright expression all hardworking employees wore when faced with a difficult customer.

“Ara, ara…Saito-san, how kind of you to give your opinion on the matters of others.”

Read: What right do you have to stick your nose into my business?

Nao, not to be intimidated, glared back at Hanako with everything she had, even if it’d be useless.

“Well, these sorts of things require sincerity, not just politeness.”

Read: I hate how you deal with people.

The two were both immovable on where they stood and remained quietly staring the other down with Hina in the middle. She honestly hated it when the two of them fought subtly instead of the usual explosions on Nao’s side and Hanako coolly taking things as they came. If Hina had to describe the two of them, she figured they would be likened to a dog and a cat.

“I am not callous enough to simply reject a person to their face.”

“And that way of thinking is wrong, idiot.”

“Just because you like making people cry, doesn’t mean I would follow suit.”

“Wh–what the hell do you mean by that?! I’d never do that.”

“Oh, my as uncouth as usual, eh, Saito-san?”

Thankfully, class was beginning, so neither of them could get riled up enough to continue, both having images to maintain. As their classmates filed back into the classroom, Nao and Hanako locked gazes before turning away.

“Hn.”

“Tsk!”

But at least peace would return to their group for a bit. Almost like clockwork the next time they would have a break, they would co-exist for a bit.

The two of them looked at her before taking their seats though. Nao’s face was set into something like concern, but she pouted and turned to face the front. Hanako, who actually sat next to her, also looked at her, eyes searching for something. There was a bit of a sigh before she also shifted her gaze towards the teacher entering the classroom.

Honestly, Hina was worried.

Just what changed?

How did things turn out like this?

Soleil sat in a very luxurious carriage, next to Florian who was looking over some reports.

They were heading to the north together, as had been discussed by her and Orion. The Duke had convinced her father to allow her to stay with Florian for the time being. Her reasoning was because a noble house can decide to sponsor any of the candidates as they saw fit; it did not happen often as many vied to gain favour by having their own blood relatives become the Saint of a lesser saint. However, as the Sinclair family did not have a horse in this race, so to speak, and as she and Soleil were friends, having the backing of the ducal family would only keep her safe.

The Sinclairs also had special means of transport between the capital and the northern territories. With so little time left between now and the actual trials, by the time they got back to Lorainne, Soleil would be needing to prepare to come back to the capital anyways.

All of this was fine and good and quite reasonable. No complaints.

What she did take issue with were the extra tagalongs that suddenly appeared.

Sitting across from her and Florian were Alperene Albrecht and Prince Darius, the heir of the imperial family, himself.

It all started when he appeared at the scene of the rescue at the Beaumont manor.

Many of the women there were being sent home or being taken to a sanctuary until their situations could be looked into, however, Alperene had been left behind. She’d been allowing others to go ahead of her, showing off that super kind heart of hers.

At least that was the same as the novel, Soleil had thought.

However, her altruism left her without a ride to wherever she was staying. She looked flustered, realizing her situation, looking left and right as she hurriedly tried to figure out what she needed to do. Soleil’s family would have their own coach, so she could simply ask her father to take Alperene back, considering that Soleil would likely be leaving with Florian.

Marianne followed after her as she approached Alperene again.

“Alperene, you look lost,” Soleil stated to grab her attention.

The other woman jumped a bit, not expecting being approached, but relaxed when she saw Soleil.

“Oh, yes. I seemed to have missed the last carriage for a while…the knights say there will be another, but it may be a bit of a wait…” Alperene explained, looking positively teary-eyed. It stirred protective instincts in Soleil, honestly. Alperene was a little younger than her, after all, so maybe she was feeling older sister instincts? No wonder Darius fell for her, she was honestly too cute. Like a lost kitten.

“I could ask my father to take you back to your house or your hotel room,” Soleil suggested. Alperene tried to wave it off, shaking her head profusely.

“No, I couldn’t possibly impose more on you and yours, Soleil,” Alperene said.

It was Soleil’s turn to shake her head, smiling at her new friend.

“No, no. I wouldn’t feel right about you staying out here any more than you should. I’m sure my father won’t mind at all. In fact, he’d probably insist. My father would hate the idea of his own daughter out and about so late at night without a proper escort, so he would treat other girls the same.”

