Chapter 49: The Crown Prince’s Last Chance

With a cup of tea, Kebel asked for some cookies to be wrapped up to take home. Seeing Dilis thanking him profusely, Kebel waved a hand as if to say it was nothing.

People said friends grew alike, and Mauser seemed just as fond of talking as Dilis. Earlier it had been Dilis; now Mauser eagerly began promoting the café again.

“The cookies are good, right? This café uses seasonal fruits, so the cookies change depending on the time of year. The flavors change with every season, and you never get tired of them, which is why so many people keep coming back.”

“Ah, I see.”

“If you ever visit again, please look for me, Mauser! Next time I’ll treat you to something even better!”

Mauser spoke excitedly, like a chatterbox. Several freckles dotted his face. His brown newsboy cap and matching brown vest gave him the image of someone you might find in the countryside. Judging by his clothes and manner of speaking, he definitely did not seem like a noble.

Sure enough, a surprising statement came from Dilis.

“To be honest, his father owns this café. It’s famous enough that he takes tremendous pride in it. He talks too much, doesn’t he? My apologies.”

“Not at all. I enjoyed listening.”

Kebel shook his head with an easy smile.

At this point, he found himself curious about how the two had become friends in the first place. When Kebel cautiously asked, Mauser immediately began explaining, as though he had been waiting for the question.

Apparently, Dilis had often gotten into trouble among the nobility and ended up being ostracized. Throughout the story, Mauser could barely hide the anger in his voice, revealing just how much he cared about Dilis.

Watching him, Dilis’s face turned red, not from embarrassment, but from shy affection.

A strange feeling washed over Kebel, and a certain possibility crossed his mind.

Once he became aware of it, the two practically radiated the atmosphere of a bromance.

Although relationships between men were accepted in this world, social status was another matter entirely. A commoner and a noble. A forbidden relationship that could never truly be realized.

For some reason, Kebel felt a pang in his chest.

“I told Dilis already, but when I invite him to my house, may I send an invitation to Mauser as well?”

“M-Me?! Of course! If the young lord himself is inviting someone as insignificant as me, why would I ever refuse?”

“Mauser, how many times have I told you not to talk like that? And the person in front of you is Young Lord Kebel. Even if he says he doesn’t mind-”

“It’s fine, Dilis. Bring Mauser with you next time.”

At those words, Dilis bit down on his lip.

Even so, he still seemed bothered by Mauser’s behavior, constantly watching Kebel’s reaction. Feeling sorry for him, Kebel casually picked up another cookie and popped it into his mouth, making it clear he held no ill feelings.

Just as he took a bite, a commotion arose outside.

Wondering what was happening, Kebel signaled to Ida, who was waiting in the distance.

As expected from someone who had spent so many years with him, Ida immediately understood and went outside.

By the time Kebel finished his cookie, Ida had returned.

Leaning close, she whispered into his ear.

“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”

“W-What?”

Wait. Why was His Highness here?

Kebel looked at Ida in confusion. She merely shook her head slightly, indicating she had no idea either.

With a growing sense of dread that things were about to become exhausting again, Kebel let out a dry sigh.

He needed to get out of here as quickly as possible.

Just as Kebel rose from his seat, a rolled-up red carpet unfurled dramatically from the entrance.

As expected, even his arrival was anything but ordinary.

Beryl strode toward him along the carpet.

Countless eyes immediately turned toward Kebel.

Why was the embarrassment always his burden to bear?

Today Beryl was dressed entirely in green, his fitted outfit coordinated from head to toe. Kebel deliberately turned his head away.

Avoidance. Pure avoidance.

He heard the voices of Dilis and Mauser greeting the Crown Prince beside him. Only then did Kebel turn back and offer proper respect.

Beryl waved a hand dismissively.

“To think I’d find you having tea here. What a coincidence.”

A sly smile curved his lips.

Whether it was truly a coincidence or not was highly questionable, but Kebel forced a smile anyway.

“What brings Your Highness here…?”

“Oh? Could you not greet me a little more warmly? There are plenty of people watching.”

Beryl whispered softly, just loud enough for Kebel to hear.

“I was actually about to leave. Your Highness may stay and-”

“No. If you’re leaving, how could I remain here? Ride in my carriage. As it happens, I have something to discuss with the Duke as well.”

“…”

Anticipating Kebel’s objection, Beryl cut him off before he could speak.

