Chapter - 12 : Unexpected Encounter(3)

(Continuation…)

After a couple more seconds, I began–

"As you may have already noticed while talking to Elza.

"She tends to become quite reserved when it comes to herself, unlike her usual talkative nature.

–I began, my voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and honesty.

"....Our Mother-Silverthorne Angelica-passed away when Elza was four."

-I hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.

"Though her death was not totally unexpected, as she had been ill for a couple years…

"Me and my Father kind of went on as whiners, forgetting our age.

"And guess who consoled us.

"It was Elza.

"She was like-'I promised mother that I wouldn't let you both cry'.

"Can you believe that?

"It's like she had some secret mission from our Mom!

"But I know damn well that there's no way our mother would have put such a responsibility on her little shoulders.

-I continued, feeling a mix of admiration and amusement for my Sister's endearing nature.

"It's just a sweet lie she came up with to support us, which my Father and I followed through.

"From then on, Elza always consoles us with that adorable determination of hers.

"She's like, 'No crying allowed, guys!'.

"It's funny when you think about it!

"Similarly, it's the same regarding Elza's health issue.

-I explained.

"This was an important official visit to Alchemoira Kingdom, where we were representing Xantrinia Kingdom as Prince and Princess."

"It's a lie me and my Father made up, and she innocently played along.

"*chuckle…

"We are a bunch of weird Family, right?

-I ended with a lighthearted tone, acknowledging the quirks that made my family unique.

-Viviana seemed to grasp the situation by now, and I added.

"Now that you have reminded me.

"I think it's time I gave a proper explanation to her."(Rai)

I didn't know why I was sharing all of this with someone I had just met that morning. It was a strange feeling, but at that moment, it felt like the right thing to do.

"Tomorrow, I will."(Rai)

I resolved.

Surprisingly, Princess Viviana chimed in.

"Prince Rai–"(Rosalind)

She said it with a soft and gentle tone, her voice carrying a hint of warmth, as if she wanted to make sure she had my full attention.

I turned towards her, only to be captivated by her presence.

She continued after a little pause, a small smile gracing her lips as she noticed my focus on her.

But surprisingly, as she spoke, a gentle breeze swept by us, swirling around her in a graceful dance.

"–You have a good Family."(Rosalind)

Viviana spoke, her words touching a chord in my heart.

Her hand instinctively reached up to elegantly rearrange her hair, which had been gently tousled by the wind.

It was like watching a scene from a fairy tale, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Her smile was the brightest I had ever seen, radiating an enchanting charm that made my heart skip a beat.

I found myself momentarily lost in her presence, feeling a mix of awe and admiration.

However, reality struck back, and I silently chastised myself.

Get a grip of yourself, Rai.

You can't be charmed by a mere smile.

As the daze lifted, I mustered a smile of my own, trying to maintain my usual demeanour despite the inner turmoil.

"Thank you, Princess Viviana."(Rai)

I replied, my voice steady.

"I appreciate your kind words."(Rai)

.

.

(After a couple of minutes…)

"Princess Viviana, it was nice talking with you…

–I said, a smile spreading across my face.

"And although I would have liked to chat for some more time.

"It's already pretty late into the night.

"I believe it's about time we called it a day.

"And it seems there is someone waiting for you."(Rai)

I gestured in a specific direction with a slight tilt of my head and added.

Viviana followed my gaze and noticed the maid standing there.

"That's such a shame, Prince Rai."(Rosalind)

She turned back to me, a playful expression on her face, and said-

"Indeed, it is."(Rai)

I replied, nodding in agreement.

"But I promise we'll have more opportunities to converse in the future.

-I continued, wanting to reassure her.

"Until then, rest well, Princess Viviana."(Rai)

I added, wishing her well.

"You too, Prince Rai."(Rosalind)

She replied with a smile.

.

.

(In the same place[:garden] a few minutes after Rai left)

(Third Person View)

"Maya, I think we might have to re-correct the information we have on Prince Rai Karnal."(Rosalind)

Viviana said to the same maid-Maya-whom Rai had spotted earlier near the bushes.

It had been a minute since Rai had left after his conversation with Rosalind, leaving her and Maya.

"We will do as you ordered, Lady Rosalind."

Maya replied, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity.

"You don't want to know the reason, huh?"(Rosalind)

Viviana questioned with a playful and teasing tone.

"I would like to, My Lady, if you wish."

Maya replied, trying her best to stay composed.

"If I wish to, huh…?

"Well, isn't that cute?"(Rosalind)

Viviana said it with a sly grin on her face.

She then cut to the chase and said.

"Prince Rai was able to sense your presence not once but twice Maya.

-Directly looking at Maya as she spoke.

"So let me ask this.

-Viviana continued, her curiosity piqued.

"Were you hiding your presence?"(Rosalind)

"I did."

Maya admitted.

"Though I fumbled a bit with the bushes while trying to identify him clearly before recognizing him.

"The sound I produced should not have been something that an inexperienced person could detect."(Maya)

"See, that's what I mean.

–Viviana remarked.

"And the defensive stance he took was no amateur move.

–She added with a knowing look.

"In fact, Prince Rai Karnal definitely has combat experience, and at least over a few years at that."(Rosalind)

"But, Lady Viviana."

"Clearly, from the information we have, Prince Rai wasn't trained in combat. Is he a natural talent?"(Maya)

Maya pondered, considering the possibility.

"It seems I really should change my information."(Rosalind)

She concluded, bringing up Rai's funny suggestion.

"Maya, let's go now.

"I don't think it's the right time to practise anymore."(Rosalind)

Rosalind decided, glancing at the moon and realising it was already past midnight.

She also decided to reevaluate Rai Karnal by herself from their next interactions, considering the new insights she gained.

.

(After some time…)

(Rai's POV)

"Man! I felt like I had used all my experience in a single conversation"(Rai)

I muttered, slumping down on the sofa after reaching my room, how hard it was to not stumble over my words and lose my composure during our talk.

And when that maid sneaked up behind me.

I couldn't help but reflect on how close I came to embarrassing myself in front of Viviana(:Rosalind).

I could clearly picture myself freaking out like a child that saw a ghost for the first time.

Thankfully, my combat experience from the memories given to me by the System helped me stay composed and clear-headed.

"And…"(Rai)

I started to say, but the image of Viviana's smiling face popped into my mind without warning.

I shook my head vigorously, trying to clear out the unnecessary thoughts, but my mind kept drifting back to her.

But, I couldn't deny that there was something captivating about her, something that made her linger in my thoughts.

And I guess she is also not yet the mighty commander she is in the novel.

She seemed a lot easier to talk to after I settled down and got used to her presence.

Still, I never expected her to show such concern for Elza.

However, it felt nice to know she cares for her.

.

(To be continued…)

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