“How have you been?”
Carlisle’s visit to the Blaise mansion was sure to be gossiped about, but it was best not to reveal as much as possible. No matter the fact that Elena and the prince were lovers, some noblemen would still speculate why the crown prince would visit the Blaises himself. There must be a group of people who would find a political reason. For now, it was best to keep Alphord out of the way and have it look like that Carlisle was simply passing by. Everything needed a justification. Carlisle had requested this beforehand as well, and if it weren’t for that, Elena would have found it harder to deal with her father’s stubbornness.
“Why are your eyes look wet today?”
“…Don’t joke.”
Elena remembered how she felt like she had been stabbed needlessly, but she soon straightened her face. Carlisle then stepped back and smiled.
“I’m not being funny.”
For some reason Carlisle seemed playful and friendly today, a sharp contrast to the time he brought a dismembered nobleman’s head at the party. Elena had asked Kuhn once before–was Carlisle a playful person? Kuhn then solemnly answered that he did not play games… So it seemed that only Elena saw this side of him.
“My father is waiting in the dining room. I stopped him from coming out to meet you. This is an informal visit.”
Carlisle’s visit to the Blaise mansion was sure to be gossiped about, but it was best not to reveal as much as possible. No matter the fact that Elena and the prince were lovers, some noblemen would still speculate why the crown prince would visit the Blaises himself. There must be a group of people who would find a political reason. For now, it was best to keep Alphord out of the way and have it look like that Carlisle was simply passing by. Everything needed a justification. Carlisle had requested this beforehand as well, and if it weren’t for that, Elena would have found it harder to deal with her father’s stubbornness.
“This way, Your Highness–”
“If this is an informal visit, why are you calling me Your Highness?”
Elena couldn’t think of how to reply. This grand reception not only involved Alphord and Mirabelle, but all the servants as well. Elena secretly glanced at the other servants’ faces and wondered if calling the prince “Caril” would cause an issue. Carlisle smiled lightly as if he knew what she was thinking about.
“What does the rest of them matter?”
Most of the people working in the mansion were under the control of the Blaises. Sometimes a case like Sophie’s may appear…but that didn’t matter. They were supposed to be madly in love, both at home and in public.
“Caril…”
She murmured his name, and a few of the servants nearby raised their eyebrows. Very few people, except for the Emperor, the Empress, and his brother, were allowed call the crown prince by a personal name.
“Say it like that. You promised me that you would call me by my nickname when we’re alone.”
One of the maids gave a small scream of “Kyaaa!” Carlisle’s words sounded so romantic that it had come out unintentionally. Elena turned her hot face away from Carlisle and made to lead him inside.
“I know. I didn’t forget my promise.”
She was supposed to call him Caril per the contract, but they had met in so many official locations that the name did not stick in her mouth. Only after hearing her reaffirm it did Carlisle look satisfied.
“Let’s go.”
Then Carlisle followed Elena into the mansion.
“This way, please. I’ll show you to the dining room.”
She turned her head to look at Carlisle, and she saw the maids’ eyes shining brightly. All servants felt the chemistry between Elena and Carlisle was simmering hot.
Just before the couple entered the dining room they were left alone, and Elena dropped her eyes.
“No matter how much we pretend to be in love, saying that all of a sudden somewhat embarrasses me.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re telling me to call you by an affectionate name in front of others.”
“I only said what we promised.”
Elena was surprised to see Carlisle talk seriously as if he were not acting.
‘…A playboy.’
But this time, it felt like this was not so bad. After her conversation with her father, she needed Carlisle’s full support right now.
“Thank you.”
“…?”
Carlisle gave her a questioning look, and she continued.
“You have made good on your contract. Pretending to love me like you do in front of others will help me out greatly.”
“Thank you very much.”
Elena gave a small smile to Carlisle. He paused for a brief moment at the sight of it, but she didn’t catch his reaction. All her nerves were on edge at the impending meeting between Carlisle her family. As she approached the door to the dining room, she stopped to look at Carlisle again.
“Then I look forward to working with you.”
With that, Elena opened the door. She saw her father and Mirabelle waiting anxiously for them in the dining room, and Alphord abruptly stood up and bowed deeply as soon as Carlisle came in.
“Hail the Crown Prince. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”
Although it was a natural greeting for the crown prince, it was not one for meeting a daughter’s lover. Carlisle walked towards Alphord and raised the older man up.
“Please stand up. I feel burdened when I am greeted by my father-in-law like this.”
“Your Highness…you don’t have to call me father-in-law.”
“Why? Won’t you allow me your daughter?”
“Please. Take her anytime you want.”
Elena felt a sting at how quickly her father’s reply came, but Carlisle gave him a satisfied look.
“You must keep that promise now.”
Carlisle soon sat down at the head of the long table. Normally Alphord took that seat while Elena and Mirabelle sat at the side, but now Carlisle sat at the head with Alphord on his right and Elena and Mirabelle on his left. In a hierarchical society, everyone was seated according to their status. Carlisle was none other than the crown prince, and except for His Majesty the Emperor, there was no higher position than Carlisle now.
“Anything you need, please tell me.”
“Something is missing from Lady Blaise.”
At Carlisle’s affectionate tone, Alphord’s and Mirabelle’s gaze immediately moved to Elena. She smiled awkwardly.
“Enjoy the meal, Caril.”
“You as well.”
Alphord’s brows furrowed at Elena’s casual use of the name “Caril.” He was worried that the nickname might be an act of disrespect, but he saw the way the crown prince easily accepted it. Perhaps their relationship had already progressed to the point that they were this affectionate. Alphord found this knowledge surprising and he glanced at his daughter.
It wasn’t until a moment later did Elena realized she had inadvertently called Carlisle by his pet name, but by that time it was already spilled water.
‘…We’ll have to show that we get along as much as possible. Isn’t this better?’
At last, the dishes prepared in the kitchen began to arrive. Elena had been particularly meticulous about the menu choices.
“Let’s eat everyone.”
Only after he started eating were the others allowed to touch the food. Meanwhile, Mirabelle was staring at Carlisle as if he had come out of a fantasy. Carlisle’s visit still seemed like a dream.
