Instead of sunlight hidden behind the clouds, raindrops were tapping against the navy-blue umbrella that Alessandro was holding. His silver hair was neatly swept back, and he wore a blue suit, exuding a refreshing presence that made one forget the humid weather.
“Emilia. I stopped by on my way, just in case, but I didn’t expect you to return home so early.”
Emilia tried not to show her surprise as she looked at Alessandro, who greeted her with eyes filled with warmth despite her startled expression.
She remembered that he knew her home address because he had sent her a letter before, but she hadn’t expected him to visit so suddenly, which left her feeling somewhat awkward.
‘Is this a trait of royalty…? Neither of them thinks to send a letter in advance before visiting.’
Or maybe they simply don’t feel the need to. She gave him a slight nod of greeting, took his outstretched hand, and stepped down from the carriage.
“Your Highness, may I ask what brings you here?”
As soon as she stepped down, she withdrew her hand and clasped both hands in front of her politely, lowering her gaze slightly.
“Apologies for the sudden visit. I was so concerned that I found myself coming here without realizing it.”
“If it’s about the accident at the theater, I’m fine. I received proper treatment.”
“Where were you injured? Is that why you returned home early today—because it’s difficult to perform ballet?”
Did he really come all this way just to check on her? Emilia glanced up at him.
Under the bright light, Alessandro’s eyes appeared to be a mixture of gray and purple. She had thought they were a lighter shade compared to Enrico’s transparent violet eyes, but it seemed the two colors blended together, creating that effect.
“…Yes. It’s just a small scratch from the glass. Once my skin heals a little, I plan to start again.”
Alessandro’s gaze briefly flickered to her neck and arms, as if assessing her condition. Realizing this, he awkwardly cleared his throat and quickly averted his eyes.
Emilia found it puzzling.
He was so polite and gentle, yet the letter he had sent to her father had been arrogant and aggressive, making it hard to believe they came from the same person.
‘What on earth was the gem he was demanding to be handed over?’
As she stared at him in silence, she took a step back. The moment she stepped out from under the umbrella, he instinctively moved half a step closer.
“So, was this just a brief visit?”
She subtly implied that he should take his leave. Alessandro hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck as if unsure. Seeing him hesitate and gauge her reaction, she waited patiently.
“…Would it be difficult to have a cup of tea together?”
“There aren’t any cafés nearby, and I still need to rest. It would be hard for me to go out far.”
“Then, would it be too much to ask to step inside for a moment? I have something important to discuss—about the rumors going around about you.”
“…Your Highness, I apologize, but as this is a house where two women live alone, inviting a man inside is a bit uncomfortable. I ask for your understanding.”
“Didn’t Duke Michele enter?”
“Yes?”
Lowering her gaze at the uncomfortable topic, she was startled by the slightly sharp tone in his voice and looked up. Alessandro’s face had lost its smile, and his brows were furrowed.
‘Is it just my imagination…? He looks upset…’
Emilia bit her lip, troubled.
“Your Highness, you have a fiancée. Even just greeting you outside like this might lead to exaggerated rumors, so I think it’s best to be cautious from the beginning.”
“It’s a political engagement.”
What is he trying to imply? Emilia tilted her head slightly.
“I’m aware of that.”
“If you’re worried that she’ll misunderstand, you don’t have to be.”
“Ah… While that is a concern, I was speaking in general. Lately, I seem to be the subject of unwanted rumors.”
“Are you referring to the scandal with Duke Michele?”
“Yes.”
“But isn’t Duke Michele in the same situation? Won’t he also be engaged soon?”
They must really not get along. The way he keeps bringing up Enrico in every sentence…
And the engagement he mentioned was likely about Princess Vivian. Considering Enrico’s reaction and the circulating rumors, it seemed more likely that she would end up with the second prince instead.
As if he had sensed her thoughts, Alessandro curled the corner of his lips into a smirk.
“Ricardo will be leaving for his studies abroad again soon. That means a relationship with Princess Vivian will be difficult.”
“Even so, Duke Michele is not engaged yet. If the day comes when he does, I will treat him the same way I am treating Your Highness now.”
Honestly, with Enrico showing up unexpectedly from time to time, she couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t let him in. Making such a promise to Alessandro felt unnecessary, so Emilia responded firmly.
