By Zephyria 
However, Cecile could not feel at ease. Knowing full well what was about to happen and how strict Alexis was only heightened his anxiety.
No matter how thorough the plans were, no one could predict how the future might change.
“Promise me this. Even if you feel upset, do not get angry at Princess Larissa.”
“What’s the problem? Are you really this anxious just because of a princess’s pride?”
“What I’m worried about is the diplomacy with the Kajazhan Kingdom. I don’t want any disputes arising from this matter.”
“Your concerns are quite specific.”
Alexis lowered his gaze. Cecile’s face was reflected in his lake-like blue eyes.
“Are you just being imaginative? Or….”
Since harboring doubt, every word from Cecile was interpreted in a peculiar way. It only intensified. The assumption that Cecile could predict the future weighed heavily on Alexis’s mind.
As the silence stretched, Alexis flicked his finger playfully on Cecile’s nose.
“You cheeky brat. Who do you think you’re giving orders to?”
The flick was quite forceful, causing Cecile to clutch his throbbing nose. Even in this moment, he pressed on with his request.
“Will you not promise me?”
“I don’t like your attitude. I’m not sure if I’d comply even if you asked politely.”
“…….”
Cecile bit his lip and glared at Alexis. Who was doing this for whom? He held back the words he wanted to say, causing his jaw to wrinkle like a walnut.
Seeing this, Alexis narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Hey, relax your eyes.”
“Fine. Do as you please, Your Highness.”
“You’re quite troublesome. I can’t even joke around. But then again, it’s not like jokes would work on Cecile Adrian.”
A smile spread across his lips. Alexis looked at Cecile with a much more amiable expression.
“Don’t worry. The things you’re concerned about will never happen.”
“Are you promising me?”
“I promise.”
Only then could Cecile finally relax. With that, he had completed his task. He slowly stepped back, exiting Alexis’s personal space.
He grasped the doorknob of the office and offered his final farewell.
“It’s getting late. You should rest now.”
“Yeah, have a good night too.”
Finally, Cecile left the office. As the surroundings fell silent, Alexis remained, enjoying a moment of quiet at his desk.
He traced his fingers along his lips. The corners of his mouth had been lifted since earlier. It dawned on Alexis that he had been smiling the entire time he was with Cecile.
“…This is troublesome.”
He muttered while smoothing his smooth lips. The expression he hadn’t even realized he was wearing was unexpectedly embarrassing.
* * *
The Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Ceremony was now just two days away.
There were three palaces prepared for guests. One of them was exclusively provided for the distinguished guests from Kajazhan. This was a clear indication of how exceptional the treatment for Kajazhan was.
Cecile had finished his preparations early in the morning and headed to the palace where Princess Larissa was staying.
She happened to be in the garden, enjoying a leisurely time. Under the bountiful morning sunlight, a white muslin cloth fluttered, and Princess Larissa lay beneath it, eating fruit.
“Good morning.”
Cecile greeted her as he sat on a wooden chair across from her. Larissa, using the long sofa like a bed, merely nodded her head without even glancing in his direction.
“The sunlight in the Empire is so bland. Sunlight should be hot enough to scorch the skin, don’t you think?”
“Nowhere can compare to Kajazhan.”
“Still, I really like the lavish treatment. I was a bit annoyed to hear that you were taking care of the guests instead of Alexis… but now, I’m quite satisfied.”
Larissa crossed her legs leisurely. The dress she wore had a deep neckline and was made of very thin material, revealing her voluptuous form.
While it might be a natural outfit in the hot Kajazhan, it was somewhat embarrassing for the Empire’s citizens to behold.
The Imperial court physicians were flustered, unsure where to look, while the attendants from Kajazhan served the princess with an air of nonchalance. Perhaps that was why they were brought along.
Even though it wasn’t particularly hot, the princess’s attendants were constantly fanning her. A thick scent of perfume wafted through the gentle breeze.
Cecile rested his chin on his hand, gazing intently at Princess Larissa. Though her appearance was somewhat embarrassing, he had no interest in women, so there was not a hint of malice in his gaze.
