Flower of Steel

Rian and I walked while having a casual conversation. Soon, we arrived at the Crown Prince’s palace.

“Thank you, Rian.”

“You’re welcome, Marin,” replied Rian.

He’s so well-mannered with his friend, so he should be really kind to his lover. I became envious of the future duchess of Siccain. I was, especially going to be if Rian is my first love. But he’s my friend, so I should wish him the best.

***

Feeling a bit flattered, I walked into the palace. I saw a servant looking sterner today. What’s up? Is the Crown Prince in a bad mood again? While I was curiously looking at the servant, the door opened. The person coming out was…

“Marin?” he asked.

“Uncle?”

It was my uncle. Why is he, the captain of the Central Knights, visiting the Crown Prince’s palace? It seemed Uncle found it weird that I was also coming to this place. I couldn’t tell him that I was now responsible for reporting to the Crown Prince because my supervisors insisted, so I didn’t find this situation welcoming at all.

While the both of us were being curious about each other, I saw the Crown Prince glaring at me from inside. Was that his way of pressuring me to give him the doll quickly?

“Excuse me,” I said as I bowed to my uncle. He nodded and left the door. He seemed to have many questions for me, but because we were in front of the Crown Prince it had to be pushed back for the future. I didn’t tell him because he would get worried, but I feel bad that I made him more concerned.

“Your business?” asked the Crown Prince.

As I walked up to the Crown Prince with a heavy heart, I saw his cold expression. He probably shared an unpleasant conversation with my uncle as he seemed very unhappy.

“I came to keep my promise to you.”

His eyes looked interested immediately. If I let him down, he’ll make up any excuse to punish me. But that’ll never happen. Heh, heh.

“Here it is, Your Highness.”

As I gave him the bunny doll that I made, his eyes grew large. He snatched it from my hands. I threw swears at him, then saw him looking at the bunny without saying a word.

‘Come on! Give me a reaction! I assure you that as a dollmaker that is my number one masterpiece!’

I looked at him with excitement and anticipation. Soon, his eyes were fixated on me. On the top of his handsome face was… I don’t know. His eyes were weirdly sunken. To think that he was being happy.

“…A doll. Did you make this?”

His voice was always cold, but it was colder this time, so I bowed and replied, “Yes, Your Highness. I made it from scratch.”

Hearing my words, something faint seemed to dwell in his eyes. I had seen his expressions, ranging from annoyance, rage, boredom, and tiredness, while I visited the palace. But I’m not sure what that was. Was he happy? He doesn’t look displeased, but he seemed a bit disappointed too. Does he not like my doll? While I was thinking, the Crown Prince had walked with his long legs towards me and stood in front of me.

I expected as much, so I looked at him without an expression. Is he going to threaten me again? I expected him to threaten me, so I was ready for it. But something entirely different began to happen. The Crown Prince held my hand.

“I knew it was you.”

In response to his words, something caught my mind. When I visited his secret room I saw him store the dolls that I made in a crystal case out of many dolls. I noticed this because they were so easy to spot.