Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Drawing the Line
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“That’s…… what could that mean?”
Lark, who had been mulling it over for a moment, laughed as if he had no clue and brushed it off.
“Earlier today, the meal invitation you passed along through Victor oppa…… I turned it down, remember?”
“Ah, right?”
Lark looked flustered.
“You did turn it down, huh. Haha……. They told me I couldn’t even broach the subject, so I just assumed.”
“Oh dear, you didn’t hear. But don’t take it too hard. Oppa probably felt bad passing it on word for word.”
“Yeah, sure. I get it.”
Lark flashed a grin like it was no big deal and tilted his head, adding,
“But…….”
“…….”
“Mind if I ask why? It’s true—I’m interested in you, Duchess. No misunderstanding. I looked into it properly.”
“I’m not one for beating around the bush, but what about you, Your Highness? I’m worried what I’m about to say might come off as rude, so I thought I’d check first.”
“…….”
Lark stared at me intently before bursting into laughter and nodding.
“You’re right. I hate beating around the bush too, so go ahead. It’s fine.”
“Alright, then…….”
I took the canteen back from Lark as he handed it over and continued.
“What you’re interested in isn’t really me—it’s the ‘Diorus Duchess,’ right? You’ve passed marriageable age, so you’re rushing for a match. And if I’m guessing, you’re looking for a wife, not a lover…….”
Lark’s face registered surprise as he frowned at my words.
“Hmm…….”
“…….”
“Did I slip up somewhere? Acted in a way that made my intentions obvious?”
“No, not at all. It’s just simple logic if you think about it. Proposing a private meal with someone you’ve never met, and carving out time from your busy schedule to come all the way out here?”
“You don’t think it could be genuine personal interest in you?”
“Come on, Your Highness—you said you hate beating around the bush too.”
“…….”
“I just figured someone like you wouldn’t pick me as a straightforward romantic prospect. If I weren’t the only legitimate daughter of the Diorus Ducal House right now, we wouldn’t even be sitting here talking.”
In person, Lark didn’t seem like a bad guy, but he was unmistakably calculating.
His plan to bolster imperial power by marrying a Diorus daughter as empress was plain as day.
Sure, our house had the more famous Lillia, but the reason he approached me specifically pointed to one conclusion: the guy was meticulous.
‘Lillia’s the daughter of a concubine, Molga.’
Lark wanted impeccable bloodlines. Regardless of looks, rumors, or anything else, mine would tempt him.
‘Feels like marrying a balding, pot-bellied tycoon for power and money.’
Sad, but pretty much.
“Hmm……. I see.”
Lark propped his chin on both hands, thought for a long moment, then nodded with a smile.
“No point putting on an act in front of you, so I’ll admit it. You nailed it.”
“…….”
“I need a marriage partner fast, and you’re the top choice. But that’s just my preference—I’m not about to force it on you. Wasn’t even planning to propose right away. Just…….”
Lark turned to me with a radiant smile and added,
“Since we hardly know each other yet, a chance to get to know you would make me over the moon.”
I had to admire Lark’s smooth, flowing words.
‘Calculated approach, but framed as consideration for me! Conversation skills that don’t rub anyone the wrong way! And that face, that eye smile—it builds attraction out of thin air!’
From his looks to his speech, voice, and every expression, he effortlessly won hearts without even trying. That was Lark.
‘Such a shame he’s the crown prince.’
I inwardly smacked my lips and gave a rueful smile.
“I’m truly sorry, but like I said—I have zero interest in pursuing anything romantic with you, Your Highness.”
“…….”
Lark’s lips pursed in clear disappointment at my blunt refusal.
“Did my obvious maneuvering upset you that much?”
“No, I get it, even if you had ulterior motives. It’s human nature to act toward your goals. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Hmm, then? Am I just completely not your type?”
“Not that, either. I can’t speak for every woman, but you’re definitely the kind most would find appealing.”
Lark cocked his head at my words, his face brimming with curiosity about what the issue could be.
“You’re just not right for me as a romantic interest with marriage in mind. You’re not looking for a simple fling, so if marriage isn’t on my radar, wouldn’t meeting like this be a waste of time?”
Lark looked stunned.
“No plans to marry?”
“Someday, maybe, but not with you, I don’t think.”
I stated it firmly, then softened my tone apologetically as a twinge of guilt hit.
“A lifelong partner is a huge part of my life. Beyond just love—someone to share deep emotions with, rely on, a true life companion. Exclusively each other’s, of course.”
“Aha. So…….”