“Oh, really? Your father…he seems very kind…I’m jealous.”

“...Ah!”

Soleil wanted to kick herself for bringing up her stellar father, Orion. True to romance novel protagonist specs, Alperene’s background checked off many things on what usually made up most female leads in those stories. One of them was a terrible family life, with an abusive father. Not that Soleil would know about it as both of them came from lesser families who had never crossed paths before, so it wasn’t as if she could take her words back, but she felt really bad about hitting what would be a sore spot for Alperene.

Whether I’m Soleil or Hina, I just keep putting my foot in my mouth, huh?

“You seem uncomfortable,” Soleil followed up with, hiding her intimate knowledge of the other woman. “If my words are too forward, I apologize.”

As good as I can make it without making it seem like I know her home situation.

Being the benevolent person she was though, Alperene did not seem upset. She simply smiled and accepted the apology with a soft nod of her head. She made to reply as to whether or not she would agree to Soleil’s offer, when a commotion took all attention away from the matter at hand.

A gilded carriage showed up, pulled by some rather ordinary looking white horses (honestly a blessing, considering how some webtoons had some horrific looking horses for whatever reason, Soleil mentally remarked). Emblazoned on the doors was the golden crest of the Aurea Empire, hinting the occupant within.

With little fanfare, Darius stepped out of the carriage, met immediately by the knights in charge of the scene to give their report. Soleil’s jaw was hanging. Did what happened really warrant a visit from the Crown Prince of all people? Granted the culprit was his former fiancée, but one would assume Darius would put himself as far away from anything involving her, shouldn’t he? Logically speaking, cutting someone off entirely was the best social move.

Considering the awkward way she felt the last time they had met, Soleil did not want to speak with the prince again. No matter how much she wracked her brain, she couldn’t recall much of anything from her early childhood. He clearly did and seemed to hold those memories dear and more than anything, Soleil hated the idea of disappointing him again.

Who would have thought that an NPC like Soleil was actually a childhood friend of the male lead. The author never mentioned it in the novel or on their blog.

Although, now that she thought of it, there had been a recent release of the sequel novel to the Saint’s Thorny Road which could have had more details of the world in it…a novel she will never get the chance to read for herself, all things considered. Not only was she denied a chance at a seaside romance, she didn’t get to read the newest book! What a torture! Nothing was more frustrating than never getting to finish a series.

Han-chan even got an advanced copy just for me.

Truly, the fates were cruel to innocent romance otaku for no reason.

Shifting herself so she was somewhat obscured from view, Soleil prayed to the gods so that Darius wouldn’t notice her and come to speak with them. Just let him get a progress report on the crimes committed by his ex-fiancée and then be on his merry way.

Please, please, please, please don’t let this day get any more awkward than it already is.

Of course, things never worked out that way unless you were the hero of a story.

Alperene and Darius were meant to be, after all. The chance meeting they were supposed to have at the ball that should have sent sparks up between them never happened, making this the doomed timeline where everybody who was related to the Saint was executed. However, if a new chance came up, shouldn’t Soleil just embrace it? After all, the good timeline where everybody survived was the one where the two heroes would meet and fall in love.

“Is something the matter Soleil?” Alperene inquired, finding her friend’s actions a little odd.

“You do look a bit pale, my lady,” Marianne chimed in.

Soleil laughed nervously as she tugged Florian’s cape tighter around herself, hoping the dark material would also serve to hide her more from the prince’s sight.

“I think I’m just tired. It’s been a pretty long day,” Soleil replied simply. There was no point in telling the truth. It wouldn’t do to give people the impression that she found anything wrong with the prince – in fact, she found him to be an upstanding man! Just look at him, seriously speaking with the city guard, getting the info and then coming over to speak with the witnesses still on the scene–

Wait.

Oh, crap. He’s coming over here! It was too late for her to make a hasty escape in order to avoid him, running away now would make her look suspicious, even if Darius himself would not find any harm in her actions. She didn’t want to disappoint him either, even though she was uncomfortable being near him. Nothing else to do, but to suck it up.

“Greetings your Highness,” Alperene said, followed by a curtsey.

Soleil followed suit, though her actions were much more stiff and mechanical.

