"What's going on here?"
"This werewolf came carrying the bags and said you sent them with him and that he's your friend, but the guards stopped him. A fight broke out, and he resisted them—hit and even bit some of them. Then stronger knights came to stop him. Honestly, it was an entertaining scene."
"Entertaining?! The guards got hurt because of this dangerous person!" my sister shouted.
I immediately stepped in when I remembered I was the cause of all this, and took the werewolf to my private garden.
After I seated him at the small table in the center of the garden, I rested my head on my interlocked hands.
What do I do now that I've brought him here?
Yes... I brought him only because I was fascinated by him. I love things like nymphs, magic, werewolves, vampires, and elves... and this was the first time in my life I saw a werewolf—was I supposed to just let him go? Impossible!
"So, what do you want from me?"
No way to avoid answering now. Do I tell the truth and become a laughingstock, or lie?
"I want you to become my personal servant."
I said it calmly, amazed at myself.
"Excuse me?" the werewolf replied in disbelief, as if trying to make sure.
"Yes, you heard me... will you refuse the prince's request?"
I said it with confidence, full of admiration for myself and my quick thinking.
If he agrees, great. If not, no problem. The world is full of werewolves..i think.
"And what exactly does a personal servant do? And why me, specifically?" the werewolf said with a half-sarcastic tone.
"Because you're fast."
This is so embarrassing I want to disappear!
Even the quiet Jain was looking at me with a bewildered expression.
A maid arrived and bowed.
"Your Highness, Lady Emilia Klein has arrived without a prior appointment... should I let her in?"
I looked at her, thought for a moment, then said "Very well, let her in."
If I turned her away, Father would ask me why I did so.
Father is kind, so I sometimes worry that people lie to him and he wouldn't know.
I looked at the werewolf.
"So... what's your answer?"
"I agree, but on one condition.. keep that redhead away from me!" he said, looking at Jain, who was also glaring at him—not a friendly look.
Seems he now hates Jain after being threatened by him in the street.
"Jain was just doing his job, so don't take it personally."
Emilia entered in her pink dress.
"Hello, Your Highness Prince Leonhart, may I sit?"
I gestured for her to sit.
As expected—spoiled and rude.
Now we were two sitting at the table, while Jain and the werewolf stood behind us.
To annoy the spoiled girl a bit, I said with obvious and deliberate sarcasm:
"What's so important that you came without sending word first?"
This is normal among nobles—you must send a message before visiting so the person can prepare, otherwise it's considered rude. But usually, no one scolds her because she's still a child.
I assume this is the first time someone's told her this.
"The king told me I'm welcome anytime, so..." she said nervously.
"That applies when you're visiting my father, not me. Did I ever say you could come anytime?" I interrupted.
She looked like she was about to cry. Am I overdoing it?
But then I remembered the person sitting with us, who seemed to sympathize with Emilia.
"You can leave now and come to the palace tomorrow to start your work."
"Alright..."
The maid who had been standing quietly nearby led him to the palace gates.
Then I turned to the girl sitting in front of me, speaking calmly:
"Now... what did you want from me?"
I said as I crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in the chair.
"T-to be honest... my father told me to come meet you so that... we can get to know each other more because we're engaged and all..." Emilia stammered.
"To meet you? It's to meet His Highness. Didn't you learn etiquette before coming here?"
"And did the duke tell you to come without informing anyone?" I asked her in surprise.
She lowered her head as if hiding her tears.
What am I doing? She's just a nine- or ten-year-old girl...
I should be ashamed. I shouldn't be this harsh. She's just a character, and it's not her fault she was written this way.
I sighed and stood up. "Come with me."
She followed, while Jain and the servants watched everything in silence.
I brought her to a place full of flowers, thinking she'd like it—and she did. She sat down, smelling the flowers.
But then suddenly, she stood up and came toward me nervously.
"Can I pick some flowers to make a flower crown?"
Seems she learned from her mistake.
Well, it's fine. Spoiled, but she'll improve over time.
"Alright."
She smiled and ran to the poor flowers, then made a crown and placed it on her head, saying cheerfully "Do I look pretty?"
"..Not bad."
She laughed and said "Do you want me to make one for you?"
"No thanks, I don't like flowers."
"Then why do you have so many flowers in your garden?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I'm not the one who takes care of them. I don't come to this area often anyway."
I want to go back to my room and bed... How do I politely send her away?
"I feel tired, so I want you to leave now. Let's meet again later."
"Oh... yes, yes, I hope you feel better soon. When you do, let me know. Next time, I'll send word before coming." she replied nervously.
I felt she might have been a little hurt, but she won't tell her father what I said—at least I don't think so.
After she left, Jain looked at me.
"Was I too harsh and rude with her?"
"No, Your Highness. You did the right thing," Jain replied with his usual calm.
"You can speak normally, no need to be so formal. Say your opinion freely—I'm asking you for it."
"Alright, Your Highness. Honestly... I wasn't comfortable with her being here, but your response and the way you sent her away made me feel relieved."
I immediately laughed at what he said. It's the first time I've seen him speak this way—actually, the first time he spoke this much.
I feel like Jain will be a good friend; he understands me.
I returned to my beloved room and collapsed on the bed to sleep. It had been a truly exhausting day.