Chapter 34 (2/2)

“Well, it doesn’t make any big difference…”

“I want you to call me like that. Okay? Call me now.”

“Carsein. Enough? ”

“Oh, can you call me more kindly?

“I said I would call you by your name, but didn’t say I would talk to you more kindly.”

I looked at him dumbfounded, but almost broke into laughter when I saw him hitting his chest.

When I covered my smiling lips with my hand, something suddenly was placed on my head.

“I came back after a long time. Don’t you have any gift for me?”

“Huh? Do you have anything you want, Allendis? ”

“Yes, I do. Will you give it to me? ”

“Sure. What?”

“Your nickname.”

“My nickname?” I asked blankly. Nickname. Well, people close to each other can call them by their first names. But a nickname was a little different because it was allowed only between relatives or lovers. Of course, people can call each other by nickname if they are in intimate relations, but it was very rare.

I hesitated for a long time. What should I do? Alendis, who is smarter than anyone, must know the implication of the nickname. I was speechless when he just smiled at me, waiting for my reply. I was afraid that he would be hurt if I refused. But I didn’t feel up to it. Believe it or not, I’m still the crown prince’s fiancée. What if he takes an issue with this?

When I was agonized, Allendis said with a sigh, “Can’t you find one as my friend?”

“Oh, that… ”

“I am not so stupid, Aristia. I’m not going to call your nickname in front of others. So, you don’t have to worry about it. ”

Oh, was it what he meant? Well, as a genius, Alendis must have thought of it. Well, I could have a nickname.

Although I was a bit bothered because of Carsein, I felt he would not pick a fight with me on this because his and my families are in the same boat. I glanced at Allendis, after looking at the boy who was still annoyed.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t answer quickly. Yes, of course. No problem. I’ll let you call my nickname. It’s Tia.”

“Thank you, Tia. Then, why don’t you call me Allen from now on? ”

“… Allen. ”

I was touched when somebody who was not related by blood called my nickname for the first time in my life. I wanted to be called that by the man who I loved from the bottom of my heart, but didn’t. However, he never called me Tia. When I saw him and Jiun calling each other’s nickname kindly, I had to hide my strong envy back then.

Suddenly, my heart ached. Now, the fact that I’ve got somebody who calls me by my nickname, and somebody who I can call by his nickname struck a strong emotional chord in me. Suddenly, I felt like crying.

As I hurriedly lowered my head to hide my tears, Lars poked his face at me and asked,”Hey, are you crying now? Why are you crying? Did he make you cry?”

“How dare I make Tia cry? You’re mistaken, Lars.”

“Wait a minute. Why are you calling by her pet name?”

“Because I just got her permission.”

Allendis looked back at me, smiling at Lars with a wry face.

“Can I talk with the duke’s son, Tia? As I’m going to see him anyway, I think I have to make friends with him.”

“Oh, yes. Please.”

“Thank you, my lady. Lars, shall we move to another place? ”

“… Well, good. ”

After replying reluctantly, Lars left the training field with Allendis. I was worried a bit. ‘Allendis, is he okay?’ What if Lars kept being rude to him? I’m sure he would be hurt. I know he’s generous and mature, but I was still worried.

I returned to my house with a heavy heart and took a shower. When I sat in the parlor and opened a book, Lina came in shortly with some refreshments.

“Thanks, as always, Lina.”

“You’re welcome, my lady.”

“Sit down. Let’s have a snack together. ”

“With you, my lady?”

“Yes. In fact, as I’ve been busy these days, I haven’t spent much time with you. ”

Lina, who has grown up with me since childhood, was special to me. She was even more so to me in the past. To me, who was always lonely, Lina was the only chatting friend and closer than my father, my only kin.

“However… ”

“It’s okay because I gave you permission.”