Chapter 33: A woman’s intuition is sharp

One day, Rudella Bismark, who is set to become the Empress, resides in the Topaz Palace located on the west side of the Imperial Palace.

She is there to learn the royal protocols and etiquette, attend imperial events, interact with important nobles, and assist the Crown Prince with his official duties.

Thud, thud.

A man walks briskly down the corridor of Topaz Palace.

His blonde hair shines golden in the moonlight, and his gold eyes sparkle like jewels.

It was Crown Prince Fedelian Rozino.

Beyond a window draped with curtains embroidered with fine silver threads, a garden could be seen.

A golden, dignified path lined with white marble columns adorned with sparkling topaz decorations.

In heavy silence, Fedelian arrived at the door of her quarters and knocked three times before opening it.

A lavish bed with intricate lily patterns carved into the wood.

A small birch table.

A candleholder emitting soft light.

The room had an elegant, dignified atmosphere.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Rudella, seated at the table and gazing out the window, turned to face him.

The room was filled with a scent reminiscent of subtle incense, creating a deep, yet oddly cold atmosphere.

He spoke.

“Are you feeling well?”

“As you can see, I’m fine.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Fedelian gave a friendly smile and sat across from her.

“The agreement with Sanburg has been nullified. It’s something you were responsible for, so it’s unfortunate.”

“That’s nothing to worry about; it’s all due to your own mismanagement.”

Fedelian’s eyebrows twitched at her words.

There was a clear implication behind them—she knew who was behind this betrayal.

“Is that a new joke? I didn’t expect you to joke with me.”

Fedelian smiled awkwardly, but his golden eyes darkened with discomfort.

He responded to her playful remark, though his lips tightened.

“Of course, it’s just a joke.”

After a brief moment, as his smile faltered, Rudella broke the tension with a gentle smile.

“…This is a new side of you.”

“I’ve been through quite an ordeal.”

Fedelian turned his head slightly to gaze out the window.

“How skilled was Harssen, the renowned mage?”

“Perfect.”

“Hmm.”

He seemed intrigued, his golden eyes gleaming.

“Strangely, you’ve taken an interest in him.”

“I’ve heard rumors.”

“Rumors that he dealt with an elite monster on his own?”

“That’s right.”

In fact, there were other reasons Rudella had assigned Yohan as her bodyguard, but she wasn’t foolish enough to say it outright.

“Do you plan to keep calling him in the future?”

“I do.”

“Good choice. He’s competent.”

Fedelian smiled insincerely as he spoke, but Rudella’s expression remained neutral.

“So, what brings you here today? It’s rare for you to come personally.”

“Don’t speak carelessly. Your fiancée nearly lost her life, so naturally, I came to check on you. There’s no hidden meaning.”

At his insincere words, Rudella nearly faltered in maintaining her composure.

He sets things up and then acts so shamelessly.

No wonder he’s known as the two-faced Crown Prince.

“I see. I apologize for causing you concern.”

“Haha. Don’t be so stiff.”

Fedelian smiled and then stood up.

“Anyway, I’ve confirmed that you’re safe, so I’ll be on my way. Take care of yourself.”

“Yes.”

He spoke, then left her quarters.

The soft moonlight streaming through the window bathed his golden hair.

“Hm.”

He wasn’t happy with the situation, but he had anticipated this outcome.

Even after the shadows searched, they couldn’t find the bodies of the two of them.

It was clear that Yohan Harssen must have used some trick to survive.

‘Yohan Harssen, whenever you get involved, you always fail.’

It was the second time he had escaped danger perfectly.

Fedelian’s gaze turned cold.

‘And Rudella… she knew it all along.’

She had always been perceptive, even as a child.

She probably realized immediately who orchestrated this incident.

She knew his secrets and that he was colluding with the mages, so he had planned to deal with her now.

But…

‘What a shame.’

He would have to wait for another opportunity.

Perhaps he should deal with both of them at the same time.

‘Before I officially ascend to the throne, I want to deal with this.’

A shadow crossed his eyes for a moment.

Rudella had sharp eyes, and as Empress, she would be a keen blade directed at him.

Of course, there was also the possibility that she might betray him.

But Fedelian judged that this risk was small.

She was Bismark’s puppet, and she had to become Empress.

At the Ferbache Estate in the Imperial Capital, Yohan was resting in bed, recovering from his injuries.

His abdominal wounds had healed, but he was still experiencing anemia, so rest was crucial.

“How’s your condition?”

“I’m feeling much better.”

Yohan smiled lightly as his complexion returned to normal.

“You still need to rest. You’ve only just returned.”

Francia looked at him with a concerned gaze, her face showing slight worry.

“You’ve been keeping the amulet I gave you, right?”

“Of course.”

“Can I see it?”

“Sure.”

Francia took the ruby-encrusted amulet from Yohan’s hand and examined it closely.

The place where stars had once been engraved was now hollow and empty, as though it had been drained.

