Jungkook's visit to the Blaise mansion was sure to be gossiped about, but it was best not to reveal as much as possible. No matter the fact that Lalisa and the prince were lovers, some noblemen would still speculate why the crown prince would visit the Blaises himself. There must be a group of people who would find a political reason. For now, it was best to keep Hyunbin out of the way and have it look like that Jungkook was simply passing by. Everything needed a justification. Jungkook had requested this beforehand as well, and if it weren't for that, Lalisa would have found it harder to deal with her father's stubbornness.
"Why are your eyes look wet today?"
"...Don't joke."
Lalisa remembered how she felt like she had been stabbed needlessly, but she soon straightened her face. Jungkook then stepped back and smiled.
"I'm not being funny."
For some reason Jungkook seemed playful and friendly today, a sharp contrast to the time he brought a dismembered nobleman's head at the party. Lalisa had asked Jimin once before–was Jungkook a playful person? Jimin then solemnly answered that he did not play games... So it seemed that only Lalisa saw this side of him.
"My father is waiting in the dining room. I stopped him from coming out to meet you. This is an informal visit."
"This way, Your Highness–"
"If this is an informal visit, why are you calling me Your Highness?"
Lalisa couldn't think of how to reply. This grand reception not only involved Hyunbin and Roseanne, but all the servants as well. Lalisa secretly glanced at the other servants' faces and wondered if calling the prince "Kookie" would cause an issue. Jungkook smiled lightly as if he knew what she was thinking about.
"What does the rest of them matter?"
Most of the people working in the mansion were under the control of the Blaises. Sometimes a case like Sophie's may appear...but that didn't matter. They were supposed to be madly in love, both at home and in public.
"Kookie..."
She murmured his name, and a few of the servants nearby raised their eyebrows. Very few people, except for the Emperor, the Empress, and his brother, were allowed call the crown prince by a personal name.
"Say it like that. You promised me that you would call me by my nickname when we're alone."
One of the maids gave a small scream of "Kyaaa!" Jungkook's words sounded so romantic that it had come out unintentionally. Lalisa turned her hot face away from Jungkook and made to lead him inside.
"I know. I didn't forget my promise."
She was supposed to call him Kookie per the contract, but they had met in so many official locations that the name did not stick in her mouth. Only after hearing her reaffirm it did Jungkook look satisfied.
"Let's go."
Then Jungkook followed Lalisa into the mansion.
"This way, please. I'll show you to the dining room."
She turned her head to look at Jungkook, and she saw the maids' eyes shining brightly. All servants felt the chemistry between Lalisa and Jungkook was simmering hot.
Just before the couple entered the dining room they were left alone, and Lalisa dropped her eyes.
"No matter how much we pretend to be in love, saying that all of a sudden somewhat embarrasses me."
"Why?"
"Because you're telling me to call you by an affectionate name in front of others."
"I only said what we promised."
Lalisa was surprised to see Jungkook talk seriously as if he were not acting.
'...A playboy.'
But this time, it felt like this was not so bad. After her conversation with her father, she needed Jungkook's full support right now.
"Thank you."
"...?"
Jungkook gave her a questioning look, and she continued.
"You have made good on your contract. Pretending to love me like you do in front of others will help me out greatly."
"Thank you very much."
Lalisa gave a small smile to Jungkook. He paused for a brief moment at the sight of it, but she didn't catch his reaction. All her nerves were on edge at the impending meeting between Jungkook and her family. As she approached the door to the dining room, she stopped to look at Jungkook again.
"Then I look forward to working with you."
With that, Lalisa opened the door. She saw her father and Roseanne waiting anxiously for them in the dining room, and Hyunbin abruptly stood up and bowed deeply as soon as Jungkook came in.
"Hail the Crown Prince. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire."
Although it was a natural greeting for the crown prince, it was not one for meeting a daughter's lover. Jungkook walked towards Hyunbin and raised the older man up.
"Please stand up. I feel burdened when I am greeted by my father-in-law like this."
"Your Highness...you don't have to call me father-in-law."
"Why? Won't you allow me your daughter?"
"Please. Take her anytime you want."
Lalisa felt a sting at how quickly her father's reply came, but Jungkook gave him a satisfied look.
"You must keep that promise now."
Jungkook soon sat down at the head of the long table. Normally Hyunbin took that seat while Lalisa and Roseanne sat at the side, but now Jungkook sat at the head with Hyunbin on his right and Lalisa and Roseanne on his left. In a hierarchical society, everyone was seated according to their status. Jungkook was none other than the crown prince, and except for His Majesty the Emperor, there was no higher position than Jungkook now.
"Anything you need, please tell me."
"Something is missing from Lady Blaise."
At Jungkook's affectionate tone, Hyunbin's and Roseanne's gaze immediately moved to Lalisa. She smiled awkwardly.
"Enjoy the meal, Kookie."
"You as well."
Hyunbin's brows furrowed at Lalisa's casual use of the name "Kookie." He was worried that the nickname might be an act of disrespect, but he saw the way the crown prince easily accepted it. Perhaps their relationship had already progressed to the point that they were this affectionate. Hyunbin found this knowledge surprising and he glanced at his daughter.
It wasn't until a moment later did Lalisa realized she had inadvertently called Jungkook by his pet name, but by that time it was already spilled water.
'...We'll have to show that we get along as much as possible. Isn't this better?'
At last, the dishes prepared in the kitchen began to arrive. Lalisa had been particularly meticulous about the menu choices.
"Let's eat everyone."
