ILRP 10

Chapter 10

Not only students from the Empire, but also those from nations on friendly terms with the Empire placed roses into Elizia’s vase.

Those who had been watching Lakan interpreted his action as an “unspoken message.”

Elizia tilted her head slightly, trying to make sense of the situation.

“…Could it be that Senior Lakan’s family holds considerable power in the Empire?”

Otherwise, it was hard to understand why so many were following his lead.

Frankly speaking, unless he were a prince, it would be difficult to wield that level of influence.

No matter how prestigious his family might be, this still felt excessive.

But in the end, she simply concluded, Well, I guess that’s just how popular people are, and nodded to herself.

This wasn’t the imperial palace or a royal court—it was just a school. Perhaps things like this weren’t so impossible here.

Besides, the thought that Lakan might be that prince never even crossed her mind.

What should I say when he comes? Thank you? Or that he didn’t have to go this far…?

While she was lost in thought—

Lakan, who had been walking toward Elizia, was stopped by Frederick.

After a brief exchange, the two headed toward the terrace.

Lakan wore his usual relaxed smile, but Frederick’s expression was stiff.

Once inside the terrace, they stood in a place untouched by moonlight.

Frederick turned toward Lakan, his gaze serious.

“Your Highness… you’re not harboring feelings for Princess Elizia, are you? She’s the princess of an enemy nation.”

It was rare for Frederick to use honorifics with Lakan inside the neutral Royal Academy of Swena.

Only when things were serious—or when he spoke as a vassal.

And unfortunately, this was both.

“Of course not.”

At Lakan’s reply, Frederick’s expression softened slightly, though not completely.

Resting both hands on the railing, Lakan stared blankly at the flowerbed.

“There’s no way I’d approach the princess of an enemy nation romantically.”

“Then why…?”

“To build goodwill with the Empire, form a connection with me, and eventually introduce her to Rahan.”

“Introduce her? The princess of an enemy nation…?”

“Yes. Introduce her.”

“…You’re the one who’s under the most pressure, you know. You’ve even refused an engagement—everyone’s worried sick.”

With his tension easing, Frederick’s speech also relaxed.

“That’s not the reason. It’s for future peace between the Empire and the Kingdom.”

“Peace…?”

Frederick frowned, puzzled. Nothing made sense.

But Lakan didn’t seem inclined to explain further.

Looking out at the distant river, he brushed back his wind-tousled hair.

“It’s been over twenty years of meaningless truce. It’s about time we loosen the leash.”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

“I’m not acting on impulse, so don’t worry.”

“…Alright.”

Frederick knew well that while Lakan appeared easygoing, there was nothing light about him.

He understood the weight of his position—and knew how to use it.

Feeling somewhat reassured, Frederick brought up another concern.

“But why did you put a flower in Elizia’s vase? You didn’t have to go that far.”

“Because she suits that position the best.”

Lakan recalled Elizia’s battered fingertips and the way she had looked utterly exhausted, yet still refused to let go of her sword.

If someone was to represent the school, it should be someone like her.

Of course, that wasn’t his only reason.

“No. You should have put the rose in Princess Beth’s vase. Everyone’s confused, wondering if there’s some hidden meaning.”

“I just took care of my direct junior. Don’t tie everything to politics. This is just a school.”

Frederick fell silent, then sighed deeply.

“Even if I try not to, it’s impossible not to. You need to think about your position.”

At that, Lakan smirked.

“Is my position really so fragile that I need to worry about something as trivial as this, Frederick?”

“….”

The chill in Lakan’s gaze and tone made it clear—this was a warning not to cross the line.

Frederick closed his mouth.

People often misunderstood Lakan, seeing his relaxed smile and assuming he wasn’t firm inside.

But in truth, he was anything but gentle—if anything, he was closer to being domineering.

Once he decided something was right or necessary, he wouldn’t hesitate—and he wouldn’t listen to advice.

While Frederick struggled with his thoughts, Lakan remained silent, staring at the flowerbed.

He imagined a meeting between his half-brother Rahan and Elizia.

Both cared deeply for their countries, and despite their noble status, both had open minds—they would likely get along well.

If they formed a connection and one day stood in positions suited to them, an even better future might come.

