Flower of Steel - Chapter 93

I felt sorry for the woman who was going to become the future crown princess. Who cares if you’re not on the highest throne? It will be torture having to deal with those kinds of mood swings. Although, I’m not sure why I can’t imagine it.

Doesn’t it feel bad to think of someone besides that nutjob? Yeah, why would I imagine something that didn’t happen yet? I’ll enjoy this moment.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me, Your Highness.”

***

Quickly, I got away from the Crown Prince’s palace and sighed in relief. You are insane, Marina. What have you just done? Acting so disrespectful and emotional to the Crown Prince! Nine lives won’t be enough at this rate.

I think I’m becoming emotional, which isn’t like me. Am I going crazy because I’m dealing with someone nuts? No, I don’t want to go crazy! Just the thought was terrible enough. I’m not crazy, but I certainly am shocked mentally. My heart is still racing.

“Marin? Have you been to the prince’s palace again?”

It was Rian, who I often came across lately. I nodded at his yet again wonderful looks and replied, “Yeah, it’s tiring.”

He looked at me and nodded, “You look very tired. Your face is a bit flushed too. Did His Highness swear again?”

A swear… Was it? I did consider it an insult. Maybe the effects of that word are still lingering.

“Marin, are you crying?”

Rian lowered his head to look at me as I put my head down. I felt like laughing, ‘Yeah, he really looks like him.’

Rian seems really similar to my first love. That boy used to care about how I felt all the time too. His caring nature made me like him. However, to Rian I was only a friend. Let’s not get ahead of myself.

“No, I was just thinking of something.”

I felt a bit bitter. Yes, even if he is my first love, I’ll never get close to him. Once I show any interest in him, he’ll coldly cut me off, and we won’t be friends anymore. That’s why it’s only right that I never do, even though it hurts. But still, I want to confirm it.

“Rian, I have a question. You know, what you said before, ‘move forward like a pawn.’ Where do you hear that?”

Rian’s expression disappeared from his face. I was taken aback by this sudden change, then he spoke with a bit of laughter, “Hmm… Maybe you don’t recognize the words you frequently say. You said it multiple times while we were playing chess.”

‘Did I?’ I wondered.

Maybe I did. I did use those words quite often. That’s a relief. I was a bit relieved that he wasn’t my first love. That means I don’t need to give up on my first love yet.

‘If I find you again, I’ll say I missed you.’

***

It was a boring day when Rey suddenly came to my room and said, “I need a vacation.”

“How long?” I asked.

“About two months.”

He was a boring guy, who never asked for a vacation, so I found it weird. I haven’t had any problems in the few months I’ve been living in the capital, so I agreed wholeheartedly.

“Sure. But there’s one condition.” Rey became curious while I smiled and answered, “Call me Lady Marina, and I’ll allow it.”

Rey frowned at once. My mouth was turning into a smile. He, however, overturned the situation by throwing a word that made me feel unpleasant immediately, “If you keep doing that, I’ll expose that you’re a crybaby to your cousins.”

My face distorted at such unpleasantness while Rey wore a smug expression as he continued, “Or you can give me a vacation.”

“You don’t have any proof of that.”