“Good evening, your Highness.”

Darius smiled amicably at the two of them, waving off the formal greetings. He looked over the two of them, scanning for any injuries, before settling his gaze onto Soleil, which alarmed her.

Er, the love of your life is right here. Right in front of me. See? Look at how pretty she is. Why are you looking at me?!

Once again, Soleil felt like things were derailing out of control. How come Darius wasn’t struck with love? Hadn’t it been love at first sight?

I don’t get it, what’s going on…? Soleil thought frantically. Okay, the circumstances aren’t the best, but a little attention over to the drop dead gorgeous female lead would do you and the Empire some great good. Trust me Dariuuuuuus!

If only she could voice this, but she knew even the golden retriever prince himself would have trouble not seeing her truth as crazy ramblings. How frustrating. No wonder the protagonists of all of those isekai stories felt restricted and suffocated. The audience could say all they liked about dumb protagonists who couldn’t make decisions, but living the reality was so much more difficult.

Darius took her hand and squeezed her fingers gently, looking down at her with so much concern, she felt guilty. That lovely gaze should be aimed at someone else.

“Soleil, did you get kidnapped as well? If I had known I would have rushed here to come save you,” the prince said, regret in his voice. His face was set in an apologetic smile and Soleil shook her head vehemently. No matter how uncomfortable she felt, it wasn’t his fault nobody came to get them faster. Soleil was already impressed Florian had found her on the same day she’d been taken away.

“Oh, my, Soleil…do you know his Highness?” Alperene asked, a hand over her mouth in surprise.

How did Soleil answer that? It was so complicated.

“Ah, his Highness is –”

“We are childhood friends,” he said firmly, giving no room for argument.

So forceful! Soleil thought.

“Even if Soleil herself doesn’t quite remember since she had been so little, but she is quite a precious person to me,” the prince continued to explain.

Alperene’s eyes seemed to sparkle at this. “Is that so? How sweet!” she remarked.

Don’t encourage him! Soleil mentally screamed in protest.

Darius put on his best million gold smile in response. “Thank you for saying so. I am so happy to have reunited with her after so long”

“Hahaha, oh, your Highness.”

“Hahahaha.”

Soleil couldn’t believe the scene unfolding in front of her. It was nothing like the romantic scene as described in the book. It was all wrong. The place and time was wrong. The whole scenario was just wrong, wrong, wrong!

…It’s unfair how she can talk so freely with him while he’s holding my hand – hang on, he’s holding my hand. Why is this guy holding my hand like this?

It wasn’t as if Darius was holding her hand hostage or in a death grip. Soleil was sure that if she pulled away, she could easily slip out. It was just the way he held it that made the whole affair unsettling for Soleil. It wasn’t as if he was unpleasant to be around or to look at – he was one of her favourite male leads of all time, after all. He had been written as caring, supportive and loving with Alperene in the novel. And seeing how he was now, only confirmed it for her that he was an excellent man.

However, for once in her life, the idea of romance took a back burner for the very real threat of death.

Because despite calling her precious, in the doomed timeline of the novel, he did not lift a finger to keep her from getting executed. And having that knowledge in mind was why she couldn’t even enjoy just being an acquaintance of his, never mind something like being a precious childhood friend.

Soleil carefully tugged at her hand, but was surprised to feel his fingers tighten, refusing to let her go.

Darius continued to speak with Alperene, pretending to not notice what had transpired.

After a moment, she tried a second time, and him holding a little harder.

There was no intent to let go and it was starting to make her nervous.

Sir, that is my hand you are holding in front of your future lover, please let go, Soleil thought desperately. She looked around for anything that she could use to make him let go. Any excuse would work…

“Hail to the young star of the Empire.”

Her father and Florian had finally returned from their talk, her father looking more exhausted than she had ever seen him before. Most likely he had tried to refuse letting Florian take his daughter to the north until the beginning of the Saint trials and the Duke had talked him down until he had no choice, but to give in.

Florian, meanwhile, had a neutral expression on her face as she regarded the prince.

Soleil had noticed that the Duke was taller than most women, and she stood with her head held high with great confidence. Yet, she did notice the heels her boost had, giving her an extra boost so that she seemed to be on even ground with someone like Darius, who was naturally of tall stature.

