Chapter 32: Thinking Of Her Time to Time

The next day, the knights left for the Imperial Castle. It was to prepare for the victory party.

Kaiton, who only had a one year age gap with Ailea, became very close to her.

“Ailea, we’ll be back soon,” he said.

“Yes.”

“I’m gonna look for a new bride,” Kaiton said vigorously.

Ailea picked Blue up as the carriage carrying the knights departed into the horizon.

“Let’s have our own party, Blue,” she joked as she walked back to the Outer Castle.

She felt a bit lonely. They wouldn’t come back tonight, she thought. She’d grown used to their presence and she didn’t realize that she’d come to rely on them. 

Somehow, her mind drifted to the word bride; it lingered.

“Bride…”

***

The Imperial Castle was a large palace, the inside parts of it akin to a town. The mansion Lawrence arranged for Clint was also within the borders of the Imperial Castle.

Clint had a late-night party and he’d grown tired of it that he thought of never wanting to come to the capital again. There was a difference in enjoyment between the party two years ago. The emperor nor Lawrence cared about his flirtatious way and let him run amok, but now… at this currency party… he sat around stiffly like an adult. 

Emperor Murray, a heavy drinker, consistently gave Clint drinks. He kept wondering where that damn Crown Prince was for leaving him be with the emperor. But then he spotted Lawrence with Rita.

She was a stunning beautiful woman; none could deny that. She had that aura. Her hair decoration was simply a small pin, her shiny golden hair braided to one side. The way she smiled was dazzling; Ailea deserved no notice when compared to her. 

But…

The Knights Order seemed happy at the party it looked like. It had been a while since they attended a noble gathering looking for a chance to date. While Teniac Empire had long been notorious of their polyamorous relationship between men and women and freedom of love that many thought promiscuous, some thought it a golden opportunity.

Whether it was men or women, all had tried to approach Clint. He was the main character of the party and the most delicious prey, especially for the ladies of well-known houses.

Clint skillfully escaped from the party based on his experiences of playing around.

As he went back out to the carriage, he saw Rita strolling the garden for a while. She had noticed him and hurried to approach Clint. Even in that simple-looking dress, she stood out the most amongst the ladies in the Imperial Castle.

From his many experiences with women, Clint had some vague knowledge about women’s clothes. Though the clothes Rita wore was simple, he was aware the price range was anywhere between exorbitant.

“Are you leaving already?” Rita asked with eyes opened wide.

“Yes. It’s a shame, is it not?” 

Clint, who’d been casually talking and laughing, cursed himself inwardly. He had spoken carefree and playful words so easily that Ailea really would have thought he was a playboy if she saw him at this very moment.

He was concerned what she’d think of him from time to time. Perhaps the idea of marrying her was getting to his head.

“I’m sure the other ladies will be disappointed,” Rita smiled brightly.

“Is that so?”

Clint was exhausted. He no longer wished to talk to this beautiful woman in front of him; he only wanted to go home. Besides, he didn’t want to be involved by touching the Crown Prince’s woman.

“I’ll be going now. I don’t want to be misunderstood while talking to Crown Prince Lawrence’s beloved woman,” Clint spoke with a sorry smile.

“That’s what everyone’s been talking about today,” she said, twisting her wavy hair with her fingers. “I somehow stood out for the Crown Prince.”

“…..”

“I don’t really know love just yet…” she spoke with a pitiful smile. “But it seems like I no longer have any hope.”

‘What is she doing…?’

Clint looked at Rita calmly. 

Her cute-looking disposition, her pleasantly simple dress… somehow it seemed to be some calculation in Clint’s eyes.

“Please return to the Crown Prince. I am already tired,” Clint said.

“Even so, you’re the main character…”

“I’ll see you later at the knighting ceremony.”

Rita’s face reddened at the charming smile Clint gave her and a soft pat on her shoulder with his large, warm hands. He had a soft look and a friendly tone to his speech, but somehow, there was something odd within his eyes… the man who’d made great achievements in two years on the battlefield.