Chapter 288 - Common Enemy

‘If you knew what I was thinking, would you be able to say that?’ Drunk with her fragrance, Max mulled over her innocent comment. His eyes soon lit up. ‘There is nothing I can do about it but attach a secret escort for her.’ Max furrowed his brow as he wondered who may be a suitable candidate. He then soon raised the corners of his lips. ‘Yes, he would do well.’

As he thought of just the right person for the job, Jubelian smiled, her eyes making crescent moons. “Oh, I will give you the handkerchief now!”

Max grinned once he was handed the fabric. He could see small mistakes here and there, but even those were lovely in his eyes. ‘It’s just as cute as she is.’

Seeming to have misunderstood his smile, Jubelian pouted slightly. “I know it’s not perfect, but you didn’t have to laugh at it.”

It took all Max had to resolve the misconception.

* * *

Meanwhile, Victor was smiling at the thought of escorting the lady. ‘I’ll see my angel tomorrow,’ he thought in anticipation.

Dennis, who was watching him, frowned. “Victor, are you really okay?”

“Of course, I am!”

Victor enjoyed being in the spotlight, and Dennis thought his subordinate would be dissatisfied with being disqualified from the hunting contest. However, he was giddy. Worries clouded Dennis’ thoughts. ‘This guy… Has he gone mad from the shock?’ Even though Victor was a good-for-nothing most of the time, Dennis was undeniably worried. After all, he couldn’t disregard the years they had spent together. “Victor, be honest with me. If you really want to participate in the hunting contest, I can—”

“I’m perfectly fine! I don’t want to participate.”

Dennis sighed. ‘I’m afraid he might cause something.’ Just then, the window opened. Checking the person who climbed in, Dennis bowed. “Your Highness, welcome back.” Dennis was sure the crown prince was coming back from visiting the Floyen mansion—yet, he seemed to be in a foul mood. ‘Did something happen?’

The crown prince turned to Victor. “The reason I excluded you from the hunting competition was that there is an important mission you must accomplish.”

The smile disappeared from Victor’s face. “M-mission, Your Highness? What is it?” Victor asked with a trembling voice.

The crown prince answered quietly, “It’s an escort mission. However, you must not be found out by the person concerned.”

Dennis lifted his head to face Max. The crown prince was cold enough to make one think he was made of ice, but now, he looked somewhat anxious and concerned. ‘Hmm, maybe he wants Victor to escort Lady Floyen.’ It was not unreasonable for the Crown Prince to do that. The emperor had already mentioned the lady to the crown prince. Moreover, the man seemed to be colluding with the Hessen family.

At that moment, Max said, “Escort my sister Beatrice during the hunting competition.”

Both Victor and Dennis were taken aback by the order.

“Your Majesty, but…!”

Cutting off Victor’s complaint, Dennis opened his mouth. “Victor is certainly one of Your Highness’ most skilled knights. He will surely fulfill your orders without fail. Nonetheless, it is difficult to understand why you are asking him to escort the princess and not the Handkerchief Lady.”

Max smirked and looked at Victor. ‘Although he looks like that, he’s got skills similar to those of Mikhail… He will be good enough.’ Despite being irresponsible at times, Victor was a talented swordsman—one of Max’s top three subordinates. “Escorting her, you will have no choice but to protect the Handkerchief Lady as well.”

Although cunning, Beatrice was a careless girl. ‘She showed it off too much.’ She had sent a public letter and had even made an official visit to the Arlo mansion. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the princess and the lady’s friendship was well known throughout high society.