Two stars had disappeared, meaning Yohan had narrowly escaped death twice, with Rudella likely involved.

“Just as I thought…”

She whispered lightly, her hand trembling slightly as she touched the empty spaces where the stars had been.

A bitter feeling lingered in her actions.

“Is there a problem? Did the jewelry get damaged?”

“No, it’s not that.”

For a moment, Francia’s expression froze, but she quickly smiled brightly and looked at Yohan, pulling out a pendant.

“This?”

“It’s a good one.”

Francia smiled and placed the pendant around Yohan’s neck.

“This is also one of the Ferbache family’s treasures. It’s an artifact that glows red when there’s a threat nearby.”

“Such a precious thing…”

“I’m giving it to you because dangerous things tend to happen to you. So that you always return safely to me.”

Yohan smiled, touching the pendant.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Francia smiled and buried her face in his chest, inhaling deeply.

She looked up at him with a satisfied expression.

“Did nothing happen in the hidden cave?”

“Like what?”

“Hmm… maybe something unusual with Lady Bismark? You were alone with her in the cave, after all.”

Yohan rubbed his chin, recalling the events.

He didn’t think anything of note had happened, though he remembered how strange her behavior had been.

“Hmmm. There were moments when he avoided eye contact and fidgeted, his face turning red, but I suppose it was due to being unfamiliar with the wilderness and the presence of the campfire,”

Francia’s eyes, sharpened by a woman’s intuition, grew colder.

“Is that so…?”

A subtle tension flowed in her quiet muttering.

Francia’s lips pressed together tightly as she mulled over Yohan’s words that Rudella Bismark had frequently blushed and fidgeted.

It was a simple suspicion, but there was a strange sharpness in her gaze.

“Yohan.”

Francia spoke quietly.

“Yes?”

“I told you.”

“What did you say?”

“Not to flirt with other women.”

“I was just focused on the mission.”

Yohan tilted his head.

He didn’t understand why Francia was suddenly saying this.

He had focused solely on the mission; what did it mean to flirt with women?

“A woman’s intuition cannot be ignored. It’s clear that Rudella Bismark has fallen for you.”

“She is to be the Crown Princess, the future Empress, though…”

“Still, who knows? She might throw everything away and choose you.”

Yohan chuckled lightly and patted Francia’s head.

He judged that this was unlikely, but he found it difficult to take her worries seriously.

“Impossible.”

“Hmmm…”

Francia stroked her chin and furrowed her brows.

Her red eyes sank, a sign that her thoughts were deepening.

“Yohan.”

“Yes?”

“I…”

She gently scratched his thigh with her fingertips, an oddly sensual touch.

“I don’t think you would ever betray me, but if anything were to happen with another woman, I would appreciate it if you told me honestly.”

“…What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“I’m saying this because you’re too handsome, Yohan. You have an unconscious charm that attracts women.”

As Francia’s hand slowly moved up from his thigh and brushed against his chest, a strange thrill mixed with a tickling sensation rose in Yohan.

“There will certainly be an incident, for example, when you drink…”

It was true that Yohan was weak to alcohol, and his first night with Francia had been due to alcohol, so he couldn’t say much.

“When that time comes, I want you to tell me honestly.”

“I won’t be angry.”

Her eyes were firm.

She wasn’t joking.

“I don’t think I can protect Yohan perfectly either. An incident will happen eventually. After all, you have a weakness in alcohol…”

Francia’s voice grew softer as she spoke.

“I don’t know what I might do to that woman, but… if your feelings change, I would appreciate it if you told me, of course.”

“I don’t really understand what you’re saying…”

Yohan, wanting to reassure Francia, embraced her and laid down on the bed with her.

“Huh?”

Francia’s eyes widened at Yohan’s sudden action.

“Stop with the strange talk. Let’s just relax today.”

“Yes…”

As Yohan stroked her head while holding her, Francia quickly relaxed her face and buried her face in his chest.

And then.

“Hhhh.”

She took a deep breath.

“Haa…”

She exhaled with a face full of pleasure as she enjoyed his scent.

Her ears flushed red as she glanced up at Yohan, parting her lips.

“…How’s the wound on your abdomen?”

“It’s fine.”

“Is it still dizzy?”

“I’ve been resting, so I feel fine.”

Francia’s lips curved up in a smile.

Her breath grew heavier, and heat rose to her face.

“Shall we do it today?”

“Don’t feel like it?”

“That’s not it…”

Francia narrowed her red eyes and glared at him, but Yohan averted his gaze slightly.

“I’m not feeling well enough to move properly.”

“That’s fine.”

Slowly, Francia loosened the straps of her dress, a playful gleam in her eyes as she looked at Yohan.

“Today, I’ll take the lead.”

Francia climbed on top of Yohan, pressing his arms down, and pressed her body close to his.

“Stay still. I’ll take care of everything.”

With a whisper, her hands gently slid down Yohan’s body, as if to subdue him.