The two of them stared at each other silently, a strange tension appearing.

If Soleil had felt uncomfortable before, she definitely felt suffocated now as an unsaid conversation happened above her head.

Florian’s ruby red eyes flicked between the Crown Prince’s face and then lower – towards Soleil’s hand being held in his, before flitting back up to meet Darius’ gaze. Nothing was said and the older woman’s expression never changed, but Soleil could feel the disapproval.

“Duke Sinclair,” Darius greeted in return, tone amicable enough. Pleasant even. “I heard you led the charge to save the trafficking victims…well done…for a woman, I suppose.”

There was a slight twitch of a brow as that last part had been said. Soleil had seen that before; Hanako used to do the same thing whenever people looked down on her for being a woman. Her friend had always been so amazingly composed, but her parents did almost everything possible to undo her with their barbed words.

Soleil found the unsubtle jab offending, oddly enough. Hina had not tolerated it when people disrespected Hanako and she wasn’t about to let such things go as Soleil, either.

For better or worse, Florian Evanthe Sinclair was a friend now.

She pulled away, successfully this time and went to stand by Florian’s side.

There was a bit of surprise in her eyes, which softened her sharp features, to the point where it melted into a sweet smile.

“Are you ready to go, Soleil? Your father and I moved your things to my carriage so we can leave any time now.”

“I’m ready, whenever you are, Florian,” Soleil replied with a little nod, already feeling better after escaping Darius’ grasp.

“Oh, are you…heading to the Sinclair territory, Soleil?” Darius asked.

“Yes, I am. Duke Sinclair offered to host me until the beginning of the Saint trials since it would be too taxing to travel back and forth between my home and the capital.”

“You could simply stay with my family at the imperial palace,” he offered.

And truly, it was a good offer. There was no safer place in the whole Empire than the palace. That was why when the trials were in full swing, all the candidates would be housed and cared for by the crown. According to the novel it was like being taken into a small, secluded world, disconnected from the chaos and danger of the outside.

However, it did not seem right to Soleil to take up that offer.

“Oh, you see, I had already promised Duke Sinclair I would visit her territory, so I am keeping that promise.”

Darius, for all he was worth, made a pouty face, looking more in line with what she’d imagined for the golden retriever prince from her novel.

“Really? Well, if you have prior commitments…” The man fell silent, contemplating something for a few moments. His eyes shifted and landed on the cape she wore, towards the symbol of Florian’s house emblazoned upon it. The prince’s eyes narrowed a bit upon seeing it, almost displeased about it. And it was then that he smiled brightly once more, coming to a conclusion he found acceptable.

“Well, actually, now that you mention it, I will be stopping by the north myself for an inspection of our troops along the border. For the sake of convenience, we should travel together. What do you say, Your Grace?” he said jovially, as if it was perfectly normal to butt into someone else’s travel plans. Soleil couldn’t help, but to think that there was no inspection needed and he was just acting on his own whims, based on the grin he was sporting. Like finding a loophole in a big, complicated contract in a great gotcha moment.

While Soleil was reeling at how blatantly transparent his intentions were, Florian just coolly replied with, “Do as you wish, your Highness.”

“U-um…excuse me?” It was Alperene’s turn to pipe up, though she looked distressed doing so. Soleil felt bad for her. Here were two of the most powerful people in the Empire, just standing casually around them.

“What is it, Alperene?” Soleil asked, coaxing her to speak.

“Well, if it is not an imposition…I also need to head north, to meet some relatives…”

And the next morning they were all boarding Florian’s personal carriage together. After a bit of arranging due to the Prince’s sudden need to visit the Sinclair territory and Alperene needing to pack her things to leave, they set off together. Darius did have his own set of guards following them, riding alongside Florian’s knights, but also a carriage. There had been no need to ride with her and Florian and Alperene. There was room, but it felt unnecessarily more snug than it needed to be.

Originally Darius had invited Soleil to sit with him in his carriage, but Florian had pointed out that it would be improper for a young, unmarried lady to be alone with him.

However, Darius countered that he shouldn’t have to sit alone, either.

It was Alperene who suggested they all sat together on one carriage, agreeing to take the larger one so they could all be comfortable together. With a shy smile, she explained such a journey would be more enjoyable with company. Hearing that, Florian and Darius reluctantly agreed, putting that argument to rest.

