The maids at the Eugene home were extremely efficient. They carefully and quickly arrange the dishes. There was even a candle lit on the dining table, giving the impression that a couple was having a romantic candlelit dinner... then the man would open the ring box and propose to the woman in the middle of the meal. Oh, how lovely....
This can't be right. Even though she wrote clichéd romantic stories like that all the time, how could she have imagined such a scene at the time? Furthermore, the person in front of her was Eugene, a gentle man. Eugene and she were not siblings, but they were also not lovers.
Eugene stood across from her, closely watching Cheryl's expression change. From awe to blushing simply by looking at the candle like a girl in love. Eugene doesn't understand why this girl sees candles differently.
Eugene averted his gaze after failing to receive an answer. He took the spoon and began to eat elegantly. Cheryl began to eat as well, though her movements were awkward. She was afraid that her impolite eating style would make Eugene uncomfortable, so she held back a lot. Her favourites, however, are all of the dishes.
"Why did you eat so little? Was the dish not to your liking? "Eugene enquired.
Cheryl slowly nodded. "Your Highness, the food is delicious. However, I am already at capacity."
Eugene smiled in response to Cheryl's response. He wouldn't have known she was lying if he wasn't good at reading other people's mood swings.
Eugene, on the other hand, did not reveal it. Looking out the window at the rain, he said, "It is raining outside. You should stay here."
Cheryl remained silent for some time. The heat gradually rose to her cheeks. How could she not be concerned when the drop-by invitation had evolved into a sleepover invitation? Even though they are legally equal to brothers and sisters, a man invites a girl to stay at his house; they are still an unrelated stranger.
Cheryl was considering the courtesy of staying at a man's home. The rain was getting heavier outside. In her heart, the girl cursed. So how could she go back to her little house?
"Look at how heavy the rain is becoming. Returning to the residence is inconvenient for you. It's also getting late at night."
Cheryl peered through the window. It does appear to be very dark out there. Perhaps it was because the sky was cloudy.
Cheryl nodded, a scowl on her face. "All right, I'll stay."
Eugene couldn't help but feel ticklish in his heart as he watched the girl in front of him act hesitantly. The handsome man smiled once more.
Of course, Cheryl noticed Eugene's smile, but she had no idea what made him smile. Eugene seemed to smile too much in front of her at times.
Eugene shows Cheryl around the house after they finish dinner. Cheryl didn't object; she simply followed Eugene.
Eugene moved slowly but steadily. He occasionally introduces one room at a time in his house.
"The lounge is located here. The seats are specially designed to provide users with comfort."
"This is my private library. It's not as large as the palace library, but it's fully functional. What would you like to read? There is also general knowledge, military tactics, recipes, and even fiction books."
Cheryl has no idea why Eugene is directing her to look around. She only stayed one night, but Eugene treated her as if she were staying forever. People are often misled by his demeanour.
Eugene even shows some special paintings that are not on display, explaining their meaning and the mysterious origins of the painter. Cheryl simply rolled her eyes, rather than explaining that she thought Eugene should be called a show-off.
Eugene leaves the library because Cheryl appears uninterested. They turned and took a few more steps before arriving at the door.
Eugene abruptly turned around. Cheryl didn't stop on time behind him. Cheryl will inevitably bump into Eugene's chest, just as she did the first time they met.
"Ouch!" shrieked Cheryl. Her brow and nose twitched in pain.
Eugene and Cheryl were so close that Eugene could see the girl's forehead and nose gradually turning red. Eugene extends his hand toward Cheryl's face.
Cheryl was taken aback. Her eyes widened as she questioned Eugene. Cheryl was about to protest because she didn't like how close they were, especially when Eugene touched her face.
"Your Highness, what are you doing—"
When she noticed Eugene's sad expression, her words became stuck in her throat. Eugene appeared to be looking at someone else when he looked at her. Eugene's sorrowful gaze pierced through her, as if her heart were being gripped by an invisible hand. Her emotions were clouded by guilt, tightness, and discomfort.
Why? Why did she feel bad seeing Eugene in that state?
Eugene was still carried away by the emotion; when he was about to drown because of a past love, a warm drop of water fell on his hand and brought him back to reality. Eugene quickly retracted his hand. He was sorry for getting carried away and almost out of control. With his fingers, he stroked the teardrops on his palm.
The man cast a glance at Cheryl, who was still frozen. He was nervous, worried that his demeanour had just scared the girl.
Cheryl was also startled when a warm sensation left her cheek. She only realised she was crying when her thoughts gathered!
When did she cry? And why?
"This is the guest room. You can sleep here tonight. You can contact the maid if you require assistance."
Eugene turned around, leaving Cheryl alone at the door. Cheryl followed him with a glance as he walked down the hall.
Eugene's image lingers in Cheryl's mind. Eugene's temperament tonight struck her as odd as well. Cheryl thought about it for a long time but couldn't come up with any answers. She finally gave up.
Cheryl didn't hesitate any longer after Eugene said she could sleep in this room. She walked in and was surprised to see a king-sized bed with a light purple mosquito net. The mosquito net is lovely, with a purple floral motif. Like curtains, all four sides were tied to the bedposts.
Cheryl had lost interest in everything. With joy, she rushed up to the big bed.
"The bed is so comfortable! It's extremely comfortable!"
Cheryl rolled around, revelling in the comfort of the bed beneath her. If only Claudia's bed was like this, she wouldn't wake up with aches every morning.
The fifth princess was so engrossed in the softness of the bed that she had forgotten about Eugene's slightly different temperament. Cheryl promptly fell asleep.
-
The lights were turned off in the room. Eugene stands in front of the large window, looking out into the rain. The raindrops reminded him of what had happened at the time. Memories of the past tormented him; he almost lost his patience in front of the girl because the regret was too much for him to bear.
Simon entered the room and knelt behind him, reporting something.
"I've looked into it, Your Highness. The Third Princess was responsible."
Eugene sat silently listening, his face expressionless. He already knew who the person who intended to harm Claudia was.
"Don't let her extend her hand any further. Warn her clearly."
Simon shuddered as he heard his master's orders. Behind Eugene's flat words, he detected a cruel, vengeful tone. He had no idea what had turned Eugene so cold towards the Third Princess.
But, as a servant, Simon had no right to question his master.
"I comprehend, my Lord." Simon then quietly exited, exactly as he had entered.
Eugene is still motionless. His sadness, however, had subsided.
He closed his eyes for a moment before returning his gaze to the rain. A past tragedy flashed through his mind once more.
The man was determined to live the polar opposite of his previous life. He didn't want to be tortured by guilt and regret for the rest of his life.
Eugene knew he couldn't be selfish now that God had given him a second chance. He must unconditionally support the girl so that she can be happy with the person she loves. That is exactly what he should have done.
Eugene smiles as he stands in the rain. But his smile was so painful that it looked worse than crying.
-
Two men were playing chess in the Xander El Nix pavilion. Chess requires calm, but hides the fierceness beneath it. Whoever has a sharp mind and a good strategy will win. Of course, the fight between Xander and Edgar calmed him down.
Having lost, Xander could only scream.
"Why don't you give these commoners a taste of victory, Esteemed Marquess?" He objected.
Xander and Edgar have known each other since they were children. As a result, when he was with Edgar, he didn't pay much attention to etiquette.
Edgar gave him a dismissive look. "Do you want to beat me? Not at all."
Edgar's tone was irritated. Xander, who had known him for a long time, quickly realised that his best friend was upset.