Cilas was walking down the Wisterian palace corridor, all alone. His brother left early to attend the Wisterian knights with their joint training with the Empire. He didn’t imagine that Alistor would be one willing to do such a thing. But considering that he wanted to get into the Wisterian Princess’s heart, there’s no limit to what he would do.

To think he could be that motivated.

Thinking about it, there was this little prick in his chest. The princess seemed pretty charmed already. Still, he wasn’t so sure, perhaps she was just easy to fluster. Whenever he observed the princess though, there was this itching feeling about her. Something out of the ordinary. Was it her perfection?

It was just unnatural for a person to be that perfect. No one was perfect. Cilas just felt something in her presence. He felt on guard and tense. More self-conscious. He was feeling something weird about her.

It was so strange.

Setting that aside, what was his goal today? Pretty much nothing. Perhaps adore the architecture and the pieces of art displayed all around. Scrutinize them. And that was his plan for the morning. For the afternoon, though, he’ll cross that path.

However, on the way to nowhere, he crossed paths with someone he didn’t expect. It was the most beautiful young lady he had ever seen in his life. He froze and grew tense. The lady, Princess Estelia, tilted her head when she found Cilas, her eyes wide in curiosity. With her were three servants, one was her knight, the other was an old man, and the last was a maid.

“Prince Cilas? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“... Likewise. I thought you would be with Alistor.”

“Uh, well, not. There is no need for me there.”

“I see…”

Princess Estelia fiddled with her fingers as a faint hint of red formed on her face. “But… I suppose this is a good opportunity. Do you remember what I said?”

“Which one…?”

“My books…” She lowered her gaze, visibly upset. “I see you forgot.”

It was then that Cilas finally remembered. And he frantically shook his hands. “No! I definitely did not forget.”

“Really?” She slowly raised her eyes adorably.

“Yeah, well, I just didn’t think you would go through with it.”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

“Well…”

“I said so, so I should fulfill it. I don’t make a promise I can’t keep.” She shyly giggled.

Cilas let out a sigh of awe, amazed at how noble she was. To think she was this genuine. Indeed, she was genuine. He had never met someone truly like it. He had never encountered someone so wholesome. One that the darkness of this world did not defile.

“I-I see.”

“So, Prince Cilas, would you like to see my books?”

Cilas placed a hand behind his head and awkwardly smiled. “I would love to.”

Princess Estelia beamed with joy. “Then please, this way!”

Against his expectations, the princess suddenly pulled him by the wrist. Her touch was so smooth and soft. And the way she excitedly walked, her long hair swaying in the motion, was so mesmerizing.

When thinking about how she acted with Alistor, with Cilas it was different. She was more initiative. He didn’t expect it at all. Why, though? Was it because she wanted to share her hobbies with someone that could relate? Could that mean she liked him more than his older brother?

He had no idea of what could be true, but he felt more self-conscious and guarded.

They arrived at a particular room. Without a moment’s delay, the princess entered, dragging Cilas along with her towards the bookshelves. She let go of him and presented her collection with a proud, adorable smile.

“This is my personal collection. We have a library, but here I placed my favorites and books I want to read.”

Her bookshelf covered an entire side of the wall. Cilas was a bit astonished that she was this much of a reader. “Amazing, Princess. How much have you read among them?”

She shyly replied, “Well, not many. About a dozen. Most of them are newly placed, so there are still many that I have yet to read.”

“I guess that they’re mostly fiction?”

“Uh-huh. What do you think?”

“Incredible collection, Princess.”

“Really? Mind telling me about yours?”

“... Well, I have a pair of bookshelves in my room back home. So we have roughly the same amount of collection. Although, I have read most of them.”

“So you have been reading and collecting for a long time now?”

“Yes.”

“I see. I have only started collecting recently. Thankfully, my parents let me use this guest room.”

So that was why she still had many left to read. Cilas was more interested now. “So you usually read in the library?”

“Yes. The view is quite a spectacle. I’ll show you eventually. But for now, check this.” She pulled out a couple of books and showed them to him. “This one is the book about the tribes I mentioned before.”

“Ooh.”

“And this one here is my recent favorite read.” She handed him the book. “It’s about a man searching for a holy object that would heal the woman he loves.”

“Why? What happened to the woman?”

“She got sick because of a curse. It was terrible, she cannot even walk or see.”

“Even blindness? That’s a frightening curse.”

“Uh-huh, it’s all because she just bumped into some evil man. So cruel, and so heartbreaking. I would never wish something like this to anyone.”

“The main character must be devastated.”

“Yes, he was. So some shaman actually told him what to do, and so he went…”

And she continued to tell him about the beginning of the story. Her high enthusiasm was contagious, Cilas had never met someone so happy talking about books. She was so genuine indeed. Watching her, listening to her, made him forget all the other things. It was just him and her, and her voice.

It felt like the world didn’t matter. In his eyes, it was just her and her bright smile and joyful eyes. His chest warmed up and tightened. He had never felt like this before. It was then that he realized why he was so conscious and tense around her.

Yes, it was not for any devious reason or feeling. Not because the prospect of a perfect being was supposed to be nonexistent and impossible. It was something else.

He was just truly interested in her.

Cilas took in a sharp, deep breath. It was an unexpected feeling.

“P-Princess, perhaps we should avoid too many spoilers?”

Princess Estelia froze. “... Oh yes, my apologies.”

“I’m interested in reading it. Is it alright if I borrow it? To read tonight?”

She vigorously nodded. “Of course!”

“Thanks. What about we talk about this book of various tribes? I’m curious about its contents.”

“Definitely. We should sit down.”

