Ryker, my hubby~~

"I'm not playing! Remember what Pond said at the meeting!" I retorted.

"Ah, yes. He said, 'Tourism is all about reputation, but Milenia isn't exactly well-known,'" General Lorenzo recalled.

"It's impressive how you can pinpoint that."

"of course, you should at least expect something of the calibre from someone serving the duke." 

Tch, he doesn't miss a chance to boast about himself, does he?

"Well, Your Grace mentioned that 'reputation matters most,' so I assumed that's what you meant," he explained.

"So, to increase our visibility, I'm thinking of having the theatre company promote us."

"The theatre company? That sounds like a good idea, as it would reach a wide range of people from townsfolk to merchants and nobles. But how exactly?"

"By becoming sponsors."

General Lorenzo nodded understandingly.

"So, yea I am going to negotiate with him. Despite our territory being on the verge of bankruptcy. I am still a duke and a former prince."

Hearing my words general Lorenzo smirked, "It seems like this is the only weapon you have in your hand for this negotiation."

"That's why I am telling you to do a good job, go away and flourish our name!"

"Indeed. Then, I'll arrange for the estate guards to provide escort on your journey."

I don't really need an escort, but not having one would seem suspicious.

"Understood. Once the security is prepared, I'll head to the theater."

*****

***

**

*

Even though the show hadn't started yet, the area in front of the stage was overflowing with people.

They were just leaning on the railings of the second floor, reserved for nobles and wealthy merchants, looking down at the stage.

Yet, you could feel the heat of the crowd. Looking around, there were many well-dressed men and women of all ages with their eyes fixed on the stage, contributing to the atmosphere.

Unlike movie theaters in earth, the atmosphere here totally hit different.

"it's just a drama play, right..."

As I muttered to myself, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Who...?" I said, turning around, but no one was there.

Tap! Tap!

Again feeling a tap on my shoulder I turned back only to glance at tghe empty space behind.

'Is someone playing a prank on me?'

Or did that shotacon(karen) followed me, after all she did said soemthing like that before I left Millenia.

When I turned back, I felt another tap on my shoulder.

Turning around again, someone poked my cheek.

"Haha."

I froze as I saw the girl who had poked my cheek.

With her milk tea-colored hair and a mischievous smile, she looked like a perfect little devil.

Thou, a cute little devil.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or, could it be that you're mesmerized by me?"

Airi Martell!? What's she doing here!?

 "..."

"Hey!"

I froze in astonishment.

"Hello? Kid?"

Calm down. It's unexpected, but don't panic.

"Kid?" I grabbed her hand then twined her pair of wrists into one, "Am I still a kid to you, eh?"

She hasn't been confirmed as Airi Martell yet. Probably just a doppelganger. Yeah, that's it.

"Hahah, where di you pick this move? From watching theaters ahah!"

"Hum, If it were me. I won't dare to laugh in this situation."

"I am Airi Martell. Do you think afraid of you?"

Confirmed.

Shit! I badly want to say, I hit the jackpot!

But, the jackpot delivered herself with an unbreakable seal...sigh!

"So?"

There's no reason to be scared. Even if she's going to drug me in the future, she's harmless for now. She doesn't have a bad impression of me yet.

Yeah, let's not give off any weird vibes. Let's pretend to be a good guy since I assumed myself as such.

I undo her then move away 2 steps back, "I have heard about the Martells, the are really famous for their gold."

"Huh, you're just a kid, but you're so... Your smile seems kind of fake."

She isn't as easy as saffron it seems.

"Moreover, lady. I am not a kid but the Duke of Milenia. Noble of Astromark Kingdom."

When I said that, Airi's expression turned grim her cheeks turning red her flustrated voice came out, "Prince... Prince Ryker! It's you?!"

She comically did a lady's bow as she said, "I apologise for my rude words, I don't know it was you."

"Wait, you know me?"

"Of course, your heroic acts against Xylothorax has been spread through our kingdom! Who won't know you an the famous mech: Blood Kinght!"

Wait a minuter, here.

Blood Knight??

I titled my head in confusion and asked, "Who came up with such a garbage like nickname??"

It's cringe!!!

"Again, I am truly sorry for my rude behaviour from earlier!"

"Haha, it's okay. Quite the contrary. I was actually pleased that you were so casual with me."

"Really?"

"Yes."

 It seems like the bad-boy route plan should be dropped for now.

*****Airi's point of view*****

'Wahhh! it's really Ryker!! It's Ryker in flesh and blood!'

I couldn't believe my eyes, the cut boy before me is Ryker the man, who makes my nights sleepless!

"Again, I am truly sorry for my rude behaviour from earlier!"

"Haha, it's okay. Quite the contrary. I was actually pleased that you were so casual with me."

"Really?"

"Yes."

He's so cute! I want to tease him badly~

"...I see. So you like being teased and pranked?"

I really shouldn't have said that! I really shouldn't have! But, I can't help it! He is so cute! Sooo cute!!

"Wa-it! Wait, I didn't mean it like that!"

I thought he would be tall and handsome, but he is very cute! I prefer this version of Ryker more! 

Fuck it, I can't help I anymore!

"What! What! Wait, Lady! DOn't hug me like that let go of me!"

Awwww, my hubby is so cute and kind!!