Chapter 89 - One Small Bud (1) (1/2)
“How have you been?”
Carlisle’s visit to the Blaise mansion was sure to be gossiped about, but it was best not to reveal as much as possible. No matter the fact that Elena and the prince were lovers, some noblemen would still speculate why the crown prince would visit the Blaises himself. There must be a group of people who would find a political reason. For now, it was best to keep Alphord out of the way and have it look like that Carlisle was simply passing by. Everything needed a justification. Carlisle had requested this beforehand as well, and if it weren’t for that, Elena would have found it harder to deal with her father’s stubbornness.
“Why are your eyes look wet today?”
“…Don’t joke.”
Elena remembered how she felt like she had been stabbed needlessly, but she soon straightened her face. Carlisle then stepped back and smiled.
“I’m not being funny.”
For some reason Carlisle seemed playful and friendly today, a sharp contrast to the time he brought a dismembered nobleman’s head at the party. Elena had asked Kuhn once before–was Carlisle a playful person? Kuhn then solemnly answered that he did not play games… So it seemed that only Elena saw this side of him.
“My father is waiting in the dining room. I stopped him from coming out to meet you. This is an informal visit.”
Carlisle’s visit to the Blaise mansion was sure to be gossiped about, but it was best not to reveal as much as possible. No matter the fact that Elena and the prince were lovers, some noblemen would still speculate why the crown prince would visit the Blaises himself. There must be a group of people who would find a political reason. For now, it was best to keep Alphord out of the way and have it look like that Carlisle was simply passing by. Everything needed a justification. Carlisle had requested this beforehand as well, and if it weren’t for that, Elena would have found it harder to deal with her father’s stubbornness.
“This way, Your Highness–”
“If this is an informal visit, why are you calling me Your Highness?”
Elena couldn’t think of how to reply. This grand reception not only involved Alphord and Mirabelle, but all the servants as well. Elena secretly glanced at the other servants’ faces and wondered if calling the prince “Caril” would cause an issue. Carlisle smiled lightly as if he knew what she was thinking about.
“What does the rest of them matter?”
Most of the people working in the mansion were under the control of the Blaises. Sometimes a case like Sophie’s may appear…but that didn’t matter. They were supposed to be madly in love, both at home and in public.
“Caril…”
She murmured his name, and a few of the servants nearby raised their eyebrows. Very few people, except for the Emperor, the Empress, and his brother, were allowed call the crown prince by a personal name.
“Say it like that. You promised me that you would call me by my nickname when we’re alone.”
One of the maids gave a small scream of “Kyaaa!” Carlisle’s words sounded so romantic that it had come out unintentionally. Elena turned her hot face away from Carlisle and made to lead him inside.
“I know. I didn’t forget my promise.”
She was supposed to call him Caril per the contract, but they had met in so many official locations that the name did not stick in her mouth. Only after hearing her reaffirm it did Carlisle look satisfied.
“Let’s go.”
Then Carlisle followed Elena into the mansion.
“This way, please. I’ll show you to the dining room.”
She turned her head to look at Carlisle, and she saw the maids’ eyes shining brightly. All servants felt the chemistry between Elena and Carlisle was simmering hot.
Just before the couple entered the dining room they were left alone, and Elena dropped her eyes.
“No matter how much we pretend to be in love, saying that all of a sudden somewhat embarrasses me.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re telling me to call you by an affectionate name in front of others.”
“I only said what we promised.”
Elena was surprised to see Carlisle talk seriously as if he were not acting.