Is this love?

The soft glow of candlelight flickered in the cozy, low-ceilinged dining room. 

The simple yet warm atmosphere of the restaurant reminded Minseok why he had agreed to this dinner in the first place. 

It was a small, quiet place far from the palace, with no political scheming, no whispering courtiers, just the hum of casual conversation and the scent of freshly baked bread. 

For once, he could just be...Minseok. 

'Still, it's hard to believe that after being friends for like four days, she asked me out on a dinner date… quite the odd one she is'

"Your Highness, you look stunning this evening," Argi commented as she sat across from Minseok, her deep blue eyes shining with amusement. 

Her lavender dress flowed gracefully around her as she took a sip of wine, never breaking eye contact. 

'Wow… she looks like those priestesses you see in novels… such beauty…'

Minseok couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. 

"I've heard that before"

He leaned back slightly in his chair, giving a half-smile. 

"But I suppose it never hurts to hear it again"

'Coming from you… it gives me a sense of happiness…'

Lady Argi chuckled, her hand slowly tapping the table.

"You may be the princess, but you're also a woman. Compliments are still, well, complimentary"

Minseok laughed lightly, though it felt oddly... freeing. 

No rigid protocols, and no need to put on a mask. 

Just him, a glass of wine, and Lady Argi, a woman who, at least for now, seemed entirely uninterested in plotting her downfall.

'She's so carefree… it's almost dazzling…'

"I've heard rumors about you, Princess," Argi continued her tone light. 

"That you're not quite like the others"

Minseok's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered.

He was told that he was different from the past, but he never heard it in front of him.

But he understood her train of thought, the royal court and his father did expect him to be docile, obedient, and politically savvy. 

"What kind of rumors?" 

He asked, leaning forward just a little.

"Oh, the usual," Argi said with a playful shrug, her eyes twinkling. 

"That you're far too independent for your own good. That you don't care for the typical palace nonsense"

'Well she's right but I'm not gonna confirm it'

"Palace nonsense?" 

Minseok snorted, more out of sheer disbelief than anything else. 

He shifted in his seat and let out a low, almost dramatic sigh. 

"Do you know how many times I've had to sit through a banquet and pretend to enjoy it while people exchange meaningless flattery?"

"It's enough to make you wish for a good old-fashioned poisoning attempt, just for a little excitement"

For a split second, Argi blinked at him, then laughed, a genuine, unrestrained laugh that filled the room. 

Minseok wasn't sure if it was the wine or the absurdity of the situation, but he joined in, his own laugh ringing out. 

"Well, Your Highness, I certainly didn't expect to hear that," she said after a moment, wiping her eyes. 

"But you're not wrong. Politics are a bore" 

She tilted her head thoughtfully. 

"But, if you're not interested in the banquet scene, what are you doing here tonight with me?"

'Because I feel comfortable around you…'

Minseok gave himself a moment to collect his thoughts, considering what he actually wanted to say.

Without spilling too much of his true feelings.

"I suppose I'm here to escape the whole 'princess' thing for just one evening"

"To not be 'Her Highness,' but just... me." 

'Not as Seraphina Lumastra but as Minseok Lee'

His lips twitched upward in a faint, amused smile. 

"Who knows? Maybe I'll even get to enjoy a dinner without worrying about a rival noblewoman secretly poisoning my drink"

At this, Argi raised an eyebrow. 

"That's an oddly specific worry, Princess. Are you sure you're not exaggerating?" 

Minseok smiled sweetly, feeling more like himself than he had in months. 

"Oh, I'm sure. No one's going to poison me here tonight. After all, who would bother?"

"This place is hardly fit for such intrigues"

He gestured around the humble setting. 

"No grand chandeliers, no delicate crystal glasses... just some honest food and good company"

Lady Argi laughed again. 

Such a sweet soft laugh and not the usual forced one that Minseok would usually hear from the noblemen.

"I can't argue with that" 

She took another sip of wine before eyeing Minseok playfully. 

"So, tell me, Princess. Do you often have these... 'escape the palace' moments? Or am I simply lucky enough to be invited?"

