Chapter 28
“It seems you’ve finally found something you want to protect.”
Franz, who had been staring at Alessia, turned his head at the voice beside him. Linden, meeting his eyes, raised one eyebrow.
Franz was about to avert his gaze.
“Is there someone threatening Her Highness?”
Until he heard Linden’s added remark.
Franz quietly swallowed. He slowly turned his body to face Linden. The middle-aged man with black hair and red eyes was watching Franz closely, as if testing him.
“And if there is?”
“Then that’s unfortunate, I suppose. And quite serious too.”
Linden spoke leisurely, shrugging his shoulders.
Watching his reaction, Franz lifted the corners of his mouth. Forcing himself to shift his attention away from Alessia, he spoke.
“You don’t look particularly upset, though.”
“I’m being sincere, Your Highness.”
Linden even placed a hand on his chest and smiled. Franz didn’t remove his skeptical gaze until Linden straightened his posture.
“If you’re trying to make fun of me, stop. I’m not in the mood to entertain you.”
“How could I dare to tease Your Highness?”
“Even your tone is practically gleeful.”
“It is a bit enjoyable.”
“What?”
Franz’s eyes sharpened at Linden’s relaxed reply.
As the anger of a man blessed by the sun began to flare, Linden instinctively took a step back.
Franz glared at the retreating Linden. He looked as though he wouldn’t forgive him unless he took back what he said.
“Is the fact that the Second Princess Consort is under threat something amusing to the House of Skylar?”
The chill in his voice was as sharp as a blade. Linden, now unnerved, subconsciously touched his throat.
‘Damn. I went too far.’
He had glimpsed too clearly into the Second Prince’s feelings and overstepped.
Franz had the authority to cast out the head of House Skylar for such an indiscretion.
The Second Prince detested wielding power in such a way. But that didn’t mean he lacked the power to do so.
Linden sighed deeply and bowed his head.
“It seems I’ve been misunderstood. That wasn’t what I meant.”
Franz said nothing. Linden quickly added more before the prince could scold him.
“It was just surprising to see Your Highness concerned for someone.”
“…Was it that obvious?”
As Franz muttered to himself, Linden blinked in surprise.
To act so blatantly and then be flustered about it—now that was more surprising.
“I think it’s a good sign,” Linden carefully continued.
“Until now, you’ve had nothing to treasure or desire, have you?”
“The Second Princess Consort is not a possession.”
“But I’m sure you want the power to protect Her Highness.”
Franz fell silent at Linden’s piercing words.
He sighed and looked away from Alessia’s red hair.
“Just because you want something doesn’t mean you can have it.”
Linden’s eyes narrowed.
What was it that the Second Prince wanted so badly?
The Second Princess Consort? Or the power to protect her?
Linden almost asked out loud.
But if he dared to speak of possessing the princess consort, he was sure the next moment a blade would be at his throat.
Franz studied Linden silently.
Though he seemed strict and cold at first glance, Linden was one of the few high nobles Franz could reason with.
They hadn’t always been close. If anything, houses like Cornieu or Roshanac were more favorable to the Second Prince than Skylar.
But three years ago, things changed when Linden Skylar decided to marry a woman much younger than himself.
‘Why would Lord Linden want to marry Lady Belisa? Because she’s young? Or does the Skylar heiress need a mother?’
Franz had publicly thrown this difficult question at Linden during an imperial ball.
It was around the time rumors were turning Linden and Belisa’s romance into a scandal.
‘None of the above,’ Linden calmly responded.
‘But if Your Highness believes so, then it means my love has become a trap for Belisa.’
That heartfelt answer flipped the narrative.
A scandalous love affair was suddenly transformed into a love story of the century.
Right after that event, people criticized the Second Prince’s cruelty—how could he attack Linden in such a public place?
But Linden didn’t see it that way. He knew the Second Prince was trying to help him.
Because that’s how Franz always offered help—by cutting himself down to raise others.
Not the most strategic way, yet one Franz stubbornly adhered to.