There had also been the issue of who entered the carriage first.

Darius tried to be a gentleman and let the ladies go first, but Florian had insisted on him stepping in first as he was the Crown Prince and should get first pick of the seats. Florian put her foot down, saying that it was her carriage and she would be the one responsible for all of their safety and needed to be the one who entered last.

It seemed there was a hidden history between the two of them, considering how they treated one another. It wasn’t hostile, really, but there was some curtness, some silent competition going on.

It was sort of cute, in a weird way. The two of them were clearly trying their best to show off how courteous they were to the other two travellers.

However, once they were all settled, Soleil began feeling awkward.

No one was talking.

Since the ride began, there was this tension that grew as everyone stared at something other than each other.

Alperene was looking at her hands, sometimes wringing them as she almost pressed herself to her side of the seat.

Darius was looking out of the window as the landscape passed them by, looking almost bored.

Florian had documents in her hands, as the work of a Duke was never done, reminding Soleil of her own workaholic father.

Soleil didn’t mind silence, as she was an avid reader and these long trips were usually the best time to bury herself in a good book. She even had one in her hands, ready to read, but she figured there would be a little socializing on the way and had expected it.

Looks like I’ll have to bite the bullet and say something.

“Florian?” Soleil piped up.

“Hm?” The Duke wasn’t looking directly at her, but the familiar way she tilted her head slightly in her direction made her smile. Her father performed this action so often throughout her life that seeing it made her feel strangely happy.

“You say that it will take us two days to get to your territory? Isn’t it twice the distance to your territory than it is from my home to the capital?” This was the first topic that popped to mind, a curiosity she had since Florian suggested taking her in for the next couple of weeks. Just how was it possible?

“Oh, that? Well, you know there are special safeways that allow for quick travel between two points. Warp Points that can close the gap of long distances. You used one on the way to the capital, right?”

The trip to the capital with her father would have taken a little over a week, but they were able to shave a whole day off by using one of the Warp Points Florian spoke of. They were set up by the Empire over three centuries ago when the Emperor of the time expanded the reach of the empire through conquest, after realizing it would be hard to enforce his rule over the farther regions. Many mages had been commissioned to create the first Warp Points and the last one was erected through blood, sweat, tears and trial and error by the time that Emperor passed away, 50 years after his last conquest.

There were new ones made in modern day, based on the original designs, though, made specifically by the nobles who could afford the endeavour. One such Warp Point was established by the Sinclair family, which allowed them almost easy access to the capital city to right in front of their figurative doorstep.

“...this ride is taking us to my family's Warp Point. Once we cross it, it won’t be long until we reach my estate. I sent one of my men ahead, too, so we will be properly welcomed when we arrive.”

“Your family is the only one who has one so close to the capital, right?”

Florian nodded. “Yes, it was something agreed upon between the previous Emperor and my grandfather. My family has always been loyal to the crown and had been fierce protectors that even sent their younger sons to guard the next generation of the imperial family. However, the commute was rather inconvenient, so we were given special permission to erect a Warp Point so close when it was normally not allowed.”

“And why is that?”

“It has to do with military applications,” Darius said, finally speaking up. “The Warp Points have no way of discriminating between allies or foes of the Empire, so if our enemies have a direct path to the imperial family, they would capitalize on that weak point. It is why other Warp Points are spread out at least a three day’s ride away. Armies normally march which would slow them down, if they would want to invade us using large numbers. But if an enemy nation chose to use a smaller battalion, they could afford to send them on horses. It was all accounted for by my ancestor.”

“I see…”

It was a great convenience, but was a possible point of military weakness if taken advantage of. Soleil didn’t remember there being a huge conflict with other countries in the novel, so she shouldn’t have to worry about political intrigue aimed at her from other countries. No, the problems she faced were more internal.

Since Soleil opened up, conversation began to flow between the four travellers. Even Alperene was starting to chatter happily with them all, her unease at being around Darius and Florian melting away to show her gentle, yet friendly personality. She was positively shining when she smiled that Soleil felt a little blinded looking directly at her. Once she came out of her shell she was a charming lady.

