The Little Sister in the Devastating Novel Wants to Live

Episode 12

“You almost died, you know?”

No way.

He may have guessed what was happening, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the case now.

It was a somewhat impulsive escapade.

The man embraced me with a graceful figure and lowered us to the railing.

Then, he gently placed me on the floor.

The hand resting on my waist, indicating fear, didn’t let go.

I stared silently at the man muttering low curses.

A strikingly handsome profile caught my eye.

Bold features, a strong jawline, and broad shoulders.

The man was not just taller than average; he was more than that.

Although tall, he had a well-proportioned body that didn’t feel dull at all.

If Igon exuded an intensely aristocratic appearance, this man radiated a strong masculine vibe.

The man’s eyes, which nervously swept over my head, met mine.

Black hair like midnight, a vivid gleaming golden gaze.

I could instantly recognize who he was.

The Crown Prince.

His golden eyes were like the midday sun glinting on the water, remarkably beautiful and majestic.

It felt like having a huge lion right in front of me, a sensation I had only seen in images even in my past life.

I felt a drowsy sensation, as if choked by the overwhelming presence.

Unable to withstand his intense gaze, I averted my eyes.

At that moment, a gust of wind blew in.

Hair fluttered, obscuring the view.

Along with the breeze came the scent of someone else, tickling my nose.

From the Crown Prince, a refreshing fragrance, reminiscent of high-quality sandalwood, wafted.

I raised my hands to tidy my disheveled hair and collected my thoughts.

While I sorted my thoughts, the Crown Prince stood silently without saying a word.

‘No, but seriously, why is the Crown Prince here?’

The thought lingered for a moment.

Coincidentally, my gaze shifted to his chest.

Several shirt buttons, which should have been securely fastened up to the neck, were now undone.

Surprised, I averted my eyes when I caught a glimpse of the glittering flesh through the opening.

Other than that, his appearance was impeccable, but belatedly, I recalled hearing that the terrace was rumored to be a secret meeting place.

‘Could it be….’

I pondered, scanning the area beyond his shoulders.

Fortunately or unfortunately, there was no one else.

Turning my head to inspect inside, apart from the Crown Prince and me, there was no sign of anyone else, and no traces of anyone having lingered.

Above, I heard a deep sigh filled with weariness.

I hadn’t properly scrutinized the Crown Prince, but I had caught glimpses of him several times at the banquet, surrounded by many people, engaging in conversations.

Perhaps he was here alone, seeking respite from the exhaustion of dealing with people.

Thinking about how annoying he must have found the intrusion, I felt sorry.

“Does the lady not know that she’ll die if she falls from a high place?”

His voice was so low that it felt ominous.

I didn’t ask because I thought he genuinely believed I wouldn’t know such an obvious story. I thought, ‘He must be really angry.’

Unable to meet his eyes or look through the opening in his shirt again, I averted my gaze to a distant place beyond the railing.

It was dark over there.

Of course, I wasn’t trying to die, but if I had slipped by accident…

Even if a girl were lying there until morning, no one would know.

The wind from the garden brushed against my cheek.

Strangely, being in the breeze made me feel incredibly sad.

I don’t know.

Perhaps this sadness was also due to the effects of alcohol.

I felt like an infinitely small and powerless being in the face of a colossal destiny.

“Lady.”

The Crown Prince called me again.

I could feel the warmth of his hand on my waist.

Looking down at the darkness below the railing, I impulsively opened my mouth.

“Why… did you catch me?”

“Wasn’t that a hint to watch yourself from falling?”

As if astonished, he chuckled and asked.

No, I never intended to fall in the first place.

His face, demeanor, and tone all seemed to suggest he knew everything.

I stared at him in silence, and then a strange sense of pride rose.

I’m not usually someone who acts impulsively like this; maybe it’s because of the alcohol.

I gazed at him, ready to argue against that arrogant look, but then I hesitated…

“Why…!”

…I closed my mouth again and lowered my head.

He raised an eyebrow as if urging me to continue speaking, and I couldn’t help but lower my gaze when his eyebrows rose and fell.

His leisurely attitude, even more than when he was scrutinizing me, made me feel more intimidated.

It felt like he could swallow me up in one go if he wanted to.

Feeling caught by a massive beast disguised as a human, I decided to remain silent.

However, even in this situation, the tension didn’t decrease due to alcohol and resentment, and I found myself expressing dissatisfaction in a crawling voice.

