(Chapter 9)
The daughter of the Duke of the South, Caelira Duskthorn, arrived at the Faeloria family residence. Clarisse warmly welcomed her. Caelira had an unusual request—she needed Clarisse's help to get closer to Kaelion Arvasyn, her fiancé. Their wedding was imminent, but Caelira felt insecure because the Crown Prince hadn't truly paid attention to her.
Clarisse was taken aback. The Kaelion she knew wasn't someone who kept his distance. She sensed something was off with Caelira's story.
"Did you come here because you want His Highness to see you as his future wife?" Clarisse asked.
"Yes, I hope you can help me. As His Highness's close friend, you must know what he likes," Caelira replied, her voice tinged with desperation.
The behavior Kaelion had been described with felt completely different from the Kaelion Clarisse knew. Clarisse was unsure how to respond but suggested that Caelira should be more confident and try to get to know Kaelion better.
"His Highness seems reluctant to talk to me. I'm afraid he doesn't like our engagement," Caelira said, her eyes welling up.
Seeing Caelira on the verge of tears, Clarisse felt sympathy for her. She decided to meet with Kaelion directly to inquire about the matter. Caelira was deeply grateful and appreciative of the gesture.
Two days later, Clarisse arrived at the imperial palace after sending a letter requesting permission to meet. Kaelion greeted her with a wide smile, full of happiness.
"You came to see me. Has something bad happened? Has he been rude to you?" Kaelion asked, his expression serious.
Clarisse shook her head. "Everything is fine, Your Highness. Actually, there's something I would like to discuss with you."
"Me?" Kaelion chuckled lightly and nodded. "Go ahead, now I'm curious."
Their conversation began with small talk about daily life before finally reaching the heart of the matter. Kaelion's friendly demeanor changed when the topic turned to his engagement with Caelira.
"I'm sorry if I'm intruding on Your Highness's personal matters," Clarisse said carefully.
"It's fine. I suspected that there was something important if you came to see me in person," Kaelion replied calmly.
Clarisse listened intently to Kaelion's words. She sensed that Kaelion wasn't ready for marriage; there were still many things he wanted to do, and freedoms he wanted to enjoy. This engagement forced him to deal with many matters, including spending time with Caelira, whom he barely knew.
"Honestly, your behavior isn't what I expected from the Kaelion I know," Clarisse said firmly.
"His Highness has always been kind-hearted. If you intentionally keep your distance, Caelira will be very saddened. It's better to talk things through," she added.
Kaelion's expression showed just how difficult it was for him to accept Clarisse's advice. However, Clarisse continued to persuade him with conviction.
After thinking for a while, Clarisse spoke frankly about Kaelion's personal struggles. She stared at Kaelion, hoping he would treat Caelira well. Kaelion, meeting Clarisse's serious gaze, finally chuckled softly and nodded in agreement. He promised to try following Clarisse's advice. Immediately, Clarisse felt a sense of relief in her heart.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for considering it. I hope you and Lady Caelira will have a good relationship," Clarisse said.
"I can't refuse when you ask like this. I can't promise everything will go as you expect," Kaelion replied.
"I understand," Clarisse answered, smiling with relief.
"By the way, how are things with you and Lorcan? Is everything going well?" Kaelion suddenly asked.
"Lord Lorcan and I are getting to know each other better, Your Highness. We have been exchanging letters," Clarisse replied, slightly blushing.
"That's great. I didn't expect you to reach this stage. Congratulations," Kaelion said sincerely.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Clarisse replied with a warm smile.
TO BE CONTINUED.