Chapter 67 (1/2)
“Oh, I think I have to call you Sir Carsein from now on. I was always grateful to you, and now you have made such a wonderful achievement. I don’t know how to praise you properly.”
“… I’m so honored, Your Majesty. ”
“Last year I told you that I would look forward to seeing you be a knight in two years. You have become a knight when you’re only sixteen. What a surprise! Indeed, it is the blessings of the empire. His Majesty was also very pleased with your achievements. ”
He stepped forward and hugged Carsein lightly.
When he hugged Carsein, there was the sound of everybody whispering here and there.
By hugging him, he wanted to show his trust in Carsein. Even though he might be exposed to security risk for a moment by doing so, his hugging symbolized his trust in somebody. He was now showing everybody that he trusted Carsein.
After patting him on the shoulder lightly, the crown prince said with a smile, “I’m worried that the duchess might misunderstand again, but you’re my cousin in terms of our personal relationship, right? I have always trusted and liked you.”
“… I’m honored to hear that, Your Majesty. ”
“Oh, come to think of it, I have to thank you again.”
He looked at me, standing a few steps behind him, and reached out to me.
When I reluctantly approached and placed my hands on his, he said with a gentle smile, “My fiancee is a lonely woman. It’s not easy to make a friend with someone who she can chat freely with because she has been chosen as my fiance as a child. I have always felt sorry and regretful about it.”
“… ”
“But in the last few years she looked to be in a cheerful mood. So I asked why, she told me that you and Duke Verita’s son were her close friends. As I always felt sorry for not caring for her well, I would like to thank you for being her friend on my behalf. ”
“… I’m honored to hear that, our Majesty,” Carsein replied in a slightly dry voice.
When I raised my trembling eyes and looked around, I saw a courteous smile on his lips.
At that moment, I felt my heart freeze.
“As you know, I’m so busy that I don’t care for my fiance much. I have to blame myself for that, but I’m very sorry for her. Fortunately, I am a little relieved because you and Duke Verita’s son are her friends. I hope you can continue to be her close friend.”
“… Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you. Hmm, where is Duke Verita’s son?”
Smiling at him, the crown prince looked around. I thought Allendis might not have come because he was at odds with Carsein, but surprisingly, he also attended the party. Elbowing his way through the participants, the young man with light green hair approached the crown prince.
“I, Allendis de Verita, am honored to greet Your Majesty, the Little Sun of the empire.”
“Nice to see you here. I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with you. ”
After looking at Allendis silently for a moment, he said to Carsein, “I feel a bit awkward as I’m saying this in the presence of today’s hero, but I want you to understand my rudeness.”
“Of course I do, Your Majesty.”
He nodded lightly to Carsein’s response and said to Allendis, “Thank you. I called you here because I wanted to praise you, too. I hear you’re called a genius of the century. I know that only at the age of seventeen you have become an official. How wonderful! With so many talented people like you, I think the future of the empire is very bright.”
“I’m honored to hear that, Your Majesty.”
“I want to say the same thing to you. Please take care of my fiancee. Please continue to be her close friend. ”
After saying that, he quietly gazed at the participants and said, “I’m afraid I’ve disturbed your wonderful party time. Why don’t you resume it?”
“Thank you so much, Your Majesty.”
When Duke Lars, who bowed to him and waved his hand, music played again, and they began to enjoy the party again.
When Duke Lars and his wife bowed out, only four were left behind in an awkward atmosphere. After being lost in some thought for a while, the crown prince looked at me with a smile and said, “Can you still dance well like before?”
“Pardon, Your Majesty?”