Delzion placed the sack on the table.
The elderly man grinned widely at Ardion. “My workshop is but a humble place, Your Highness, but I will do my best to serve to the best of my abilities. What kind of necklace do you plan to make…?”
“Can you make a necklace that can hold mana?”
“If it’s your Highness’s mana, it must have all sorts of magical properties, right?”
Instead of answering, Ardion simply stared at the elderly man. Seeing the intensity in his gaze, the elderly man quickly nodded. “Yes, I can do it. Just give a month, and I—”
“That is too long. I need it before the tournant.”
At Ardion’s gesture, Delzion brought out another sack from the carriage.
The elderly man cleared his throat and nodded. “I’ll put off my other commissions and make the necklace you requested, Your Highness.”
Ardion nodded and turned to leave.
Suddenly, the artisan asked, “Do you have a design in mind for the centerpiece of the necklace? Just let know, and I’ll make it beautiful.”
“Carve a lilac flower.”
“Certainly, Your Highness.” The artisan bowed his head.
Ardion exited the workshop and entered the carriage.
Delzion asked, “Your Highness, making such a necklace could be dangerous. If soone gets their hand on it, they may use it with ill intentions.”
“When I’m at the hunting tournant, I can’t protect Laila. At least with the necklace, I’ll feel more at ease.”
“Of course. With the necklace, Miss Laila will be safer. But if it fell into the wrong hands…”
“Delzion, whatever happens, I will take responsibility. Laila must be safe.”
Because of Ardion’s firm and unyielding words, Delzion fell silent. With Ardion’s mana, an attacker could strike directly at him, which posed a great risk.
“And keep an eye on the artisan. He’s fond of money and could sell information to others.”
Delzion nodded.
Wind blew, clouds shrouded the sky, and days passed. The discussions about the hunting tournant echoed throughout the palace.
[Laila’s POV]
“I heard the crown prince is granting an unprecedented wish to the winner.”
“It’s going to be more competitive this ti.”
“Especially with the crown prince's participation.”
Both servants and nobles buzzed about the upcoming event. I watched them for a mont before heading to Ardion’s chambers.
I knocked on the door, and his voice called out, “Co in.”
Ardion lay on the bed without moving. He always did this. I had never found him awake when I arrived, and he would only stir when I approached, as if he welcod being woken.
“Your Highness, it’s morning,” I said stiffly, but he simply stared at the ceiling.
“Your Highness?”
“Laila, if I win the hunting tournant, I’ll make a wish.”
“A wish?”
Only then did Ardion turn to look at . His erald eyes fell on my lips before eting my gaze, a charming smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “I hope you’ll be happy when my wish cos true.”
“What kind of wish do you have in mind?”
I was genuinely curious, but Ardion simply smiled and rose from the bed. His toned upper body was visible, and although I had seen it many tis, I instinctively took a step back.
“Laila, how long are you going to keep avoiding ?”
“Pardon ?”
“Isn’t it about ti you got used to this?”
He took a step closer, and I awkwardly smiled while backing away. Flustered, I tripped over my own feet.
As I lost my balance, Ardion expertly steadied by holding my waist, his large hand brushing against the fabric of my dress.
Has he always had big hands?
The gentle pressure at my waist made acutely aware of his hand size. I t his eyes that held a deeper hint of obsession and affection for .
Ardion leaned in slowly, and I turned my head away.
“Do you know how unsettling it is when you keep distancing yourself from ?”
His breath grazed my ear, and he squeezed my wrist lightly. A sudden jolt of electricity surged through .
I tried to escape, but Ardion didn’t release . The warmth of his touch spread from where he held .
I stood there in a daze, my heart racing inexplicably. Just monts ago, I had felt fine, but now…
Why am I like this?
While I was confused, Ardion’s low voice sounded. “Laila.”
I looked up and saw a necklace dangling from his hand. It was a smooth gold chain with a lilac flower intricately carved at its center, surrounded by sparkling, multicolored gems.
As I stared at it in bewildernt, Ardion placed the necklace around my neck.
“Your Highness, this is…”
“It’s a necklace infused with my mana. No matter how much mana you lose, this will protect you.”
