LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 101: Garden
After completing the first dance, Elaine 'reassured' Louis. "Please do not worry about me, Your Highness. I am only a little lightheaded. A brief rest should restore my strength."
"Of course, milady. You can take as much time as you like to recover. I will accompany you." Louis displayed a considerate smile. Yet inside, the Crown Prince was lamenting his missed opportunities to covet more innocent noblewomen to his collection. However, with the Emperor's eyes on him, he could not afford a single blunder.
"I am grateful for your offer, Your Highness. However, please do not delay your valuable time because of me," Elaine declined. "My minor health issue cannot compare to your obligations." Her gaze flashed to Alexander and back. The Third Prince was already making his second round through the aristocrats, continuing his influence and charm offensive. "After all, your success is essential to both our futures." She donned a sincere expression, perfecting the understanding fiancée's facade.
"I do not deserve such a virtuous and wise fiancée. I will not disappoint you, milady." The Crown Prince leaned in and kissed her hand.
Hurry and leave already. "I am your betrothed and will always believe in you, Your Highness." She forced a thin smile while covertly retrieving her arm.
Louis nodded, then turned and marched off to perform his 'duties.'
After watching his figure mingle and disappear in the aristocratic crowds, Elaine proceeded outside the Ballroom, stating a need for fresh air. No one questioned her motive after her overt affectionate rendering with the Crown Prince. She glided past many servants and nobles in the Great Hall and smoothly traversed the palace's entrance, heading outside toward the royal garden, Empyria. Following Estella's memories, Elaine reached its spiral center without difficulty and encountered a familiar scene upon arrival.
Pale moonlights shined on the serene lake, creating ripples across its surface and illuminating the surrounding trees and floras. The Third Prince stood on the lakeside with his back facing her, staring into the unknown distance. He then turned around, greeting her with a lopsided grin.
'Come closer, Lady Estella,' he beckoned, continuing their telepathic communication. 'And leave your guard behind.'
"Stay here," Elaine ordered Cecil. Though hesitant to leave her only protection, she reminded herself Alexander was her ally and did not currently have reasons to harm her.
"As you wish, milady." Cecil complied and stood immobilized, silently watching Elaine approaching the lakeside.
Alexander moved to a nearby bench and waved for Elaine to sit beside him. 'I did not expect your attendance today, milady,' he remarked after she settled.
'Your Highness sent the House of Croix an invitation, did you not?' Elaine replied. 'It would be improper for me to decline.' Her eyes studied his semi-translucent form. It was a similar sight to her coming-of-age celebration. His main body probably stayed in the banquet, socializing with other aristocrats like normal. Elaine wondered what magic Alexander used to split and control both bodies. Besides her ice elemental magic, the original Estella only learned a few body enhancement incantations because of her lack of skill and interest. Though she had limited magical knowledge, Elaine could recognize the strict requirements to achieve the feat before her.
'Of course,' the Third Prince chuckled. His gaze maintained its focus on the luminous lake's surface. 'However, with your health condition a week ago, I assumed you could not endure the journey.'
How did he know? Elaine's eyes widened, surprised at his knowledge. Even within the Croix estate, the Duke had kept her condition under wrap—only the servants in Estella's manor, the head physician, and Liviane knew. Considering his relationship with Estella, the Crown Prince was the only outside party granted an exception. Alexander must have an informant within the manor. But who is it? Elaine scoured through the manor servants' backgrounds yet could not find a single individual with suspicious connections to the silver-haired young man beside her.
'No need to become so tense. I am not your enemy.' Alexander turned to face her, and a softened expression replaced the previous playfulness. The Third Prince extended his arm and gently brushed away a fallen flower petal on her cheek. 'You should know, milady, we are both very similar types of people.'
'Cold-hearted and manipulative?' she asked, raising a brow.
'I am saddened by your poor impression of me and yourself, Lady Estella.' He frowned, though a resounding laughter soon followed. 'The conversation with you is always interesting.' Alexander's fingers combed through his silver hair, eyes filled with mirth. 'Perhaps we also shared those characteristics. However, I was referring to other similarities.'
'Your Highness, why did you warn me against consuming anything in the banquet?' Though curious about the meaning behind his words, Elaine had a more urgent question to ask Alexander—the source of her uneasiness since stepping inside the Ballroom.
Despite the placid smile that remained on his lips, the Third Prince's bright azure eyes slightly dimmed at her inquiry. His gaze returned to the serene water, staring at the double moon imprinted on its surface. 'The event should start soon,' he replied.
'What event? What is going to happen, Your Highness?' Elaine pressed, her anxiety heightened. Her mind swirled many possibilities, yet none could explain the current situation.
'Rest assured,' he clarified. 'You are only a spectator and will not participate in this event.' Before Elaine could react, Alexander suddenly lay down, easing his head on her lap and closing his eyes. 'Would you allow me to rest for a moment, milady? I am quite exhausted.'
Unsure how to respond to his unexpected action, she did not refuse him. She reckoned she would soon understand whatever would happen during tonight's celebration. Elaine realized the Third Prince was helping her. Thus, for that reason, she should at least allow him the temporary privilege.