The Human Saint is Bored, so I was Summoned to Another World

Princess Jessica's Sentiments (Part 2)

Miss Tatiana led me to a labyrinth of halls that comprised the interior of the Amaranthine royal castle. It's confusing, so I didn't bother to remember which way I came. And then, just as when I was about to wonder if the maid was just trying to make me lose my way, she stopped before a huge, wooden door.

"His Highness is inside. Please pay your respects properly." she reminded me.

"Thanks, Miss Tatiana."

The maid then bowed and opened the door for me. Judging from the place where the prince was staying, I think this was his private study.

"Oh! If it isn't you, Sir Kuro!" the crown prince greeted me with a smile on his face.

"Hello, Your Highness!" I bowed respectfully before continuing, "I came here to discuss something about what we've talked about earlier."

"Ah! Is it my sister's engagement with you?"

I was unnerved because he knew what I had in mind.

"Don't worry, I'm not like Her Holiness, who can really read thoughts. I only said that based on my hunches; I mean, we already ironed out the details of your suggestions, so I don't think we should go over that, once again. So, I thought, you might want to talk about the engagement." the prince laughed, "Anyway, I stand by my words, Sir Kuro. I'd like to add people of talent and wisdom to my kingdom's court, and fortunately, you fill the requirements. I'm sure it's something you can't refuse."

Hoh...this was quite bad. I think I should double my guard when talking to the crown prince; he's not some typical bumbling royal, "Well, Sir, I came here to say that I politely refuse your proposal."

The crown prince was silent, but there's nothing unusual on his expression other than indifference.

I could feel the atmosphere between us rapidly became awkward.

"Sir Kuro, you sure surprised me."

Well, if you're surprised, then act like one.

"Is there anything you dislike about my sister?"

"Err...it's not like that, Your Highness."

"Well, I am aware of little Jessica's flaws. She's got a bad-mouth, and she's quite lacking in brai—"

"Your Highness!" I couldn't help myself but slam my hands on the table before him, "I believe I said nothing bad about your sister. The princess is a faithful servant of Her Holiness the Saint, and her talents lie in her cooking! Have you ever tasted her food?"

"..."

For the first time since I entered his study, the prince was taken aback by my actions. He quickly diverted the direction of our conversation.

"I-I'm sorry for my rash actions, Your Highness."

"Apology accepted." the prince then went back on his business-like mode, "So, what made you refuse my offer?"

"Your Highness, I believe Her Holiness the Saint has told you I came from a faraway country. And in my land, our values there resemble that of the elves; we only take one woman as our wife."

"So, you refuse based on your values, or do you have a person you fancy?"

"I'm single, Your Highness." I purposefully told him that lie since we agreed before that we'd keep my relationship with Maddie a secret, for now, to avoid jeopardizing negotiations, "I humbly admit that your sister is beautiful, and her talents could make any man fall for her. But I sincerely believe that she has more potential than herself for now, and she could be a good wife for a great man. That man is not me."