How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 4.6
‘Besides, if Zergard can freely intrude into this heavily guarded ducal residence, he might really try to kill me if I don’t wear the earrings.’
Even though Renard protects her, there’s still vulnerability when she’s asleep. Moreover, considering the summer ball incident, it seemed that it would take at least two Sword Masters or a Grand Sword Master to properly deal with Zergard.
‘In other words, I need to wear these earrings occasionally…’
Resena slowly lowered her arm and looked at the earrings. Instead of black pearls reminiscent of dark mana, they were made with large, pure white pearls, and their sophisticated design that seemed to pierce her taste was quite appealing.
“…Alright. Fine.”
Although she didn’t know where the connection between her and Zergard came from, she could wear the earrings for the sake of her life. However, she was slightly worried that the earrings might have eavesdropping magic on them.
‘I shouldn’t discuss important matters while wearing these earrings. I’ll only wear them for tea parties.’
Resena put the earrings in the bottom drawer of her jewelry box.
It was the same place where she had put Zergard’s previous gift, and since the jewelry box itself was an artifact that stopped eavesdropping and surveillance magic, her daily life wouldn’t be monitored because of this.
She took a light shower and dried herself. Meanwhile, Del and the maids came in to help her change into a dress and apply light makeup.
“You’re beautiful, my lady.”
At Del’s sincere words, Resena smiled, covering her mouth.
“Thank you, Del. But I already know I’m beautiful.”
Del’s eyes softened at this.
“Truly, every time I do your makeup, I feel that you’re an unparalleled beauty, my lady. Outside, they say that you’re the only one suitable for His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Ah, is that because of the summer ball? Because I had the first dance with His Highness.”
Del nodded.
“Yes. There are already rumors within the mansion. Everyone is saying that you might become the Crown Princess.”
“Ahaha…”
Resena found people’s expectations slightly amusing.
“His Highness Eldis is called everyone’s lover because he’s kind to everyone. The way he treats me is not much different. Moreover, the interest His Highness shows in me is not romantic; he approaches me because he wants to seek my advice.”
“Ad…vice?”
Seeing Del and the maids with their eyes wide open, Resena smiled and honestly confessed.
“He’s not sure if his kind behavior towards everyone is right. But until now, no one has directly confronted him about this insecurity. And most people praise his outward appearance and attitude as impeccable for a Crown Prince.”
“…”
“However, I feel that his behavior towards others is sometimes inappropriate enough to cause trouble. To the extent that he shows an honest and kind face even to those who don’t or won’t have goodwill towards him… In other words, he gives room for people with malicious intent to look down on him or try to deceive him.”
“…People trying to deceive His Highness… I can’t imagine it. It’s rumored that even His Majesty the Emperor fully trusts the Crown Prince…”
Showing their agitation, some of the maids nodded at Del’s words. Finding their reaction cute, Resena smiled brightly.
“Of course, a normal or ordinary person wouldn’t harbor such malice towards His Highness the Crown Prince. But… what about a murderer or a dark mage?”
“…”
“They are different from normal people in ways we can’t even imagine. Moreover, they have a sticky malice towards humans that’s as unfathomable as a swamp. If such a person becomes a confidant of His Highness, who accepts others honestly and kindly… Unimaginable things could happen behind the scenes.”
“…That.”
“…It can’t be…”
Resena calmly gazed at Del and the stirring maids. Since these were events that actually occurred in the novel, she could give any example, but as they hadn’t happened yet, she kept her mouth shut. After a brief moment, she spoke softly.
“So… That’s why I give advice to His Highness the Crown Prince… and His Highness is listening to my advice. Therefore, my relationship with His Highness is nothing more than that of an advisor and an executor. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Del and the maids fell silent. She felt a bit sorry for dampening their excitement, but if the maids around her got unnecessarily excited, she might start having expectations too.
That’s why she drew the line herself.
Resena looked back into the mirror on the dressing table. Her heart gradually softened at the sight of the beautiful, peerless beauty with her familiar smile.
“So, could you finish my hairstyle? It’s really pretty, but I think it would be perfect with one more pearl pin.”
“Ah, yes, yes!”
Del, who had been momentarily dazed, moved her hands quickly. The braided and coiled updo looked truly beautiful whether viewed from the side or fully turned around in the mirror. Plus, the pin placement was perfect. Resena lifted the corners of her mouth in satisfaction and stood up from the chair.
“Then today…”
Knock knock.
“Sis. Are you up?”
‘What’s this about? The biggest sleepyhead in the Arnasus ducal family is up and about in the morning? Did something urgent happen?’
“Yes. Come in.”
At Resena’s words, Renard entered with heavy steps. His properly dressed appearance suggested he had woken up quite early. Resena smiled as she approached him.
“Renard. What’s wrong? It’s not like you to be up and about in the morning.”
“You’re right… Actually, I’m still dying to sleep.”
Complaining, Renard let out a deep sigh. But he soon opened his eyes straight and continued quietly.
“But I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince will be visiting to see you and me around noon. Did you hear about that?”
“No? This is the first I’ve heard of it from you. He did ask me at the ball if he could visit often… I thought he might drop by soon since some time has passed since then.”
Haaaam. Renard yawned, covering his mouth. Seeing tears hanging from his eyelashes, Resena chuckled.
He really is such a sleepyhead.
“His Highness probably doesn’t have much business with me. He’s probably coming to see you, sis. He even had the first dance with you at the ball.”
“…Hmm. That’s probably true. But since he officially said he’s coming to see both of us, you should probably be present with me, right?”
At this, Renard gazed at Resena with his deep purple eyes.
“He only has business with you anyway. But since he’s saying he’s coming to see both of us, I can’t not attend… I keep yawning, but I can’t show that I’m sleepy in His Highness’s presence, so it’s troublesome.”
“Is that so…? Then, why don’t you stay for about five minutes, then say you have some business and return to your room to sleep? That’s better than constantly showing that you’re sleepy. And when the conversation seems to be ending, I’ll send a maid to wake you up, so you can join for the farewell.”
“Is that okay…?”
Resena chuckled and stroked Renard’s hair. Her brother usually had bed hair after waking up, but seeing his hair neatly arranged today showed how much effort he had put in.
“Yes. It’s okay. But you’ll need to wake up right away, so don’t sleep too deeply… The conversation will probably take about two hours, so think of it as a nap.”
“Okay… Got it, sis.”
Renard sighed in relief, stroking his chest. Finding him cute despite being an adult, Resena stroked his hair once more before turning towards the mirror. In the mirror stood a neat young man and a beautiful woman, looking ready to receive the Crown Prince without any issues.
“Well, there’s still some time before His Highness arrives… Be careful not to mess up your hair while sleeping. Tell them to wake you up 30 minutes before noon.”
“Okay. Got it, sis.”
“Then I’ll have some breakfast and read a book. See you at the entrance at noon.”
“Okay. Have a good time too, sis. I should go to sleep…”
Resena gently pushed Renard’s back as he yawned again, covering his mouth. Still, it’s admirable. The boy who was always sleepy is now awake and dressed so formally. It was easy to see how far the Crown Prince’s influence reached.
