Chapter 58

A noble-looking face, a nature willing to risk himself for others, strength that could overcome even vicious monsters—he was perfect in every way.

 

“Hard to believe a man like that was ever caught up in those ridiculous rumors.”

 

Apparently, Freyer’s appearance alone was enough to silence the gossip; the young ladies stared at him with sparkling eyes.

 

“Don’t you think His Highness the Second Prince is handsome?”

 

“I know, right? Look at that nose—so sharp it could cut you.”

 

“This is my first time seeing him in person, but he’s really handsome.”

 

“The brothers have totally different auras, but both look like sculptures….”

 

The excessive attention made Freyer frown. He had achieved everything he came for today and was about to turn away.

 

“Your Highness, you’re truly wonderful.”

 

“Nice to meet you. I’m Fenia Alexia. Would you dance with me?”

 

“When did you begin training with the sword, Your Highness?”

 

Freyer was quickly surrounded by ladies. Without asking permission, hands brushed against him, and their heavy perfumes turned his stomach.

 

“…….”

 

Grinding his teeth, Freyer tried to escape.

 

“Your Highness. Congratulations.”

 

Diara approached from afar, speaking to him. Glancing indifferently at the women around him, she chuckled.

 

“Oh my. I didn’t realize you had company.”

 

“You… didn’t know?”

 

“I only saw His Highness. Did I interrupt?”

 

Diara was infamous for her cold, cutting demeanor. The young ladies suddenly found it difficult to speak.

 

“N-no.”

 

“We weren’t talking.”

 

Diara smiled, her eyes curving.

 

“Then would you mind stepping aside? I need a private word with His Highness.”

 

“O-of course!”

 

“Have a good conversation.”

 

“We’ll be going….”

 

Diara waved cheerfully as they left, then looked at Freyer with a smug smile.

 

“You realize I just saved you, don’t you, Your Highness?”

 

“That was unnecessary. Diara Alstein.”

 

“You could just say thank you. You’re terrible at being honest about your feelings.”

 

Unhappy with her approach, Freyer responded bluntly.

 

“What do you want?”

 

“I came to congratulate you for earning authority within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But if you react like this, it does hurt a little.”

 

If that was all she came to say, he didn’t want to continue the conversation. As he tried to walk past her, she spoke to his back.

 

“By the way, if Lady Lilithia were here, she would’ve been so happy to know you won. What a pity.”

 

“…….”

 

“I hope I see you two together next time, Your Highness.”

 

Freyer couldn’t tell whether her interest in Lilithia was goodwill or hostility. She was always unreadable. Ignoring her words, he exited the ballroom.

 

 

***

 

 

Confined to the house, I was forced into taking rest. Whenever I tried to go to the study, Winnie stopped me.

 

“You’re trying to work again! No, my lady!”

 

When I tried to take a walk, Norman blocked me.

 

“It’s cold outside, my lady.”

 

I ended up with restrictions on almost everything. In the afternoon, the medicine the healer sent must’ve had something drowsy mixed in—after taking it, I fell asleep almost instantly. I woke to someone shaking me: Winnie.

 

“My lady. It’s time for dinner.”

 

I felt like I had just eaten lunch, yet it was already evening.

 

“Mmm….”

 

“Do you want to sleep more?”

 

Half-asleep, I shook my head.

 

“No… I’m hungry….”

 

My stomach growled loudly as if to confirm the time. Winnie helped me sit up, then draped a thick white robe over the thin camisole I was wearing.

 

“It might be cold on the way to the dining room.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Rubbing my eyes, I trudged toward the dining room and murmured to Winnie,

 

“Yaaawn… How about we all eat together tonight?”

 

Back when I was at the trading company, eating alone wasn’t unusual because of work. But now… eating alone felt miserable.

 

“Tell Norman to join us too.”

 

Breakfast had been impossible—too much work in the mansion. Lunch was chaos because Winnie spilled water. Tonight, I didn’t want to be alone.

 

“Uh….”

 

I didn’t notice her uneasy expression. The door opened, and I held onto Winnie’s arm, repeating,

 

“Let’s all eat together. I really want that.”

