Chapter 80

"Hey"

With a refreshing smile, the figure that appeared at the window was none other than Prince Rolf, the younger brother of the neighboring kingdom's king.

To be precise, I'll say it twice: Prince Rolf, the younger brother of the king.

"Sorry to visit so late at night."

Indeed, I was just about to prepare for bed. It is quite late to be visiting someone, isn't it? But that's not the point.

"I hope you can forgive my rudeness for entering a lady's room uninvited. I had no choice, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to see you."

Like Jin, who often visits my room without prior notice and gets scolded by the maids. But that's not the case here.

"No, entering someone's room uninvited isn't just rude, it's a crime. Trespassing, and in the royal palace, no less. This could become an international issue, you know?"

I looked at Prince Rolf with a suspicious eye. This guy casually broke in with a refreshing face. He seems to be quite experienced at this.

"...You're quite amusing. Other women usually blush and welcome me when I sneak in like this."

Prince Rolf with a troubled smile. Yes, definitely a repeat offender. And a narcissist, I suspect.

"Don't be so wary. I'm not the type of man who forces himself on women who don't want me."

"Tell that to someone who tries to pass off trespassing as mere rudeness."

Trespassing, but just because he's handsome doesn't mean I'll let it slide. A crime is a crime.

First of all, the sin of interrupting my plans to enjoy a cozy, fluffy futon paradise is grave. I'm sleepy, you know.

Prince Rolf covered his mouth with one hand and tilted his head in a charming way. Unnecessarily handsome. For a trespasser.

"Would you mind having a short talk, Miss Shina?"

"Hmm, I don't want to, but..."

At my immediate response, Prince Rolf shrugged his shoulders in a troubled manner and took a step closer to me. I felt a bit scared and secretly activated my ear cuff.

"I believe you've heard from King Graysen, but I did indeed try to use you as bait to catch the Colts family. I apologize for that."

"..."

It feels like I just heard a shocking statement. Am I imagining things? What did this guy just say? He casually treated people as bait?

"You might think it's a selfish thing to say, but I truly am sorry. I never thought that the absurd story would turn out to be true. I assumed it was impossible and suspected you of being a fraud. But now, I genuinely want to protect you from the people I deliberately brought in. It's understandable that you wouldn't believe me, but if they harm you, it could create a rift between the Kingdom of Marita and the Kingdom of Naris. I'm willing to accept any punishment. This was my decision alone, and the country and Canaan are not involved. But the king forbade me from meeting you... That's why I resorted to this method."

The intruder, or rather Prince Rolf, started talking non-stop. I don't understand the situation at all, but I might as well let him talk.

In the end, neither Jin nor Barry, who returned later, would tell me anything. When I asked about Miss Lana and Prince Rolf, they wouldn't answer, no matter how angry or tearful I got. They just said to stay away from them until Prince Canaan and Prince Rolf returned to their country. After that, the maids and guards started to strictly prevent any contact with the people from the Kingdom of Naris. Hmm, what's going on? I feel so isolated.

"This is entirely my fault. Canaan doesn't know anything. He's been upset about not being able to see you and Jinklett. Canaan, due to his leg, has always been wary of others in the Kingdom of Naris. But here, with Sirius and you, he seems to be truly at ease."

Prince Rolf's expression softened. He must really love his nephew. Well, even from an outsider's perspective, Prince Canaan is adorable.

"Whether his leg is good or bad, Canaan is the next king of the Kingdom of Naris. I have a claim to the throne, but no one is more suitable to be king than him. I've decided to dedicate my life to serving my brother and him."

Prince Rolf's eyes seemed genuine. He doesn't seem to have any intention of becoming king.

"But there are many fools. Some want to push Canaan aside and use me as a puppet... The Colts family, who directly aim for the throne, have repeatedly tried to take Canaan's life. So many times, it's truly disheartening. Each time, Canaan would blame himself for being inadequate and become depressed. It was pitiful. So, this time, I thought it was another fraud... I thought you were trying to cure Canaan's leg to do harm to our country. My brother, King Graysen, said he wouldn't do such a thing, but I couldn't believe it..."

Surrounded by enemies, he didn't know who to trust. I understand how he feels.

"Then, the Kingdom of Marita proposed a marriage alliance with you. I thought they were trying to deceive us by pretending to cure Canaan and push a fraudster into our country. My brother and sister-in-law trusted the Kingdom of Marita and not only didn't doubt it but also agreed to the proposal. I couldn't refuse, so I decided to use the engagement with me to weaken the Colts family. I didn't stop Miss Lana from coming because I thought she would try something against you and Jinklett, and that would give a blow to the Colts family..."

What? Hold on. What did he just say?

"Who's engagement with me?"

I muttered in shock, and Prince Rolf looked puzzled.

