Chapter 161: The Prince’s Unwavering Love
“…Lord Clover. Rest Clover is quite meticulous in his work.”
“Yes, it seems he is a rare find, indeed.”
As Rest exited the tent, Andrew and Rilanda began their conversation. On the table lay a sketch of the terrain in the Center of the Plain, drawn by Rest. While it lacked the flair of an artist, it meticulously detailed the land’s undulations, the presence of wetlands, and potential locations for Monster Nests.
“Most likely, he sketched it from above using magic… Yes, it’s clearly depicted.”
“Still… Your Highness, what was your intention in having Lady Yuri Cattleya participate in the exploration of the center?”
Rilanda asked, glancing at Andrew, who was studying the map Rest had brought.
“I understand Lord Lübesse and Lady Isis. Lord Argyle and Priest Rail are also suitable. But why include Lady Yuri… the daughter of the Knight Commander?”
Lady Yuri Cattleya was the daughter of Marquis Cattleya, the Knight Commander. Moreover, only a select few knew that she was a cherished gem, raised in a sheltered environment. Adding her to the pioneering group and assigning her a dangerous task could very well incur the wrath of Marquis Cattleya.
“Well… one reason is that she volunteered,” Andrew replied, lifting his gaze from the table with a wry smile.
“It seems she has taken a liking to Lord Clover. She expressed her desire to join the pioneering group to be of help to him. Of course, I inquired about her family, but she firmly stated that it had nothing to do with her decision. It appears her family situation is quite complicated.”
“Are you suggesting she has run away from home?”
“Most likely. Her motivation for joining seems to stem from her feelings for Lord Clover, so I decided to leave her care in his hands. I knew she had participated in the suppression of the internal rebellion and was capable enough. I judged she wouldn’t be a hindrance.”
“…”
Andrew’s reasoning was somewhat sound. However, Rilanda, having known him for years, could see through to another motive. As she cast a doubtful glance at him, Andrew raised his hands in surrender.
“…Alright, alright. Don’t look at me like that… I can’t hide anything from you, Rilanda.”
“Your Highness…”
“I had my reasons for wanting to keep Lady Yuri at a distance. I wished for her to be taken by anyone but Lord Clover. That’s the truth.”
As Andrew fiddled with a pen in his hand, he let out a weary sigh.
“Once again, there’s talk at the palace about deciding my fiancée. Since I’ll be acquiring vast territories by pioneering the Plain, it’s about time I settled down. And now… Lady Yuri is being considered as one of the candidates.”
“Your Highness and Lady Yuri… a prince of fallen nobility and a marquis daughter. Indeed, their statuses match, but…”
“Only in status. Our feelings are completely mismatched!”
Andrew slammed the pen down on the table, his expression uncharacteristically angry.
“The sisters of the Rosemary Marquis House have found fiancés, and I thought I could guide Celestine into Lord Clover’s grasp… I believed that would suffice for a while, but now it’s Lady Yuri! Honestly, it’s exhausting. I have no intention of marrying anyone!”
“…”
“You know, right? My one true love is only for one person. Marrying anyone else is out of the question!”
“…For royalty, political marriage is a duty. You could accept the Emperor’s proposal and keep a mistress on the side.”
“Don’t joke about that!”
Andrew clicked his tongue in disgust.
“I prefer to love one person deeply. I’m not skilled enough to love two people at once… and you know that well!”
“…”
Rilanda averted her gaze from her impassioned master. She understood Andrew’s feelings all too well—painfully so. Yet, she also knew that those feelings would never gain the approval of the king.
“…Let’s leave today’s discussion at that. I’ll take my leave.”
“Hm? Ah, thank you for your hard work. Make sure to rest well.”
“Yes, excuse me…”
Rilanda bowed her head and stepped away from Andrew. As she was about to exit the tent, she nearly collided with a man entering.
“Oh, sorry about that.”
“I’m sorry, Yusugos.”
The newcomer was Yusugos Beturas, the secretary of the Student Council. He was a long-time friend of Rilanda and a colleague serving alongside Andrew.
“Rilanda, are you heading back?”
“Yes, it’s already night. Goodnight.”
“Ah, goodnight.”
After exchanging brief pleasantries, the two parted ways. Just as Rilanda exited, Yusugos entered Andrew’s tent.
“I’m back, Your Highness.”
“Ah, my Honey! I’ve been waiting for you!”
Andrew exclaimed joyfully, rising from his chair. He approached Yusugos and embraced him warmly.
“So, Your Highness… this is quite sudden.”
“I can’t help it. I’ve been waiting for so long… Don’t worry, I’ve ensured we won’t be disturbed.”
“Your Highness…”
“Yuu…”
Andrew’s love would likely never be acknowledged by his father or brother. Only a select few, including Rilanda, knew the reason behind it.