A smile tugged at the corners of Minseok's lips. 

Argi was far less political than most nobles but still sharp enough to poke and prod where she knew it would make him squirm. 

But Minseok wasn't about to let her get too comfortable. 

He wasn't about to go spilling his every secret, even if he did find some comfort in the conversation.

"Well," he began, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, "let's just say I'm known for making the occasional... unconventional decision"

"My father, for example, is convinced I'm some sort of rebellious princess who thinks the world owes her something" 

He leaned in, voice dropping slightly. 

"But really, I just want to make my own decisions for once. It's tiring, being 'the princess'"

'Ever since I came into this world… I had to play that role perfectly, despite knowing how this story would end'

Argi's eyes softened. 

"I understand that" 

She reached across the table, giving Minseok's hand a gentle squeeze. 

"You're more than your title, after all. You deserve to be yourself"

There was a long pause, one that was comfortable yet filled with unspoken understanding. 

Then, she leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful.

"You know," she began, eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I've been thinking. I do love a good date"

Minseok blinked, his mind racing. 

"A date? I... I wasn't aware this was a date"

'I mean I knew it was but if I admit I knew it was one she might think I'm weird'

"Oh, it is now," Argi said with a wink, completely unbothered. 

"You're a lovely woman, Princess. And, well, I think you deserve someone who appreciates that"

Minseok blinked again, unsure if he was misunderstanding. 

In his original world, "dates" were always tied to romantic drama and the inevitable downfall of whichever character was involved. 

'I was told in my past life that I had quite the looks and yet I never scored a date in my life'

"Huh," Minseok said slowly, his mind making a connection with the countless love advice he had read a hundred times.

'Be confident Minseok, careful with your tone of speech!'

"A romantic entanglement, of course. A date" 

He suppressed the urge to chuckle, but it was hard not to laugh. 

"Do you think I'm some... damsel in distress waiting to fall into a melodramatic love story?"

Argi looked surprised for a second, then grinned. 

"Not exactly, Princess. But who knows? Maybe you'll surprise me"

Minseok chuckled lightly, feeling the weight of the evening lifting. 

"Well, if nothing else, I do like surprises"

The conversation between the two of them had taken a curious turn, but Minseok couldn't deny how easy it was to talk to her. 

She was sharp, no doubt, but there was an honesty in her that wasn't common in the court. 

They continued to banter back and forth, but Minseok couldn't help but wonder just how much he was being played. 

After all, wasn't this the part of the novel where Lady Argi would eventually turn against her? 

But instead of any insidious plot unfolding, Argi seemed genuinely interested in having fun, almost like she was seeking a friend. 

The absurdity of it all made Minseok want to laugh out loud. 

"Tell me, Princess," Argi said, leaning in with a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

"What's it like, knowing everyone in the kingdom expects you to be perfect? To act the part of the perfect princess while they gossip behind your back?"

Minseok raised an eyebrow. 

"Well, I'd say it's exactly what you'd expect"

"A lot of smiling and nodding. A lot of pretending I didn't hear someone calling me a 'difficult, cold-hearted princess' right behind my back"

Argi let out a low, amused laugh. 

"Oh, I'm sure. But you don't let it bother you, do you?"

"No," Minseok admitted, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. 

"Not anymore. At some point, you just stop caring. Besides, the more they whisper, the more I know I'm doing something right"

"Exactly"

Argi nodded, sipping her wine. 

"At least you're doing something. Most of these noblewomen don't have the guts to step outside their little bubbles and actually... live"

Minseok had to admit, something was refreshing about Lady Argi's perspective. 

She wasn't the stereotypical, conniving noblewoman that the novels had made Minseok expect. 

In the books, Lady Argi had been the one who snubbed the princess at every turn. 

Now, she was offering him wine and confiding in him as though they were equals. 

If this were the novel, Argi would be plotting to seize the throne by now, or at least working with Lady Verena behind Seraphina's back.

But... this wasn't the novel, was it?

The thought made Minseok freeze for a moment. 

His life had never felt so... unpredictable. 

It was both exhilarating and terrifying. 

