Who Could Have Loved the Monster Princess? - Chapter 7
The distance between me and Carnelian was close enough to feel his breath. It was the first time he acted this way. I was momentarily stunned, leaving me at a loss for words.
However, my bewilderment was quickly overshadowed as Carnelian retreated abruptly.
“What…”
Before I could continue my question, Carnelian, having finished saying what he wanted, turned away without waiting for a response. As he departed, murmurs of “These sages…” escaped his lips, audible to everyone. Then, he went back to talking to the others who had come of age.
Mir snorted. “Hmm? Shall I clear the seat?”
I stroked the scales on my chin. “No.”
There wouldn’t be anything good for me if I talked to Carnelian alone. He’d probably just tease me. Maybe he knew about ordering the dress? I wondered if he and others joked about that. But if it was just a joke, I didn’t think they’d be so serious about it.
Mir noticed my reluctance to talk to Carnelian and shrugged.
“Why? Do you maybe know something? Maybe he’ll lift your curse.”
That would never happen. As I remained silent, Mir spoke again. “It seems like he’s interested in you.”
“Maybe. Because I’m the forbidden jade leaf of the Grand Magus.”
“Hmm… try to open your heart a bit more.”
If I had eyebrows, I’d definitely have furrowed them. I caught a glimpse of Carnelian’s head, glowing bright.
‘Open my heart? Yet he’s always so petty whenever we meet?’
I think he asked about my nails at the last New Year’s meeting, right? And the gift I received for my previous birthday was a bracelet that didn’t even fit my arm. It was the kind typically worn by women, elegantly showcased by clasping your hands together and wearing it over the dress sleeves.
As I was staring oddly at the gift, the aide next to me was sweating profusely. It seemed like he was ordered to prepare a gift for a noble lady. What did Carnelian say in that situation?
“Isn’t it the thought that counts?”
Why make a fool of himself? Why wouldn’t he just show me his heartfelt feelings?
Of course, I didn’t say anything. He’s a prince after all. It was easier for me to laugh it off, given how I had created such an atmosphere.
Still, I did thank the Crown Prince for remembering my birthday as the acting head of House Staedt.
“Thank you for the thoughtful gift.”
“I’m grateful to you as well. Next time, I’ll put my heart into something you can use.”
Huh?
I tilted my head slightly as I recalled that moment.
‘Looking back, I don’t think he was being callous on purpose, was he?’
Certainly, it might not have been intentional. I do tend to complicate things related to the prince. Although there’s always a reason behind the prince’s impolite words, regardless, the royal family of the Latropole Empire were enemies of my kin.
‘Even if the fault lies with the Imperial Family and not Carnelian.’
Six years ago, when House Staedt was abandoned, Carnelian was only fifteen years old and a total brat. He wasn’t entirely a lost cause, but he didn’t show interest in politics and instead got into all sorts of trouble with boys his age. Things like releasing dozens of chickens at a banquet meant for national unity or throwing sacks of oranges into the imperial pond in hopes of filling it with juice and using a scroll of crushing magic.
The palace was never quiet because of him.
‘I thought he was insane.’
However, once he turned seventeen, he began studying and ever since has shown considerably mature behavior. Thanks to him, I’ve also received a fair bit of help. It was Carnelian’s assistance that allowed me to handle the family’s affairs more smoothly.
After the Emperor turned their back on House Staedt, other noble families were not keen on being associated with me or my family. No one wanted to go against the empire’s ruler and risk their lives for fallen heroes.
However, things changed when Carnelian started managing his territory and participating in politics.
‘He did show a fair amount of respect for my opinions. He also acknowledged the achievements of my father and other warriors.’
With the heir apparent being kind to me, other nobles actively started seeking connections with the Staedt family.
I glanced again at Carnelian’s sparkling golden hair. Somehow, it looked more beautiful than before.
He wasn’t a bad guy, even if he was a bit of a prick. Releasing the chickens at the banquet was supposedly a gift because the Prince of Coral liked birds, and the pond juice was meant to offer a refreshing drink to the palace attendants in the heat.
‘No! Regardless of good intentions, wrong is still wrong…!’
Suddenly, I managed to halt my evaluation of him, which was starting to become overly positive.
In any case, Carnelian was a man who liked to look out for others, even the five heroes who defeated the Demon King. He was probably looking out for me because I was the forbidden jade leaf of the Grand Magus Staedt.
Thinking this, I locked eyes with Carnelian. In truth, it was already our fifth time making eye contact. I was looking out of the corner of my eye while talking to Mir, so he probably didn’t realize we were looking at each other.
‘Checking on Mir and then moving elsewhere? What does he want to say to me exactly?’
In fact, not long ago, Carnelian had suggested escorting me to the coming-of-age ceremony.