They sat on the couch, side by side. The princess opened the book and read about the first tribe that she liked the most. As Cilas would imagine, she liked the most peaceful one. She talked about their way of living, traditions, and so on.

As she spoke, Cilas couldn’t help but get lost staring at her face. The way she smiled and brightened. And when she spoke about the tribe that she feared the most, she would form this most adorable frightened and concerned expression.

To see she could express this so many emotions was so fascinating. Each one was so enchanting. So genuine. And because of this moment, Cilas smiled from the bottom of his heart.

He was so lost in the moment that he briefly forgot that she was to be eliminated, executed. Why? Why kill such a sweet, kind, and genuine girl? He could not even begin to imagine a reason. Thinking she was to be killed, it saddened him. So cruel.

Amidst their talk, interrupting them were a few knocks on the door. They paused their fun discussion and the Princess gestured for his manservant to take a look.

“Your Highness, it is the Imperial Prince Alistor.”

“Oh, let him in.”

Upon realizing it was his brother, Cilas leaned back. It would seem he lost track of time.

Stepping into the room, Alistor’s gaze lingered on Cilas for a moment, then to the Princess. “I was searching for my brother, I didn’t think he would be in your company, Princess.”

The Princess smiled. “How did you find us?”

“I asked around. People saw the two of you coming here.”

“Is that so? Please sit down, Prince Alistor.” She pointed at the couch on the opposite side of the two.

“Thank you,” he said in a friendly tone. Upon sitting down, he gave Cilas a subtle, firm look.

Cilas looked away to avoid his eyes. He didn’t expect that Alistor would even intrude like this. He was enjoying the moment, but now it was spoiled.

Alistor glanced at the books at their person. “So, what were you talking about?”

“Oh, about the contents of this book. It’s about the tribes found in some places on the continent.”

“I see.”

“Do you like to read, Prince Alistor?”

“... Not really.”

“Is that so? Prince Cilas is quite a fun company. I’m glad I met someone I can talk about books with.”

“You’re glad, huh…” Alistor muttered.

He shifted his eyes towards Cilas again. The latter could feel the sheer pressure from this gaze alone. Truthfully, it was a bit annoying. He had no right to be displeased. Besides, he got here first, and the Princess invited him. Not his fault that she wanted to talk about books with someone that was interested in books too.

“Would you like to hear some facts, Prince Alistor?”

His smile widened. “I would love to hear it.”

The Princess nodded enthusiastically and flipped the page. “There is this one that lives in a particularly interesting place… Oh, you’re too far, it would be better if you move over here.” She shifted a little and patted on her other free side. “If you want to read it with me, of course.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” He promptly moved beside her.

With a delighted smile, the Princess pointed at a specific part of the page. “Here it says…”

As he listened, Alistor leaned closer to the princess as they shared the book. Their faces were getting closer. Cilas stared at them with subtle displeasure, or to be precise, displeasure at his own brother.

The two murmured.

“Really?”

“Uh-huh.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Indeed.”

“As amazing as you.”

“W-What?”

“You’re so eager to learn and absorb this knowledge. That is amazing.”

“I don’t think that is s-something to be amazed about.”

“Oh it is. You really love reading?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, I couldn't even bear reading one. Indeed, you’re amazing.”

“P-Prince…”

The Princess was blushing all around as Alistor got more comfortable, placing his hand on the backrest behind her.

Cilas looked away and took a deep breath.

“Ahem.” But then the maid audibly cleared her throat next to the two. “Milady, you have been reading for quite a while. Perhaps you would like a glass of water.”

The Princess leaned back a little, staring awkwardly at the blue-haired maid. “Water…? Oh yes, water. My throat is becoming dry.”

Cilas noticed that the maid appeared to be displeased as she went and poured some water into a glass. And when her gaze ended up at Alistor, it almost looked like her eyes were sending daggers or something close. But that was likely Cilas’s own imagination. There was no way a mere maid would do something like that towards an envoy from another nation.

The Princess drank a small amount of water and thanked the maid.

“By the way, Princess. Will you be free tomorrow?” Alistor asked.

“... Yes.”

“I was thinking of going out of the palace. It would be a pleasure if you come with me. I was hoping you would show me around.”

The Princess paused for a moment before shaking her head. “It would have been a pleasure. But, I apologize, I have to refuse.”

“... Is that so…? May I ask why?”

“I don’t want to. I like it here.”

“... I see. It would be nice to have you accompany me.”

“Wouldn’t you go with your brother Prince Cilas? So it should be alright without me present.”

Alistor and Cilas glanced at each other for a moment before Alistor replied. “Yes, but I was kind of hoping you’ll be there.”

“If you want, I can ask for a tour guide to come with you.”

“Well…”

Cilas sighed. “Alistor, we’ll be alright on our own. There’s no need to inconvenience the Princess.”

Alistor seemed to resist the urge to frown. “I suppose.”

Cilas felt it was necessary to put a stop to Alistor’s insistence. There was definitely a good reason that the Princess of Wisteria didn’t want to come out of the palace. Forcing her to do so wouldn’t just be right.

“Perhaps to make up for it,” said the Princess. “I can show you the garden afterwards.”

“The garden?” asked Alistor.

“Have you seen it yet?”

“No.”

“Then, there we can have tea or anything. It is particularly beautiful, especially the wisteria flowers.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Cilas couldn’t help but feel disappointed, he could have had a whole day with Princess Estelia. However, his brother stole away that opportunity. He wanted to spend a little more time with her.

As discussed, before leaving the room, the Princess gave to him the book he said he would read at night. And so he did. It was a good story.

If only he could enjoy it with her.