The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 99.2
“I enjoyed it too.”
At that response, Leslun momentarily couldn’t find the right words. Prince Tarensiu’s reaction did not seem like that of someone who planned to continue attending classes with him. He had heard that the prince had spoken with Prince Kailos. Could it be…
“Are you leaving?”
However, Prince Tarensiu gave no answer. Instead, he kept his gaze ahead and began walking slowly. His footsteps blended softly into the quiet night.
“This reminds me of when I first met you. You were so small and adorable.”
Leslun let out a faint laugh under his breath. It was true that he might have looked small in comparison, but being called adorable was still something he couldn’t quite accept.
“Do you still think so now?”
“No.”
It seemed that Prince Tarensiu’s opinion had changed over time.
“Now you’re not only small and adorable, but also clever.”
The tips of Leslun’s ears grew warm at those words. It felt similar to the praise his parents had given him long ago when he learned to read quickly as a child. Perhaps that was why the prince’s composed tone now carried a more mature air than usual.
“Thank you.”
“You’re still adorable.”
That short but firm remark sent ripples through Leslun’s heart again. Hearing such kind words repeatedly left him unsure how to react.
“You are kind, Your Highness.”
For some reason, he felt he should say something in return. It wasn’t just because he wanted to repay the compliment.
“I’m sure His Highness the Crown Prince likes you as well.”
It was another attempt—like before—to smooth the relationship between the crown prince and the visiting prince. But Tarensiu seemed to interpret it differently.
“The crown prince likes me?”
His puzzled tone left Leslun awkwardly smiling.
“You let him and Lady Miroi go together because they’re to be married, is that it?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Leslun hesitated for a moment before nodding. It was half true and half mistaken. That was precisely why Leslun had not wanted to send just the crown prince and the lady together. The rumors were already circulating, and pretending not to care would be a lie. Still, it seemed the best option, so he had no choice but to suggest it.
“Vancor supports many forms of marriage.”
Leslun nodded. He recalled reading something about that in the palace archives, and hearing it directly piqued his curiosity.
“Same-sex marriages are also allowed.”
“Yes…”
Now that the topic had been brought up, it didn’t feel like a matter that concerned others alone. The lingering warmth of the crown prince’s lips still seemed to remain with him, and perhaps that was why his heart felt even more unsettled. At the same time, he felt a twinge of sadness that, unlike Lady Miroi, he could not stand confidently by the prince’s side.
“Do you have someone you love, Your Highness?”
Perhaps because of how sudden the question was, Prince Tarensiu did not answer immediately. His pace slowed ever so slightly. As the silence stretched on, Leslun quickly apologized.
“I’m sorry.”
He felt he had overstepped. The thought that he might have offended the prince by speaking without care filled his mind.
“I do.”
To his surprise, the prince answered readily, his voice now deeper and more earnest. Another awkward silence followed. Leslun began to regret asking something so personal.
“If I can stand proudly before that person someday…”
Prince Tarensiu’s voice gradually softened, low and steady.
“I hope we can become something more. It would be a shame to remain only friends.”
They had been speaking about someone the prince loved, but now it almost felt as if those words were directed at him. Leslun studied his expression and then nodded carefully.
“I also hope we can remain on good terms.”
He told himself that it was simply a friendly wish, yet a strange feeling lingered inside him.
“Is this… regret?”
Maybe he had grown attached after spending so much time together. Or perhaps it was simply a sentimental hour that made him say things he normally wouldn’t.
“Our group project isn’t finished yet. There’s supposed to be a discussion this week…”
“I won’t be able to attend that.”
Prince Tarensiu sounded genuinely disappointed.
“It was an interesting topic.”
Leslun could agree that it was.
“I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. Will you come to see me off?”
He had been wondering how long the prince planned to stay at the academy, so the question momentarily delayed his answer. Just as Leslun was about to say that he would, another voice responded first.
“I’ll do the send-off.”
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