Chapter 4 : Invitation

As Elisabeth sat alone at a table, accompanied by her imperial guards, Richard suddenly rose from his seat. His abrupt movement startled Tristan and Larry, who exchanged a puzzled look.

— Where are you going? Tristan asked.

Richard didn't take his eyes off his target.

— I feel like talking to the princess, he replied in a calm but determined tone.

Larry and Tristan were stunned.

— Wait… Are you serious? You really want to go talk to her like that, in the middle of the restaurant? Larry exclaimed.

— Tss… He's going to draw attention to himself again, Tristan sighed, crossing his arms.

But Richard wasn't listening anymore. He resolutely walked toward Elisabeth's table, ignoring the murmurs and surprised glances from the other customers. However, he had barely taken a few steps when an imperial guard moved into his path, extending an arm to stop him.

— Halt, the guard declared firmly, his gaze piercing. What do you want with Princess Elisabeth Dreks?

Richard didn't back down and met his gaze with confidence.

— I just want to talk to her, he replied without the slightest hesitation.

On her side, Elisabeth, who had noticed his approach, stared at him in surprise. She hadn't expected Richard to come to her, let alone in such a public place.

— Let him through, she ordered in a calm but firm voice.

The guard hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly stepped aside, allowing Richard to approach.

When he finally stood before her, Elisabeth looked up at him, intrigued.

— So, Richard Marvin, what do you want from me? she asked, crossing her arms, a slight smile at the corner of her lips.

The whole restaurant seemed to be holding its breath, watching their exchange.

Richard crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at Elisabeth's smile.

— What's with that smile? You almost look happy to see me, he said mockingly.

Elisabeth tilted her head slightly to the side, still with that amused look.

— I was actually hoping you'd apologize for the other day, she replied with a hint of mischief.

Richard burst out laughing, which immediately seemed to irritate one of the imperial guards standing behind Elisabeth. The soldier clenched his fists, ready to intervene, but a simple hand gesture from the princess made him step back.

— You want me to apologize? For what exactly? Richard asked, catching his breath.

— For your arrogant attitude, obviously, she replied with a falsely outraged pout.

Richard shook his head, amused, then leaned slightly toward her.

— Actually, the reason I came to talk to you is because my grandfather told me to try to get along with you.

Elisabeth raised an eyebrow.

— Oh yeah?

— Yeah, and he also told me that he's known you since you were born.

— Of course. After all, he was my mother's master, she replied, a touch of nostalgia in her voice.

She paused, then added with a teasing smile:

— One day, he even gave me a demonstration of his forging magic. It was impressive… Nothing like yours, which is pitiful.

Richard narrowed his eyes, a smirk forming.

— You really enjoy putting me down, don't you?

Elisabeth shrugged slightly, looking falsely innocent.

— I don't put anyone down, I just tell the truth.

Her provocative tone made Richard smile, sensing that she was deliberately trying to get under his skin.

Elisabeth crossed her arms, watching Richard with a curious expression.

— By the way, you're coming back to the academy tomorrow, right?

Richard shrugged before replying nonchalantly:

— Not exactly. I still need to perfect my forging magic with my old geezer.

Elisabeth's eyes widened in shock.

— How can you talk about Master Henry like that?!

Richard burst out laughing.

— You actually call him "Master"? What admiration…

Elisabeth's cheeks turned slightly pink, and she looked away, irritated by Richard's mocking tone.

— It's not admiration, she replied, crossing her arms. It's respect.

Richard shook his head, still amused.

— If you say so.

She sighed in exasperation, but a faint smile played on her lips.

Richard raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk on his face.

— In the end, you're not quite what I expected. Given your admiration for my old geezer, how about coming to my house? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you.

Elisabeth nodded gently, her gaze softening.

— It's true that since I arrived in Valdrith, I haven't had a chance to see him again…

Richard snapped his fingers, satisfied.

— Then it's settled! You're coming over.

But Elisabeth crossed her arms and lifted her chin with a falsely haughty air.

— Just so you know, I'm not coming for you, only to greet Master Henry.

Richard burst out laughing.

— Of course, of course…

She looked away slightly, barely hiding an amused smile.

Richard shook his head, entertained by Elisabeth's attitude.

— Still as proud as ever, huh? Oh well, whatever, come whenever you want. My old geezer will probably be happy to see you.

Elisabeth gave a slight smile, but before she could respond, one of the imperial guards stepped forward, visibly displeased.

— Princess, you shouldn't associate with just anyone…

Richard narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.

— Just anyone? I'm the heir of the Marvins, in case you forgot.

The guard frowned, but Elisabeth raised a hand to stop him.

— That's enough. I talk to whoever I want.

She then turned to Richard, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

— So… tomorrow, early afternoon, does that work for you?

Richard shrugged.

— Perfect. See you at my place, princess.

— You're lucky, Richard Marvin. Not many people dare to talk to me the way you do.

Richard raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her remark.

— That doesn't surprise me. Most people see you as an untouchable princess. I just see you as… a girl who's a little too proud and arrogant.

Elisabeth opened her mouth, shocked, then closed it before glaring at him.

— You…!

But instead of getting angry, she ended up smiling, amused despite herself.

— You're really annoying.

Richard smiled back.

— And you're always entertaining.

At that moment, Muriel walked over to their table, watching them with a curious look.

— What are you two plotting?

Richard and Elisabeth exchanged a glance, then looked away at the same time.

— Nothing at all, they replied in unison.

Muriel observed them for a moment before bursting into laughter.

— You guys are really weird.

He turned on his heels and went back to sit with Tristan and Larry, who were staring at him in disbelief.

— Well, now… Larry said, shaking his head. This is the first time I've seen you talk to a girl without immediately arguing with her.

Tristan burst out laughing.

— And on top of that, it's the imperial princess! Richard, you're living dangerously, my friend.

Richard gave them a sideways glance before smiling.

— Yeah, maybe. But hey… it adds a little spice to life, doesn't it?

The three friends continued their meal in a relaxed atmosphere, while at the back of the room, Elisabeth cast one last glance at Richard, a barely perceptible smile on her lips.