Translator: Khan
Editor Group: Liber Reverie
"Yes, he doesn't know anything about her because the secret of his birth was revealed and deported as soon as he met a woman named Apple."
"... Apple?"
"It was the name of the Countess Roscent, and it's a common alias to a prostitute."
It was a strange sense, but in the empire where flowers symbolized the aristocratic family, it was common to use things other than flowers as an alias. Apple was a fruit that was easy to see, so half a dozen of them were using it, and that was why it was not easy to find her whereabouts.
"It was only one meeting, but he still misses her."
"Why didn't you just let people ask around? No matter how deported they were, it was possible because the Marquis had taken them."
"When Chloe was deported, he was insane. He couldn't talk for a while. He knew that he wasn't his father who he's ever believed in, but he couldn't have been alright. Even now... No, I sent people to find her later, but I couldn't find her."
"So you've come here yourself, because Chloe's in bad condition."
"... yes, you are right."
But he had met Aria and Asher who noticed that his purpose had changed. Anyone could know that if they saw his expression of joy. He was purely touched by the presence of Aria and his encounter with her.
"Now it's time to go back. I hope both Chloe and Violet are happy."
"...Are you thinking about just going back?
"Just? What do you mean?"
"The Countess married the Count and would no longer be able to be with Chloe, and Lady Aria would not follow the Marquis because she had settled in the empire. You just checked that she was your descent, and I ask you if you'll just go back."
That was the most desirable result for Asher. If Aria would follow the Marquis and go to Croa, it would be harder to meet her. As the distance was too far, there was a limit to use his ability. There was a maxim, "Out of sight, out of mind."
When he was worried about it and asked, the Marquis who was a little worried, replied, "No. I just don't want to go back. Apple, no, the Countess... It is not easy to accompany me because she is married, but I think it will be different if it is Lady Aria. I have heard of her only by rumors, but it will be easier to stay in Croa than the empire where she has been treated contemptuously so far. I also want to support everything she hasn't enjoyed."
Perhaps it would be better for Aria.
Most people would think of it as the Marquis. No matter how she settled in the empire, it would be better to go to the Kingdom of Croa because it was mostly done in writing.
"Well. Will it be as easy as it sounds?"
But even if all were in favor, Asher could not agree. Rumors of Aria's relationship with Asher as a lover were widespread and the Marquis was already aware of it, so he didn't question his negative response.
"Furthermore, the heart of Lady Aria will be important. You wouldn't be able to take her even if you want to take her."
"... I'm aware of that. So I should ask for her opinion."
"Her opinion?"
When there was nothing at all, her blood had not showed up at all, but if he suddenly appeared and said that he came to take her after she was successful, who would be happy to accept it? In the past, Aria, who had only been a daughter of a prostitute, would have been very happy, but now they did not know her mind.
And somewhere in his mind, there was also confidence that Aria would not leave him. It was clear that Aria would choose himself rather than the Marquis who suddenly appeared.
And if not, he would just close the border to Croa. It would not be bad to make a law that minors could not go abroad.
He knew it was a ridiculous idea, but he didn't want to let go of Aria. 'Isn't the power existed for this use?' Regardless of how Aria responded, Asher, who thought of a way to prevent the Marquis from taking her, said to him in a lightened look.
"Good. Then you'd better ask her directly, as the Marquis said."
"Directly...? Do you mean now?"
The Marquis asked with a surprised face whether the memory of the first encounter was so bad.
"If you are uncomfortable, I can ask her for it."
If he asked himself, she was likely not to go. As she did not know the circumstances well, Asher would write a written promise so that she could not leave forever.
"It may be a good idea to carry the relationship slowly and ask later, but it is better for her to know this current state. I would be grateful if Your Highness would do that."
'You don't know it's a trap.'
The corners of Asher's mouth rose with a satisfactory answer.
The next day, Asher, who was in a hurry, visited the mansion of Count Roscent in the morning without an appointment. He was with the Marquis, disguised with a wig.
In the appearance of a brilliant carriage, soldiers taking a morning walk gathered around with a surprised face. Shortly afterward, they all lowered their heads in the shape of a tulip-shaped seal drawn on the wagon.
Aria came to the entrance of the mansion late in the morning and opened her eyes and asked, "What are you doing here so early in the morning?"
"What purpose is there other than to come to see you?"
"Me? But it's too early..."
'Besides, why did you come to ride the bright carriage? Did you want to brag about going to see me in the whole capital again? You can come straight to my room.' Aria shook her head and asked if he would like to have breakfast with her.
"Why don't you have breakfast with me outside?"
"Outside?"
"Only two of us."
'Not a quiet dinner, but breakfast?' It was a strange invitation, but her heart was moved, so Aria smiled and nodded.
"I have to change my clothes."
"I'll wait."
It would take some time because she had to trim her hair, but Aria's mind was urgent, at the answer that he didn't care. Aria disappeared back into the mansion so quickly and began to dress up.
"Miss! How about this dress?"
"This necklace is good for you!"
"Do you want to spray gold on your hair?"
"Oh my God, I have to shine your nails!"
It was not only Aria that was busy. The maids were also busy with the sudden visit of the Crown Prince, and the Countess, who was about to eat breakfast, also helped her daughter dress up in a fuss.
"Would I bring my jewels for you? This new diamond is very beautiful."
In the end, Aria had to wave her hand at the seemingly excessive appearance.
"Please don't forget that it is now morning. I'm going to have breakfast, not a party."
Otherwise, she was gorgeous, but she was so beautiful that it was hard to look at her because it was snowy when she was dressed with all their care. 'Is there someone who decorates so gorgeously in the morning?' Even though she was a noble, she had to classify time and place. Then Aria smiled happily as they took off the things that had been decorated.
"... If you come out with such a beautiful dress, I can't get you off the carriage."
"I don't know what to do with so much compliment."
In the end, all the ornaments were collected and she did not decorate herself so splendidly, but it could not prevent his mouth from drawing a good line.
The wagon carrying Aria immediately left the mansion of the Count and ran the city. The people who faced the bright carriage from the morning could not hide their surprised faces for a while, but after realizing that this had happened several times, they shook their heads, saying that the Crown Prince fell in love.
"By the way, why did you come? Did you really want to have breakfast together?"
"Of course."
Apart from asking questions, it was true that he wanted to have breakfast with her, so Asher replied casually,
"Really?"
"Yes. I haven't seen you for a while and couldn't sleep at night. So I visited early this morning."
This was not a lie either. When he had closed his eyes, he had almost moved to the space as Aria had come to his mind. Whether she liked his answer, doubt disappeared from the face of Aria, and bright laughter blossomed.