Chapter 12

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Chapter 12

“No, but Your Highness, Blanc has already settled in. And I already gave him a name. He also really likes this place, so… I can’t do that.”

How could I throw out a child out there in the world, and to top it all off, he doesn’t even know when he’ll die?

I shook my head firmly. Albert frowned.

“It’s only been a day, Rosé. Did you get attached already in just that short of a time?”

“The span of time we spent together doesn’t define the way we spent it.”

From the moment I laid my eyes on him, I was already captivated by Blanc. Okay. I can’t kick him out just like that.

Especially now that I heard what his future is going to be like.

Albert’s cold expression made me speechless. He was so straightforward about kicking out Blanc.

“Rosé, the probability of that fledgling surviving is only one out of a thousand. If you don’t let him go now, you’ll only regret it later.”

“Even though I’d be sad if Blanc dies later, I won’t regret meeting him. We’ll spend our time together as best as we can from now on.”

I answered firmly.

I was aware of Albert’s side on this, but I value my relationship with Blanc.

“I like spending time with him, so we can just have more happy times together. It would be better for the both of us.”

“And what if he wouldn’t be able to survive?”

“He survived until he’s 499, so who’s to say he can’t survive more in the future?”

“And what will you do if that fledgling leaves your side?”

I bit my lips for a moment, not knowing what to say.

This is because I knew all too well how hard it would be for someone you love to leave your side.

I still remember how it felt when the family closest to me left me behind.

…But I also knew how foolish it is to end a relationship before it even begins.

“It’s foolish to start something that you know will end eventually.”

“But happy memories will remain with me, Prince. For me, the time I can spend with Blanc would be an unforgettable memory.”

This was my first time arguing with Albert.

His demeanor was different right now compared to when he spoke coldly when I asked if I could have a pet. And it was different from when his eyes gleamed when I was injured.

He seemed angry, but he was calm externally. This quiet countenance was like the sky at dawn.

“I won’t abandon someone just because I’m scared of something that hasn’t happened yet.”

“……”

“Even the probability of Blanc coming here is just one out of a thousand.”

I concluded with that, my voice trembling.

Despite what I had said… I really was still scared of the future.

Apart from this, I couldn’t imagine the aftermath.

Albert was a nobleman—above all, a prince. There must not have been many people who were openly against his words.

I might have offended him a lot. Maybe right now he’s already thinking of cutting my neck.

As I observed him cautiously, I unconsciously touched my neck.

Albert was clearly frowning, but at the same time, he seemed to be uncomfortable.

Prince, please tell me you won’t cut down the land and money I’ll be receiving just because of this argument…?

Albert stared at me, his eyes slightly narrowed. He was still so attractive, and he looked ready to entice someone just about now, but that doesn’t matter at this moment.

Tensions soared as the silence continued to stretch between us. Please just say something. This silence is scarier.

“You’re not wrong.”

“…Huh?”

Soon after he spoke, I could feel the tension in my body leave gradually.

…You’re taking it in stride?

“It seems like you gave me the answer to my worries.”

“…Huh?”

But weren’t we arguing just now?

Albert nodded nonchalantly as he stared at my puzzled face.

“Do whatever you want.”

“…You were so stubborn at the start. Isn’t Your Highness’ words too different from earlier?”

“So should we do what I want?”

“No! No!”

I shook my head.

Since he allowed it now, there’s no need to push him further. What if he changes his mind again?

Albert smiled, his eyes curved, as he saw me waving my hands frantically.

“It’s surprising to know you could say something like that.”

“…You’re surprised?”

“It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t. Didn’t you say you can read my face?”

“But Your Highness accepted in the end. I knew it, Your Highness truly is a beautiful and benevolent Prince.”

“I wonder if you eat a bowl full of honey every day.”

Finally, we returned to the usual atmosphere between us. I only felt comfortable then.

“I have something to tell you, Rosé.”

Gulp. As soon as Albert said this, I got nervous again. I might still be in trouble.

“Cut my hair later this evening. I feel stuffy around my shoulders.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

As Albert stepped back, I could only listen.

I don’t know how to cut hair…

Welp. If I can’t avoid it, then I should just postpone it. With a solemn expression, I asked.

“Wouldn’t it be better if it’s tomorrow morning instead?”

“No. You have to do it today.”

I cried inwardly, but Albert didn’t take back his words. He was already set on it.

Dinner time.

This was the time when Albert and I didn’t come into each other’s spaces.

Albert broke the silent agreement between us and invited me into his space during this solitary time.

He said it so naturally that it didn’t even register in me that this was unusual until this second, but he was allowing me to be part of his personal time.

I had no choice but to say yes. He’s finally warming up to me.

However, I warned Albert.

“Prince, I’ve never cut hair before.”

There’s this modern establishment called a hair salon, so there had been no need for me to cut my own hair at home.

“I could mess up your hair.”

I couldn’t even cut my own hair right now, but it’s true that Albert’s hair had gotten thicker.

It doesn’t really matter because he’s still handsome. Do I really have to cut it?

“It’s alright. You can do it roughly.”

But no, actually it does matter! My meager skills would bring harm to the Prince’s appearance!

