MTLNOVEL Chapter 46
Knights and attendants could only take complete rest once their master had fallen asleep.
I assumed that the man in front of me had also sought out a secluded place to rest in peace.
“It’s not really the time for anyone to come here, and there are still many plants I’d like to observe.”
“…Plants? I’m curious—what kind of plants are you observing?”
A perfect excuse presented itself.
In response to his puzzled question, I moved my foot slightly from where it had been planted on the ground, revealing a small flower blooming in the crevice of a rock covered in green grass.
“This is called an evening primrose. If you pick it when it’s in full bloom and chew it raw, it can neutralize mild poisons immediately. However, since it doesn’t form clusters and only blooms at night, it’s quite rare to find.”
At last, I received a proper reaction from the man.
“You seem quite knowledgeable about medicinal herbs.”
Without replying, I simply nodded.
Evening primrose roots were known for their skincare benefits, and Lemeia was always eager to get her hands on them.
Of course, I was the one responsible for gathering or purchasing them.
In fact, most of the herbal trade that passed through the Salt Palace required my approval, so it would have been strange if I didn’t know about them.
“I won’t stay long, so could you let it slide this once?”
This was a comfortable spot I had found in the midst of a situation where I constantly had to rack my brain—I couldn’t give it up so easily.
Perhaps my plea worked, as the man let out a soft chuckle before responding.
“…Alright.”
“Oh, thank you!”
“The Grand Duke has brought along something interesting.”
“…Pardon?”
However, he didn’t answer, and with that, the surroundings fell into a deathly silence.
…In other words, the atmosphere had turned awkward.
“Ahem.”
I stole a glance behind me.
I had been absentmindedly gazing at the moon, but now I couldn’t ignore the man’s intense presence behind me.
Even when he was completely still, he had an overwhelming aura.
‘Introvert trait number two: unable to withstand awkward silences.’
In the end, I was the first to wave the white flag.
‘…I should just make small talk and head back.’
I adjusted my skirt and stood up.
After spending a good while outside, I felt like I would be able to sleep quite well once I returned.
“I’m heading back now. You should go inside soon too.”
“Why?”
“It looks like it’s going to rain.”
“What makes you think that?”
His question, as if he truly had no idea, made me point at the sky with my finger.
“See? There’s a halo around the moon.”
A faint, milky-white ring encircled the bright, round moon.
So, this world doesn’t have that kind of common knowledge yet.
Whether he understood or not, I got up to leave, but just then, his slightly raised voice stopped me.
“That may be so, but do you know what this rain signifies?”
“Well…”
I never expected to be asked this question here.
Thinking that, I nodded.
“It signals the start of a typhoon.”
“What makes you think that?”
“That’s…”
Before stepping out of the garden, I gave a brief reply.
“Considering the season, it’s easy to figure out.”
* * *
Swoooosh.
Just as I had predicted, heavy rain began pouring that night like a ghostly omen—just as a storm was about to hit my life.
The next morning, after a sleepless night, I dragged my exhausted body outside and was greeted by the sight of the Grand Duke waiting at the door, looking as composed as ever.
“The Crown Prince proposed a tea time to commend your work regarding the Empress.”
“Do I really have to…”
“You must attend.”
“…Understood.”
And so, after a breakfast I could barely register, I was dragged to the arranged meeting.
“It’s raining heavily.”
Sitting there was the very man I had met last night.
Or rather—Raiden Kletan.
‘This has to be a joke.’
I had lost count of how many times I had denied reality at this point.
Truth be told, it had been too dark last night for me to get a clear look at the man’s face. But…
His silhouette, his voice, his overwhelming presence in the quiet garden—and most importantly, my instincts.
After piecing everything together, there was no doubt.
The Crown Prince before me was the same man I had encountered last night.
Which meant…
‘I spent last night alone with Kletan’s Crown Prince in the garden…’
I barely managed to contain my inner scream.
And that wasn’t the only problem weighing on my mind.
“That may be so, but do you know what this rain signifies?”
“It signals the start of a typhoon.”
“What makes you think that?”
“That’s…”
“Considering the season, it’s easy to figure out.”
Thinking back, his repeated questioning had been suspicious.
Was it… a test?
And the fact that I had given such a convincing answer only made things worse.
‘Aren’t I at risk of getting locked up and exploited again?!’
Also, if he’s the Crown Prince, he should’ve just said so! Why hide it?
As a silent storm of panic raged inside me, I did my best to maintain a composed exterior.
Why?
‘If I acknowledge it, I’ll get caught up in something.’
In situations like this, the best approach was to feign ignorance.
All these thoughts had flashed through my mind in less than a minute.
Maintaining my pace, I followed behind the Grand Duke, formally greeted the Crown Prince, then subtly positioned myself outside of his direct line of sight.
Fortunately, I wasn’t alone—other guests were present as well.
As the Crown Prince nodded in acknowledgment, the Grand Duke took the lead, and everyone gradually took their seats.
“I’ve heard about it from my mother.”
The moment he spoke, all eyes turned to him.
Despite his casual posture—one leg crossed over the other—he exuded an air of dominance that felt completely natural.
The reason?
‘…Damn, he’s really good-looking.’
Golden hair that gleamed like molten sunlight, eyes that shone like polished gold.
His skin was as flawless as white jade, and whenever the faintest smile graced his lips, it left an unforgettable impression.
Is this… the male lead buff?
I had heard countless stories praising his beauty, but seeing him in person was an entirely different experience.
However, having read the original novel, I knew better than to be fooled by his stunning looks.
Readers had given him a very fitting nickname.
‘Psycho-den.’
As if waiting for everyone’s attention, the Crown Prince smirked before finally speaking.
“I had no idea the Grand Duke was up to such interesting things.”
Was he referring to the comic books?
Before I could decipher his ambiguous words, he spread his arms in an exaggerated manner.
“Since these are the Grand Duke’s guests, it’s only right that I make time to meet them.”
“We appreciate your hospitality,” the Grand Duke responded, his voice polite but devoid of warmth.
‘Are they really not close?’
I glanced at the Grand Duke’s profile and felt another wave of unease. His green eyes were ice-cold.
He was usually a reserved person, but now, his gaze held an unsettling emptiness.
‘Well, of course, he wouldn’t be in a good mood.’
From the novel, I knew that Crown Prince Raiden and Grand Duke Blaire had been fierce rivals for the throne.
Despite sharing blood, they were more enemies than family.
It was also never explicitly stated in the novel whether the Grand Duke had inherited his title willingly or not.
In other words, I had no idea what emotions he was harboring at this moment.
But one thing was certain—he was far from pleased.
Regardless, the Crown Prince let out a soft chuckle and smoothly changed the subject.
“Ah, I recently acquired a new tea from beyond the continent. It has quite a delightful flavor.”
At his cue, the maids began pouring tea into delicate white porcelain cups, filling the air with a pleasant aroma.
I had intended to let the Grand Duke handle the conversation while I quietly enjoyed the tea.
But then—
“You there, young lady. What is your name?”
Just as my lips were about to touch the teacup, the Crown Prince addressed me directly.