In the novel, he would have expected Argi to send a poisoned letter or create some elaborate ruse to undermine her. 

Now? 

Now, he was genuinely curious about what came next. 

"Do you think," Minseok started, catching Argi off guard, "that if I were a villainess like the crowds say I am, my life would be easier?"

"Easier?" 

Argi blinked, clearly taken aback. 

"Oh, I doubt it. People would probably be more frightened of you, but being a villainess sounds dreadfully lonely" 

She leaned back in her chair. 

"No one to trust, no one to rely on. I'd take being a princess over that any day"

Minseok couldn't suppress a small smile. 

"You say that now, but in the novels, the villainesses are always surrounded by loyal followers"

"They have all the power they could possibly want" 

He leaned in conspiratorially. 

"And, of course, they always get a tragic backstory to explain their actions"

"Ah yes, the tragic backstory" 

Lady Argi laughed, shaking her head. 

"The one where the villainess turns out to be misunderstood all along, and it's too late for her redemption" 

She clinked her glass lightly against Minseok's. 

"Not exactly my cup of tea"

"I think I'd like a different story for myself," Minseok mused aloud. 

"Something where I don't end up stabbed in the heart by some brooding prince, you know?"

At that, Argi burst out laughing again. 

"That's right! No more stabbings, Your Highness. How about a peaceful life where you get to do whatever you want?"

"Now that," Minseok said with a grin, "sounds like the ultimate fantasy"

"If only that were my reality," he carefully murmured. 

He glanced around the table, half-expecting someone to burst in with a dramatic announcement about her future marriage or her royal duties. 

But no one came. 

"Seraphina… you know I'll support you in what you desire"

"... Is that so?"

"Indeed it is, well, if it's not some world-ending thing, then yes, I'll be more than happy to support you"

"I bet that you'll be the princess cable of changing this world for the better"

Minseok's eyes widened slightly as he realized the truthful words in front of him. 

A princess changing the world. 

Not because of feeling betrayed but of the support of those closest to him for the betterment of his people.

That was exactly the kind of storyline he wanted for Seraphina.

For himself.

"I thank you for your words Argi," Minseok said with a dramatic flair. 

"I believe I shall live up to your expectations and change this world, one step at a time"

"I believe you can, my lady," Argi said with a wink.

"It'd be a story for the ages"

"The Princess Who Changed the Kingdom, One Healing Shop at a Time"

"I can see the title now," Minseok jokes. 

"The Villainess Healer: How I Saved the Kingdom From Bad Health and Bad Politics" 

He leaned back in his chair, almost surprised at how much fun he was having.

Lady Argi raised her glass. 

"I'd buy the book"

Minseok laughed, more freely than he had in ages. 

"It's a deal, then. When I succeed in my dreams and write down all my achievements, you'll be the first to receive my book"

"Make sure it's signed"

Argi raised her glass, and they clinked it together.

The night stretched on, filled with more laughter, more jabs, and less concern about who was plotting against whom. 

Minseok couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed a dinner like this, but he was beginning to think that, just maybe, he was ready for a future where he didn't have to follow the tragic lines of a novel.

'It finally feels as if all my good deeds are being paid back, it honestly felt as if the original timeline was pushing me back… even for a second it felt uncomfortable'

As time wore on, the conversation between Minseok and Argi began to slow, the energy shifting from playful banter to something softer. 

The clinking of wine glasses became less frequent, replaced by the more intimate sounds of quiet laughter and the occasional contented sigh.

The lights in the restaurant grew dimmer, casting long shadows over the table as they moved past the main course. 

Minseok found himself more comfortable than he had ever been with anyone. 

His fingers rested lightly on the edge of his glass, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

And it was clear who his sole focus was on.

There was something about the way Argi held herself, her confident posture, her easy smile. 

Everything about her radiated warmth, and Minseok found himself drawn to her. 

She was beautiful in ways that didn't shout for attention, unlike the court's scheming women but in subtle ways that made Minseok want to learn more, to be closer to her.

And then it hit him.

He felt something. 

Something that made his stomach twist in the best kind of way. 