Alessandro’s smirk slowly faded, and his gaze darkened slightly.
“…What kind of relationship do you have with Duke Michele?”
“No matter how high Your Highness’s status, I don’t believe I’m obligated to share details about my personal affairs.”
“That art-obsessed man—there’s no way he would be in a romantic relationship. I was just curious. Did you sign a sponsorship contract with him?”
Hearing the phrase “art-obsessed man” made her feel like she might let out a bitter smile.
It reminded her of how she had been swayed by that very man just a few days ago, almost giving herself away.
The sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella grew louder—perhaps the rain was getting heavier.
“…I’m sorry.”
Her voice, repeating the same words as if she had nothing else to say, made his face stiffen. As if frustrated, he muttered under his breath, questioning why she was being so wary. Meanwhile, behind him, a carriage bearing a familiar family crest was rapidly approaching.
TL/N: YASSSSS!!
Noticing Emilia staring blankly past him, Alessandro frowned and turned around.
“…How bold of him to come so openly now.”
Alessandro muttered quietly. Emilia, however, kept her gaze fixed on the approaching carriage, watching intently as the wheels came to a stop and the door opened, revealing Enrico stepping out. His presence was so striking that it almost felt as if he had summoned this torrential rain himself. A chill ran through the air.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince. A man with a fiancée—What brings you all the way here?”
Holding a black umbrella handed to him by Fabio, Enrico walked toward them leisurely, a smirk playing on his lips. Perhaps it was because Emilia had just mentioned his fiancée earlier, Alessandro’s expression darkened even further.
“I came out of concern for an old acquaintance. What about you, Duke Michele? What connection do you have with Emilia that brings you here?”
“Why ask when you already know? You, of all people, should be well aware that I was the one who purchased this house in the first place.”
Enrico stepped in between Emilia and Alessandro, slipping both hands into his trouser pockets. His relaxed demeanor made Alessandro smirk faintly.
“…You went out of your way to find a secluded place for her, yet you’ve stationed guards nearby. If you were truly concerned about her safety, wouldn’t it have been better to place her in a populated area? Isn’t your real intention to keep her confined and under surveillance? Did Emilia agree to this?”
Guards? There were guards? Emilia’s eyes widened as she turned to look at Enrico.
“Judging by your expression, it seems you weren’t aware.”
Alessandro turned back to Emilia.
“Emilia, this man acts on his own without considering your wishes. How did you end up entangled with him? I don’t know the circumstances, but if you need help, I will assist you.”
Reaching out to her with a face full of concern, Alessandro’s hand barely moved before Enrico blocked him, making him stop awkwardly.
“I only posted guards to keep watch for uninvited guests like yourself. Two women living alone—it would be too dangerous to leave them unprotected. Besides, a crowded place isn’t necessarily safe either.”
“…I happened to stop by while passing through.”
“And did you also happen to learn her address by chance? I doubt it.”
Enrico gently pushed Emilia behind him, his eyes narrowing.
“Leave. Your beloved fiancée must be worried about you.”
“Haha, I never imagined that the word ‘love’ would come out of my dear uncle’s mouth.”
“Well, I do know a word or two, at least.”
Unlike Enrico, who wore a faint, relaxed smile, Alessandro’s face grew increasingly rigid.
“So, does that mean my dear nephew knows what love is? Ah—of course, you must be talking about your fiancée. My mistake for asking.”
“……”
“As you know, I have no fiancée myself.”
“…You’re starting to get on my nerves. Just how long do you plan to keep playing word games with me?”
He always acted composed and kind, but Alessandro was notoriously short-tempered. And Enrico, well aware of this, simply watched with amusement as Alessandro barely contained his irritation.
“If the conversation is going to drag on, why don’t you take it elsewhere?”
At that moment, Emilia stepped out slightly from behind Enrico and spoke calmly.
“No matter how deserted this place is, having two high-ranking individuals lingering here for too long makes me uneasy. Someone might see.”
“…I apologize. I came too hastily.”
Though his face remained impassive, Alessandro noticed the chill in Emilia’s eyes and was the first to back down. He placed his right hand over his chest and nodded courteously.
“No need to apologize. Thank you for understanding my situation.”
“I’ll arrange a
proper meeting next time. But what about you, Duke Michele? Aren’t you leaving?”
“No.”
TL/N: HEHEEE!
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