Chapter 195

Uriel sighed softly before a smile spread across his lips.

“As soon as you said you would stop doing dangerous things…….”

“The real danger is to stay still and serve Paris as the Emperor or be sold to another Kingdom.”

Apollonia, who did not miss Uriel’s smile, smiled accordingly.

“So, our approach is to make social connections. It shows our presence without politically provoking the Emperor or the Duchess.”

Apollonia nodded.

“Is that what you meant by debuting in the Upper Society and being admired? You want me to shine?”

“That’s right. I’ll also shine if I’m right by your side. People who want to show off will also come to the ball and then, we will have another opportunity to contact them.”

Uriel finally understood Apollonia’s plans.

“I’ll be a little busy from now on.”

“You’ve always been busy.”

Uriel received her words playfully.

He loved everything about Apollonia, but her ambition was especially beautiful.

The cool wind blew nonstop.

Their hair, like silver and gold threads, fluttered so close to each other that they almost tangled.

Apollonia’s hands were still resting on Uriel’s arms and as time went by, he became deeply aware of the fact.

“We should go back, Your Highness. It’s cold at night.” He said in a quiet, worried voice.

There was no sign of the cold expression he wore a moment ago.

His pride about moving her mind as he wanted during the day also disappeared.

It was difficult to maintain psychological calm when he was so conscious of the hand on his shoulder.

The anger melted away long ago.

Apollonia laughed softly at the words.

She wasn’t cold or hot, and Uriel knew this better than anyone else.

Nevertheless, his concern looked way too serious.

“Let’s go back because you can’t be cold.”

She took her hand off Uriel’s shoulder and grabbed him by one arm instead.

“Thank you, Uriel,” Apollonia said.

“For what?”

As they went down the hill, Apollonia replied. “For today.”

“Do I look cool?” He asked, hesitating a little.

Apollonia let out a quiet laugh.

“You didn’t even need to practice.”

Uriel paused for a moment, wanting to double-check whether Apollonia’s words were true.

He tilted his head at an angle and gazed at Apollonia.

“Can I practice with you from now on?” He asked while giving her an eye smile.

Apollonia’s eyes went round.

His contagious smile could make one forget the Emperor ad Petra even for a moment.

Although she had been relaxed until a while ago, it felt strange that she couldn’t even summon a laugh

As she looked into his dark blue eyes, she felt like she was falling into something just like she did in front of Madame Jensen’s shop but this was much stronger than that.

“Anytime.”

She answered in bewilderment.

* * *

The five robbers, including Dane and Abel, sighed once they returned to the dark alley.

“What happened?” A man, waiting, there asked.

He was watching the whole situation in hiding.

“That… It was disappointing. The sly-looking guy next to the woman was so fast.”

Dane looked down as he made excuses but the man didn’t seem particularly disappointed.

“Well, it can’t be helped if there’s such a difference in skills. It wasn’t like kidnapping was easy.”

Dane’s expression brightened a little at the man’s words.

The fearful man was grinning despite his failed kidnapping request.

A strong, sharp jawline stood out in the moonlight as his gray eyes twinkled in amusement.

“What were you talking about?”

“Well, they questioned us about our past. They didn’t ask for personal information to catch us, but they asked how we became robbers. We told them the truth, and they released us for now. It’s like——” Dane picked the word carefully. “I felt as if they sympathized with our situation.”

The man snorted at the remark.

“Sympathy for robbers, huh? I say they just can’t mind their own business.” He murmured. “And, the lady——”

“What?”

Dane and his party looked at him curiously but the man gave no other explanation.

“So, what should I do to get in touch with her?” He asked quietly.

“You have to give it all you’ve got!” Dane answered with a shout.

The thought that he couldn’t spit out a reasonable strategy ran through his mind.

To do that, he had to be helpful, at least.

“You have to attack the instant the guy next to her isn’t around! Otherwise, there’s no way!”

The man nodded slowly.”Yes, I suppose so.”

His handsome features were revealed under the moonlight as he slowly swept over his forehead.

The hair flowing naturally through his fingers was gray, which did not suit his age, since he just seemed to look a little over 20.

“Then let’s prepare a little more carefully.” He smiled again, showing his white teeth.

“I shall get ready to meet that precious noblewoman.”

* * *