14 The Crown Prince and Ian welcome party and the Festival

"I take that as a compliment, your highness. It is great to be useful for the empire." I answered him. Then he looked at me seriously as if he is observing me.

"Ha hahaha! You are funny. I didn't mean to insult you. I am glad that you have managed to be a knight despite being discriminated against by nobles." he what !? Am I hearing right? I immediately looked at him and he laughed again. I don't know why he laughs, do I have dirt on my face? because he looked at me and laughed and now he is holding his stomach with laughter.

"I'm sorry, it's just your face is priceless" whuuwhatt!? Damn this Prince.

"Ahm. Your Highness, I don't want to ruin your happiness but we need to depart now."

"Yes, yes I just find him interesting. The Duke is so lucky to have him."

"How do you say so, your Highness?"

"I can tell it. He is a great knight Ian. I hope you can work with him more."

"That's impossible, your highness since he works for Duke Collins and I work for you."

They were talking as if I was no longer in front of them. Yeah yeah. I know I'm great, thank you for complimenting me but I still don't like you and your cousin Ronan.

* Rolled eyes *

"Then, should I talk to the Duke? Hmm. I think it is a great idea." I was just surprised by what he said so I immediately looked at him and seemed to be wondering what his reason would be. No-no-no. Ian, stop him. I said to myself as I looked at the two of them. I am silent here and Ignore you.

"Please don't do that, your highness. Don't forget that he is the knight of Lady Collins if I am not mistaken. I don't think, she will agree to have her knight designated to the palace." Ian answered. Thank goodness Ian, it was as if a thorn had been pulled out of my chest.

"That's unfortunate, but I should give it a try." No-no-no. you don't need to.

"Well, good luck your highness with Lady Collins."

I didn't expect the Crown Prince to have this kind of attitude when I read the book because he was described as arrogant, serious, and respectful but looking at him, the opposite I see in him.

"I'll talk to her later at the banquet. I hope the knight can attend as well." The crown prince said while smiling at me, I felt nervous with that smile. Smile you do not know what I mean.

"I don't know if I can attend, your highness since I have a duty during the banquet."

"That's unfortunate, but I am still looking for that you will assist Lady Miary"

"I am not sur--"

"The carriage is ready your highness," Ian said that's why he didn't answer because he left, I didn't even notice because of this prince.

"Time to go my escort." Then I laughed as I went out and I followed them.

I waited for the crown prince to get in with his carriage while Ian and I are already ready to go. I commanded my knights to assists those injured and be alert for any emergencies while traveling. I was observing Ian secretly, he looks really good in his uniform and much taller than me. I would like to have sparred with him.

Ian stays at the front while I stayed at the back, those with me and those with them are behind.

I hope there is no problem with assisting, I want this to end. I feel tired already just getting here from the capital then going back. I wish I was only in the capital, if not for my desire to see Ian again I would have chosen to stay there.

Flashback~~

"Avy, what would you prefer? Going to the Crown Prince to escort them from the battle or will you stay here at the capital for the preparations? " He asked me seriously as he sips his tea.

While I am looking at him, I'm thinking of what I'm going to choose if I stay here I will have 50/50 of seeing and talking to Ian but if I'm going to escort them then there is 90% that I can talk to him. However, I doubted that he would recognize me because aside from the color of my hair, my speech and movements were different. Are you the one that Miss Miary teaches, traumatizing apart from being harsh, she is always kicking and is really strict especially in dress and grooming. I suffer a month of having body pain and bruises including waking up.

Although she's rough in teaching, I really learn a lot from her. Also, she knows how to reward for achievements.

So go back to the question of Marquess.

"I am willing to escort his highness."

"Hmm. I was thinking that you will stay here, but you really amusing me since I am thinking to let you escort the crown prince whether you like it or not."

I can do nothing if I choose to stay because you will also make a way for me to follow.

"Then, why did you bother to ask me if the results will be at your account. Why not just command me that I will be escorting the crown prince."

This guy is getting into my nerves really if it wasn't just a marquess I stumbled upon.

"Hahaha hahaha. You are really something. I just want you to choose since I feel like you would like to see the Crown Prince." Nah, I am not interested in the Crown Prince but for Ian you idiot.

~~END FLASHBACK

We are close to the capital, but until now I can not find a way to talk to Ian since when I was approaching him when we rest for 25 minutes is he was called by the Crown prince and after that when I was approaching him again then a knight calling him and the last attempt before we depart, as I am being called by my colleagues so I did not have the chance to talk to him. Is fate doesn't want us to talk then???

We are nearer to the capital and I already hear the noise to welcome the Crown Prince and Commander Ian.