Chapter 25. The E-Day
On the day of Prince Lysander's engagement party in Clover Kingdom, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation. The castle grounds are adorned with colorful banners and flowers, creating a festive and joyful ambiance. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over the courtyard where the celebration is taking place.
Guests clad in elegant attire mingle and chat, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The sound of music and laughter echoes through the halls of the castle, adding to the lively atmosphere. Tables are set up with exquisite decorations and delicious food, enticing guests to indulge in the sumptuous feast. However, Prince Lysander maintained his composed facade, with his mother giving him subtle nudges to ensure he smiled at the guests congratulating him. On the other hand, Prince Lucius was conspicuously absent after the party's commencement, as the Clover King engaged in discussions with representatives from allied kingdoms.
Prince Lysander found himself once again captivated by the charming and elegant smile of Lysandra, who greeted guests with grace and charm. Unwittingly, a contented smile formed on Prince Lysander's lips, reassured by his choice of attire for Lysandra. Her radiance seemed to outshine even the most exquisite of garments, making her beauty truly captivating.
After the departure of the other guests, Lysandra's eyes met Prince Lysander's. She blushed deeply and shyly looked away, holding her cheeks. Whenever their eyes met, she couldn't help but think about how handsome Prince Lysander was and the fact that they were wearing matching outfits. Despite their betrothal being a means to prevent a civil war, Lysandra chose to embrace the moment and keep it close to her heart.
Meanwhile, perched atop the tallest tree far beyond the palace walls, Lilith sat alone, indulging in her tenth bottle of alcohol. "Darn it, his fiancée is so beautiful and adorable. Should I like her too, or should I make her my enemy... uuugh, I also wish I were invited there..." Lilith mused, while taking another swig from her bottle.
As Lilith continued to comment with irritation and indulge in excessive drinking, she slipped and fell from the tree, creating a loud noise that caught the attention of the guards patrolling the palace's outer area. They promptly investigated the spot where Lilith had fallen.
Despite the commotion, Lilith's skills allowed her to vanish without leaving a trace. However, she felt remorse for missing the opportunity to attend Prince Lysander's engagement party and convey her congratulations. Confident in her emotions, Lilith viewed Prince Lysander as both her protégé and beloved younger brother, whom she was determined to safeguard despite their considerable age gap.
Meanwhile, Prince Lysander, overhearing the disturbance outside the palace, furrowed his brow in contemplation, 'Why did she come here as well? Could it be that she...'
Prince Lysander's reverie came to a halt when his father introduced him to a bald, tall, and imposing man. The man exuded a charisma that was undeniably remarkable, and his direct gaze at Prince Lysander hinted at his noble status.
Prince Lysander offered a slow bow in introduction before the man took a deep breath and revealed himself as the King of Balk Kingdom, the most faithful ally of the Clover Kingdom.
Whereas the Clover Kingdom was celebrated for its wealth and resources, the Balk Kingdom was renowned for its mastery of magical tools, essential for producing unique weapons during times of conflict. This distinction had deterred other kingdoms from openly challenging either Clover or Balk. Despite this, all kingdoms in the realm were currently striving to steer clear of warfare.
"Only one prince? Where is the crown prince you mentioned earlier?" the man asked, seemingly downplaying the significance of Prince Lysander's presence. It was understandable since Prince Lysander, although of royal lineage, was not the chosen heir to solidify the relations between the Clover and Balk Kingdoms in the future.
"It appears he has retired to his chambers to calm his nerves. Oh, and your daughter, Leena? She must be five years old now," the Clover King replied hastily, diverting the conversation away from Prince Lucius. It seemed evident that the father still harbored displeasure towards Prince Lucius. As the Balk King and his father departed to continue their discussions elsewhere, the guest reception came to a close as each person began to engage in their own conversations.
With two glasses of fresh fruit juice kind'a thing in hand, Prince Lysander offered one to Lysandra, who was taking a deep breath. Upon Prince Lysander offering her a glass of drink, Lysandra's eyes brightened, and she eagerly accepted it from his hand, feeling as though she had inconvenienced the prince.
"Forgive me, Lysander... and thank you," Lysandra said, shyly biting her lip as she took small sips of the drink. It appeared that Lysandra was striving to maintain her ladylike composure in Prince Lysander's presence.
"No need to apologize. It can be quite exhausting, don't you think? But I am also relishing the festive atmosphere. How about you, Lysandra? Are you enjoying our engagement celebration?" Prince Lysander initiated the conversation as he leisurely savored his drink, yet his gaze remained fixed on Lysandra by his side. Lysandra nervously bit her lip, glancing around before softly responding, almost drowned out by the chatter of other guests, "I... am enjoying it immensely."
Although Prince Lysander could hear Lysandra's timid whispers clearly, which she continued to maintain for some unknown reason, unlike his passionate teenage self consumed by flames of jealousy in the game... Prince Lysander decided to tease her with an innocent face, leaning in closer to Lysandra, "What was that, Lysandra? I couldn't quite catch it... could you repeat it?"
"I am truly enjoying myself. Please, don't act like you didn't hear it."
To his surprise, Lysandra replied with a cold tone and a deadpan stare, as if she was irritated with Prince Lysander. Perhaps it was due to exhaustion from greeting all the guests, but the slight shift in her demeanor brought unintended joy to Prince Lysander, leading him to want to tease her even more...
"Am I really that bothersome to you, Lysandra?"
"Argh, please stop smiling like that, Lysander! You're not irritating at all!" Lysandra retorted, playfully tapping Prince Lysander's shoulder.
'What are these feelings, man? Did I...?'
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To Be Continue ?