Chapter 74 (1/2)

Chapter 74: Chapter 74

When I saw his trembling eyes, I suddenly recalled something to say, but I didn’t have the nerve to get it out of my mouth.

Allendis, who looked at me silently with his lips closed, sighed deeply and stood up.

“Well, if you choose the path of a knight, I still have a chance, right?”

“… ”

“When the day comes when I can confidently come forward…”

Instead of finishing his words, he smiled at me and helped me up. His smile was the same, as usual, but his bitter feelings in it broke my heart because I felt sorry and guilty.

“Whew!…” Allendis sighed long and said, “I am sorry, Tia. I did that while asleep.”

“Huh? Oh, that’s fine, Allen.”

Alendis, who smiled feebly at me when I responded hesitantly, walked toward the window.

He stood with his back toward me and seemed to refuse any further conversation with me.

I was about to leave the room silently, but stopped suddenly. I was bothered by his lonely figure, with his dishevelled hair around his shoulders.

After hesitating several times, I approached him. I raised my hand to release the hair strap on my head, and put it in his hand, who fixed his gaze outside the window.

“Tia?”

“I didn’t need it because I was just on my way back home. I know I will be uncomfortable if you keep standing here like this,” I said, glancing away from him, who looked at me blankly.

After remaining silent for some time, he replied in a subdued voice, “… Thanks.”

“…You’re welcome. Let me leave now.”

I came out and stood with my back leaning against the door. I felt sorry and guilty, along with other mixed feelings lingering in my heart. I could not forget his wet eyes and his sad touch.

While I was standing aghast like that, I suddenly heard somebody chatting loudly at the end of the hallway. Only then did I come to my senses. I forgot that this was a government building where many anti-emperor nobles were coming and going.

‘Who knows somebody notices me standing here and spreads rumors? Let me get out of this place first. ‘

Although I felt like something was pulling me back, I walked down the hallway, biting my lip without looking back.

Today was the day when the crown prince’s birthday banquet would take place.

When I caught my breath after finishing preparations, my house was turned upside down because today’s hero, the crown prince, made an abrupt visit.

I rushed downstairs to greet him. Why did he come here? He must be very busy preparing for his birthday banquet.

“I’m honored to see you, the Little Sun of the empire.”

“It’s been a long time.”

“You must be busy preparing for the banquet… ”

“The palace affairs office is busy, not me. Are you preparing now?”

“No, Your Majesty. I was just done, so I was taking a break.”

“Sounds good. I’m glad to hear that.”

After exchanging pleasantries, we moved to the reception room. He was silent.

After pondering over something, he asked me, breaking silence, “Have you noticed anything unusual around you these days?”

“Pardon? I don’t know what you mean…”

“Oh, that’s fine. It’s not a big deal, so don’t worry. ”

He remained silent again. I looked at him with a puzzled expression, who was knocking on the chair in a pensive mood.

‘Did he have such a habit? I don’t think so. ‘

I was thinking about asking him what was going on, but he said, staring into the air, “Can you give me a cup of tea?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I will call somebody right away. ”

“Well, I want to drink the tea you brew for me.”

“… Pardon?”

My eyes popped up at his unexpected request. Just like he did last time, his repeated eccentric actions embarrassed me very much.

“What’s wrong? Can’t you serve tea?”

“Oh no, Your Majesty. I can.”