ITD

CHAPTER XVl

At daybreak—

Courtney sprinted down the hallway in a hurry, despite being dressed elegantly. While it was unbecoming for a noble lady to run around in a dress, time was of the essence.

She burst through the doors of the drawing room, gasping for breath. Standing by the window was the handsome blond man she was expecting.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t think you’d come so quickly…”

She apologized while trying to catch her breath, hurriedly bowing.

Richard smiled gently. The morning sunlight pouring through the window made his already stunning appearance even more dazzling.

Courtney had sent the letter through a maid to Hanson the previous evening. Given that it needed to reach the palace, and considering the Crown Prince’s schedule, she had expected to hear back in a day or two at the earliest.

But instead, she was woken up at the crack of dawn by a maid, informing her that the Crown Prince had arrived.

Startled, Courtney jumped out of bed like a frog struck by lightning. She barely had time to change before running out the door, only to be held back by the maids insisting they couldn’t let her meet such an important guest looking so disheveled. Hence, she had no choice but to keep the distinguished guest waiting.

Richard stepped closer to her, radiating nothing but kindness as he spoke, his voice gentle and soothing.

“Courtney.”

His voice was as captivating as his looks, soft as cream. Courtney felt utterly entranced by the smooth tone. His words were tender but firm.

“You never need to apologize to me.”

“Pardon?”

“Exactly as I said. Courtney, you can call for me at any time, and I will always come running. But you’re also free to make me wait all night or even tell me to leave because there’s no need anymore. Apologies are unnecessary.”

“I could never treat Your Highness like that…”

Though his words began sweetly, they ended in a curious, almost strange way. Courtney stared at him, unsure what to make of his serene smile, which seemed completely sincere, without a trace of falsehood.

Was this the kind of irrationality that people in love experienced? Even the empire’s crown prince?

In love, ha!

Courtney’s face flushed red at the thought. Richard looked back at her, unwavering. The atmosphere between them was so intense that a passionate kiss wouldn’t have felt out of place—

Knock, knock.

The sound of a knock made Courtney jump and move away from him.

“Y-Yes?”

The door opened, and Hanson himself entered, pushing in a tray with a tea set.

Unlike the flustered Courtney, Richard turned quickly, and for a brief moment, his expression flashed cold and stern.

It was only a split second, but it was so clear that it left no room for doubt.

Courtney tilted her head in confusion. What was that? Was he displeased with Hanson, or had she made a mistake by calling him in?

Hanson, however, seemed entirely unfazed by his master’s demeanor. He quietly set the table with tea, sandwiches, and pies.

“I brought some refreshments, as it’s still early.”

“Thank you.”

“I shall leave you to your conversation.”

The interruption made the atmosphere awkward. Even after Hanson left, Courtney stood there, unsure of what to do. Richard had returned to his usual smiling self and spoke again.

“You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? I should have been more thoughtful. I’m sorry.”

“O-Oh, no! Please, have a seat.”

Courtney quickly gestured for Richard to sit. He obliged and, without waiting for her to serve, poured the tea himself and placed a sandwich on her plate. Though his status made such tasks beneath him, he moved with a natural grace, as if he were used to it.

Though their marriage discussions were already underway, this was only their second meeting, and Courtney still felt too shy to even meet his gaze.

Richard, ever the gracious host, broke the silence again.

“You look lovely.”

Startled by the compliment, Courtney frantically glanced down at herself. It was then she remembered— from head to toe, she was adorned with the gifts Richard had sent. His money had paid for everything she wore.

It was the most luxurious thing she had ever worn in her life, yet rather than feeling grateful, embarrassment was her first reaction. Still, she wasn’t so rude as to ignore common courtesy. She managed a belated expression of gratitude.

“Thank you… for everything. You’ve been very generous.”

“But you don’t seem particularly happy about it.”

“Well…”

Richard’s observation wasn’t exactly sharp. After all, the reason she had asked to meet him was to discuss this overwhelming display of generosity. She tried to gauge his mood cautiously, wondering if it was alright to speak her mind.

As always, Richard’s face was adorned with a gentle smile. She remembered his earlier words—that she was free to do as she wished.

Summoning her courage, Courtney swallowed and spoke.

“Your Highness… what is it that you truly want from me? I know you’ve asked for my hand in marriage, but… is there something more you’re expecting from me, something beyond just the marriage…?”

Though her tone was careful, Courtney was certain of one thing.

Richard had a reason, a true motive he hadn’t revealed to her yet.

Her experiences had made her cynical. When it came to love, she harbored no illusions. She viewed it with a realistic, even pessimistic, lens.

After all, even love required some reason, some kind of context, especially for someone like the Crown Prince.