Chapter 185

"...What is it that you want to say."

"There's no need to be so wary. I just came because I was genuinely curious."

With a smooth smile, Vaughn confidently approached Violet and took hold of her hair. Before a flustered Violet could react, he softly kissed her hair and bowed with perfect imperial etiquette.

"Until we meet again, Lady of the Moon."

With those parting words, the Liran prince strode away with an ease that belied his claim of being lost.

Only once he was gone did Violet allow herself to scowl.

What's with that man?

What in the world happened in Liran that led Aileen Everett to come to the empire with its prince, and boldly so at the hunting competition?

If even the duke was unaware, the situation was even more troublesome. It wasn't just a domestic issue but an international one involving another country.

And yet, it was impressive. To go on what was essentially an exile disguised as an overseas study trip, and become close with a prince. Aileen's inherent charm and affability must have been fully at play.

Violet swallowed her annoyance and brushed off her clothes. Regardless, if the situation was tangled, it needed to be unraveled.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, where Aileen was—

"My sister, she's a bit unique. Sometimes I can't understand her thoughts..."

"Hmm, hmm. Her Ladyship is indeed unique."

"Unique? Whenever I see her, I'm so scared I can't do anything."

"B-But still, she's a remarkable person unlike me. I'm so unworthy that today too, I was scolded by my sister..."

"Oh my, what are you talking about? Who is as admirable as Lady Aileen?"

"Compared to her, Lady Violet is a bit, well, headstrong. Did you see today? There's a long tradition and custom at the hunting competition, and she just goes and changes it according to her whims."

"What? My sister, more noble than anyone, would do that? She always follows principles and rules unlike me."

"But you saw Lady Aileen. Attending such an event not in a dress but in pants! And I've heard she prefers to paint rather than embroider her handkerchiefs."

They continued to exchange various stories.

Aileen, having quickly made friends with everyone using her unique charm, laughed inwardly.

After all, these were people who would switch their targets of gossip as soon as they turned their backs. There was no reason to worry.

At that moment, a figure approached them.

"Ah, Vaughn?"

"Hello, lovely fairy of spring flowers."

What awkward words. Everyone turned to look rudely at the intruder. A strikingly handsome man. Aileen glanced at the girls while conscious of Vaughn's gaze.

Not only did he have unusual eyes, but his captivating appearance had already set the hearts of the young ladies fluttering.

"Ah, may I introduce him? He's someone from Liran to whom I owe a great debt."

"Oh my, oh my!"

If fairytale creatures truly existed, they would look like this. Both Aileen and Vaughn possessed fairy-like beauty.

The girls' faces turned red.

"Where have you been?"

"I got lost. Besides, I'm not in a position to be lectured, Aileen."

"...I know. But don't wander around too much."

"Yes, yes. I have things to do. But you, you've adapted quickly for someone who called it home?"

"It's because I'm home."

"You struggled more with Liran than anyone. Ah, lovely ladies, apologies for the late greeting. I'm called Vaughn."

Vaughn, having been conversing with Aileen, finally acknowledged the attentive gazes with a calm greeting.

He didn't reveal his family name, but nobody there thought Vaughn was of ordinary status.

"Then, I must really go and attend to my own business. You can take care of yourself now that you're back home, yes?"

"Of course."

For Aileen, Vaughn's visit was just a courtesy call. After their exchange, Vaughn quickly left the scene. Aileen, watching him go, blushed like a shy girl.

"Goodness, even if he's a prince, Vaughn is too free-spirited. How troublesome it was when he insisted on touring the empire with me, no matter what..."

Her words stirred the young ladies into a frenzy again. Though of a minor country he may be, the very word 'prince' carried an air of mystery and allure.

"My goodness, he's a prince?"

"Yes. Liran is a country where people live after all. It's eternally spring there, but oh, may I talk about it?"

The conversation blossomed anew.

* * *

There were many tales tied to the hunting competition, but Cairn had no particular thoughts about it. Celebrating the victor's achievements and offering the monster as a burnt offering mattered little to him.

He was there merely to pass the time. It was a chance to stretch his legs and, if lucky, earn some favor from Violet.

So, Cairn P. Everett never imagined he'd encounter Aileen at a casually attended hunting event, nor that such a tangled political issue would arise.

In the tent built exclusively for the imperial crown prince, Rajaden and the royal prince of Liran, Vaughn, were having a serious discussion.