Two-Faced Princess

For Apollonia, it wasn’t only the memory of Princess Eleanor that would remain sweet in her heart but also the person who prepared all of this.

The person who made this moment turn into a precious memory.

Apollonia would have no choice but to think of Uriel whenever she thought of Princess Eleanor in the future.

When she remembered that fact, she could no longer control her overwhelming emotions.

As he watched Apollonia clap after the performance, Uriel exhaled as deeply as she had just done.

Was this love or just a weird obsession?

As Uriel had intended, Apollonia was obviously moved by nostalgia.

The plan he carefully arranged was a success.

Nevertheless, he didn’t seem to have any initiative at all.

No.

Of course, he had.

If Uriel’s influence on Apollonia was just a mere breeze, Apollonia could stir a cyclone in his mind.

Sadness.

Joy.

Longing.

Relief.

Just a little glimpse of Apollonia’s emotions was enough to drive Uriel insane.

* * *

“Are you having fun?”

Uriel asked Apollonia, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hmm… Are you doing this on purpose?” Apollonia retorted in a flustered voice while clutching a huge bread that he couldn’t even imagine putting it in his mouth.

The round bread, with meat and cheese filling inside, was the size of a baby’s face.

“You said you wanted to taste some street food.”

“I was talking about a commoner’s restaurant or something.”

“The most famous bread around here is from Madeleine’s bakery. Didn’t you see the people lining up earlier?”

The two were currently walking on the streets of the capital at night.

Today happened to be the ‘Markets’ Day’ so merchants who sold all kinds of food and goods were camped here on the street.

Apparently, Apollonia wanted to come because she was interested in her subjects’ lives.

She wanted to know everything about what they enjoyed and what they hated, what food they ate, and what music they listened to.

Uriel had given Apollonia a big sandwich since she said she wanted to eat ordinary food.

“It’s soft and thick, and the sauce is unique, so it’s very delicious. I just can’t eat it all alone.”

“You’re not going to eat?” Apollonia asked, taking a bite of her bread.

She ate a big mouthful, but in Uriel’s eyes, he didn’t think she ate that much at all.

“I’m full because I ate a lot of lunch.”

Apollonia had a look on her face as if telling him he was being unfair but she didn’t stop eating the bread.

The bread’s taste was as great as its size.

“Please buy some flowers! Flowers!”

When they finished sightseeing until the end of the street, a ten-year-old boy appeared in front of the two while carrying a basket full of roses on one arm.

“Handsome brother. Why don’t you give some flowers to your pretty lover?” The child spoke to Uriel and smiled.

Then, he picked up a rose from his basket and held it out to him.

He looked around and found several children like him.

The boy seemed to be looking for guests quite actively.

Uriel said, bending his knees slightly, as if he had noticed Apollonia’s gaze at the child.

“Give me one.”

“Good thinking! Handsome brother!”

The child handed the flower when he held out his hand.

His rough-looking hand had stains on it as if he had worked a lot.

Upon looking closely, the child was dressed in rags.

Apollonia felt sorry for a moment.

She rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a gold coin.

“Now, here———”

As Apollonia was about to give the gold coin, Uriel hurriedly blocked her hand and gave the child his coin.

“Here it is.”

“Thank you!”

The child stared at both of them in confusion and ran back to the way he came.

“Uriel?”

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.”

The child wasn’t the only one surprised because she was flustered as well.

Apollonia had never seen Uriel like this before.

He had never suddenly stopped Apollonia from doing what she wanted to do.

“Giving such a large amount of money to a poor child is too dangerous. At least it happens here.” He explained in a low voice.

“That’s…”

“People around us are watching the child. These children aren’t just picking flowers to sell them by themselves, but they’re following someone’s orders.” Uriel said flatly.

Apollonia glanced around, and as Uriel said, young children similar to the boy were watching them carefully.

“It’s a little busy over here and it appears like we’re safe because there are a lot of people. However, if you show that you have a lot of money in a place like this from outside the markets, you can get in big trouble.”

Apollonia nodded.

Uriel was right.

It was Apollonia’s mistake to go out after being cooped up in the castle for a long time.

Perhaps, she became a little too excited to enjoy this day with Uriel.