Chapter 6

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Prince Leonhardt is a glove fetishist.

In front of Cordelia, who makes such an off-the-wall guess, the conversation between Leonhardt and Priscilla continues.

"Kind and gentle Prince Leonhardt, please use this handkerchief."

"A little dirt like this can be handled with the handkerchiefs I have."

"This handkerchief also represents my feelings. I want you, Prince Leonhardt, who saved me, to accept and use it."

Priscilla, holding the handkerchief in both hands, looks up at Leonhardt with wide eyes. Cordelia, her older sister, understands that Priscilla, despite her polite words, has not even considered the possibility of her offer being rejected. After all, Priscilla's 'requests' have always been granted by their parents and fiancés.

"Your feelings, huh?"

"Yes. I am grateful to you, Prince Leonhardt, and I admire you."

"Then, I cannot accept it."

"………Eh?"

Priscilla blinks her large eyes. She seems to be struggling to understand the soft but firm rejection.

Leonhardt takes out a handkerchief from his pocket and quickly wipes the wine off.

"………Why, Prince Leonhardt……?"

"Because I have no right to accept your gratitude."

"?"

"I wanted to protect Cordelia, not you."

Leonhardt smiles at Cordelia. Cordelia, being named, bows gracefully and expresses her gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I am deeply honored to be cared for and helped by you."

"Don’t be so formal. As I said before, I did it because I wanted to. If I could help you, that’s reward enough for me."

"Your Highness………?"

Why did he go so far to support and help her? The intelligent Leonhardt seemed to understand the unspoken question.

"Cordelia, you should be more aware of your own charm."

"Thank you for your kind words, but……… I believe I am aware of my place."

Prince Leonhardt is always surrounded by girls in luxurious dresses and from noble families. She is just the daughter of a viscount, and her dress is cheap. She is aware that compared to the beautiful Priscilla, she is ordinary and unremarkable.

"Perhaps because you are usually surrounded by bright and large flowers, the unfamiliar wildflowers seem more attractive to you."

"Even wildflowers can have beautiful flowers. I thought you were very beautiful, protecting your sister without minding if your dress got dirty, and standing up to a duchess's daughter without hesitation."

"………That’s just what I should do as a sister and the daughter of a viscount."

………She protected Priscilla not for her sister but to protect the expensive dress. She couldn’t say that, so Cordelia smiled ambiguously.

"Because you can say that, I wanted to help you."

Leonhardt’s amber eyes smiled warmly.

(………What does he mean by this?)

Cordelia’s head is filled with question marks. Leonhardt’s words and expressions were as sweet as if he were speaking to a beloved lover. Even the onlookers were buzzing, sensing the unusual atmosphere around the prince.

(At first sight? Could it be, for someone like me?)

If it were for Priscilla, she could understand. But Leonhardt’s affection seems to be directed at her. Unable to comprehend, she looked around, seeking answers.

(Priscilla, this is bad.)

Priscilla’s large sapphire eyes were trembling, on the verge of tears. She must feel rejected and ignored by Leonhardt. Her impulsive sister can’t stand not being the center of attention.

"Your Highness, I apologize. My sister seems to be deeply affected by the earlier commotion. I am worried, so I would like to leave now."

This was half an excuse to leave the scene and half a desperate attempt to prevent her sister from making a scene. As she pondered what to do if Leonhardt rejected her, he said:

"I see, that’s a shame, but I understand. Before you go, may I have your right arm for a moment?"

"Your hand?"

As Cordelia responded, Leonhardt enveloped her right palm.

"I’ll take the dirty glove. I’ll replace it with a new one and send it to your residence. Please wait for it."

"………Thank you for your consideration."

Leonhardt held Cordelia’s glove as if it were precious. It was a promise to meet again, using the glove as an excuse. Though it was a bit troublesome, she had no time to talk to him further. Preventing Priscilla’s outburst was more important.

Cordelia bowed to Leonhardt and took her sister’s hand.

"Priscilla, you don’t seem well. Let’s go home today."

"No, I don’t want to. I still want to talk more with Prince Leonhardt———"

"You will see him again. He promised."

Leonhardt nodded, affirming Cordelia’s words.

"Big sister, really………?"

"Does Prince Leonhardt seem like someone who would break a promise?"

"Of course not………"

Priscilla finally understood that it would be inappropriate to criticize Prince Leonhardt in public. Pulling her deflated sister, Cordelia walked out of the ballroom.

"Then, there’s no need to worry. Let’s go home. Topaz is waiting for you, isn’t he?"

"Topaz………"

Priscilla whispered her fiancé’s name. As if waiting for her, Topaz approached.

"Priscilla, are you okay? I was very worried about what would happen if you caught the attention of Princess Katharina."

"Topaz………!!"

Priscilla clung to Topaz, seeking comfort and reassurance.

(So predictable………)

Cordelia smiled bitterly. Priscilla had already forgotten about Leonhardt, focusing only on the convenient person in front of her. It was a typical quick switch for her sister.

(At least Priscilla won’t cause any more trouble……)

But now she would have to face Leonhardt again. Until she understood his true intentions and why he was interested in her, she needed to be cautious.

Cordelia quietly pondered her next steps.

Topaz, her ex-fiancé, watched her with a complex expression.

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Thank you for reading. I would be grateful for any reviews or feedback. The next part will be posted tomorrow, so I hope you will look forward to it.