Argi wasn't just a noblewoman sitting across from him, someone to joke with. 

There was a connection, something more profound stirring inside Minseok than he had expected.

His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the wine, and for a moment, he nearly knocked over the glass.

He quickly straightened up, taking a breath. 

'No. No'

'Don't do this'

'Don't feel anything Seraphina–'

'Shit… did I refer to myself as Seraphina?!?'

'Remember that I am Minseok Lee and not Seraphina'

He was a man, he had lived his life before this. 

He had felt these things before. 

It was normal to feel... something for someone.

It wasn't forbidden, was it?

A brief flicker of doubt crossed his mind as he tried to clear the growing fog of emotion. 

'I'm just... adjusting. I'm not used to this body, this world, these feelings'

'It's okay. I was a man before; it's fine to feel this way. It doesn't mean I'm losing control'

But when Lady Argi caught his gaze, the small, knowing smile she gave made Minseok's heart flutter in a way that was completely foreign to him. 

"Your Highness?"

Her voice was soft, warm, like velvet, as she leaned forward slightly. 

"You've been awfully quiet. What's on your mind?"

Minseok blinked, caught off guard by the intensity of her gaze. 

He could feel his heartbeat quicken, but he pushed the fluttering feeling aside. 

There was no reason for him to feel this way, he was supposed to be Seraphina, the princess, not some love-struck fool.

"Just... thinking," Minseok answered quickly, clearing his throat.

He took another sip of wine to calm the sudden warmth in his cheeks. 

"It's not often I get to simply talk like this"

"You should do it more often," Lady Argi said, her eyes softening as she settled back in her seat. 

"I think you'd enjoy it"

A silence hung in the air between them, but it wasn't awkward.

It was comfortable, easy, even. 

Minseok realized that he was still watching Argi too closely, his thoughts veering dangerously into territory that felt both exhilarating and dangerous. 

He needed to pull himself together.

'You're a man, remember?'

He mentally reminded himself, though it felt like a strange mantra in his head. 

'This is fine. You've felt things before'

'Although they were always one-sided crushes'

But as he looked at Lady Argi, that nagging feeling in his chest grew. 

He didn't want to feel like this, not in a world that was so different from the one he had once known. 

The reality of it all felt so sharp, yet so surreal. 

Argi must have sensed something in Minseok's gaze, for she reached out, her hand coming to rest on the table between them, just a few inches from his.

The touch was light, but there was an undeniable warmth in it, a closeness that sent a twinge of heat rising to Minseok's face.

He didn't pull away. 

If anything, his breath caught in his throat, his heart racing faster than he could control.

"You're not just the princess, you know," Argi said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"You're a person. And that person is worth getting to know"

For a moment, Minseok was paralyzed. 

The words cut through the haze of his thoughts with surprising clarity. 

He had known her for only a short time, yet it felt like he had known her forever, as though there was a strange connection already growing between them.

He wanted to say something, anything but the words got caught in his throat.

'Get a hold of yourself Minseok'

'Don't show any sign of weakness… you are a man… yes I may be the princess now but still–'

But when Lady Argi's fingers brushed against his for just a second, that brief, intimate contact left Minseok with a sudden rush of warmth, his mind briefly spinning. 

He blinked, heart pounding.

"I…"

Minseok's voice was barely a whisper. 

"I'm not used to this"

"Used to what?"

She asked, her voice gentle.

"This" 

Minseok gestured between them, unable to stop himself. 

"This... closeness"

Lady Argi smiled, her lips curving in that knowing way again.

A way that made Minseok's heart flutter.

"Then let's take it slow, Your Highness. We have all the time in the world"

The sincerity in her words made his chest tighten.

He wasn't sure what to say next, his mind spinning with conflicting emotions, and the physical warmth in his chest only seemed to grow. 

For just a moment, Minseok allowed himself to sink into the simplicity of the moment, not thinking about titles, nobility, or the future. 

It was just him, here, now, with someone who made him feel... seen.

It wasn't much, but it was enough.

These small little moments made him smile, giggle, and kick his legs like a child.

They weren't bad feelings, but they were new.