“Yes. From what I know, to ascend the throne, you’re legally required to have at least five wives…….”
Only then did understanding dawn on Lark. He touched his forehead and let out a small chuckle.
“Right. So it’s not me as a person—it’s me being crown prince that’s the problem.”
“Pretty much.”
“Understood.”
“Sorry. You said you hate beating around the bush, but I ended up rambling anyway, worrying I’d offend you.”
“Nah, your voice is so nice, I was hoping you’d keep going.”
Ugh, what kind of flirtation was that? Dangerous coming from that face.
Embarrassed, I looked away, sensing Lark rising to his feet. I glanced up at him.
“You’re right—that’s beyond my control. Can’t bend strict imperial marriage laws just for me.”
Lark conceded plainly.
“Unintentionally wasted your time and bothered you. My apologies.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s late—mind if I see you home? No funny business; it’s just bad manners to let a lady go alone this hour.”
“That’s okay, too. I came by carriage. My guards and coachman are over there.”
Faced with my unyielding wall to the end, Lark let out a hearty laugh and nodded.
“Fair enough. Then, regrettably—let’s meet again with smiles next time, if there’s a chance.”
So straightforward. I found myself admiring Lark as he turned to leave without a hint of lingering.
He could’ve half-threatened or sweet-talked a starry-eyed young miss prattling on about love...
A far cry from the sleazy types flickering through my memories.
He knew his place as the empire’s future ruler inside out and had his priorities straight.
Our values just didn’t align, but he was undeniably impressive.
Clear goals in life, no hesitation in pursuit, clean breaks when needed, and a knack for reasonable compromise.
‘I can’t be your first lady, but man, I hope you make president.’
Putting an end to my long hesitation, I called out to stop Lark.
“Your Highness, one moment.”
“Yeah?”
I held him back and fished a notepad and pen from my workout pants’ back pocket—something I carried for sketching design ideas that struck me.
“Even if not as lovers, I’m sure you and I could be great allies, helping each other out.”
“Hm?”
To the puzzled Lark, I jotted a few lines, tore out the page, folded it twice, and handed it over.
“Don’t look now. Check it when you’re back at the palace.”
“What’s this?”
“You’ll see. We’ll probably meet again soon.”
“…….”
Lark gazed at the note in my hand for a moment, then smirked.
“Alright. Safe travels, Duchess.”
* * *
Crown Prince Lark’s office.
Lark couldn’t stop thinking about Rubette.
“What you’re interested in isn’t really me—it’s the ‘Diorus Duchess,’ right?”
“If marriage isn’t on my radar, wouldn’t meeting like this be a waste of time?”
No gains on what he’d hoped for, but plenty satisfying all the same—Lark wrote off the encounter.
Word had it she was timid, quiet as a mouse...
‘Rumors really are unreliable.’
The fifteen-year-old girl was sharp, shrewd—and above all.
‘Way too much like me.’
Exactly.
She’d drawn a clean line to avoid pointless time-wasters, and Lark couldn’t be more grateful for it.
Against the backdrop of all the frustrating idiots around him, she stood out—even though he had no business lingering on her anymore, he couldn’t help feeling a pang of regret.
Lark chuckled to himself.
“If you’re gonna slice it clean, don’t make me greedy for more.”
“What? Who’re you talking about?”
Just then, a familiar face entered his view.
“Ah, Ren.”
“Where’ve you been? You’re spacing out—not like you.”
The blond man with red eyes grinned playfully.
His name was Ren.
Rescued by Lark from a foreign slave trader at age eight, he’d been his aide and guard ever since—his irreplaceable, one-and-only friend.
He’d done anything for Lark.
But sadly...
“Hey, Your Highness. What’s on your mind? Cat got your tongue?”
Not anymore.
“Nothing.”
Ren had become someone’s spy.
Couldn’t pin down who, but definitely in league with one of Lark’s ‘enemies.’
And Lark already knew it.
“Boo, no fun. So, where were you?”
“None of your business.”
To conceal that he’d seen through Ren’s true colors, Lark played it cool with a grin.
That’s when the note Rubette had slipped him at the end popped into mind.
‘Wonder what she wrote.’
Figuring maybe an apology for turning him down, Lark unfolded and read it.
“……!”
He froze in shock.
Lark’s eyes widened in unprecedented fluster as he scanned the note.
[Never suspect Your Highness’s closest aide, the blond-haired one. He is not a spy.]
His wavering gaze locked straight onto Ren, seated before him.
[The moment you take his head, there’s no going back. Choose wisely.]