“Your Highness, do you really have to leave this to me? Why don’t you just grow it out? I think the Prince will look good with long hair.”

“I’ve already considered it. Just do as I say.”

But Albert was adamant about it.

Eventually, Albert and I had a compromise.

I’ll cut his hair, but it will be tomorrow.

I really really really don’t want to. When I told him that I wouldn’t do it, the prince just persuaded me by saying he’d increase the land he’ll give me later.

So I was left with no choice.

I’m a slave to capitalism after all.

I took a nap after lunch, then before I set off to cook dinner, I took a pair of scissors.

It was to practice within only one day. This was to preserve Albert’s beauty.

Imagining that Albert’s hair was right in front of me, I tried to wield the scissors, moving it around. But after a short while, I gave up right away.

Yep, this isn’t working. It’s not in my range of skills anyway…

I went down to make chicken. Maybe he’ll forgive me for cutting his hair roughly if I feed him something delicious.

Blanc was sleeping atop the kitchen counter.

The surface must be too hard for him. After contemplating for a while, I climbed back up to the attic and took an extra blanket for him.

Albert, who was immersed in his research again today, looked at me curiously when he saw this.

“Are you going to sleep in the kitchen, Rosé?”

When he narrowed his eyes, his gaze felt cold again.

I quickly answered so that a misunderstanding wouldn’t be formed.

“No, this is for Blanc. He likes it in the kitchen, but it must be cold in the evening.”

“There are more spells in place in the kitchen, that’s why I can’t go there. The dragon fledgling could be attracted to that place because it’s filled with magic.”

“Oh, I guess so. Then, I’ll be downstairs.”

“Sure.”

I turned around and went down the stairs towards the kitchen, keeping my steps careful because the blanket in my arms was blocking my vision.

But even as I was being careful, I took the wrong step. My body lurched forward right then.

“Ahh…”

It’s going to hurt a lot if I fall down these steps.

I closed my eyes and imagined the worst.

“You have to be more careful, Rosé.”

But I didn’t fall.

Albert’s arm was wrapped around my waist. I ended up getting a back hug from Albert.

I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

But still, even if he scolds me here, it’s true that Albert saved me here.

He was able to catch me in an instant and hold me close, and he did this in one fluid motion.

Having watched his exercise sessions before, I realized Albert’s strength for the first time. The agility and strength he steadily developed all this time had saved my life.

And since I was so near to him, there was a pleasant scent.

I was too close to Albert. To the point that his hair was tickling my nape.

Goosebumps rose where his hair touched.

Albert whispered softly into my ear.

“Are you alright?”

And his hushed voice gave me even more goosebumps.

My heart pounded for a moment. This was very wrong.

I nodded quickly.

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

“You have to be more careful when descending these stairs.”

“Yes, of course. But there are times when one can only be too careful.”

It’s not my fault this time, Prince. I really was being careful.

When I protested, Albert raised an eyebrow.”

“So you didn’t do anything wrong?”

“No, Your Highness is always right. You saved my life, too. Prince, are you hungry? I’ll be making chicken today, partly to celebrate you giving your permission to let Blanc stay here. It takes a long time to make, so—I’ll be on my way!”

I didn’t want to fight with Albert again, so I hurried down the flight of stairs, the blanket still in my arms.

Then as soon as I arrived at the kitchen, I closed the door behind me.

“Wow, seriously… That was dangerous.”

My heart fluttered for a moment.

I placed a hand over my chest, where my heart was still pounding.

I don’t know if it was being so frantic because I almost died just now, or if it was because of Albert.

“Whoa, okay, let’s calm down. The Prince probably doesn’t think it was a big deal anyway.”

But as I closed my eyes, I could still feel Albert’s touch.

His actions didn’t mean much to him. If I get excited alone, I’ll be the only one who loses.

I said this over and over like a chant. Then, I opened my eyes.

“Whaaat…?”

Blanc tilted his head to the side.

“No. It’s nothing.”

Albert won’t be part of my ordinary life. I’ll live peacefully with Blanc.

After also muttering this to myself, my heart finally settled down.

I folded the blanket I was holding, then placed it on the countertop.

“Blanc, you won’t be cold in the evening anymore.”

“This is miiine…?”

Blanc’s eyes widened as he asked, then he went up to the counter again.

As he touched the soft blanket with his paw, he soon rubbed his face on it, seeming to like the soft texture.

“I liiike it…”

Blanc really seems like a cute baby dragon when he’s being like this—a child who’s innocent to the world.

But this child was going to die soon. I couldn’t believe he’ll undergo so many hardships.

I suddenly became curious. How had Blanc survived thus far?

“Blanc, you said you’re already 499 years old. How have you been living so far?”

With his head tilted to the side, Blanc replied with a cute smile. His eyes were really pretty whenever he smiled.

“I was asleeeep…”

“Huh?”

“I just kept sleepiiing… Because I’m a little dragon fledgliiing… I just went into a cave and sleeept…”

Blanc continued speaking in a meandering voice.

“I’ll just go around for a year and see the wooorld… then I’ll diiie… so I just slept all that tiiime… because I’m scaared… of the paaiin…”

Blanc had a cheerful expression despite his words. This only made my heart hurt even more.