Chapter 23 - Conversation with the Prince

The princess looked at me suddenly with a surprised expression, but quickly returned to her usually expressionless face.

"Thank you for the compliment"

Her said. As soon as she spoke, I finally realized that I had said that out loud. My face started to heat up as I realized she had heard my internal monologue.

"I'm sorry about that, princess. I let my thoughts slip for a moment"

I apologized. Hearing my words, the princess continued to stare at me for a few seconds before sighing.

"You don't need to worry about it. I'm used to being called beautiful and cute anyway"

Her said. The princess slowly walked over to the queen's side.

"Putting that aside, is it true that you can heal my mother?"

Her asked. Upon hearing that question, I understood why she had approached me. For a moment, I thought it was because she had become interested in me, but in the end, it was only because I was the person who could heal her mother. I let out a small laugh at that thought, tightened my grip, and turned my attention back to the princess. I had a mission to fulfill.

"Yes, it's true. Based on the symptoms I observed and analyzing the effects of the poison, I believe I can develop a treatment to help heal your mother. I will work to identify the types of snake and spider venom that have similar symptoms and seek an appropriate solution. I will do my best to assist you and bring a cure for your mother"

I explained in a low tone. I didn't want the possible culprit to overhear our conversation and interfere. The princess seemed to be thinking about something for a few seconds, but then nodded and focused her attention on me.

"Anyway, the royal family is relying on your help. I promise you will be properly rewarded if you manage to cure my mother"

Her said. I smiled at the princess's response, but deep down, I felt a little sad. From the beginning, I didn't accept Aria's request with any reward in mind. I simply wanted to help the princess I had seen that day, but now there was nothing more I could do. This was the first time we were having a conversation.

"It will be an honor to assist you"

I replied. As soon as I said that, the princess stared at me for a few seconds as if she were seeing something.

"You..."

Her was about to say something but quickly stopped.

"Is something wrong?"

I asked.

"No, it's nothing"

The princess said, shaking her head. After that, everyone left the room to let the queen rest. The nobles went to their mansions at the king's request. Barton tried to insist that I stay, as he was suspicious of me, but fortunately, that didn't last long, and he went to his mansion as well. I was back in the waiting room. Aria didn't tell me the reason for bringing me there, but since she asked me to wait, that's exactly what I was doing. While waiting in the room, I heard the door open.

"Aria, are you done with what you said you would do?"

I said, but instead of Aria's voice, another voice echoed in the room.

"Sorry, but my aunt is talking to my father now"

The voice said. Upon hearing that, I turned to see who had entered. The first thing my eyes caught was white hair, followed by blue eyes. I immediately remembered this person.

"It's an honor to see you again, prince"

I said, kneeling. As soon as he saw what I did, he seemed surprised for a few seconds but then let out a small laugh.

"You don't need to worry about formalities. I didn't come here as a prince. I wanted to talk to you, so I waited for my aunt to leave"

He said. Walking over to the sofa in front of me, he sat down.

"You can sit too. It'll be uncomfortable to talk to you if you continue kneeling on the floor"

He pointed to the sofa across. As soon as I sat down, he stared at me for a few seconds before starting the conversation.

"You... you like my sister, don't you?"

He asked. I felt surprised by his words. Today was the first time we met, so how did he already know? Although I considered him an analytical person, I didn't think he could read me in such a short time.

"I know what you must be thinking, but the reason I know this is quite simple. You're not good at hiding it, you know? I'm sure my sister has noticed it too"

The prince explained. As soon as he said that, I felt disheartened. I mean, she already knows, and in our last conversation, I was a bit rude to her.

"I don't think my sister hates you, although I also don't think she likes you in a romantic way. But I can say, at least, that she's interested in you"

The prince continued. Hearing the prince's words, I was confused again. But since I didn't know if I could ask something, I simply stayed quiet in my place.

"You can speak, after all, it's just a conversation if both parties speak, isn't it?"

The prince said with a smile on his face. Hearing his words, I gathered courage and finally said what was on my mind.

"Why do you think she was interested in me?"

As soon as I asked, he was surprised, as if he couldn't believe that I actually asked that.

"Well, you probably don't know this, but my sister is extremely intelligent. I could say she's a genius. Because of that, she easily becomes interested in the mysterious X, a person who appeared out of nowhere and brought a revolutionary invention. To tell you the truth, it wasn't just my sister, but the entire royal family that became interested in you"

The prince explained. I was a bit surprised by what he told me. Although I knew the manual water pump I made was far ahead of its time, I never stopped to think how revolutionary it would be. But upon hearing the prince's words, I finally realized that maybe I had exaggerated a bit.

(Well, it's good for them to get used to it. I plan to do much more in the future. It won't be good for me if they're only surprised by this level of technology)