"Haven't you heard anything from the king or Jinklett? I was chosen as one of your potential fiancés. The king approached me with the proposal."

What is he talking about?

My fiancé is... Jin.

Then I remembered, it was still a provisional engagement. My adoptive family hadn't been decided yet. It hadn't become an official engagement. King Graysen had said that both Lord Kylart and Grandpa Sand were reluctant to step down. Yes, that's what he said.

Also, Jin's behavior had been strange. I heard from Barry that he and Prince Rolf were close like brothers, but he had been acting hostile and giving cold looks. Was it because he knew Prince Rolf was a potential fiancé for me?

If he knew, why didn't he tell me?

"Miss Shina? What's wrong? You look terrible."

Prince Rolf took a step closer.

Unable to respond, I took a step back. Seeing this, Prince Rolf smiled wryly.

"Miss Shina, even if I talk about the engagement, I have no intention of forcing myself on you. I came here today to apologize and to protect you..."

He took another step, slowly, as if considering my fear. Just a bit more. A bit more.

Bang.

Kiri burst into the room with a fierce look in her silver eyes, quickly assessing the situation between Prince Rolf and me. She had changed into training clothes after saying goodnight, a simple top and comfortable pants. Training after work is Kiri's daily routine.

"Miss Shina!"

Kiri, sword drawn, scooped me up and leaped back. Her sword was enveloped in flames... Oh, this is bad. Full throttle! Kiri, calm down. I called you, but still. Being alone with a man at night, especially a powerful royal, is scary. I can attack, but against humans, it's overkill. I can't just zap them.

"How did you alert the maid? I thought I sealed the room's communication magic..."

Prince Rolf muttered. It sounds like a criminal's words. Good thing I had the ear cuff. The spell was different, so it wasn't blocked. Kiri arrived three minutes after I called. My girl is better than a security company.

Kiri shielded me from Prince Rolf's view. Her touch was warm. I'm glad she's here.

"May I ask why you entered Miss Shina's room so late at night?"

Kiri's killing intent was so intense that Prince Rolf hurried to explain.

"It's a misunderstanding, maid. I have no ill intentions. I came here to apologize to Miss Shina and discuss future strategies against the Colts family."

"Strategies against the Colts family?"

"Kiri... Prince Rolf is also a potential fiancé for me. The king proposed to the Kingdom of Naris."

The engagement talk was still swirling in my head. How did this happen?

My voice trembled, and Kiri's forehead twitched.

"I don't know the full story, but shouldn't you have confirmed Miss Shina's wishes before making such a proposal?"

I agree with Kiri. That's the normal procedure, right?

"No, I didn't expect Miss Shina hadn't heard anything... But... King Graysen values Miss Shina greatly. He would sacrifice anything to protect her. He is a man of honor and never forgets a favor, embodying the Kingdom of Marita. He wants to entrust her to a man who can protect her..."

Is that true?

Maybe they thought I wasn't suitable to be a princess in the Kingdom of Marita?

Maybe they thought I was a hindrance because of my actions?

After all, I wasn't informed about this. Marriage is a big decision that affects the future. And...

"Choosing a man who's a habitual trespasser and a narcissist to protect me?"

And a guy who treats people as bait to harm others. How is he supposed to protect me?

"No, that's... I'm sorry. Miss Shina, a narcissist? What does that mean?"

Prince Rolf, flustered. Even if he doesn't understand the word, he realizes it's not a compliment.

"It's a term derived from a man in a distant land who fell in love with his own reflection in the water. It now refers to someone who is self-centered and overly confident."

"Ugh... That's a harsh description."

"If you think all women are happy to see you break in, you're right."

I glared at Prince Rolf coldly.

"No, really, it's a misunderstanding. I don't think that... Sneaking in through the window is something to do after becoming lovers... No, ah, I'm giving you the wrong impression... This is the worst..."

Prince Rolf groaned, covering his forehead. The worst is how I was interrupted from sleeping and heard such shocking news.

"Prince Rolf, if this is about Miss Shina's safety, I can visit you tomorrow. As her doctor, Mr. Sand has instructed me to ensure she doesn't neglect her meals or sleep. It's not good for your health to be here in such thin clothes on a cold night. If you want to apologize, you should consider Miss Shina's situation first."

Kiri glared at Prince Rolf, unyielding. By the way, her flaming sword is making it not so cold. Convenient, the flaming sword.

"Mr. Sand... I see, I'm sorry. I'll come back another time. Miss Shina, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. Have a good night..."

Prince Rolf said this and retreated gracefully, leaving a trail of charm.

Oh, it seems I'm supposed to meet him tomorrow. A vein popped on Kiri's forehead.

Prince Rolf, as he entered, gracefully leaped out the window and disappeared into the night, leaving me and Kiri feeling like we were caught in a storm.