The sound of knocking made Louismond turn his gaze from the window to the door, fixing his eyes on it.
After a short silence of one to two seconds, he responded.
Come in.
The door opened slowly, and his aide entered, accompanied by someone wearing a tattered cloak with the hood flipped up.
Louismonds blue irises, which had been looking at the other person, twitched slightly.
Is she a princess?
Step by step, the woman approached him with a neat stride, but looking so shabby that it was hard to believe she was a princess.
Her cloak was closer to rags, and her worn-out shoes revealed bony and frail ankles.
As the hood of the cloak, covered in dust and dirt, fell back, revealing the womans face, Louismond was even more surprised.
Brown freckles dotted her sun-kissed, reddened skin, as one would expect.
But what on earth happened to her short hair, which seemed to have been chopped off haphazardly?
Despite reading his perplexed expression, the princess stood before him with unwavering steps.
Her unreadable violet eyes stared directly at Louismond as she offered a composed greeting.
Nathans princess, Janice Khan Arcandium greets the young sun of Rojas.
It was a perfectly executed etiquette, neither too much nor too little.
The speed at which she bent and straightened her knees was appropriate, and her movements were graceful.
And there was her confident gaze, looking at him as an equal, and the graceful expression without a trace of wavering.
In that moment, Louismond reproached and chastised himself for merely suspecting her based on her shabby appearance.
This woman was a princess.
Even if she had messy hair and wore tattered clothes
Her entire life had been marked by the unmistakable signs of a perfect princess in her gaze, gestures, and movements, from birth until now.
With reverence, Louismond brought his hand to his left chest and greeted her politely.
It is an honor to meet Princess Janice, Nathans young wave.
Instantly, the princesss violet eyes flickered.
She slightly lifted the corners of her previously stiffened lips, forming a subtle smile.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and her lips curled upward, giving Louismond the impression that she was suppressing laughter.
Strangely, that expression lingered in Louismonds retina as if it were etched there.
Indeed, you are worthy of praise. I believe I know the reason why my father spoke so highly of you.
You flatter me. Is the King of Nathan well?
Louismond went straight to the point without hesitation.
Janice, Nathans princess.
She was the second daughter, a rare heir in Nathan with few successors.
Rumors of the King of Nathan doting on her intelligence and loveliness had spread even in neighboring regions.
To what extent did he dote on her? It was said that he turned his back on his enemies and sided with Rojas to make her the Crown Princess of the Empire.
But for the Nathan royal family, who held the princess in such high regard, to see her appear in such a shabby state
It meant that something significant had happened in the country.
Especially for the royal family.
Until now, Nathan has consistently maintained silence. Could it be due to internal problems?
It was a bit strange.
Even the spies they had planted in the country couldnt reach out to them.
However, Louismonds situation wasnt so relaxed that he could delve deeply into that matter. He only harbored suspicions.
Thank you for asking. Fortunately, my father the King is well.
The princess smiled vaguely, took a deep breath, and nervously bit her lower lip.
Louismonds gaze followed her expressions and movements closely, observing every detail.
Her hesitation and nervousness lasted only a few seconds.
She lifted her gaze, as if gathering her thoughts, and looked at Louismond.
But my only brother, Carlos, who is the brown Prince of Nathan and my only guardian, is not well.
What do you mean?
She took a step closer to Louismond.
Just as the people of Nathan praised her, she pressed against him like small waves.
Her purple eyes, which had come closer, swirled significantly.
Of course, for Kalia, who could easily topple most wooden furniture with one hand, it was no problem at all.
A few more minutes passed like that.
Sweat beads started forming on Simons forehead, despite having just washed up.
Trying to act nonchalant, he couldnt even show signs of exhaustion, and it felt like the space around his nose had slightly widened.
At first, not understanding why he was doing this, Kalia leisurely watched him.
She thought, Its a calamity he brought upon himself, so he should take responsibility.
Then, suddenly, it seemed as if Simon realized something and his eyes opened wide.
Come to think of it, I dont need to exert this much strength, do I?
Huh?
My strength will be supplemented by magic power.
What are you talking about?
In front of her, furrowing her brows in confusion, the two babies floated in the air.
Kyaa~!
Abuu!
Simon, feeling much more relaxed, let out a contented murmur with a relieved expression.
Thats right. I was foolish Straining myself trying to overpower a physical fighter with sheer strength. While you have physical stamina, I have magic.
Simon?
It was at that moment.
Simons gaze met Kalias, and he looked at her with his characteristic enchanting smile.
While Kalia was momentarily captivated by it, her body began to float in the air.
Huh? What?
Hovering slightly in the air, Kalia flew towards Simon.
Using his lighter hands, Simon lifted Kalia in his arms.
There was such an easy way to do this.
Simon, you know I can deflect this level of magic, right?
I know. But theres no need to deflect it now, right? Are you really going to deflect it? Its just a simple kiss?
At the word just a kiss, Kalias cheeks turned red.
Even though she knew it wasnt the time to be so peaceful and flirtatious, desire didnt conform to her heart.
But I want to do it too, dont I?
After all, she was a person true to her desires.
Simon was trying very hard, and she had no grounds to refuse him.
Naturally, Kalias arms wrapped around Simons neck.
Well, its just a kiss. I have things to do.
Of course, Kalia By any chance, do you have something else in mind besides a kiss?
As Simons lips slowly approached Kalias lips, which were slightly pursed.
That moment when he was about to savor the sweet and plump fruit-like lips
Kyaoong!
Abuu.
The two mischievous little ones, forgotten for a moment, flew through the air with a roar.
Startled, Kalia quickly lifted her head and looked at the babies. Drea, imitating something, grabbed Sashas neck and playfully pressed her lips against Kalias cheek.
Kyao, Kyaong!
Whether they were giving kisses or smearing saliva, it was unclear.
Hugya Huhh!
Restless, Sasha squirmed in the air, requesting help from Kalia.
Locking eyes with Simon, Kalia smiled as if there was no other choice and whispered in his ear.
This is why were told not to drink cold water in front of the kids. Lets promise for next time. (tl/n: Korean proverb that refers to taking care of what you do in front of children because they imitate everything)
I should have done it before bringing the kids.
Well, what can we do now? Lets keep it quiet. The kids are listening.
Kalia, who kissed Simons cheek, still filled with regret, lowered herself to the ground and hugged Sasha, gently soothing him.
She also wiped away the saliva that Drea had playfully smeared everywhere.
Simon, sighing, shook his head and spoke.
Kalia, before it gets any later, lets call Gaia.
Kalia nodded and immediately whispered the name of her mother, who had become the spirit of her bracelet.