After twenty years of truce, he was tired of it.

He recalled Elizia’s smiling face—her eyes curving softly, her tied-up hair swaying with each step.

Her personality was charming, her appearance attractive—she might get along well with his brother.

Of course, it all sounded like wishful thinking.

But relationships were unpredictable.

If that happened, perhaps the idea of ending the war wouldn’t feel so distant.

“….”

Lakan frowned briefly, then relaxed.

Staring at the blooming paselia flowers, he clicked his tongue.

“…Is there something in the flowerbed?”

Frederick looked over, confused.

All he saw were violet flowers glowing under the moonlight.

Elizia had just finished another dance—her partner a boy with a puppy-like face, the third one she’d danced with.

As he stepped aside, another immediately took his place.

“Elizia, would you dance with me too?”

His outstretched hand trembled slightly.

“Sure. Let’s dance, Hedrick.”

She smiled brightly and took his hand.

She was in a good mood, full of energy—no reason to refuse.

The lively waltz filled the hall.

Spinning in his hold, Elizia burst into laughter.

It was because of what he said mid-dance.

“Elizia… you look beautiful today…”

His voice trembled—it was clearly sincere.

“I’m always beautiful, Hedrick.”

“Well… yes, but today especially… your dress suits you so well…”

“Mm. It’s an expensive dress.”

It was indeed a luxurious one—likely the most expensive among those her nanny had insisted she bring.

Hedrick’s palm grew sweaty with nervousness.

“When you entered earlier, everyone was surprised.”

“Why?”

“You looked so different. Not that you’re not beautiful usually—you are. But today, even more so.”

He stumbled over his words, repeating “beautiful” three times.

“I’m not offended. You look nice today too, Hedrick.”

“Thank you!”

He looked overjoyed.

Elizia chuckled. Just because she wore a fancy dress and got dressed up a bit, she was receiving endless praise.

It was a look she was used to at the palace—but to others, it must seem unfamiliar.

Their reactions made her feel unexpectedly pleased.

Should I dress like this every day? Even that annoying Beth always looks pretty…

But she quickly dismissed the thought. It was too much effort.

If someone dressed her, fine—but doing it herself? No thanks.

Better to sleep a little longer.

At that moment—

Lakan, having returned from the terrace, leaned against a marble pillar and watched Elizia dancing with Hedrick.

His face was expressionless.

Tilting his head, arms crossed, he stared at Hedrick’s flushed, foolish grin.

As the music began to change, Elizia withdrew her hand from Hedrick’s shoulder.

It was a signal to stop.

Hedrick let go reluctantly but didn’t leave, lingering as if he had something to say.

He steeled himself—but couldn’t speak.

“….”

Because Lakan had appeared behind Elizia, watching him coldly.

His presence was intimidating.

Instinct took over.

“I—I should go. That was fun, Elizia.”

Hedrick quickly left, though he glanced back with lingering regret.

Elizia turned, puzzled—and saw Lakan, smiling casually again.

“You’re here?”

“Yeah. I am.”

She glanced around. They stood in the center of the hall.

They could either step away—or dance again.

She chose the latter.

“Senior, dance with me.”

She extended her hand boldly.

Though men usually asked first, Elizia didn’t care about such things.

Lakan slowly blinked, studying her flushed face.

Then his gaze dropped—to her small, delicate hand.

“….”

She grew embarrassed when he didn’t respond.

“Then don’t.”

She began to withdraw her hand—

But suddenly, he grabbed it firmly and pulled her into his arms.

Her face pressed against his chest.

She could hear his steady heartbeat—and smell his faint cologne.

His low voice echoed above her.

“As if I’d refuse. I’m honored, Princess.”

She looked up at him.

His lips curved into a soft smile.

It was so mesmerizing she froze—then quickly pushed against his chest.

“What… was that?”

He didn’t budge. Instead, he pulled her closer.

“You asked me to dance, yet you’re trying to run away? That’s disappointing.”

His voice brushed against her ears.

Their faces were too close.

His fingers traced hers—light, teasing, warm.

She flinched.

He clasped her hand fully.

“So… do you want to stop, Elizia?”

His green eyes glimmered darkly beneath the chandelier.

A chill ran down the back of her neck.