I enjoy solitude

　　"Caesar, I'm here!" 

　　Stephanie rushed in with glee, looking around eagerly for Caesar's figure. 

　　It was time again for their monthly "story session," and this was always her happiest day. 

　　"Your Highness, what story would you like to hear today?" 

　　Caesar smiled, his dark and deep eyes locking onto Stephanie. 

　　Seeing him, Stephanie hurriedly ran over in her white dress, her beautiful eyes fixed on Caesar. "Whatever story you tell, I'll listen to it." 

　　"Oh? Then I'll choose whatever I like." 

　　Caesar raised an eyebrow at her, his handsome face appearing sharply defined in the candlelight, his smile infectious. 

　　"Mm." 

　　She nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly as she instinctively averted her gaze from Caesar. "Um… how have you been lately?" 

　　Caesar was momentarily taken aback before he chuckled. "I've been well, why do you ask?" 

　　"I asked old Butler Isaiah, and he said you haven't left the library since you arrived…" Stephanie's delicate brows furrowed slightly, a hint of concern in her sky-blue eyes as she hesitated, "What I mean is… if you feel lonely, I can ask the butler to give you a different job, like… like…" 

　　Suddenly, she became very bashful, her little hands nervously fidgeting, clearly unsure how to continue. 

　　"Like what?" 

　　Caesar narrowed his eyes. 

　　Stephanie hesitated for a second, her stunning face showing signs of determination as she bit her lip, suddenly looking up to meet Caesar's sharp gaze without flinching. 

　　"You… you should be my knight!" 

　　Caesar's eyes widened in shock. 

　　Juliet nearby gasped… Calm down, Princess! Do you know what being a knight means? 

　　The identity of a knight was undoubtedly higher than that of Juliet, the personal maid. Once Caesar became Stephanie's knight, it would mean he was her most trusted person, and in turn, he would have to be absolutely loyal to the princess… and only to her! 

　　The most crucial part was that they would have to spend every day together, inseparable as master and servant. 

　　Not as a "Royal Knight," but as "the Princess's Knight." 

　　If it were anyone else, they would probably have fainted from excitement! 

　　A mere servant rising to become the princess's knight was akin to a lowly eunuch in the palace suddenly becoming the emperor… it was that outrageous! 

　　…

　　Stephanie's face flushed so deeply it seemed she might bleed, yet she continued to gaze at Caesar's face with hopeful anticipation, waiting for his response. 

　　He wore an apologetic expression and politely shook his head. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Your Highness. I don't feel lonely at all. On the contrary, I truly enjoy my solitary life. A quiet environment brings peace to the mind and clarity to the thoughts, which strengthens one's resolve." 

　　"But in such a big library, you're all alone. How can you not feel lonely?" 

　　Stephanie, a bit anxious, continued to press, "The Blood Clan is a social species. If you become my knight, we can see each other and chat every day." 

　　… In truth, she simply wished to see Caesar more often. 

　　After each story, when she returned to her chambers, a sense of emptiness would wash over her. The thought of having to wait another month to see him made it hard for her to sleep. 

　　She couldn't help but wonder if her feelings for Caesar were purely about his stories, or if there was something more. 

　　"Maybe I'm an exception; I'm not suited for social interaction. I prefer solitude… Your Highness, please don't say any more. If you still consider me a friend, please respect my choice." 

　　Caesar shook his head and firmly refused again. 

　　Tigers are always solitary creatures; only foxes and dogs travel in packs. This signifies that those with great strength are often alone, as their power is enough to handle all sudden changes and dangers on their own. 

　　"Is it really impossible? You… please think about it again." 

　　"Really impossible." 

　　"Then… alright." Stephanie's beautiful eyes dimmed suddenly, filled with disappointment. 

　　Caesar frowned, wondering if his rejection had been too cold, causing her distress. 

　　After hesitating, he offered a gentle smile. "If you truly want to hear stories, how about this: I'll tell you two stories each month." 

　　He thought Stephanie would be happy about this. 

　　But there was no smile on her face. 

　　"I actually… I…" 

　　Tears began to well up in her beautiful eyes, but she hesitated to speak, eventually lowering her head in silence. 

　　I like you. 

　　What a simple statement, one that appears in every love story. She had read countless tales of girls confessing their feelings to the men they admired and seen many men respond with "I feel the same." 

　　But when it came to her own situation, Stephanie couldn't find the words. 

　　He's just a servant from a family. If I suddenly say this, it would probably scare him. He might feel fearful of my status as a princess, afraid of my father… Stephanie's gaze flickered as thoughts swirled in her mind. 

　　In a society with rigid hierarchies, love between those of unequal status was bound to be painful. 

　　For instance, Barbara and Stephen. 

　　Stephen was a count in his own right, a noble with lands and private armies, yet when he fell in love with a royal princess, he still ended up bloodied! 

　　Caesar was merely a lowly servant, even less than Stephen. 

　　If he dared to cross the line, the consequences were clear… he would be ruthlessly crushed! 

　　Though Stephanie was somewhat of a homebody, she wasn't completely naive. 

　　She was filled with concerns. 

　　Caesar remained silent, not speaking. 

　　He didn't use mind-reading to delve into Stephanie's thoughts. 

　　But he wasn't oblivious either; how could he not sense her feelings for him? 

　　In fact, he had felt it subtly a month ago, though he wasn't entirely sure… now he was certain. 

　　"Alright, I understand." 

　　Stephanie lowered her head, her silver hair obscuring her face, making it hard to see her expression. "I… I'll come back next time." 

　　"But the story hasn't been told yet." 

　　Caesar said to her. 

　　Stephanie shook her head. "Let's save it for next time. Juliet, let's go back." 

　　She stole a glance at Caesar from the corner of her eye before quickly looking away. 

　　Caesar had rejected her offer to be his knight, and Stephanie felt like it was unrequited love; he didn't like her, and that made her heart ache. 

　　She had come with high hopes but left feeling dejected. 

　　"Your Highness!" 

　　A voice suddenly called out from behind, causing Stephanie to pause, her ears perking up. 

　　Caesar smiled and said, "Joy in love is often mixed with tears, but the pain of love is sweeter than any joy. I hope you like this saying." 

　　Stephanie murmured to herself, repeating the words in her heart. Suddenly, her eyes brightened, and the gloom on her face vanished, replaced by her usual vibrant energy. 

　　"Okay, I'll remember!" 

　　She shouted, "I'll come back again!"