Chapter 16

A smile came out of Ains’ lips the moment he recalled Maria’s face. He patted Glick’s neck as they sat under the tree and continued his thoughts.

“My name is Maria Lewellin. I’m here to cure the leopard.”

He didn’t really have faith in Maria at first. Thousands of people had already came to see the leopard so far, but no one has figured out why he’s sick.

Many even backed out as soon as they saw Glick in the cage. After consulting with his bookkeeper and reliable subordinate, Tyr, they decided to only allow people in Glick’s room only if they passed the test.

Then Maria appeared. He already knew that the reason Tyr have brought her in the room is because she passed the first test, but he still couldn’t believe it when he first saw her.

‘This girl is going to cure Glick?’

The girl, who’s reflected in Ains’ eyes, seemed very fragile. Base on her appearance, she look like she’ll already faint with just the sight of Glick, let alone, cure him.

But the girl was very confident.

“I’m confident. So trust me and leave it to me.”

To speak with such confidence, and even asked the royal family to swear by the name of the Lord, Ains laughed inwardly.

He was even absolutely dumbfounded when she asked him say thank you, but he accepted it in a spur of the moment.

He watched the girl do nothing. She just sat in front of Glick for quite a long time, until she finally demanded that the cage door be opened.

Ains was quite surprised internally at that time.

In fact, Glick was by no means a jolly fellow. He had always been calm ever since he was young and even when he was growing up, and he was very smart and he can recognize his owner.

But on the surface, he still looks like a full grown beast, but the girl spoke to Glick casually. She even went one step closer and stroked his back.

Glick’s behavior towards her was also amazing. Glick, who often ignores the servant who has been feeding him meat for several years, somehow seemed to be okay being next to her.

And Glick indeed became completely better, and as promised, Ains asked a girl named Maria what she wishes for.

He was inwardly curious. She even mentioned the name of the god so he was wondering what kind of wish she would make.

But the result was disappointing. As soon as he heard her say that she wanted to be his concubine, the good image that he secretly had for her broke and shattered.

(t/n: so he really has a positive impression towards her lols)

Because of his status as the First Prince and Crown Prince, Ains was often surrounded by esteemed ladies of similar age who wanted to get his attention at parties. By the time of the coming-of-age ceremony, it was simply at its peak.

He’s not really interested in anyone and he doesn’t really care about them, but he eventually got sick and wary of them because of the strong smell of their perfume and they were always fighting among themselves.

That’s why when he heard her say that she wanted to be a concubine, he could not help but thought ‘

Is that all

?’ He was disappointed and wondered what he even expected.

…..but that was then.

“It’s not what I meant at all! If I knew it meant that, I would have asked for more money, but I would never have asked for land. I’m telling you.”

“Then, can I ask for it now? Not everything, I don’t need the land, just a building. Instead, give me more money.”

Turns out it was his own misunderstanding. He didn’t think the word “

give me land”

meant anything other than that at all.

Her face didn’t seem to tell a lie. Far from that, she looked at him with a face that seemed like she would cry right away if he didn’t back down, and he had to scolded himself for holding back a hint of laughter.

The displeasure pressing heavily on his chest disappeared in a moment.

In fact, he could just give her everything she wished for

But if he grant her wish, it would be the last time he’ll ever see Maria again since she told her herself that her dream is to live freely.

It was a pity to think so, so Ains suggested a different opinion.

“Why don’t you try working for me?”

“…under Your Highness?”

She asked once more while blinking her eyes, and he laughed again.

Again, he was not wrong. From the way she speak, to whatever she says or how she do things, if Maria was with him, he would surely laugh a lot for any reason.

(t/n: I know he’s being cheesy but I can’t help it sksksks! congrats Maria! you just got appointed as the crown prince’s personal clown

But the fact that he made her stay because she makes him happy is kyot but I dont like the fact that Boraengi have to wait longer for Maria to come home!