Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Translator: Yonnee

—

It didn’t happen. But why was I so sad? I widened my eyes slightly as I recalled the near-touch that his lips had left.

Oh my god, I’ve gone crazy. All this time, I’ve been trying to push Albert away, but it’s a shame that I couldn’t kiss him…? Crazy!

More than that, I even recently asked his right-hand man, Liam, to help me run away. I know I’m definitely wrong to think that it’s a shame.

Let’s calm down now.

I am a rational human being governed by proper ethics.

“Your face is saying that it’s a shame.”

“Absolutely not!”

But at my immediate response, Albert retorted back.

“You answered too fast. Like I’ve hit the bull’s eye.”

…This prince must already know me like the back of his hand. I glanced over to him and suddenly recalled that I was holding a spoon.

Oh, right. I’m here to take care of him.

Okay, let’s go back to doing that. After letting out a deep sigh, I dipped the spoon in the still-warm soup and stirred it once.

Then, I got up and placed the tray down in front of Albert. However, he just stared at the bowl of soup for a while, after which, he looked back at me.

“I’m waiting for you to feed me though.”

“…I understand.”

I did so many wrong things today, after all. I might as well do this to atone for my sins. I pulled the chair closer and picked up the spoon again.

He opened his lips, and I carefully brought the spoon closer. Albert then began to eat his soup.

An uncomfortable silence ensued. I was the one who spoke first.

“By the way, where is Your Highness’s nanny?”

“I told her to eat dinner and cool her head a little.”

“Ah, is that so.”

“I guess Liam didn’t know either that Greten would hate you so much. Still, she’s someone who serves me.”

Since I was someone who exclusively took care of him while we were stuck in the tower, I guess he didn’t think that I’d be kicked out with such blatant contempt. I get it. Greten must not be showing that side of herself to him.

Ah, now that the topic of Greten was brought up, this might be a good time to convince him. And to put a wall between us.

“I understand how Miss Greten feels though. I can see where she’s coming from. When a man and a woman are trapped alone in a tower, there’s no way to see that in a good light, is there?”

“That’s what you’re dreading.”

“Yes.”

Albert rested his chin on one hand as he was deep in thought. Great, I think he’s successfully being persuaded. I picked up the spoon nervously, waiting for him to speak again.

Then, amidst the silence, he continued.

“Just as you said, rumors can spread easily. But people are easily won over as well.”

“……”

“If you’re worried about the rumors that would arise about you, then I’ll change them all for you.”

“It’s not so easy to turn bad rumors the other way around.”

“If you know a good method to do so, then it becomes easy.”

Albert’s voice rang low, as if he’s been through this many times already. He sounded tired.

I was reminded of Albert’s current situation. Right, there were people who didn’t know anything about him because of all the malicious rumors that Rosteratu had spread about him. And it’s difficult to separate yourself from such rumors.

Come to think of it, that’s one question, too.

I remember reading about Albert’s reputation being good even after breaking out of the tower and successfully launching the coup d’état.

How did he manage to do that?

Then, what Liam said during dinner passed through my mind.

“But the public’s opinion about you isn’t very good.”

Albert nodded, but with a firm tone, he replied.

“There’s a method to overturn their thinking. I’ll use that.”

What method? But maybe I could guess it instinctively—the fact that he’d take advantage of the rumors.

Which rumors was he going to use? Maybe the kind of rumor that could topple the public’s opinion and at the same time hurt Rosteratu as well.

Somehow, I had a bad feeling.

“Prince, regarding what you said during dinner last time. Are you saying that you’re taking advantage of the rumors?”

Albert stared at me blankly for a moment, as if he was startled by what I said. He usually had a languid atmosphere about him, but this disappeared for a moment and was replaced by fatigue.

But it was over in an instant. Albert had a relaxed smile again as he glanced at me.

“…Why are you suddenly talking about that?”

“When you were talking about the rumors back then, your expression was weird. What kind of rumor are you trying to spread?”

He wasn’t answering me straight. Now I’m getting nervous.

“Prince, if it’s a rumor that you’re trying to spread, then I’ll hear about it later anyway. Why are you hesitating now?”

“You’ll find out eventually.”

As Albert said this, he looked straight at me. And at that moment, I wonder why his eyes suddenly clouded over.

Now I’m really getting a bad feeling. Why was he being so vague about this?

“I want you to be the last person to hear about this rumor.”

“……”

“It’s something I’m willing to tell everyone for my benefit, but I’m wishing that you wouldn’t know.”

Albert drew closer and reached towards my hair. It was exceedingly warm, his touch.

“Even though I know that this is a ridiculous wish.”

Albert added quietly.