Duke Colton was right about his son who now has the unofficial status of "number one son-in-law" and "number one most desirable husband-to-be" at Rexton. Although it could almost be said that he was just an ordinary nobleman with an all-black appearance and disheveled hair, Chas was handsome (say the girls), kind (say the duchy residents), and intelligent (say his colleagues). Nothing less than Chas because after all, he will be the next "Duke Colton".
Then, who is worthy to accompany Chas who almost has everything? There was a line of noble girls most of whom Chas didn't know their faces. But Chas often hears that "Lady X with beautiful black hair will suit you" or "Lady Y's family wealth deserves to be with you". The most terrifying thing, which Chas rarely heard went something like this, "The marriage of the Coltons with the Palace family will bring the Rexton Kingdom to glory."
Please don't say that now, Chas thought as he watched Luciell walk closer to him.
"Good afternoon, Lord Chas. What a coincidence that we can meet like this," said Luciell in a sweet voice.
Her appearance in the midst of the crowds of Ozera Capital and the public is very interesting. Chas was sure Luciell had sent spies to follow him and make this encounter seem like a coincidence.
"Chas Colton greets Her Highness Princess Luciell," Chas replied as politely as possible. He asked for Luciell's hand and kissed her fingers. "It's an honor to meet Your Highness here."
Luciell smiled meaningfully. "The time is right for me to return to the Palace. Will you take me there?"
Damn it, Chas thought. What Luciell had just said in quite a loud voice, purposely told the people around them that he had invited him to the Palace. Chas couldn't resist.
"If Your Highness pleases," replied Chas resignedly.
Chas could faintly hear the muffled shrieks of the crowd.
Let's do this and go home, that was Chas' original plan. The important thing is that Luciell is satisfied and he makes a good impression on people. Just getting to the gates of the Palace is enough. Why did Chas lead her inside her residence?
But in the end, Chas ended up drinking tea in one of the sitting rooms in the Princess' Palace, which used to be the Prince's Palace.
"I'd like to show off the gift from Lord Chas," said Luciell.
"I'm glad Your Highness paid special attention to the gift I gave," Chas replied, staring at the head of the poor deer that was on display above the fireplace.
"Lord Chas," Luciell called amused. "I've always paid special attention to you."
Respect yourself, Luciell, Chas thought. "You pay too much attention to me, Your Highness."
"Does Lord Chas dislike my special attention?"
"Yes."
It happened so fast.
Luciell lunged at Chas, crossing the table separating them until the sweets and cups fell to the floor. Luciell's slender fingers and long nails were ready to scratch Chas's neck. Her sky blue eyes that used to show charm became blazing. Luciell was clearly angry.
But it was only for a second. Luciell's hand moved down from Chas' neck to his chest.
"Lord Chas." Luciell who was above Chas lowered her head even deeper, making her silver hair fall on Chas face. "I've always wondered why and how."
"Your Highness can think that I have great self-control," Chas said calmly as he stopped Luciell's fingers from unbuttoning his shirt.
"I don't know, I can't quite believe it," Luciell whispered.
"Why not?" Chas challenged. "I am an honorable man from a respectable family."
Luciell yanked her hand away from Chas's and used it to lift his chin. Her lips curved into a crooked smile. "That's right. With this handsome face and the wealth your family has, I've never heard a single gossip about you with a woman."
Chas keeps silent. Staring back at Luciell's eyes flatly.
"How about making your first gossip with me?" Luciell's face drew closer to Chas's.
"Control yourself, Your Highness." This time Chas held Luciell's hand with a firm grip. "It's useless you do that to me."
Finally Luciell really kept her face away from Chas. But instead she changed her position by sitting on Chas' lap. "Assure me if the reason is not of other women," he hissed. "It's not because you secretly like someone."
"Why should I do it?"
"Because if it is because there is a woman in your heart right now, I will kill her."
The answer Chas had expected. The problem was he couldn't guess whether Luciell knew the woman or not.
"You're acting so blatantly now," Chas sighed. "Is it because Prince Axelle isn't in the castle now or because Marquess Hadrian is married?"
"I never liked Marquess Hadrian. He came after me first," said Luciell in a sweet tone. "And aren't you the only one right now who deserves to be by my side?" Luciell cupped Chas' face with both hands.
"I beg your pardon, Your Highness." Chas pushed Luciell's hand away as gently as he could. "But I must say I'm not attracted to you, and it's not because of other women."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure."
Luciell looked into Chas' eyes, dug in mercilessly. An insolence that actually feels terrible. But Chas stayed where he was, proving that he wouldn't fall for the devil's seduction.
"Go," whispered Luciell. She got off Chas' lap. "But remember that I will get you."
"I'll excuse myself then, Your Highness Princess Luciell," said Chas. "Have a nice day."
Chas left the room. As soon as the door closed he heard Luciell throw something at the door very loudly.
"Terrible woman," Chas hissed.
He had to be careful from now on.
***
"I thought you were just walking around for a bit, you ended up drinking tea with Princess Luciell?" greeted Duke Colton as soon as Chas came home. "The news has spread everywhere." Chas laughed dryly at that. "It doesn't look like a pleasant meeting."
"It's not," said Chas. He noticed that people who seemed to be pacing were preparing something. "Why does everyone look so busy?"
Duke Colton took a sip of his tea. "I am going back to the duchy and you will stay here."
"What?" Chas couldn't contain his voice. "I'm sorry, Dad. But why?"
"I feel that it's better for someone to keep a close eye on Ozera Capital given the current state of affairs, but you know yourself that I had a job at the duchy. And you… I thought you could do it. But after the unexpected invitation from Princess Luciell just now…"
Yes, Chas can do it. The problem was with Luciell. Settling in the Ozera Capital had a great chance of coincidentally meeting Luciell again like earlier.
"You seem very reluctant." Duke Colton watched his son closely. "Alright, get all your things ready. I'll–"
"No, no. I can do it, I'm fine," Chas cut in.
Duke Colton looked at him in disbelief. "Listen, Chas. I didn't mean to hurt your pride at all. But most importantly, I don't like you being around Princess Luciell either," he said. "We can just look for a replacement."
"Never mind, Dad. It's all right. I'll be fine—I think," Chas said. "Please pray for my safety."
"Yes, all right. Of course." Duke Colton got up. "It must be very quiet at home. At first it was your mother, Marioline, then now you. The newfound Rhea even went to the ends of the kingdom." He tapped Chas on the shoulder. "Take good care of yourself. Keep up the good news, don't just deliver news of the Capital."
Chas held his father's hand, knowing this was all hard for them.
This was the first time the Coltons had split up.