 

Winnie glanced aside, conflicted.

 

“You don’t… want to?”

 

“I wouldn’t say I’m pleased.”

 

That wasn’t Winnie’s voice.

 

I blinked and looked into the dining room—then froze.

 

“Uh…?”

 

“I’d prefer to dine with you alone.”

 

Freyer was sitting there.

 

‘Am I still dreaming?’

 

I was seconds from pinching my cheek when Winnie tugged me to a chair.

 

“Please, my lady, sit.”

 

The touch felt too real. This wasn’t a dream. Realizing Freyer was truly here jolted me awake.

 

“Your Highness… why are you here?”

 

There was a royal banquet happening right now.

 

“Shouldn’t you be at the banquet?”

 

“Oh. It was boring.”

 

“……?”

 

If he’d been the winner, he would’ve enjoyed it more than anyone.

 

‘Wait—did he not win?’

 

Looking closer, he didn’t look happy.

 

‘Is he sulking because he couldn’t ask for an engagement with Nazlee?’

 

Nothing made sense.

 

“But… why are you at our estate?”

 

“I have business with you.”

 

“With… me?”

 

“I want to use the favor you granted me last time.”

 

“You want to use your wish now?”

 

He nodded.

 

“A matter came up that requires it immediately.”

 

What could be so urgent he left the banquet to come find me?

 

“What wish would you like me to grant?”

 

‘Probably something business-related.’

 

But his answer made me blink rapidly.

 

“I want to stay at your estate for a while.”

 

“Whaaat?”

 

My drowsiness vanished.

 

“You want to stay here? Why?”

 

“The palace is under construction. I have nowhere to sleep.”

 

Obviously a lie. He just needed an excuse to be near Lilithia.

 

“The palace must have other rooms.”

 

It was enormous. No way all the rooms were unusable.

 

“And there are hotels in the capital—why our house…”

 

“The other palace rooms are uncomfortable, and hotels are expensive, so I came up with this option.”

 

“But staying here is a bit—”

 

“I wouldn’t stay for free. I’ll pay for the room.”

 

The fee wasn’t the issue. I had vowed never to go near him again after he saved my life.

 

If he lived here, I’d see him daily. And eventually, he’d realize I was the garter-belt woman.

 

‘Absolutely not.’

 

I tried to reject him.

 

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can grant that wish. It would make the staff uncomfortable.”

 

I felt bad using them as an excuse, but it was the best one I had.

 

“Don’t worry. I already discussed it with the butler.”

 

“What?”

 

“Norman said he would pass along the message.”

 

Norman hadn’t said anything to me.

 

‘Wait—was that the ‘private talk’ he had with Norman yesterday?’

 

Freyer smiled lightly, confirming my suspicion.

 

“Then I’ll be in your care.”

 

He swapped plates with me, giving me his perfectly cut steak.

 

“Now you won’t have to eat alone.”

 

He ate comfortably, as if my frozen expression didn’t exist.

 

“Eat, Lilithia.”

 

Even though the steak looked juicy, if I tried eating now I’d choke on it. I stood abruptly.

 

“I—I’m tired. I’ll go up first.”

 

I fled the dining room before the situation could get any worse.

 

 

***

 

 

“What is going on, Norman!”

 

I dragged him into my room immediately. Norman only shrugged.

 

“I was simply informed His Highness would be staying here.”

 

“You should’ve refused!”

 

“He said he was using a wish you had already granted. I couldn’t possibly refuse a prince. If the baron were present, things may have been different.”

 

I never imagined the favor token would create a disaster like this. Back then, it seemed like a good opportunity.

 

“I should’ve granted him anything else…”

 

I buried my face in the blanket. I had dug my own grave by ensuring Freyer would remember me.

 

If he kept seeing my face, he’d figure out I was the garter-belt woman in no time. I needed a new plan.

 

‘Right… I’ll stay in my room and never come out!’

 

Royal construction wouldn’t last more than a few days anyway. The plan felt good.

 

“Norman! I’m not going out for a while. Rest is important!”

 

“Shall I bring meals to your room?”

 

“Yes!”

 

All I had to do was wait until Freyer left.