‘My reputation doesn’t matter. Royal honor doesn’t fade anyway.’
That had been Franz’s reply when Linden once gave him advice after an awkward incident.
That was when Linden realized something.
Franz was a man without greed.
Perhaps it was the luxury of someone born with everything, or maybe it was the nihilism of someone who’d realized the futility of life too early.
Considering Franz’s situation, it made sense.
He was, after all, the “second” prince.
Even if the Empress was fair, it was already decided who would inherit the throne.
Her biological son, the First Prince, Crayton, would take the crown.
So what would become of the Second Prince Franz?
As a member of a side branch, second in line for the throne, he had to quietly suppress himself. Otherwise, he risked being accused of treason.
Living as though he didn’t exist.
That was the fate of a royal who wouldn’t become emperor.
Franz had accepted his fate.
He never even entertained the thought of fighting for the throne. He seemed like a man who didn’t know what it meant to desire something.
But now, the Second Prince wanted something.
Whatever it was, it was significant.
It marked a shift from the life philosophy he had maintained all his life.
“So, it seems you’ve finally developed greed.”
Skylar said with a subtle smile. When the Second Prince looked puzzled, he adjusted his jacket and continued in a casual tone.
“Whatever it is, wanting something is a good thing. Especially power—there’s no harm in having more.”
“And do you know what kind of power I want?”
“Why? Is it the imperial throne?”
“Linden.”
Franz’s eyes flared at Linden’s provocative words. The sun in his gaze flickered like fire.
Linden met his golden eyes calmly and said quietly:
“Even if you do want the throne… well, it’s not wrong, is it? Your Highness can have whatever you desire.”
“You really need to learn to watch your mouth. Your family’s fate rests on it.”
“I was only trying to say that there’s nothing Your Highness cannot attain.”
“Let’s end this conversation here. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not that.”
“What do you think I’m thinking?”
Franz glared at Linden coldly. After observing his red eyes for a moment, Franz turned his head sharply.
“I don’t care.”
“Just when things were getting interesting. You’re younger than me, but you have no fire in you.”
At your age, you should be full of it.
Linden clicked his tongue, disappointed. Franz sighed, as if used to his provocations.
Linden shrugged and said in a slightly hurt tone:
“Don’t be so cold. I owe you, remember? Thanks to you, I was able to marry Belisa safely.”
“I never intended to make you owe me anything, so there’s nothing to repay.”
Always like this.
Linden sighed deeply.
Every time he tried to show loyalty to the prince, Franz built a wall. Even when Linden was ready to reach out, the prince never made the first move.
Whenever Linden mentioned the throne, Franz always replied with a lecture about caring for his family instead.
That he didn’t need anything.
That he didn’t desire anything.
Unable to hide his frustration, Linden said:
“If you keep pushing me away, it’s a bit sad. I’ve been waiting for a chance to repay you. But if you say there’s nothing you want, how can I not feel stifled?”
“Then I guess you’ll have to keep feeling stifled.”
Franz replied indifferently, then slightly opened his mouth. He looked surprised.
As Franz’s expression stiffened, Linden followed his gaze.
The Second Princess Consort, who had been speaking with Belisa, was gone. She must have left without them noticing.
Franz’s eyes darted around the banquet hall, searching for her. But she was nowhere to be seen.
Linden looked at Franz clenching his fists in anxiety and shook his head.
“I’ll be visiting Her Highness the Second Princess soon.”
“Why?”
Franz, who had been about to walk across the hall, stopped in his tracks. His sharp gaze fell on Linden.
With a nonchalant smile, Linden replied:
“Why else? She invited me and my wife. I’m sure if I share my concerns, she’ll offer some advice. She’s very wise, after all.”
“Do you want to go that far just to figure out what I want? Listen closely, Linden. I have no interest in the throne…”
“Oh, that’s not what I’m trying to find out.”
Linden grinned at the scowling Franz.
Seeing the Second Prince lose his composure was oddly satisfying. The man who always seemed like a lifeless doll finally felt human.
“Her Highness…”
