This is an actual date

After their bodies were measured, Selah and Aeneas chose a suitable model and fabric. The two of them argued, while Madam Deborah just laughed at them. Aeneas doesn't want to be outdone by Selah regarding their wedding attire. Selah understands that Aeneas knows more about current trends, but he sounds crazy about beauty.

And that made Selah sick.

"Listen to me, Your Highness. I wouldn't fit into that model!" Selah insisted.

"Why not? You will look beautiful in that gown. I want my wife to look beautiful," replied Aeneas. "What's wrong with that model? The silhouette makes you look taller."

That's exactly the problem! shouted Selah in her heart. So far, she has never questioned her height, even though many people say that she is too tall and others. That was because her partner was Blair, who could match her height then.

Meanwhile now…

Selah was suddenly embarrassed by herself, imagining how she had walked beside Aeneas earlier.

[Embarrassing.]

[Have you ever seen a woman that tall?]

[I hear she's also learning the sword. Anyway…]

[She should pay more attention to her appearance in front of other men.]

"Lady Selah?" Madam Deborah tapped her on the shoulder. She gave an expression full of sympathy. "Would you be able to trust me one more time?"

"Huh? What does that mean?" Selah asked, confused.

Madam Deborah smiled. "I promise to make you the most beautiful woman on your wedding day. So trust me with the dress. Okay?" she said.

Selah glances at Aeneas, waiting for her answer. Selah then let out a long breath, then nodded slightly.

Why do I have to look pretty in this fake wedding? she thought.

After reaching an agreement, finally Selah and Aeneas came down. People were staring back at them. Selah tried her best not to meet their gazes.

"Would you like some tea first?"

Aeneas held out his hand, but Selah didn't take it.

"Yes."

If earlier they were walking side by side, this time Selah let Aeneas lead the way in front of her. God, his back alone looks small. In stark contrast to Blair's firm and firm back.

"Ouch!"

"Actually, what's wrong with you?" Aeneas rubbed Selah's forehead, who accidentally bumped into his head. "Then hold my hand, okay?"

"... Okay."

Damn it. I look like a cranky child, Selah grumbled to herself while walking beside Aeneas.

But... isn't this what Selah always expects from a relationship? Holding hands, going out on dates, drinking tea together… She had indeed had tea with Blair before. It's just that this one has a different impression.

It feels like an actual date, not for formality or to create a certain impression on society.

This is an actual date.

"You don't like the tea?" asked Aeneas.

Selah woke up from her daydream, then she sipped the tea. She was surprised when she tasted the tea.

"You even just realized what tea I ordered now? Wow, I am hurt," said Aeneas.

"No… I'm surprised you ordered this tea," Selah said. "This-"

"Your favorite tea," continued Aeneas. He took a sip of his tea, then furrowed his brows. "No matter how many times I drink it, I can't get used to the sour taste either."

"This is what you expect from citrus," said Selah. "How did you know I like tea concoctions like this?"

Aeneas smiled. Now Selah knew that Aeneas would smile like that when he managed to guess something. "What don't I know about you?"

"Your Highness, you can ensnare any woman with that way of speaking."

Aeneas laughs at that. And as if enchanted by the laughter, Selah laughed along with him.

Even though today Aeneas had surprised her a lot, Selah was annoyed, and even though they had a little argument earlier… Who would have thought that they could laugh together too?

Unfortunately, none of them are aware that they are being watched.

***

From his office window, Blair could see the sky was getting dark. The stars began to appear, and a flock of birds flew back to their nests. As the flock of birds disappeared into the sky, Blair returned to his desk work.

King Tristan, who had regained consciousness, was now back to sleep. Blair had received a mandate on what to do. Since it's already spring, the kingdom must prepare for summer. Mesina is not an arid region, but a leader must still think about the arid areas that exist.

More importantly, the Royal Palace couldn't keep covering up King Tristan's plight. Soon, his deteriorating health would definitely leak out. King Tristan also ordered Blair to get ready for a small wave. The defense must be strong before…

"Before I die…"

"Father, please don't say that. The healer said Father can still be healthy."

"My son, you will know later… how does it feel when death is before you…"

Those were King Tristan's last words before he sent Blair back and asked Aeneas to be summoned.

"Your Highness, I'm back."

Blair looked up from the pile of work on his desk and saw his men enter his study.

"What news brought you here, Raul?" she asked.

"As per Your Highness' request, I have watched over Lady Selah since she came out of her prison," said Raul. "Today, Lady Selah went out for a walk."

"Oh…"

"With Prince Aeneas."

Blair was shocked to hear this. He didn't expect it. No… he should be able to guess that, right? "Explain to me."

"This afternoon, Prince Aeneas picked up Lady Selah at Dulcia's residence this afternoon. They walked into Madam Deborah's Boutique and then went to tea. Prince Aeneas takes Lady Selah back as the evening approaches," Raul explained.

"Did you ever know what they were talking about?"

"I can't get information out of the boutique, but I know if they order clothes for each one. As for tea, they talk about ordinary things and gossip a bit."

Blair drummed his fingers on the table. "What do you think?"

"They look really close, Your Highness."

Blair's mind was moving fast. Aeneas insists on coming along when Blair visits Dulcia's residence. Shortly after Selah asks to break up, they are now out together. Sounds like Aeneas seduced and took Selah away from him.

If that's true, how did Aeneas seduce Selah? Blair knew that Selah was not the type of woman who would be blindly tempted by a man's good looks. After all, Aeneas couldn't give the status-crazed Selah the top-notch.

Then the Mermaid's Tear Earring?

"Is Prince Aeneas back yet?" he asked.