《I Just Want To Live》

Chapter 19

K15《A ROYAL WEDDING》

"Can't believe I forgot something so important." Gina, princess of Italy, muttered as she was scouring through the many display windows looking for a suitable wedding gift.

"It happens to the best of us. Especially since everyone's so busy with the wedding." Ailana, Head of Momos Student Council Financial Affairs, assured her.

A while back, Ailana was just minding her own business and doing her work when a video call came in from the princesses. They surprised her with the news that Maria was getting married, and they wanted her to be a part of the bridal party.

She was hesitant in the beginning since she was taken aback by the sudden request. But after a little convincing from the princesses, and Su Jung pointing out how taking a break from the princes tomfoolery would be great for her, Ailana finally agreed.

Especially after what had transpired a few days before the call from the princesses.

Flashback

It was a normal day in the Student Council room. Well, as normal as it could be with their meeting stirrung into the direction of another argument between Alexis's group and Gion's group. And as usual, Ailana would either keep herself out of it or somehow get stuck in the middle.

Usually, she would just keep quiet and watch things play out with the same uninterested look she always had.

It was the same for this situation as well. But with a slight twist.

Normally, even though she mostly stayed out of it, Ailana still focused whenever they argued just in case things went south and she had to step in.

But for whatever reason that day, she felt off and tried her best to keep her mind from wandering. Unfortunately, she was too distracted by her current state that she failed to notice the object coming her way.

!!!THUD!!!

A dull pain suddenly spread to the area of her nose followed by the sensation of warm liquid flowing out her left nostril and down until it stained the papers on her desk.

Right at that moment, the entire room went dead silent.

The next hour of the meeting was spent with Gion berating the princes while Charles and Alexis profusely apologised Ailana as she was getting her nose treated by Livio.

End flashback

Initially, Ailana was worried about the dress since it was a sleeveless off shoulder style. She was able to reason that she had been in an 'accident' that left some scars on both her arms. Thankfully, they were understanding and even suggested she wear a long sleeved inner shirt of the same colour for the wedding.

A day before the wedding, Gina decided to shop for some extra wedding gifts. And so, she dragged Ailana with her while Su Jung and Neelam stayed with Maria to get her dress fitted.

While they were walking around town getting gifts, the two girls had a conversation about everything and anything. Well, Gina was the one who initiated most of the talking with Ailana being so quiet by nature and all.

Though, their conversation did somehow drift to a peculiar topic.

"So... what do you think of my brother?" Gina all of a sudden asked

"Pardon?"

"I-I don't mean anything by it! I'm just curious to know how he is doing. Or at least, your perception of him." Ailana pondered her question for a moment. To her, Gina was only asking as a sister concerned for her brothers' well-being.

If only she knew.

But that aside, just what did Ailana really think of the Italian Prince?

"I guess he's someone who's reliable, hardworking, and has many talents. He's meticulous, too, considering how he goes over the Student Council tasks with me in person." Ailana says, the last bit making Gina stare at her quizzically.

"He does what now?"

"Well, he mentioned how I'm good at my job, so he gives me more tasks to go over with him. At this point, I think I've sat at his desk more than I did my own since working together gets things done faster and more efficiently."

Gina took time to digest the information. Sure, she suspected it earlier on, but what Ailana just told her more or else confirmed her suspicions.

The Princess of Italy thought back to when the princesses came to Momosu for the Cultural Exchange Programme. She did miss how her brother always preferred to work with Ailana to make the dance a success, even though it ultimately failed.

Initially, she just chalked it up to Gion wanting to work with her since she's someone who's highly capable and reliable. Gina could attest to it since she worked the closest with Ailana while they were on Momosu.

But there was a nagging feeling in the back of her head that there was more to it than her brother simply valuing Ailana's hard work.

Gina knew her brother well. Seeing Gion willingly initiate a dance with the girl strengthened her suspicions. Hearing what Ailana just told her solidified them.

"Oh brother, you really need to step up your game." Gina thought, feeling pity towards her dear brother.

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Back on Momosu, Gion, Livio, and Shintarou were lounging in the living area as usual when Gion suddenly let out a sneeze.

"Achoo!"

"Are you okay, Gion?" His aide asks.

"I'm fine."

"But why do I feel like someone's talking behind my back?"

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Ailana awkwardly stood aside as she witnessed Ciel flirt with Gina in the jewellery store.

The two girls went there to get a wedding gift and coincidentally ran into him. Though, it seemed like Ciel hadn't noticed Ailana's presence since he was so transfixed on his girlfriend.

"Why are you so nervous? Can't I come here too? Or..." Ciel leaned in closer to Gina," You don't want to see me?"

"No! It's not like that." Gina flusteredly denied.

"So I'm right, you do miss me?"

"No..."

"Hi! Hi! Liar! Just one look and I can tell that you're always thinking of me."

Aaaaand Ailana just about had it. After having enough of seeing Ciel shamelessly flirt, she finally decided to make her presence known.

Ciel's flirty smile immediately fell and he nearly vaulted over the display case when he caught Ailana staring down at him from behind Gina.

"When did you get here?!"

"I've been here the entire time." Ailana simply answered as she handed a small paper bag to Gina.

"What's this?"

"While you two were talking, I figured I'd ask the saleswoman to package the couple bracelets. Now you just have to pay for them."

"Wait! But I wanted to buy those bracelets." Ciel objected.

"Then you shouldn't have been busy flirting in public." Ailana responded. And as usual, she left no room for argument.

"We should get going now, Gina. Su Jung texted me saying that Maria's dress fitting-"

"Ailana?" Gina gently called out when she saw Ailana suddenly froze mid sentence. Ailana on the other hand, was staring out the window of the jewellery store with a stunned look on her face.

In that moment, she only thought of one thing when she saw the figure across the street.

"Grandfather?!"