Reason #15: It just doesn’t make sense

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The Night Before the Festival

Guys' Talk

While Ivy was having a peaceful night with the ladies, Prince Leon was having a sorrowful time with the gents.

After a stern lecture from Duke Augustine, Prince Leon and Gregory headed towards the ladies' room to invite the girls tomorrow to the Festival.

When they arrived at the lady's bedroom, they saw Mr Omer eavesdropping in front of their door.

"Mr Omer?"

Gregory called out to him, wondering what is he doing.

"Shhh..."

Mr Omer says while he tries his best to focus on the ladies' conversation.

Gregory understood what was going on and immediately joined in the fun while Prince Leon, on the other hand, was trying to be a good gentleman.

"You shouldn't be eavesdropping on people's conversation."

The Prince stared at them in a displeasing way.

"Leon... quickly come. Miss Ivy is talking about you."

Gregory frantically waves his hand, beckoning the Prince to come closer.

Prince Leon couldn't help himself from approaching them as he was intriguingly interested in knowing what Ivy was talking about him.

Gracie:

"That's right. We always thought you like the Prince very much."

Ivy:

"I like him, but I don't know if I love him."

The Prince placed his ear to the door a little closer.

Gracie:

"What's not to love? He is the crown prince, and he is talented in swordsmanship, he is tall and voted the most handsome man alive! How can you not fall for him even when he confesses to you like that?!"

Prince Leon nodded aggressively, agreeing with Gracie's statement.

Ivy:

"To be honest, his highness is not really my type."

The Prince felt deeply wounded as Ivy's words stabbed him through the heart while Gregory tried to hold back his laughter.

Gracie and Duchess:

"Ehh..." x2

"My daughter actually has a type."

"I'm surprised too! I always thought because you like his highness, so you never seemed like you are interested in other men."

Ivy:

"I'll have you know that his highness is not the only man in my life. I have my preference, too, you know!"

The Prince tried to regain his composure when he heard Ivy mention the type of man she liked.

Gracie:

"Come on, do tell! I would love to know what type of man you like!"

[ Yes...Do tell... I need to know the type of man you prefer and kill every single one of them myself ] The Prince spoke softly but angrily outside the door while dispersing a black aura around him.

Ivy and Gracie:

"Uhm, I'm not sure how I should say this."

"Just describe him. How would he look like? Tall? Short? Fat? Skinny?"

Ivy and Duchess:

"Hmmm... I guess I prefer a mature man who has black hair, a rugged feature, is tall with a large muscular physique, looks very manly and is really really strong."

"Daughter, my darling. Isn't that your father?"

[Pfftt.... ahahahaha] Gregory let out a low pitched laugh as he couldn't contain himself anymore while the Prince gawked and turned lifeless.

Then a large dark shadow stood behind and tapped the Prince's shoulder.

All of them turned around and saw the Duke standing behind them.

The Duke only lets out a sarcastic smirk without saying a word as he leans towards the Prince and says softly.

[ kill me? You are 100 years too slow... ]

The frightened Prince immediately bowed down to the ground, begging for his Master's forgiveness.

That night was the first time the angelic Prince had experienced the War Demon's True Training from Hell.

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The Day of the Festival

"Is his highness around?"

That morning, I went to Prince Leon's room to invite him to the Mask Festival together. I felt a bit bad for him after what happened last night. Father can be a bit unforgiving at times.

Even if I know that he is going to dump me later on, I should still maintain a good relationship with him so that we can end the relationship peacefully in the end.

Hopefully, he will cheer up when we stroll around the Festival.

"I'm sorry, my lady. His highness is still in training with the Duke." The butler politely answered.

"Still? Were they up early?"

"'No, my lady, his highness, and the Duke had been in training since last night and have yet to return."

"SINCE LAST NIGHT?!"

Ivy yelled as she was surprised that her father had not released the Prince since they last met last night.

< Poor boy, I knew father could be a bit brutal with his training, but I didn't know that he would go this far. I should buy him lots of good food and souvenirs and comfort him lots and lots later. I pray for your safe return, my Prince! >

After a short prayer for the Prince, Ivy then left for the Festival with Gracie.

The town of Ester Lake was bustling with cheers. You could see dancers, acrobat performances, plays, and folk singers entertaining and driving the crowds with excitement. And because everyone wore a mask of all shapes and sizes, it made the mood colourful and playful at the same time. Gracie and Ivy also wore animal eye-mask with large coats to hide their identities as noblewomen. They felt like children at a carnival as they scrolled around the town streets, pumping with excitement.

Although the town was filled with all sorts of things to play, the main reason why it attracted soo much attention from people was because of its famous Street of Enchantment.

"Street of Enchantment? What is that?"

Ivy asked as she bit the apple candy she found earlier.

"Rumor has it that the Street of Enchantment has all sorts of magic stones that can give a person the power to do magic."

