Chapter 162 (1/2)

Chapter 162: Chapter 162

He paused for a moment while he was trying to say something, then he brought up a different topic.

“I have to ask you for your understanding.”

“Pardon?”

“Like I did yesterday, I think I’m going to attend more official balls with Lady Jena. Sorry. I had to buy more time, but as I said I needed more time to verify her, I have no other choice.”

“Ah… I’m fine, Your Majesty. ”

I already knew that. Although I was still his official fiancée, Jiun was given the same qualifications as me, so it was obvious that he would change his partner at official events in the future. However, I didn’t expect he would seek my understanding on this.

Staring at me when I looked at him in surprise, he said uncomfortably, “Your dress… ”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“… It doesn’t seem to be the style you normally wear. But it looks good on you. ”

“Ah… Thank you, Majesty. ”

I suddenly realized that he was agitated a bit. Obviously, he knew that I received it as a gift. And he misunderstood me because he knew the meaning of a gift that a man gave a woman. Suddenly, my fingertips felt frozen cold. I was wondering if I should tell him it wasn’t a gift.

He remained silent for some time before opening his mouth.

“Aristia. I’m not going to ask you to be by my side yet. ”

“… ”

“But can you give me a chance?”

“…Your Majesty.”

I felt uncomfortable. Although he and I were engaged, I was a member of a dedicated noble family, so I felt bad since he kept showing his faint heart.

I suddenly became curious. Why does he respect my will so much? No matter how different he was from the old him, he is still the crown prince now. So, if he gives me an order, I have no choice but to obey him.

“Your Majesty… ”

“Um?”

“Why are you asking for my understanding?”

Hearing my question, he stared at me. Then he sighed as if he was frustrated and said, “Are you asking me because you really don’t know the reason?”

“…”

“If I claim my right as the crown prince and your fiance, you have no choice but to fulfill your duties, but…”

“… ”

“That’s not what I want. As a man before the crown prince, I would like to win over the true heart of a woman who I have at my side.”

His hollow blue eyes looked at me alone.

I was moved by his sincere look and desperate voice. I can’t live by his side or by anyone else’s, so I felt a bit sorry that he kept trying to come to me with hopes for my frozen heart.

“Sorry, Your Majesty. I am… ”

He reached out to me with a sorry face. While trying to put his hand on me, he paused for a moment and said, “… I know you are trying to shun me.”

“… ”

“… Let me go out first.”

I blankly watched him leaving the lounge. His last words kept bothering me.

How much time passed? I stood up with a deep sigh. I still felt bitter and confused, but I had to get out now.

I got a cup from a passing attendant and had a cold drink. I felt a bit better as if my complex feelings seemed to subside.

Then, a woman approached me and bowed deeply. She was Entea, the successor of Viscount Sharia and his merchant vessel group.