Chapter 97: Things You Want to Say but Can’t (2)
Though Leopold had refused Emilie’s proposal with seemingly valid reasons, he couldn’t deny he was equally troubled.
Even though he had rejected her on the spot, wasn’t there also that earlier favor Baizik had asked of him?
However, at this point, Leopold had no intention of going back on his words.
Relationships between men and women were fundamentally about mutual feelings. Forcing time together under the guise of ulterior motives, without genuine connection, was unlikely to bring any joy.
‘Of course not.’
Leopold shook his head.
If anything, such behavior would be insulting to Emilie.
He wasn’t drawn to her purely for her charm, nor did he feel any desire to spend time with her out of personal affection. If anything, it was entirely for another purpose—obtaining something for Astrid.
‘That would hardly be for Lady Emilie’s benefit.’
Still, having left things as they were, it felt discourteous.
Leopold finally decided. Rising from his seat, he donned his coat.
He needed to clarify his stance.
Even now, going back to Emilie to explain his reasons for refusing would be the best course of action.
Grasping the door handle, Leopold resolved himself.
All he had to do was turn the handle and step out.
‘…To think it’s come to this…’
The handle turned.
With a metallic click, the door eased open, and Leopold stepped into the corridor.
‘How did it come to this?’
As he walked, Leopold unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck.
The warmth of Astrid’s touch lingered there—soft, tender warmth.
‘Hah.’
“Leopold, is that you?”
A familiar voice called out.
A cascade of green hair swayed in front of him, and Leopold gave a sheepish smile as he waved awkwardly.
“It’s been a while, Cadet Eranya.”
“Yeah, it has. Where are you off to?”
“I have some business. I’m on my way to see Cadet Emilie.”
“Oh? Mind if I walk with you partway?”
“Ah, I don’t mind.”
It felt awkward to refuse her outright, so Leopold offered an uneasy smile.
“You know, this whole Crown Princess Selection thing—don’t you think it’s about time to stop?”
“Stop? What do you mean?”
The research wing where Emilie worked was a fair distance away.
Leopold and Eranya had already left the dormitories and were heading toward the building, and Eranya had been chattering nonstop.
Leopold, though politely engaging in the conversation, was beginning to grow tired.
That’s when her sudden comment stopped him in his tracks.
Eranya’s usual cheerful demeanor faded, and she looked at Leopold with a serious expression.
“Astrid’s pitiful. Isn’t it about time you stop playing these childish games?”
“…It is rather childish, but still.”
“Don’t tell me you’re thinking, ‘It’s too late to stop now,’ or something like that, are you?”
Leopold closed his mouth.
That thought had crossed his mind.
Saying, “I didn’t expect things to turn out this way,” was just an excuse. Leopold had no intention of being swayed by the efforts of the other young ladies vying for his attention anymore. He doubted they would succeed even if they tried.
One of the contenders, Violet, seemed to have found someone else who matched her ideal type.
Emilie appeared more interested in other pursuits than in Leopold himself. The only remaining contender of note was Akemilla from the Uraid merchant group.
“Forget being the Crown Prince or anything else for a moment. You like Astrid, don’t you? Isn’t that right?”
“……”
Leopold couldn’t answer.
She was right, of course. She was absolutely right.
But could he admit it here and now?
“You’re not answering, so that means I’m right. Well, I won’t press you.”
Eranya glanced up at Leopold’s face, her steps never faltering.
As they continued walking, she repeatedly stole glances at him.
“Sometimes, you know, it’s better to just say it outright rather than wait for the other person to understand. From what I see, Astrid’s been looking at you for years now. But you’ve been pushing her away the entire time, haven’t you?”
Leopold said nothing.
Even so, Eranya spoke without hesitation, as if she already knew everything.
“That’s how it is. Astrid’s a woman too, you know. Do you get what I mean?”
“…I suppose so.”
“Of course she’s a woman. What, did you think she was a man? Anyway, we’re here. I’m heading this way, so see you later, Leopold!”
Eranya gave Leopold’s back a hearty slap and waved cheerfully as she walked off.
Leopold stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, before turning toward Emilie’s workshop and resuming his steps.
***
“Well, I can’t say I didn’t expect it. Father asking you for such a favor… That sounds like him.”
Despite Leopold’s explanation, Emilie didn’t seem particularly perturbed.
“Still, coming all the way here to apologize—that’s impressive, Your Highness.”
“It was undeniably rude of me. Rejecting Lord Baizik’s request so abruptly was a clear breach of decorum.”
Hearing this, Emilie tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Leopold.
Her expression suggested she found him oddly fascinating, almost as if she were observing some rare phenomenon.
Just as Leopold began to feel uncomfortable under her prolonged stare, Emilie broke eye contact.
“Where did I put it…”
She rummaged through her desk drawers until she pulled out a small box, covered in a thin layer of dust. Blowing it clean, she handed it to Leopold.
“This is it.”
“Pardon?”
Leopold instinctively accepted the box and stared at her in confusion.
Emilie, however, didn’t even glance his way. She was already engrossed in her work—shaking vials and dropping solutions into a shallow dish.
“It’s a magic resistor. It probably can’t block high-level spells, but it should be functional enough. I reinforced Father’s design, so it should work decently.”
“This is…”
When Leopold opened the box, he found a bracelet with a dull, grayish luster. The fine chain links intertwined to form an elegant design that could complement most outfits.
“I couldn’t grant Lord Baizik’s request or that of Lady Baizik either, but…”
“Does that even matter? You know it’s dangerous for royalty to grant favors left and right, don’t you?”
“That’s true, but…”
“Whether you take it or not, I was planning to give it to you anyway.”
Setting down the dish, Emilie finally looked up at Leopold.
“Still, I’m impressed. Saying you couldn’t accept because you felt guilty toward Astrid—who would’ve thought you’d turn out to be such a romantic?”
“R-Romantic?”
“Don’t bother denying it. Just take it. I hope you won’t need to test it, but if you do, let me know how it performs. I’d like some feedback.”
Leopold carefully placed the bracelet back in its box and nodded.
He couldn’t deny he was touched.
He felt grateful, yet also slightly apologetic—a swirl of emotions that was difficult to articulate.
“And about the whole Crown Princess Selection—I’m done. It’s not as entertaining as I thought it’d be. Astrid’s too overwhelming anyway, so there’s no hope for the rest of us. Besides, you’re not as fun as I expected. I doubt you’d make good company.”
“Is that so…”
Each of Emilie’s words felt like a dagger, but guilt outweighed the sting.
“Thank you, Lady Emilie.”
“Don’t mention it. Just grant me a favor someday.”
“If it’s within my power, I’ll do anything.”
Leopold nodded solemnly.
It wasn’t a difficult promise to make, as long as it was within his ability.
“Good. It’s a promise, then.”
“Yes, a promise.”
“Wonderful.”
Emilie smiled mischievously.