Only after he started eating were the others allowed to touch the food. Meanwhile, Roseabbe was staring at Jungkook as if he had come out of a fantasy. Jungkook's visit still seemed like a dream.
Fortunately, the generous lunch ended in a pleasant atmosphere. Jungkook was the same as before, Hyunbin was polite, Roseanne was calm, and nothing of huge consequence had happened. The worries which kept Lalisa up the previous night seemed to be founded on nothing.
"Your Highness, would you care for a game of chess?"
Jungkook nodded in reply to the proposal.
"Of course."
The two men made to move to Jungkook's study. As a rule, women's and men's gatherings were divided at parties. Men gathered together to share conversation on topics such as politics and economics, and while the women gathered for news and family gossip. It was not unusual for the sexes to separate after the meal. Jungkook followed Hyunbin, then turned back to look at Lalisa.
"I'll be back in a while. I'll see you soon."
It was a simple farewell, but it was loaded with affection. Lalisa smiled awkwardly and nodded, while Roseanne and her maids pretended to swoon in the background. As soon as Jungkook exited from the room, Lalisa was immediately hounded with questions from Roseanne and the maids.
"Sister, you've been calling him by a pet name this whole time!"
"The prince is so handsome."
"You two look wonderful together!"
Lalisa was completely flustered at their enthusiastic reactions.
"Oh, it just happened–"
The maids kept jabbering away that Lalisa had no time to answer.
"Show the prince to your room later. We'll bring you a delicious cup of tea."
"What are you talking about? We mustn't disturb them! Try to save those two some quality time."
"Oh! I'm so excited!"
Laliaa left the maids to their gossip and slipped away. She had prepared a rough outline of the story when she met Jungkook, but this didn't seem to be the right time to mention it. She left the room, and Roseanne quickly followed her.
"Sister!"
"Hm? Oh, Rosé."
Lalisa turned her head to find her sister approaching her. She was planning to go back to her room, but Roseanne took her hand and dragged her in a different direction.
"What are you doing? Where are we going?"
"Shh! Follow me quietly, sister."
Roseanne glanced around and gestured at her to stay silent. As Lalisa looked down with a questioning look, Roseanne replied in a whisper.
"Don't you wonder what Father and the Crown Prince are talking about?"
Laliaa's eyes widened at the unexpected question. Of course she wondered. To say otherwise would be a lie. She was worried about what her father would say, and she worried what Jungkook would do. Roseanne smiled as if she understood Lalisa's feelings.
"I found a place where you can secretly listen to them. Let's go!"
"What? Really?"
With a puzzled expression, she allowed herself to be led by Roseanne's hand towards the study. Unlike the first time she was unexpectedly dragged away, Lalisa moved cautiously. Hyunbin held a prominent position as the head of the knights, while Jungkook held years of experience at the battlefield. A clumsy approach would easily reveal her.
She easily jumped the waist-high fence with one hand.
"Wow, sister. You're amazing."
Even to Roseanne's inexperienced eyes, Lalisa's nimble moves were something impressive.
Hyunbin's study was located on the first floor, and the windows were relatively low and easily accessible. However, with its large windows she didn't have a place where she could easily eavesdrop unnoticed, and there was also no guarantee that they would talk with the windows open either. However...
There was a small ventilation window for the book that always remained opened, and was located in a secluded area. As she moved through the path to approach the window, she stopped and looked Roseanne.
"Roseannee, you keep watching here. It might be too difficult for you to see."
While Roseanne had brought her this far, it was likely that anyone would notice her footsteps if she came any closer. The window was located higher than the others as well, and it was not easy for Roseanne to reach with her short stature.
"Alright. Tell me about it later."
"Yes, I will."
She was grateful to Roseanne for finding this place for her sake. If Lalisa wanted to eavesdrop she could have found a suitable place herself, though not necessarily this one. But before she had no intention to do so, and thanks to Roseanne her curiosity was stoked.
Lalisa approached the small window quietly and peeked inside the study. Hyunbin and Jungkook were seated facing each other as they played chess. The chaotic situation on the board seemed to indicate a tight struggle.
"You're better at chess than I anticipated."
"I've been working on a tactic, and I've never lost a game like this."
Their voices were clear enough that it was easy to overhear them. In case she could be seen, she lowered her head and listened to them talk. However, no specific conversation was forthcoming.
'Was this really necessary? They're only going to play chess.'
Lalisa was debating whether she should go back to Roseanne when Hyunbin's stern voice cut through her thoughts.
"What do you think of my daughter? Please be honest with me."
"You said you would give her to me. Do you intend to take back what you just said?"
"No, but she's...she's not suitable to be a princess."
Lalisa's expression hardened and the question of "Why?" ran through her mind.
"It is not for Lord Blaise to judge. I decide whether she can live up to the position."
He set down a chess piece louder than before. Lalisa swallowed her breath subconsciously. Indeed, Jungkook was fulfilling the contract amazingly. This act could fool anyone.
"My daughter...do you care about her?"
"The word care is an understatement. I'm driven mad with desire for your daughter."
Lalisa's heart thumped wildly in her chest. Until now, she couldn't consider his words to be completely true. But for this moment, even Lalisa seemed to almost believe it.
"She is not just your daughter, but a crown princess. If you make such disparaging remarks like now, I will not tolerate it even if it comes from my father-in-law. I hope you don't forget that from now on."
Jungkook's voice was like a spring breeze on Lalisa's frozen heart. She clutched a hand to her chest. This was a strange feeling. It was something she had never felt in her past life or present life. It was as if in her heart, which had been parched like a drought, a small bud grew.