If I were a guy, I would have definitely fallen for her, too. She’s so pretty when she smiles!

Sometimes Soleil stole glances at Darius to see how he reacted to Alperene, noticing he was now speaking directly to her and smiling, too. Though there was no spark, the fact they were building a rapport now was promising! Perhaps all of them heading to the Sinclair territory wouldn’t be a bad thing after all. For a bit of discomfort on her part, she would gladly go through it if it meant everybody not dying in the future.

As the conversation flowed on a variety of topics, eventually, they came towards the one thing that would be on most people’s minds at this time.

The Saint trials.

She kept looking at him.

She thought he didn’t notice, but he had. Was she interested? Curious?

The fact that she snuck in peeks at his face made Darius feel a bit of hope that she would remember him.

Because he remembered her. The sweet little girl who lived with him in the palace so long ago. And more than that…

Ah, she really was the center of his world for a very long time.

Please, please, please, he thought, remember me as the little prince you adored.

Most would have called it a crush, puppy love. They were such young children, no one would have taken what was said and done in youth so seriously. But he had. She had been the apple of his eye from the moment he saw her. Just a tiny thing bundled up to keep warm, the daughter of his mother’s best friend. Never had he been so awestruck and in love with something.

Many would say it was probably the love of a sibling, but he would be the first to say that was not the case. And in the years he watched her grow, that love grew with it. He had been devastated when Soleil and her mother returned to their territory and all he received was second hand news from his mother, who wrote regularly to her friend.

It was one of the few times he threw tantrums.

Because he believed that Soleil was his. And even after being punished for bad behaviour, he doubled down to his parents. He never did this in public; Soleil would never come back to a prince who openly acted like a selfish prick. Her preferences coloured the way he acted for many years.

In reality, he was a very selfish man. Everything he did had the end goal of his own happiness and nothing else. Whatever was given to him, was considered his. He was, after all, the Crown Prince and the future ruler of this whole Empire. Whatever was in the Empire belonged to him. That was the simple truth of everything. Everyone else was just borrowing this land, their resources. Anyone could be rid of through exile or execution, if he was displeased.

However, he could not allow himself to be seen as the tyrant.

Not if he wished to win Soleil over. Soon enough, she would realize, memories or not, she was his. And if her hidden looks were an indication, she would be soon enough.

He smiled, thinking about it. Laughing at something pleasantly said by the other girl, Alperene. Honestly, he wasn’t interested in anything anyone else had to say, but he had to be polite and keep up the act. Keep up the pretense.

Nicolette had been an unfortunate side effect of his title.

His parents had been tired of his pining over Soleil and tried to marry him off to that wretch of a spoilt woman. She was so embarrassing to be around, with how she simpered and fawned as well as carried herself, as if she would be in charge. She really didn’t know her place. Her father truly spoiled her too much, making her a rotten woman that clearly did not deserve her father’s title.

He was so glad Soleil grew up so well. A sweet, pure maiden with a good heart.

She was perfect.

Her eyes flicked over at his face again and, this time, she caught her stare, surprising her. Darius couldn’t help, but to feel amused when she turned away to face Alperene directly, asking about a new topic of discussion.

She’s shy. How cute.

Good thing he came along after all. There really was no need to do a troop inspection, but his parents did not see a harm in it. Plus, it seemed that after the debacle concerning the Beaumont household, it would be best for him to stay out of the capital for a bit until the political backlash calmed down. His mother did take him aside before he left to tell him ‘good luck’ though, knowing he would be having a chance to pursue Soleil now. Both of his parents approved of the idea, even though her rank was nowhere near as high as Nicolette’s. Soleil was a friend of the family, her parents serving the Empire as both a war hero and a lesser saint. That made up for her lack of rank, though it would be easy enough to fabricate some kind of excuse if others disagreed. Whatever the imperial family says, goes. They could simply order her to marry him and she could not say no.

It didn’t matter to Darius how it would be done, honestly, but he preferred Soleil agreeing to be his on her own volition. So he had been cultivating the image of a gentle prince the last couple of years, knowing she would be returning to the capital soon. She had always loved the princely types, after all. And since she was to be his wife, how could he refuse to let her have her dream?

Ah, I can’t wait until it all falls into place…