Chapter 270 - Her Protectors

The servant answered, "It's Princess Beatrice, Your Highness." It wouldn't have mattered if it was anyone else. However, Victor didn't feel comfortable meeting Beatrice. She had spent a lot of time by the crown prince's side during the recent banquet. There was a chance she might notice something was off.

"Tell her to come by later," he said. However, the door creaked open. From outside, Victor could hear the troubled servant's voice.

"Y-Your Highness, you cannot—!"

Despite the servant stopping her, Beatrice entered the office with an elegant gait. "My dear brother, I have come here to discuss something pertaining to this 'friend' of mine. Could you send away the servant?"

Victor's face crumpled. 'Why the hell is that woman trying to approach His Highness?' The knight treated Beatrice neither with hostility nor kindness usually. Still, he served the crown prince. There was no way he could view the princess with favor. Deciding that the crown prince would have asked her to leave, Victor announced coldly, "Your friend is none of my business, so get out."

Beatrice's face hardened as she glared at Victor. "You. Who are you?"

Victor felt his blood curdle. Nonetheless, he continued with his act. "What nonsense are you babbling about? Get out. Now!"

Instead of leaving, however, Beatrice turned to the servant. "You may leave." Frightened by her frigid voice, the servant scurried out of the room.

"Beatrice, did you just…"

Cutting him off, Beatrice demanded, "Unless you want to be imprisoned for impersonating a member of the royal family, take that helmet off right now."

* * *

Quite a bit of time had passed since teatime finished. Max checked the time and frowned slightly. The evening meeting was about to start. He wouldn't have cared usually, but strangely, his subordinates were all he could think about at this moment. "I think I should head back now," he said reluctantly.

Nodding, his master reminded, "Do not forget. From now on, you can visit her only once a week." He sounded as if he wanted an affirmation. However, Max got up with a scowl instead of answering.

At that moment, Jubelian grabbed Max by the hand. "Dad, I will see him off."

Regis gave a displeased look at Max, but he allowed it. "Go ahead," his master said, still giving Max a death stare. It was as if he was saying he wouldn't leave Max alone if he decided to do something stupid. Max glared back.

"Max," Jubelian urged, slightly pulling on his hand. Max decided to lose the staring contest and followed behind her. Once they came out the front gate and reached a remote place in the garden, Jubelian let go of his hand. Turning to him, she bid farewell. "Be careful on your way back."

Max had expected something more, but it was simply just a goodbye. Suppressing his disappointment, he nodded. "Okay." About to leave, he felt a soft, tickling sensation at his back.

"I'm terrible at embroidery actually, but I will do my best since I'm making one for you."

He was awestruck by her loveliness—the way she told him she would try her best. Max removed her tiny hands grasping onto his waist. He then turned around and hugged her. Her unique scent, a fragrant yet sweet one, stimulated the tip of his nose. He wanted to do more than just hug, but there were duties he had to attend to. Suppressing his desires, Max pulled away. "I will do my best as well." Jubelian looked at him as if to ask what, but Max smiled instead of answering. "Stay safe." Before she could say anything else, Max quickly disappeared from view.

Left alone, she mumbled, "We won't be able to see each other again for a week… How could he just leave like that? How heartless of him."

****

Hope you enjoyed it,

Love,

Biji ^^,

Feb.28.2024