Only then did Larissa slightly turn her head. Seeing Cecile looking down at her, she smiled and rolled over to her side. The way she loosely held her hair made her look enchanting, like a goddess of the sun.
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“What are Crown Prince Alexis’s preferences? What kind of woman does he like?”
Cecile let out a weary laugh. Larissa’s curiosity was truly consistent. He straightened his back and leaned against the chair’s backrest.
“You’ve chosen the wrong person to ask. I’m not particularly close to Crown Prince Alexis.”
“Hmmm, a rival… or something like that?”
“Let’s say it’s similar.”
“What do you think about Crown Prince Alexis marrying me and leaving for Kajazhan? If that happens, the prominent heir to the throne would disappear… would you be willing to cooperate?”
“Give it up. It’s an impossible scenario.”
“You won’t know unless you try. If it’s Kilian, I can persuade him.”
Cecile crossed his arms and smiled. It was a beautiful smile, but it had a hint of coldness.
“The next Emperor of the Empire will be Alexis. That fact won’t change, no matter what anyone does.”
Larissa blinked her large eyes. Cecile’s firm stance seemed to surprise her a bit. She pushed herself up slowly from the sofa.
“I thought you would naturally agree with me… but this is unexpected.”
“It was a proposal that had no feasibility from the start. And above all, the Crown Prince has a promised fiancée.”
“I know, her name was Yuria, right? The saintess?”
“No matter how hard the princess tries, she won’t be able to steal that person’s heart. Even if it takes time, the Crown Princess will be Yuria. Why waste time and emotions on something worthless? You, Larissa, are so young and beautiful. There will be plenty of men who will like you.”
“But there’s no man I like as much as Alexis.”
Cecile pressed his temples. As expected, the princess’s stubbornness was not easily swayed. He brushed his bangs aside and let out a frustrated sigh.
“I have one question as well.”
“What is it?”
“Why is he so great? You’ve never really interacted with him.”
At that, Princess Larissa burst into a giggle.
“Why are you asking something so obvious? He’s the perfect ideal type. He has the noblest bloodline and is the best swordsman in the Empire. And above all, he’s handsome.”
“Are you aware that there are many handsome men in the Empire?”
“I’ve heard the rumors. Even you are quite high in standards. Unfortunately, you’re not my type.”
“Not many men are prettier than me,” Larissa added with a coy tone.
Cecile quietly gazed at the princess of Kajazhan. His previously tightly sealed lips formed an alluring curve.
“Then it seems I’ve prepared something just right for you, Lady Larissa.”
“What is it?”
As Cecile gestured, Leo, the head attendant waiting in the distance, understood the signal and moved.
Soon, people rushed into the garden. All of them were tall and handsome men. They were all young attendants that Cecile had carefully selected after much deliberation.
Cecile had summoned them to Peridot Palace the night before, instructing them to be companions for the princess of Kajazhan, Larissa Ortega.
As expected, Larissa’s face brightened noticeably. It seemed she was quite pleased with the handsome men from the Empire.
“Greetings to the princess of Kajazhan.”
“Nice to meet you.”
As Larissa extended her right hand, the tall attendants knelt on one knee, kissing her hand respectfully, just as Cecile had taught them.
With their formal demeanor, Larissa couldn’t hide her satisfaction. Their gentlemanly appearance perfectly matched the ideal type she desired.
In Kajazhan, it is customary for women of high status to have many male lovers. The number of lovers signified one’s capability.
If luck was on their side, they could become Princess Larissa’s concubines, so the attendants vowed to take this golden opportunity seriously.
Before long, they had gathered around her. The attendants from Peridot Palace busily brought out tea and fruit, quickly setting up a tea time.
Cecile also joined in the conversation. No matter how pleasant the atmosphere was, it was still their first meeting, so awkwardness was inevitable. Cecile skillfully led the conversation each time, ensuring that the focus of interest was always on Larissa.
Everything flowed according to Cecile’s plan.
Fortunately, the princess was enjoying the moment without any suspicion. The incessant inquiries about Alexis had long since faded away.
“Wow, Larissa. It’s like a harem from the morning!”
At that moment, a languid voice suddenly interjected.