Chapter 21 - His Services (1/2)

Chapter 21 – His Services

The startled maids froze and reacted too late. Countess Melissa grabbed her skirt in anger and shouted at him.

“That is too rude!”

But as soon Melissa looked into Ishakan’s eyes, she froze. Her face went pale, and breath hitched. Her body trembled with absolute fear. Leah immediately stood in front of Countess Melissa, protecting her from his line of sight.

“He’s the king.”

Ishakan turned to Leah. Countess Melissa breathed a sigh of relief as the attention was off of her. Leah then looked straight into his eyes.

“Touching the body of a royalty without permission is a breach of respect in Estia. As long as you’re here, I’d like you to follow Estia’s etiquette.”

The maids were merely fulfilling their duties. Ishakan should have to do the same. But surprisingly, he admitted his mistake.

“I made a mistake.”

The maids, as well as Leah, shrunk back in surprise. They couldn’t believe that an apology came out so easily from the mouth of a king. No royalty ever acted this way; admitting one’s mistake meant giving up their pride.

But Ishakan admitted his fault as if it was nothing and gently looked at Leah. She fought the urge to look away and met his steady gaze.

“Hunting is like second nature to Kurkan’s…” He started to explain.

His lips pulled up into a smile, “So if you turn your back to me, my natural instinct would be to chase and catch you.”

In contrast to his relaxed smile, his words carried a frightening meaning, causing the atmosphere to become tense. The way he talked and behaved, it was as if Leah was prey for him. But she didn’t budge. She considered being silent to be a much better option than having a nonsensical argument with him.

Ishakan stared at her, and slowly, his mouth lifted up into a smile.

“Will you show me around the palace?”

His words were like poison. Byun Gyonbaek’s fiancé hanging out with the King of Kurkans? It would be the gossip of the century.

She was sure that if she accepted, a rumor claiming that the King of Kurkans was hitting on the princess of Estia would spread like wildfire.

Despite being aware of this, she couldn’t reject his request. Compared to the powerful weapon Ishakan could use against Leah, the rumor was nothing.

Ishakan held out his hand, asking her to escort him. Reluctantly, she laid her hand on top of his in acceptance.

“Princess…”

Frightened, the maids called out to Leah. Countess Melissa trembled as she recalled the fear she felt while confronting Ishakan.

“I’m fine. You may go ahead.”

“But—”

“I have to entertain the guest.”

After comforting the terrified maids, Leah leads the way as she showed him around. Ishakan followed her at a leisurely pace. She tried to head to a secluded place, but it was impossible to avoid the people’s curious eyes completely. With every step they took, the more gazes followed them.