“…Whether I fall or not, why would it matter to you…?”

“Do you even know who I am? And yet, such arrogant eyes.”

He lifted his finger and lightly touched my forehead.

It didn’t hurt, but as I turned my head to avoid the suddenly approaching finger, I lost my balance and swayed.

I felt the large hand that had been holding my waist tightening, as if to prevent me from falling.

I regained my balance by putting strength back into my feet and lightly nodded in thanks.

“…Thank you.”

“Lady has learned some peculiar manners. Does your teacher tell you to be critical when someone saves you from almost dying and express gratitude when they help you just stumble?”

His tone was calm, but the content was sarcastic.

A sigh escaped involuntarily.

“Well then, tell me now. Why did you try to die in the palace?”

My heart skipped a beat.

Ah, this man is completely misunderstanding.

I brushed it off with a wry smile and ran my hand through my hair.

Today was a mess in many ways.

I realized that my actions were enough to create misunderstandings.

And of all people, the witness was the Crown Prince.

If this situation reached Igon’s ears, I didn’t know how he would react.

It was even more challenging because I couldn’t predict his response.

I had to do my best to explain this situation, not to fuel his anger but to prevent the Crown Prince from speaking about it.

After exhaling once, I looked up at him and lifted the corners of my mouth slightly.

It might have seemed like a smile made up on the spot, but it didn’t matter.

“…That was a misunderstanding. I just wanted to get a closer look below. So… um… it was an unnecessary comment.”

I spoke casually, but internally, I screamed at how this excuse sounded like an excuse to anyone listening.

In the face of a situation that would not be cool even if I kneeled and begged, what a pretentious excuse.

I didn’t know why my tongue felt strange.

“Do you wish for me to be blind, Lady?”

Ignoring his unclear question, I rolled my eyes to avoid meeting the Crown Prince’s gaze.

His persistent gaze made it hard to breathe.

“Yes?”

“However, unfortunately, my eyes are within the normal range. I’ve been watching you from the moment you entered here, from taking off your shoes to climbing the railing, all barefoot and whining.”

His deep and low voice penetrated my soul.

My heart thumped to the rhythm of his words.

I didn’t think he had been watching from the beginning.

I closed my eyes tightly, exerting force to block out the two eyes.

“So, if you intend to deceive, start explaining from being barefoot.”

Gasp.

Even though nothing would be visible beneath the hem, I pulled down the dress with my hands, just in case.

Embarrassment made my ears burn.

“But…”

I tried to come up with another useless excuse, but I had nothing to say.

Even to me, it must have looked strange.

What else could I explain to someone who claimed to have seen everything?

I should just beg him to pretend he didn’t see.

With a sigh, I opened my mouth.

‘Just close your eyes for once,’ I intended to say something like that.

However, strangely, the words that came out unexpectedly were the opposite of the meaning of “fly out,” exactly the opposite, not indicating emptiness.

“I really didn’t mean to do that.”

Good grief.

“And even if, for the sake of argument, I did have the intention of dying, would that be a reason for you to stop me?”

Please, shut up.

After spilling out the words, I finally sealed my lips.

Even I was surprised.

Why is my true feelings coming out so easily?

“I haven’t heard the rumor that the lady is a celestial being.”

The Crown Prince smirked, lowering his head to meet my eyes.

Chills ran down my spine under his silent gaze.

“W-What are you talking about…”

“If I walked out after you fell, people would probably misunderstand quite a bit.”

Upon careful consideration of the Crown Prince’s words, it seemed true.

If I really had jumped from here, he would have been in a very awkward position.

Already burdened with various rumors circulating among the people, if I had stumbled here, the Crown Prince’s reputation would have been significantly damaged.

I was short-sighted.

Given the circumstances, it was the only appropriate action.

I humbly admitted my mistake and lowered my head.

“I apologize for the misunderstanding. Thank you for helping me. And…”

After a brief pause, I opened my mouth again.

As uncomfortable as I felt, I had something important to say.

“I believe that your kindness today will remain a secret between us, and you won’t speak of it to anyone.”

I expressed the words with my own kind of courage, but all I heard above my head was a quiet “ha,” and there was no response.

I only felt the painful illusion of a gaze that pierced my lowered head.

It might have seemed shameless even to me, but as long as time couldn’t be turned back, this was my best option.

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