As Yu Qingyu expected, he was able to find Liu Wei the very next day.
What was a bit unexpected, however, was his current identity. Originally, Yu Qingyu assumed that Liu Wei was most likely to transmigrate as someone from the envoy, one of his sisters' husbands, or even Crown Prince Alnar Solvin Feynen or Duke Sethor. In other words, someone related to the peace negotiations.
But no.
Vynn Cyrith, Prince Allen's personal knight, or rather personal guard, as he hasn't been officially knighted yet, greeted him with a bow as Yu Qingyu left his bed chambers late in the morning. And under his eyes, there were visible shadows, that most certainly were not there the day before.
Coincidence? He didn't think so!
Upon this discovery, Yu Qingyu could breathe out with relief. Although Vynn, as his personal guard, was around him most of the time, and thus was likely to discover his identity soon, he wasn't that much of a threat. Of course, he could still find a way to get in Yu Qingyu's way, but his status was much lower. Vynn's father, Sir Zerven Cyrith, although a respected knight in the castle, was of common blood. Compared to Yu Qingyu, who took over the identity of the second prince, Vynn, or rather Liu Wei, was just an insignificant person, who couldn't even dine together with the royal family and the envoy.
This made Yu Qingyu's mission slightly easier. However, he still couldn't let his guard down completely. After all, in the previous world he also held a higher position, and yet he still had lost…
As they walked through the castle's halls, Yu Qingyu stole a few secret glances at Liu Wei.
He was tall, almost a head taller than Yu Qingyu, and topped with his muscular build, he seemed to tower over the slender and delicate prince. His shoulders were broad, and arms thick, as expected of a swordsman. He was dressed in thin, dark linen clothing, with light leather armor on top. On his waist, there hung a simple longsword. His shiny chestnut hair was combed back, with a few loose strands falling on his smooth forehead and his strong brows. Then there were his emerald green eyes, framed by thick, dark lashes. His chiseled jawline was beautiful and masculine. And his olive complexion…
Only when those striking emerald eyes turned to him, did Yu Qingyu realize he had been gawking at the man. He quickly turned his head away, his whole face turning red.
Why was Liu Wei always taking over someone so handsome?! It was as if his system was trying to lead Yu Qingyu astray!
Vynn Cyrith was, without a doubt, gorgeous. Simply stunning. Totally his type!
Well, Yu Qingyu still liked Liu Wei's original looks the best, but that was not the point. And neither should be his current appearance! Yu Qingyu shook his head frantically, trying to banish any unwanted thoughts.
Meanwhile, the corners of Liu Wei's mouth raised slightly, a smirk appearing on his face. Prince Allen was one of his key suspects from the start, but now, seeing this behavior, pretty much confirmed that this, indeed, was Yu Qingyu. Although he had no idea what was going on through Yu Qingyu's head, or that the man found him attractive, according to 748, it was an unusual behavior for Prince Allen. And that was all that mattered.
Now, he just needed to figure out what Yu Qingyu's mission was in this world.
***
Yu Qingyu sat on a plush chair in a summer house by the pond, snacking on some grapes and watching the falling leaves. As he hadn't figured out any plan of action yet, there wasn't much for him to do. Prince Allen always spent his time leisurely, reading or socializing, or simply lazing around. Following his example, Yu Qingyu used this as an opportunity to relax a bit.
But he couldn't take it too easy. After all, as he was enjoying himself, Duke Sethor might be scheming how to ruin the peace negotiations!
So, Yu Qingyu also had to start his own scheming. '520, does the Duke have any weaknesses?' he asked the system.
520's answer was short and simple: [His daughter.]
And it made Yu Qingyu roll his eyes. He already knew that much. 'Anything else?'
[His wife.]
Yu Qingyu took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled the air, trying to remain calm. Was 520 doing it on purpose?
He rubbed his chin, lost in thought. Seems that he had to try to get closer to Lady Elowen, after all… He was not going to romance her, though, obviously. But rather, approach her as a friend. Perhaps even convince her that they're not a good match, so that she would want to end the engagement. In an amiable way, of course.
Letting out a sigh, Yu Qingyu tousled his hair. He didn't really know how to deal with young noble ladies. But he was good at getting along with people, so it should work out somehow… Right?
"Your Highness has been sighing a lot today," came a slightly amused voice from behind him. "Is something the matter?"
Yu Qingyu glanced at the speaker. It was, of course, Liu Wei, who was looking at him with a smirk on his face. As his personal guard, he accompanied Yu Qingyu pretty much everywhere, including the summer house. It made Yu Qingyu feel a bit awkward, but having no excuse to dismiss the man, he just tried to ignore his presence. Which was quite hard, as the man was like a magnet, constantly attracting his eyes.
The smirk on Liu Wei's face alarmed Yu Qingyu.
'520, do you think he already knows? That it's me?' he asked in his mind, looking at Liu Wei with caution.
[Possibly. However, it's difficult to say for sure.]
'But how?'
[Possibly because Host's behavior is slightly skittish, and not exactly princely. Or perhaps, because of how often Host glances at him.]
Hearing the system's explanation, Yu Qingyu's whole face went up in flames, turning red up to the very tips of his ears. Has he really been looking at Liu Wei so much?
But it was not his fault! And it was not only because Liu Wei was incredibly handsome. He was his opponent, after all, so it made perfect sense for Yu Qingyu to keep an eye on him. Yes, that was certainly the main reason.