Me, a Princess? My Lord! - Chapter 22

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 22

What awaited Heidi beyond the door was steam rising in wisps.

And.

“…Heidi?”

As if he had just finished showering, water droplets were dripping from Desion’s wet hair.

Heidi froze in place. Desion seemed the same, his red eyes wavering endlessly.

“…”

“…”

The white robe was loosely tied around his waist, and heat still lingered on the skin revealed through the gap.

His firm chest and smooth abs drew Heidi’s gaze like a magnet.

Heidi’s face, which had been blankly staring at the man before her, flushed bright red.

“S-sorry…”

“No. It’s my fault for not explaining beforehand.”

Desion answered while adjusting the front of his robe. Though his expression and voice were calm, his slightly fumbling fingertips revealed his flustered state.

“This floor has two guest rooms of the same structure connected by a door. They can be used separately like now, or opened up to be used as one room.”

“Ah…!”

“Since you’ve already opened the door, would you like to have some tea before you go? I just got some herbal tea that helps with sleep.”

After hesitating for a moment, Heidi nodded. Running away now would make the situation even more awkward.

“Yes, that sounds good.”

“Please sit for a moment. I’ll just change clothes and come back out.”

A short while later, Desion reappeared with his attire properly arranged.

“It’s hot, so be careful.”

With practiced movements, he poured the tea and gently pushed the cup he placed on the table. A subtle herbal fragrance brushed past her nose.

Just by wrapping her hands around the teacup, Heidi felt her heart gradually calming down.

“It smells lovely.”

Heidi met Desion’s eyes.

“Come to think of it, you always enjoyed sleep tea at the estate too.”

Desion nodded.

“It’s an old habit. I’m not very friendly with deep sleep.”

He continued after taking a sip of tea.

“But tonight I feel like I’ll be able to sleep deeply. It’s been an exhausting day in many ways.”

“I think I’ll fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow too.”

“I’m sorry for pushing you so hard. I’ve cleared the entire schedule until evening tomorrow, so you can rest comfortably.”

Heidi shook her head.

“Don’t apologize. I enjoyed it. Everything was a first for me.”

“…”

“Riding a boat, seeing the endless ocean, leaving Panther, wearing fancy clothes, staying in such a luxurious place – it all feels like a dream…”

Desion, who had been quietly watching Heidi chatter excitedly, suddenly spoke up.

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you smile so brightly.”

“…!”

“You have quite a talkative side too.”

At Desion’s words, Heidi’s face turned bright red. She bit her lower lip as if reproaching herself.

‘Did I act too unsophisticated? Getting excited like a fool by myself…’

Seeing this, Desion hurriedly spoke up.

“I mean that in a good way.”

“…!”

“No, what I mean is… I meant it looked nice.”

Desion, who had been rambling uncharacteristically, met Heidi’s eyes. Her surprised face was reflected in his red pupils.

After a brief silence, he added quietly in a low voice.

“I was just thinking that I hope you’ll continue to smile like that in the future.”

A tingling sensation flowed through Heidi’s fingertips as she gripped the teacup handle tightly.

The fatigue that had been following her all day instantly disappeared. Her mind became clear beyond belief for the middle of the night.

‘…So much for tea that helps you sleep well.’

Heidi had a premonition.

Tonight, she would be tossing and turning for a very, very long time.

* * *

‘I thought I’d gotten quite used to a luxurious lifestyle.’

The schedule in Aras was glamorous enough to make Heidi’s eyes spin.

Visiting auction houses where expensive artworks changed hands, shopping enough to fill an entire carriage, attending concerts held in splendid halls…

But what Heidi became completely absorbed in was watching plays at an old small theater.

“I didn’t like the last scene.”

As soon as they got into the carriage after the play ended, Heidi burst into speech. Her face was flushed red with excitement.

“Just leaving behind a single letter and running away like that – it’s so irresponsible. Even knowing they’d never meet again.”

“Isn’t that what makes it beautiful?”

Desion said, tilting his head slightly.

“Being together would have only brought pain. It leaves a lingering feeling because it couldn’t be fulfilled.”

“I think they would have been happier together, even if their lives became a bit of a mess.”

“…”

“Everyone calls happy endings cliché, but there are too many sad and common things in the world. Maybe tragedy is actually more cliché.”

“Tragedy is cliché…”

Desion, who had been staring intently at Heidi, nodded. He nodded while rummaging through his jacket’s inner pocket.

“That’s certainly a valid opinion.”

“…”

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind when choosing the next work. So you won’t cry so hard like today.”

A pure white handkerchief was offered in front of Heidi. There was a subtle playfulness in Desion’s voice.

“…!”

Heidi quickly covered her puffy eyelids with the handkerchief.

‘Come to think of it, I must look terrible!’

Heidi’s face turned bright red with embarrassment. She had been so absorbed in the play that she hadn’t cared about her face becoming a mess.

But Desion spoke with an indifferent expression, as if such things didn’t matter at all.

“The restaurant we reserved isn’t far, so we’ll arrive soon. It’s a place Frida recommended, so it should be quite wonderful.”

“Miss Frida?”

“Frida is a picky gourmet. If she recommends food, it’s trustworthy.”

Just then, the carriage’s speed gradually slowed down.

“Well then, shall we get off?”

Heidi took Desion’s hand and stepped down from the carriage. An employee in a neatly dressed uniform greeted the two of them.

“Welcome to Saebon, guests. Could you please tell me the name for your reservation?”

“Marcelina.”

“Ah! Confirmed. Please come in.”

Heidi, who had entered the restaurant, burst into admiration.

“Wow.”

A massive chandelier sparkled on the dizzyingly high ceiling, and golden round tables were sparsely placed throughout the open hall.

The employee explained with a proud expression.

“Our Saebon has wide spacing between tables to respect our guests’ private time.”

“I can hear music.”

“We have an organ player. You can directly request songs if you have any you’d like to hear.”

The employee who guided the two to a table by the window smiled brightly.

“This table has a good view and is cozy, so it’s the most preferred by couples.”

Couples?

Heidi’s eyes widened. Is that how they looked to others?

“We are…!”

Just as Heidi opened her lips to clear up the misunderstanding.

“I’d like to have a glass of water first.”

“Yes, I’ll bring it right away. Then please enjoy your intimate time together.”

Heidi bit down hard on her lower lip.

‘There’s no real need to explain anyway. It’s ridiculous.’

But what was this tickling sensation?

Heidi’s fingers, neatly placed under the table, fidgeted restlessly. A sensation like feathers gently tickling her palm began to creep up slowly.

Right at that moment.

“Oh my! What a surprise to see you here.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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