As the evening drew to a close, the restaurant began to empty out, leaving behind the gentle hum of quiet conversations and clinking glasses. 

Lady Argi stood, offering a gracious smile to Minseok as she placed a hand on his arm.

"It's getting late," Argi said softly, her voice taking on a more intimate tone. 

"Allow me the honor of walking you back to the palace, Your Highness"

For a fleeting moment, Minseok considered declining. 

After all, what was the proper response to such a gesture? 

But as he looked into her eyes, there was something in her gaze that made him feel both comforted and alive. 

He couldn't bring himself to refuse.

"Thank you," he replied, standing up from his seat.

The night air was cool, a soft breeze sweeping through the streets as they walked side by side. 

The soft clicking of their shoes echoed in the empty space, a rhythm that seemed almost soothing against the soft murmur of the city in the distance.

Minseok tried to focus on the walk, the calming pace of their footsteps, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the moment at dinner, the brief but electric connection he had shared with Argi. 

He was acutely aware of her presence beside him, the gentle sway of her movements, the light brush of her arm against his every so often.

'Don't read too much into this'

Minseok told herself firmly. 

'It's just a walk. Just a friendly gesture. You're just… being walked home by a friend after a lovely dinner'

But every time Argi smiled, it made his heart flutter again, and he couldn't ignore the tightening in his chest.

They arrived at the gates of the palace, the grand structure looming ahead in the dim light. 

Minseok stopped, turning toward Argi with a small smile. 

"Thank you for walking me back," he said, his voice softer now, the lingering warmth of their conversation still between them.

Lady Argi gave a small nod, stepping a little closer, her eyes holding Minseok's gaze. 

"It was my pleasure, Your Highness" 

There was a brief pause, a flicker of something deeper in her eyes before she leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair behind Minseok's ear. 

Then, in a swift but gentle motion, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

It was light, almost playful, yet the contact sent a jolt through Minseok's body. 

His breath caught, his cheeks flushing as he stood frozen for a moment.

"That was... unexpected," Minseok murmured, the words almost lost in the cool night air.

Lady Argi simply smiled, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. 

"Perhaps. But I think we both know that the best moments are always the unexpected ones"

She stepped back, giving Minseok a knowing look before turning on her heel and walking away, her figure soon swallowed by the shadows of the street.

Minseok stood there for a long moment, his hand still lightly touching his cheek where Argi's kiss had lingered. 

His heart was racing, and for a second, he couldn't quite grasp what had just happened. 

He had known this was risky, stepping into the unknown of his new life, but he hadn't expected to feel so... alive.

'Bloody Mary… I want to hold her! I want to kiss her too!'

"This is a sign, right?"

"Hehehe, this feels… good"

Still in a daze, Minseok turned to head inside the palace when suddenly, he froze. 

A shadow from the corner of his eye caught his attention, someone standing at the edge of the gate, watching him.

It was Reiner. 

His posture was stiff, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against one of the stone columns. 

His brown eyes were fixed firmly on Minseok, his expression unreadable.

'Did he see?'

A chill ran down his spine as he instinctively pulled his hood tighter around his head, hoping Reiner hadn't noticed anything too... personal. 

But it was too late. 

The way his eyes were trained on him told Minseok he had seen more than enough. 

He didn't say a word. 

He didn't move. 

But the silence between them spoke volumes.

Minseok felt his pulse quicken, the awkwardness of the moment seeping in.

He had no idea what Reiner was thinking. 

Was he angry? 

Confused? 

His reaction, if he even had one, was a mystery.

And just like that, the comfortable warmth of the evening disappeared, replaced by an uncomfortable weight in his chest.

He forced himself to straighten up, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes avoiding Reiner's gaze.

"Good night, Captain," he said, the formality of the title slipping out almost automatically.

But Reiner didn't respond right away. 

He merely gave a short nod, his jaw tight.

The tension hung in the air, and for a brief moment, Minseok wondered if this was the beginning of something else.

Something he hadn't anticipated.

'He doesn't hate me for rejecting him… does he?'

With a final glance at Reiner, Minseok turned and disappeared into the palace.