Chapter - 10 : Unexpected Encounter(1)

(Continuation…)

"Just go already!"(Rai)

.

Kavir nodded, offering a small, respectful bow before turning to leave. It was clear that he was hesitant to depart.

Once Kavir departed, I found myself wandering through the palace's quiet corridors, occasionally encountering Knights on their nightly patrols.

The palace took on a different vibe at night, exuding a sense of calmness that settled over its grand halls and passages.

Its vastness was both enchanting and haunting, with flickering torches casting dancing shadows and the echoes of distant footsteps creating a mysterious ambiance.

As I strolled, I couldn't help but enjoy the cool night breeze that brushed against my skin.

My initial plan was to head back to my room.

However, in the middle of my way, a secluded open area garden caught my attention, drawing me in instantly.

The view of the dark, starry sky from the garden had a captivating charm.

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to spend some time there.

Well, it's not like I have anything to do, right?

With a few quick thoughts, I decided to change my destination and explore the tranquil garden.

But as soon as I took a step forward in the direction the garden-

-There was this weird instinct in me.

Like some sixth sense telling me not to go there.

But I shook my head in denial.

It looks like I was somehow corrupted by my past-life memories of having read many novels, leading me to believe in weird sensations.

Yep! It must be my creative imagination.

.

Undeterred, I continued walking towards the place, which appeared to be a backyard leading to the garden.

Moonlight bathed the area in a soft, ethereal glow, and the distant lights from the mediaeval city outside adorned the palace walls like a shimmering necklace.

The garden's tranquillity engulfed me, creating the momentary escape I was looking for.

There, under the moon's gentle gaze, I discovered a solitary bench, inviting me to take a respite.

As I settled onto the bench, the solitude enveloped me like a comforting embrace.

I pondered the events of the day.

The Lotuscrest Royals were friendly and kind, and Princess Viviana was a mystery, as stated.

So for now, it is best to not get involved with her.

All in all, it was a promising start to our time in Alchemoria, and I looked forward to what lay ahead.

–rustle~

The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional murmur of the night breeze and the soft rustling of leav–?!

–rustle~

"WHO Is there?"(Rai)

I questioned in alarm at the one who is causing the *rustle sound beyond the leaves.

My eyes narrowed sharply, waiting for a response as I instinctively stood from the bench, adopting a vigilant stance without losing my composure.

It's already past midnight, who in the world would be fooling around at this hour?(:Author: Guess who's talking)

Then, a woman in a maid outfit came into view, and I immediately relaxed my guard.

Ooh, it's just a maid. I was worried for nothing, it seems.

I thought, feeling a touch embarrassed by my initial alarm.

"I sincerely apologise for disturbing your peace time, Your Highness."

The maid said it with an apologetic tone.

"No, it's okay…"(Rai)

I replied, my tension easing as I realised it was an innocent encounter.

Observing her appearance in the darkness, a nagging thought crossed my mind-

…she looks kind of familiar.

Where did I see her before, though?

Wait a minute! Isn't she 'Her' personal maid?

That means she might be around TOO.

I think I should get out of here immediately.

I really don't feel like running into her right now.

"Hey Maya, what's taking you so long?"(???)

Just as my thoughts were running wild, a not-so-familiar but unforgettable voice came from behind the maid, causing me to instinctively turn towards the voice.

"Mmm?

"Is that you, Prince Rai Karnal?"

The same feminine voice asked, confirming my identity.

The next moment, I came face-to-face with a figure who appeared to be around my age.

Her light red hair cascaded down her shoulders, adding a touch of warmth to the surrounding darkness.

But it was her eyes that truly captivated me – they were a striking shade of gold, glistening like stars in the night sky.

She was dressed in a simple, elegant white gown that covered her entire body, making her easily visible even in the dim light.

A black scarf draped around her neck, contrasting with the white dress and adding a touch of mystery to her appearance.

Overall, her beauty was mesmerising to my eyes.

She is none other than Princess–Lotuscrest Viviana Rosalind.

–gulp~

"Hum-mm..

"It is indeed me, Princess Viviana.

–Concealing my distorted thoughts, I replied confidently.

"Please don't mind me..

"I was simply taking a nighttime stroll.

–I explained my reasoning behind my late night presence.

"Anyway, I will be taking my leave."(Rai)

With quick, decisive words, I decided it was best to make a hasty exit.

As I turned around, I readied myself to take my leave as soon as possible.

However, an unexpected shout was thrown at me, halting my steps.

"Wait, Prince Rai!!

"*ahem…

–And it seems the owner of the voice itself was surprised by her sudden outburst.

"If you don't mind, there is something I would like to ask you."(Rosalind)

After adjusting her voice, Princess Viviana said, her voice was curious and…

Looks like she doesn't intend to address her outburst either.

"...sure."(Rai)

I replied, still not understanding what's happening while keeping my thoughts to myself.

"Please, excuse me."(Maya)

Catching Princess Rosalind's intentions, with a quick excuse, her maid, Maya, bowed and left us, giving us some privacy for our conversation.

However, my mind was occupied with questions, anticipating Viviana's intentions behind talking in private.

Is she gonna ask my opinion on the proposal?

Wait, did her Parents even bring this matter up with her?

I mean, I am confident that Silverthrone and Lotuscreast's main Family members were at least pursuing it.

I am even more certain after seeing the King and Queen's treatment of me.

Does that even matter?

I mean, with her intellect, she should have already guessed something like that, right?

Yeah, definitely. Just my luck, no one in her family knows how to act normal.

"Does Princess Elizabeth know about her health?"(Rosalind)

However, smashing all my internal thoughts to dust, Viviana inquired, her eyes searching mine for an answer.

??..!!

Huh? HUH?

….

My emotions shifted from shock to disbelief, and I finally paused in realisation for a second after her enquiry.

I was NOT expecting her to bring up such a sensitive topic.

…like really.

"Give me a moment, Viviana."(Rai)

I said I didn't want to project myself as the one who caught his tongue, unable to answer her reply, even going so far as to skip the formalities.

Well…

-this conforms to her unusual stares at Elza during the banquet, I guess.

But I gotta say, her question completely caught me off guard, and I hesitated before responding.

"Well that I–"(Rai)

Soon, in a couple of seconds, I gathered myself and started to think aloud about how to start this.

However-

"You don't have to trouble yourself, Prince Rai, if you don't want to."(Rosalind)

–Looks like Viviana misunderstood my initial silence as hesitation and interrupted me, nodding understandingly, her demeanour gentle and respectful.

She assured me, showing consideration for my feelings.

Oh! It seems I do have a choice about whether to answer or not.

Just then she added-

"And I apologise for overstepping my boundaries."(Rosalind)

Yeah, guess not. How am I supposed to say No-

To the personality she is perfectly excluding? Making me feel bad.

"No, Princess Viviana.

"It's not that I do not wish to speak.

–I spoke, clearing up the misunderstanding.

"It's just….

"Kind of complicated."(Rai)

(To be continued…)

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Chapter words : 1325

Total words : 14.53K