"Magic? It's there such a thing ?"

I was shocked to hear the word magic because, as far as I know, I've not learned that there is any magic written in the novel, nor have I learn the existence of magic when I was growing up as Miss Augustine.

"Yes, but the people who can do magic are scarce, and the stones only react to people who have magic. Brother told me that there might only be less than 100 wizards in a large kingdom like ours."

"Hmm... but if only wizards can use the magic stones, then why do nonmagic people like us want it?"

"Ah, that's because there is one stone that everyone seeks. It's called the Lover's Stone."

<Uwahhh..... another cliche naming sense for a romantic novel. This author does not have any at all. I shouldn't proceed with this conversation, and it sounds like will raise troublesome flag. Having the Prince declaring his love to me is more than can handle. wouldn't want start up interests if could.> Ivy's inner voice.

"Hmm... I see." Ivy continues to enjoy her candy apple and walk ahead as she tries to avoid Gracie's conversation.

"Wait! Don't you want to know how it works?"

"Uhh... not really. I am not interested in such a thing."

"Ehhh... but the story behind the Lover's stone is really romantic! So come on, Ivy, let's head over to the enchantment street!!"

Gracie continues to plea as she pulls Ivy's arm.

"Uhm, but I am really not interested in such a thing."

"But the Lover's stone can change its colour to bright pink when you face the person you love. Then you'll be able to find out if you truly love his highness!"

Ivy turns and looks at Gracie, feeling surprised by what she had heard.

"Huh? What?"

"Yes! The Lover Stone is the only stone that shines when one is in love. Many couples use it to show how they feel about one another. All you need to do is to hold it while facing in front of the person you love. I heard his highness has been looking for it too!"

"Huh??!"

Ivy's eyes widen as the Prince had never informed her about this.

All she knew was that the Prince wanted to have fun together at the Festival. She had never expected that the Prince had brought her to the Festival with a hidden agenda.

"Yes, Brother said that when the Prince heard about it, he immediately wanted to bring you here."

"Ohh, it's that soo... I never knew his highness had such intentions."

"The best thing about the stone is that the more you love the person, the brighter it shines! Isn't that romantic?! Come on, Ivy. Don't you want to know how you truly feel about his highness?"

Then Ivy stops her footsteps, and she gazes at the ground and ponders.

<Do I really want to know how feel about Leon? I've been trying my best control feelings, but what if ... just did fall for him? And Leon knew...>

Ivy suddenly shakes her head as if she is trying to stay clear-headed.

<No. Regardless of how I feel. can't afford to let the Prince find out. If really did fall for him by any chance, and if he were know, it would be end villainess.>

"Ivy? Hello? Ivy?"

Gracie waves her hand in front of Ivy as she tries to wake her up from her daze.

"I'm sorry, Gracie. I really don't want to go to the Street of Enchantment."

"But why?"

"I'm feeling a little bit tired. Is it ok if we just head back to the mansion now?"

"Ok, Ivy. If you say so. Then let's go back."

Ivy smiled, feeling relief. She kept her inner thoughts and feelings tightly shut from the world and learned that such a stone could reveal one's feelings made her feel scared and anxious.

<I'll have to be extra careful in the future. I can't afford slip up here. At least not yet, now>

While Ivy was thinking deeply in her thoughts, someone suddenly grabbed her from behind and pulled her away from the crowded streets.

He covered her face with a handkerchief and held her tightly while he tried to hide in the shadows.

Ivy couldn't see his face as the man was wearing a white mask with a large black hat and a large black cloak covering most of his body.

She tried to struggle with all her might. She flings her hands and legs as much as she could, but her efforts are futile. As he was bigger and stronger, she felt like she was being handled like a small helpless stuffed toy with her legs in the air and her hands unable to reach out to anything.

"Shhh... stay quiet for a while. There are still spies around us." He whispered into her ear.

As his voice was familiar, at that moment, she knew who was the man behind the mask.

"Your highness?"

Prince Leon showed a gentle smile at her and smoothly took off her mask.

"you are supposed to call me Leon. Remember?"

"Wait, my mask. Please give it back."

He continues to raise the mask higher and held her tighter in his arms, making their face closer to each other.

"Call my name."

"Leon..." Ivy said as she blushed, trying to avoid his gaze

"Good girl."

Then Prince Leon threw away her mask.

"Hey. I needed that."

"The spies that your father send to guard you will recognize you in that. We need a different disguise for you."

The Prince then helped Ivy wear a white eye mask, a matching pair to his, and put on a large black hat on her head.

The Prince then bowed at Ivy while he offered his hand to her and said

"I'm a little late, but are you willing to run away with me for a while, My Princess?"

At that moment, even though in her head, she knew that she cannot and should not fall for the Prince.

Little by little, the world that made her held on to her reasons starts to crumble.

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