Misunderstanding

As Teresa described, Isabella is a beautiful woman who looks innocent and is easily pressured by other people because she is too kind. Melisa could see why Alexius would fall in love with a girl like Isabella. Just by listening to her voice, Melisa felt like she had to protect Isabella, who was too innocent for the outside world.

Even though she was disappointed in Isabella, as a fellow woman, she didn't want to place the blame entirely on Isabella. Melisa smiled at Isabella. While ignoring Alister, who looked depressed in her place, Melisa started talking again to the woman.

"Isabella, are you hurt anywhere?"

"I-"

"Isa!"

Everyone's attention was focused on Alexius when the man shouted when he saw Isabella. Melisa noticed how Alexius' expression looked so happy when he met his lover. Melisa observed everything from the side. She could only watch in silence because Melisa thought she had no right to interfere in Alexius' romantic relationship.

"Isa, what happened to you?"

When Alexius saw that Isabella no longer looked happy when he saw him, his happy expression immediately turned into a worried one. Only after Isabella refused to answer did Alexius' attention finally fall on Alister.

"Alister, what's going on here? Aren't you supposed to be enjoying the festival with Melisa right now?"

Then, when Alister also refused to answer, Alexius' gaze finally fell to look at Melisa, who refused to look at him directly.

"He..."

After Alexius stared at Melisa for a while, he was finally able to guess Melisa's identity correctly. Alexius' expression gradually became angry after that. Alexius immediately put his body in front of Isabella after that, as if he was afraid that Melisa would come to harm his lover.

"What are you planning?"

Melisa already guessed what Alexius was thinking from the change in expression when he saw her. However, hearing those words full of caution directly still made Melisa a little disappointed. Melisa was silent because she knew explaining would not mean anything in her situation. However, when she thought that everything would end if she just remained silent, Alexius became more aggressive in accusing her of things she didn't do.

"What will you gain by coming to my lover?! Have you forgotten the agreement we made?! You promised to leave my lover alone!"

Melisa gasped when Alexius suddenly became angry and scolded her in a loud voice. Not only that, his anger attracted curious looks from the people around them. Melisa is embarrassed now. She felt she had been treated unfairly, even if her initial intention was only to help a woman who needed help.

"You too, Alister. Why are you helping him-"

"That's enough, Raoul!"

When Alexius started to take Alister in his rage, Isabella's voice immediately interrupted everything. Isabella looked very disappointed because of Alexius' actions of taking the law into his own hands. Not to mention that today Isabella found out that the people around her were hiding something from her all this time. All of this made Isabella dizzy and made her too late to realize the debate around her.

"They were the people who helped me when the nobles came to harass me. They were good people! Without them, the nobles would probably still force me to follow them."

Alexius looked lost for words when Isabella defended Melisa and Alister. In a short moment, his anger-filled expression turned into one full of regret. Alexius looked at Melisa and Alister alternately before his gaze completely stopped on Melisa, who could no longer look good in front of everyone.

"Melisa-"

"...I will never forget my promise. I will not hurt or harm anyone. Therefore, you can rest assured."

"Melisa!"

For some reason, being shouted at and scolded in public when Melisa had done nothing wrong made the girl feel very embarrassed and sad. After finishing saying what she could say, Melisa immediately left the place. Melisa walked quickly through the crowd, no longer caring even if Alister called behind her.

Even though Melisa knew that she was only doing what she thought was right, the thought that Alister would also have to be scolded because of her actions made Melisa embarrassed to look at Alister's face. Even though they had planned everything long ago. However, because of his selfishness in not heeding Alister's warning, their time together had to end in a mess now.

Melisa wiped her tears, no longer caring even if passersby saw her crying alone.

"Emilio!"

Melisa felt that her hand was suddenly pulled before her body was led to hide in a quiet alley that was untouched by the hustle and bustle of the capital. Melisa fought back because she was afraid that bad people had dragged her to a dangerous place. But when she saw who had just pulled her, her tears suddenly flowed without being able to stop them.

"Please don't cry. I'm sorry, Your Highness. I could have protected you better, even in front of His Highness earlier."

What made Melisa cry was not only Alister's words, which were spoken softly but also his expression, which seemed even more hurt when Alister's eyes saw the clear droplets falling from Melisa's eyes. Alister gently wiped away the tears. He continued to whisper soft words of apology until Melisa finally felt safe when she heard and felt Alister's touch.

"Your Highness...."

"It's not your fault. I was the one who ruined our time today."

After Melisa felt better, she started talking to Alister again. Melisa saw that Alister also looked relieved after seeing that she was willing to talk. Alister smiled slightly before shaking his head slowly and moving his hand away from Melisa's face.

"There is nothing wrong with helping others, Your Highness. On the contrary, you have done a great thing by helping people who are in trouble."

Melisa smiled a little because of Alister's words. However, because Alister saw that Melisa was still not completely okay, the man immediately racked his brain to find another way to see the girl's smile.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment."

Even though she was confused, Melisa still did what Alister asked. Alister left and came back quickly after that. In his hand, Alister carried a large and beautiful bouquet, which made Melisa involuntarily raise her eyebrows.

"This is a gift for people who are willing to help people who are in trouble without any compensation. Also, as a form of appreciation because you look wonderful today."

When Melisa was presented with such a beautiful bouquet, the girl laughed a little unconsciously. The fragrant and beautiful flowers have succeeded in raising Melisa's spirits again. Melisa happily accepted the bouquet. All her anxiety seemed to just disappear when she saw the sincere smile on Alister's face.

When she was faced with a man who sincerely wished for her happiness, Melisa didn't have the heart to continue being sad in front of the man. Melisa smiled broadly as she expressed her sincere thanks to the man.

"Thank you, Alister. I really like it."

Melisa's tears dried quickly and were replaced with smiles and laughter because of Alister's tireless efforts.