Chapter 15. Confession
『In the tranquil flower garden, delicate petals swayed in the gentle breeze under the soft glowing rays of the setting sun, casting a warm, ethereal light over the scene.』
『The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, enhancing the romantic ambiance of the moment.』
『A symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves created a serene backdrop for the heartfelt conversation unfolding between Prince Lysander and Lysandra.』
『The serene beauty of the garden seemed to enhance the honesty of Lysandra's words, enveloping them in a magical atmosphere where their emotions bloomed like the surrounding flowers.』
「I... like you, Your Highness.」
『Lysandra, the main antagonist, has declared her love for you.』
"Accept it."
"Reject it."
"There is no third choice. It's Null."
Wait a moment!
What is happening here?! Isn't it too sudden for a young child like her to suddenly confess her love to her newly met fiancé?!
No... maybe for this elementary school kid, it's normal because they understand such feelings if they grow up faster— but—
ISN'T THIS TOO FAST?!
Prince Lysander fell silent as an emergency meeting unfolded in his overwhelmed mind, filled with numerous thoughts trying to comprehend why the girl, whom he had just met today and is now his fiancée, had suddenly professed her love to him.
Lysandra dared to steal a glance at Prince Lysander, who remained silently contemplative with a blank expression. Upon seeing Prince Lysander in that state, Lysandra felt an immediate wave of embarrassment flood over her, her heart racing with the certain belief that rejection was imminent. She regretted revealing her feelings so candidly on the very day they had met.
Before Lysandra could drown in her remorse, Prince Lysander emerged from his thoughts, a soft chuckle escaping him as he turned to Lysandra with a teasing smile. "What does this mean, Miss? Have you taken a liking to me so quickly? Do you seek to dodge my question and deceive me?"
"N-No! I genuinely adore Prince Lysander... from the depths of my heart... and that's why... THAT'S WHY, I DON'T REGRET THIS ENGAGEMENT!!!"
"Oho..." Prince Lysander was caught off guard by Lysandra, who was half-yelling as she rose from her seat in the garden, her foot stomping. Lysandra turned to meet Prince Lysander's gaze. The sapphire blue eyes of Lysandra locked with the emerald green gaze of Lysander for a moment. Within her gaze, Prince Lysander discerned a resolute determination in Lysandra.
"I genuinely hold feelings for you, Prince Lysander. So, I implore you not to jest with me in this manner. Although these emotions have surfaced quite suddenly... since laying eyes on Prince Lysander, I am truly certain."
"Oh, is that the case? I apologize for my oversight in trivializing your confession," Prince Lysander rose promptly and seated himself before Lysandra with deference. Witnessing this unexpected gesture, Lysandra was flustered, her sweet demeanor momentarily quickening Prince Lysander's heartbeat.
Smiling as he took Lysandra's right hand, Prince Lysander tenderly kissed the back of her hand, his gaze fixed on Lysandra's eyes, "Thank you, Lysandra. I will do my best to return your feelings," Prince Lysander said softly, their gazes locked for a moment.
"...I can't wait..." Lysandra whispered, her face crimson with embarrassment as she bowed her head, a wisp of smoke rising from the top of her head.
Time seemed to slow down as they enjoyed their time in the garden. Prince Lysander skillfully crafted a flower crown, a skill he had playfully learned from Rina, and placed it on Lysandra's head. She beamed with happiness, and they shared a moment of laughter.
This was a memory that Lysandra knew would always hold a special place in her heart.
As the sky shifted to a warm orange hue, Prince Lysander guided Lysandra back to the palace's living room, their hands still intertwined, she also keep laughing at his continuous stream of dry jokes.
"It seems like you both are having fun, but unfortunately, Heartwood needs to return home. Come, Lysander, let us escort them to their horse carriage," Queen Clover said as she led them back to the Heartwood family carriage waiting near the main gate of the palace.
"Well then, until we meet again, Lysandra," Prince Lysander said, his gaze never leaving Lysandra's eyes. Queen Clover covered her mouth, while King Clover smiled, and inside the carriage, Lysandra's father appeared surprised. They were even more startled to hear Lysandra reply, "Until we meet again, Lysander, on our next encounter."
They bid farewell with waves of their hands as the horse carriage rode off, and Prince Lysander continued waving his hand.
"They became so close in just one day? This truly bodes well," Queen Clover murmured happily before following King Clover into the palace in a hurry, after expressing gratitude to Prince Lysander. "Thank you, Lysander. In that case, let me handle all the preparations for this engagement party and also convey that there is no longer any group known as the anti-royal Clover family..." said Lysander's father, the king, before swiftly entering the palace, calling for the royal advisor and his other subordinates.
Lysander stared in the direction where Lysandra's carriage had vanished from his view, "If this is all, is it sufficient?" he whispered softly, his arms crossed.
Still, *sigh*. This is the first time I've received a confession of love from a girl. It's quite exhilarating and saps my social energy...
Perhaps I ought to forgo training with Lilith today. I simply crave sleep now...
After informing Rina of his absence from dinner, Prince Lysander entered his room, enveloped in darkness and silence. Sensing a peculiar aura within, Prince Lysander intuitively detected the presence of another concealed in the shadows. He sank onto his bed, fixating his gaze upon the window.
"So swiftly? A truly dependable leader... I never imagined you would unveil my true identity... and even discern my manipulation magic... Lilith."
"You insufferable child. Are you one of the spies from the demon realm who has seized the body of this royal prince?" Lilith responded furiously, emerging from the shadows at the room's distant end.
"If I hold such a high position, wouldn't it seem odd for me to ask you to teach me the art of swordsmanship using magic?" Prince Lysander responded with a wide grin, his green eyes briefly flickering to red.
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To Be Continue ?