Chapter 155: Decision
“His Highness the Prince is looking for you, so I apologize for rudely intervening in your conversation.”
It was decided then. I guessed I didn’t have to talk to this guy. Well, it was a bit of a headache anyway. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I’ll go,” I answered coldly.
Paul couldn’t stop me since I was called by Sigren, so I simply said, “I’ll see you next time,” without any deeper meaning.
I approached the songstress, and we walked away together.
As I stood next to her, I realized she was much taller than I had thought. She had always been around Sigren, so I had assumed she was smaller. It turned out she was quite tall, though compared to Sigren, she was still shorter.
“Where is His Highness?” I glanced up at her.
The songstress was dressed in layers of thin fabric, but the curves of her body were barely visible. I recognized that her attire was not typical for the capital; it seemed to be traditional clothing from a particular province. Not everyone could pull off this kind of design, but on her, it added to her mysterious charm. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Her low yet soft voice answered, “I’m sorry, Miss. It was a lie that His Highness called you.”
“Okay. So, why?”
Her long eyelashes quivered. Seeing her up close, I noticed her makeup was quite thick. A useless thought crossed my mind: her bare face must be pretty too. I imagined that if she removed her makeup, she might look like someone else. However, I also found it strange how heavy her makeup was; it resembled stage makeup.
“You seem to be in trouble. I’ve seen that man bullying some maids a couple of times. Since you’re the benefactor’s lover, I was worried you might get involved in something bad….”
“The benefactor you mentioned—is it Prince Sigren?”
“Yes, it is, Miss.”
The songstress was extremely polite and obedient, as if she were accustomed to currying favor with nobles. She genuinely regarded Sigren as her benefactor.
There were rumors that a beautiful young songstress had stolen the prince from me. However, the way she conducted herself in front of me was full of courtesy, definitely not the behavior of someone determined to seduce a high-ranking man. Based on my interactions with her, I could say the rumors shouldn’t be trusted.
“Miss, if I have offended you, I will gladly accept the punishment.”
“No, it’s fine…”
This woman was genuinely tall for a woman, exuding a cool vibe and androgynous beauty. Upon closer inspection, she had a subtle sense of decadence. However, her attitude was the opposite of her charm. It was understandable, given the status system in this society; she must have learned to lower herself to avoid unwanted problems. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“That’s enough. So, what’s your name?”
The songstress smiled lightly. “My name is Carli, Miss.”
A nickname? Even her name had an androgynous feel to it; it suited her well.
I nodded. “Okay, Carli.”
When I said her name, Carli smiled happily.
In our conversation, she was so friendly that I felt a little embarrassed under her gaze. I realized I had acted like a jealous child, feeling envious of her when she was on the verge of serving in the emperor’s bedroom.
Seeing her bright smile made me feel secretly sorry.
I stepped back a bit, feeling guilty, but I tripped over my own foot.
“Be careful.”
Carli caught me quickly.
I thought we would fall together, but unexpectedly, she supported me firmly. Was it because she was taller than I was? Thanks to her help, my conscience pricked at me.
Hah, we truly shouldn’t interact too much until she escaped safely. No matter what, it would be a waste to die for the empress. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Heavy, isn’t it?”
Carli smiled modestly.
“No way, it’s as light as a feather. I’m glad you aren’t hurt, Miss.”
Well, for now, I’ll try to be kind.
***
“You must be having a fun time lately.” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren frowned upon hearing those words from the empress’s lips in the hallway. They were similar to what the emperor had said to him: “It is futile to cling to a woman when you’re still young. It’s good to have multiple partners.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Are you pretending not to know? You’re your father’s son, after all. Sharing the same blood, it’s only natural.”
Sigren remained silent, deliberately neither denying nor affirming her words. This was an intentional reaction on his part. “You can think whatever you like.”
“Look at that; it’s all just a fleeting moment.” The empress laughed, pleased to see how this love play developed. The so-called love in this world was just like this: shallow and easily disrupted. Now, it was time for Fiona Heilon to change her mind. “If I can give you one piece of advice, practice moderation, then discard them. That’s all I have to say.”
Sigren walked away irritably. The woman’s way of thinking was beyond comprehension, and he didn’t want to talk to her any longer. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
When he arrived at his palace, he encountered Carli. This was good; he happened to have business with her. He dragged her into his room, but it was not for the kind of things the rumors suggested.
“I told you not to approach Fiona,” Sigren frowned as he looked at Carli.
Carli exaggeratedly placed her hand over her mouth, as if she had encountered a wild animal on the street. Ah, so he found out we met at the ballroom. “Oh my, how scary—”
“Stop that attitude; it’s annoying.”
“If your Highness is angry, the insignificant me can only tremble in fear…”
Carli was always like that, and Sigren wasn’t used to responding to such antics. In the end, he reacted in anger.
“Stop playing.”
Carli laughed, brushing her long black hair with her fingers. “You should thank me, Your Highness. I helped you chase away the flies that were clinging to the lady.”
“Just keep a low profile if you can. Being discreet with the empress is already enough.”
Recently, Fiona had been in the spotlight. Their relationship had become a topic of conversation among people. Adding to that, the empress kept talking about them, which drew more attention to her than necessary. If Carli was with Fiona, the scrutiny would increase tremendously. Such malicious attention was poison to her.
Carli smiled briefly, her eyes languidly opening like a cat’s. “Oh, you must know that the empress spreads the rumor that we’re playing wildly in bed—in your room, right?”
Sigren frowned; Carli knew that expression signaled rejection. “You’re so naive… You don’t just hold hands with that lovely lady, do you?” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. “It’s none of your business.”
Carli chuckled at Sigren’s subtly naive reaction. “She is a very nice girl. She must have heard the rumors, yet she’s still kind to me.”
“Fiona is always like that.” She didn’t care much about herself. Sigren couldn’t tell if that was fortunate or unfortunate.
“Leave Fiona alone,” Sigren sighed.
Carli hummed, amused. “I can’t possibly ignore a pretty, sweet girl. Besides, I’m the one who hurt her.”
“Did she look offended?”
Carli suppressed a laugh, noticing how concerned he appeared. “Hmm, let’s see. It was our first meeting. Do you want to hear about it?”
Sigren rubbed his face in frustration. Damn, he had gotten hooked, “Never mind. I’m stupid for asking you. It’s better to ask Fiona directly, explain everything to her honestly, and apologize.”
“Well, do whatever you want. Just don’t forget the promise Your Highness originally made.”
“I can’t forget.” Sigren’s eyes hardened. No man was too anxious to think about how his beloved lady would feel. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“That’s good.”
Carli smiled coldly and lifted a glass from the table. A low voice echoed in the dim room. “I will surely fill this cup with the blood of those who harmed my poor mother and aunt.”
***
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