With no opportunity to refuse, Kebel reluctantly nodded.

As if he had been waiting for that answer, Beryl immediately guided him toward the carriage.

Kebel hated being the center of so much attention.

The forced smile on his face was beginning to twitch painfully.

He could feel Beryl glancing at him repeatedly, as though gauging his mood.

The Crown Prince, who always did whatever he pleased and cared only about himself, was actually watching his reactions?

Kebel was internally horrified.

He hurried into the carriage, with Beryl climbing in after him.

It had been a week since their last encounter.

The moment Kebel saw Beryl sit beside him, he immediately stood and moved across to the opposite seat.

Beryl’s brow furrowed at once.

“Do you dislike sitting next to me that much?”

“I simply thought it would be easier to talk while facing each other.”

“…Come here.”

“I’ll sit here. It’s more comfortable.”

Normally, Beryl would have insisted until Kebel obeyed.

But for some reason, he didn’t press the issue.

The unusually compliant reaction made Kebel even more uneasy.

He watched Beryl cautiously, waiting for him to speak.

At last, Beryl opened his mouth.

“After you left that day, I spent a lot of time thinking.”

“About that day… I’m truly sorry. No matter what, I shouldn’t have spoken to Your Highness that way. I think I went too far. It’s weighed on my mind ever since, and I sincerely wanted to apologize.”

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. Because of what you said, I couldn’t sleep for days. I couldn’t even focus on my work.”

“…”

“But that’s not why I brought it up. I’m not asking for an apology. So don’t make that face.”

Beryl rubbed his jaw and the bridge of his nose, looking troubled.

The man sitting before Kebel looked like Beryl, yet somehow felt like a completely different person.

What was this feeling?

Shock? Disbelief?

The self-centered Beryl had changed because of a few words from him?

Still stunned, Kebel blinked several times.

Beryl spoke again.

“You were right. I think I only ever considered my own feelings. I’m sorry for how forceful I’ve been.”

‘Huh?’

This was not like Beryl at all.

The unfamiliar sight gave Kebel goosebumps.

He had no idea how to respond and could only stare.

Beryl’s golden eyes met his directly, watching him with unwavering intensity.

Caught in that gaze, Kebel froze.

“To tell the truth, I was disappointed in you. I knew you must have heard what happened to me, yet you never seemed worried. No… I was angry. Even so, I tried to endure it. But what about you? You wouldn’t even look at me, let alone speak to me.”

“…”

“I’m not saying this to blame you. Don’t misunderstand.”

Kebel slowly nodded.

Knowing that Beryl had felt that way filled him with guilt.

At the time, however, he simply hadn’t had the emotional room to spare.

Maybe he should have been more patient.

Regret arrived too late.

“The more I thought about it, the more I realized you were right. I pushed you too hard. I won’t pretend it feels good hearing that my behavior disgusted you.”

“Your Highness, I-”

“Just listen. I’m not accusing you of anything.”

Kebel nodded once more.

Seeing that, Beryl continued.

“As you know, I am the Crown Prince. I can have anything and everything. I always believed no one would dislike my position. Hearing myself say it now… I really was arrogant.”

“N-No, that’s not-”

Kebel waved his hands in denial.

He had never intended to demand an apology from the Crown Prince.

All he wanted was for Beryl to give up on him.

Yet here was the future emperor apologizing while openly acknowledging his status.

The situation left Kebel completely bewildered.

Who in the empire could ever force the Crown Prince into such a conversation?

Thankfully Beryl viewed him favorably. Otherwise, remarks like his could have easily cost him his head for insulting royalty.

“I’m sorry for forcing my feelings onto you. I never should have done that. So please… give me one more chance, Kebel Ilya.”

“A-A chance?”

“I’m serious. I never once lied about my feelings. I know you don’t think highly of me. That’s why I’m going to try something called effort. Because I like you that much.”

“…”

Beryl’s sincere confession left Kebel at a loss.

Neither accepting nor rejecting felt possible in this atmosphere.

Kebel lowered his gaze to the floor and bit lightly at his lower lip, looking utterly troubled.

“I’m postponing the engagement ceremony. No, if you truly don’t want it, I’m willing to cancel it altogether.”

“What?!”

“Why are you so surprised? I told you. I’m going to work hard enough that you won’t be able to help falling for me again.”

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