Chapter 8: 8

“It seems like we’ve reached the border. This is really the end,” Irene suddenly announced. She watched the scenery outside the carriage as they crossed the border, and felt her body collapse as her remaining strength left her. “It’s just as Clad said… I’ve been abandoned.”

As the final flicker of hope she held deep within her extinguished, Irene’s cold and upright heart shattered. From the moment the border was crossed, Irene M. Voltern had become irrevocably broken.

* * *

The imperial army marched ahead of Theorin’s tribute procession, with the crown prince of Perkan riding at the head. However, their progress became increasingly hindered by the strengthening blizzard, and after several false starts, Kael eventually settled on resting at a nearby castle until the weather cleared.

Later that evening, after the snow had tapered off and darkness descended, Kael took a stroll around the castle. He wandered around aimlessly until he reached a place that caused him to stop in his tracks.

‘Irene M. Voltern?’ The image of Irene, who shined particularly brightly even as she was surrounded by her many knights, was not easily forgettable. Though he’d never seen her without her helmet, he recognized her with a single glance. Finding her sitting alone, exposed to the cold wind and snow that blew in the air, Kael felt his heart sink. Long after they’d crossed swords, his hands continued to tingle from the exhilarating sensation, but now a vastly different sensation was overtaking him. “To think you were in a place like here,” he muttered quietly.

Irene, who was perched dangerously atop the rampart, was starting out across the snow-covered land from the highest vantage point of the castle. When she heard a voice speak, she turned her head and asked, “Who are… Oh.” She’d left her room to get some fresh air, but she hadn’t expected to run into him, with his dazzling blonde hair and green eyes, in a place like this.

‘Oh dear…’ Kael thought, as he felt his breath hitch. There was something frightening alluring in the careless gaze Irene cast on him. Every move she made was printed deeply in his mind, and it felt like a strong flash of light had burst forth to illuminate the dark sky. “It’s been a long time. It’s nice to see you here,” Kael said.

As Irene silently stepped down from the rampart and back onto the ground, she wondered if Kael’s greeting had been sincere. Contrary to his inner turmoil, the crown prince was a picture of calmness, as he seemed to languidly lean against the wall. The tone of voice in which he spoke was also incredibly dry.

With fluid movements, Irene impeccably curtsied and said, “I formally make your acquaintance. My name is Irene M. Voltern of Theorin. I offer my greetings to Your Majesty, Prince Kael Ayden Leslie L. Lenslat, the Crown Prince of Perkan.” Even though she was tempted by her pride to feign ignorance of his identity, chivalric manners were hard to break.

Momentarily mesmerized by her grace, Kael acknowledged slowly, “You’ve successfully recognized me.”

“Such courtesy is basic.”

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“Basic? Then, I supposed that means I’ve dealt with many people who weren’t even equipped with the most basic of skills.”

“I cannot comment for other people. I only meant to convey that for me, at least, this is not something of significance.”

Even her sharp, clinical response and cold eyes felt terribly attractive to Kael, and he felt his heart flutter. Perhaps it was because he’d already glimpsed the other side to her character—how she’d deeply cared for her knights even while on the merciless battlefield.

Clearing his throat, Kael said, “Thanks to you, the negotiations were able to conclude smoothly.”

“I haven’t done anything to warrant such appreciation.”

“Didn’t do anything? Aren’t you being overly humble? My aide, who led the negotiations, was overjoyed by your cooperation.”

“If that’s how you see it, then I shall not argue.”

“Well… Anyway, Lady Irene, it’s a pleasure to be able to formally make your acquaintance. I’d really wanted to meet you outside the battlefield.” Kael extended his arm in an offer to shake hands, but Irene instead stepped back and lowered her head into a slight bow.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I also extend my gratitude for granting His Majesty’s request.”

“Granting?” Kael muttered puzzledly, as he retracted the extended arm after Irene had snubbed the offered handshake. Having been expertly trained from childhood to mask his emotions, there wasn’t a hint of agitation in his tone of voice. However, inwardly he burned from slight embarrassment over the situation.

“Is there something bothering you?”

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