“Why… are you giving this to ?”
As I fidgeted with the necklace, Ardion took my hand and held it firmly. “Because it’s you, Laila. You’ve been hurt too often.”
“But I’m fine now.”
“You never know. Anything could happen.”
Ardion walked past towards the door. I gazed up at him intently as he tilted his head slightly. “Laila, are you just going to stand there?”
Reluctantly, I followed him. Perhaps it was the necklace, but I felt unusually clear-headed.
When we reached his office, Delzion knocked on the door. “Your Highness, the hunting tournant is set to take place in Delphid Forest.”
“Delphid Forest?” Ardion’s expression changed montarily.
“Isn’t that the forest that was closed off after monsters appeared there a decade ago and caused many deaths?”
“Yes, but the location was ultimately decided because the crown prince wanted to hunt in a place where there are many animals.”
“Where is Rowell now?”
“He should be dining with other nobles, Your Highness.”
“To suddenly inform of this while leisurely dining…” Ardion’s grip on the paper suddenly tightened until it spontaneously burned away. Both Delzion and I were startled.
“Your Highness!”
The paper turned to ashes that fell to the floor. Ardion stepped on the blackened remains and exhaled slowly. “I’ll go there myself.”
“But if you go now, the nobles there won’t be welcoming, especially considering those nobles are on the crown prince’s side…”
“I am aware they have always underestimated , but I’ve endured it in silence to see their reaction. They’re actually treating like this. Ridiculous.”
Just then, a scratching noise caught my attention. I quickly reached into my pocket, which drew Ardion’s attention.
Given the tense atmosphere, I explained quickly, “I’m just worried about Derol being lonely. Can’t we spend today together?”
I had been thinking about Derol every day since I worked here, missing him. He had expressed his desire to be with every night, and I couldn’t shake my concern for him, wanting to be together at least today.
“Laila, I told you before. Just the sound of a mouse makes …”
“Your Highness, please.”
Seeing my pleading expression, Ardion fell silent. After a mont, he said in a low voice, “Just this once. Next ti…”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” I bead, speaking quickly to prevent him from finishing his sentence. I was grateful he had agreed.
He montarily stared at , as though ti had stopped, and he didn’t even blink. When Delzion softly called him, he slowly turned his head.
Ardion’s ears were red. For so reason, his cheeks held a slight flush.
Why is he acting shy when he was so bold monts ago?
Ardion was a box full of mysteries. He exited the office briskly, and since my role was to serve him, I followed closely behind.
Soon, we arrived at the banquet hall where Rowell was. But upon our arrival, knights blocked our way. “Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince does not allow anyone to enter, as he is currently…”
“It’s the crown prince’s command. Open the door.”
“But…”
Frustrated, Ardion drew his sword and pointed it at the knight’s hand holding the door handle. “If you don’t want your fingers chopped off, you should open it.”
His voice was coldly nacing. The rumors he had single-handedly slain countless monsters were likely not exaggerated.
The knights exchanged nervous glances before hastily moving aside. Ardion sheathed his sword and gestured for them to open the door.
Right after the door opened, the wind drifted out with the laughter of the people inside.
“Haha, the crown prince sure knows how to enjoy himself…”
Realizing the door had opened, the seated guests ceased their laughter and turned their attention towards the entrance.
“Ardion, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” Rowell was the first to acknowledge Ardion.
“Indeed. If there’s an event like this, you should have invited , brother.”
“I enjoy hearing you call brother so formally,” Rowell responded with a teasing tone, dismissing Ardion’s sarcasm.
I glanced around, noting that all present at this al were high-ranking nobles dressed in exquisite attires. There was not a servant in sight.
The spread before them was lavish. Fried ats, salads mingled with fruits, and golden goblets brimming with wine adorned the opulent table.
“Brother, won’t you arrange a seat for ?” Ardion asked.
Rowell gestured to the servant who had just entered. The servant hurriedly prepared a seat for Ardion.
“Ardion, wouldn’t it be better for the person accompanying you to step outside? As you can see, this gathering is ant for conversation, not for eavesdropping.”
I quickly caught on and began to retreat toward the door.
But I heard Ardion say, “Laila stays here with .”
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