HOWSH~04

~Chapter 4~

I had already lost the ability to speak the moment I noticed those violet eyes, said to appear only in the royal family.

They shimmered like gemstones, reminding me of amethysts, yet they seemed to scrutinize me with an unsettling intensity.

Beautiful as they were, there was a sharp, almost predatory aura pouring down from them, enough to send chills up my arms.

“Phew… we don’t have much time. Why have you been hiding your face all this while?”

“….”

“Lift your head, my lady. I didn’t say I would devour you just because I asked to borrow a moment of your time.”

Well… that’s true. But still.

‘You were the one who came at me without warning, hero…’

After all, how many people could face a stranger who had just suddenly appeared and grabbed you? I felt unfairly treated, but I couldn’t avoid him forever.

I raised my head and met his gaze.

Finally, the moment came when I had to endure the violet stare I had been sneaking glances at all this time.

One of my arms was still trapped in his grip. Every time his fingers moved, the heat radiating from him pressed against my skin, making my shoulders twitch.

I hadn’t deliberately chosen a sleeveless dress to tempt fate.

I mentally scolded my past self for even thinking about it.

Suppressing my frustration, I spoke with as much composure as I could muster.

“Excuse me… could you let go of my shoulder now?”

“Ah. My apologies.”

Could you just stop with the “apologies”?

“Very well.”

I briefly erased the chill from my expression and brushed the crease from my sleeve, left from being held so long.

I wanted to demand proper compensation, but I restrained myself.

After all, he was Carlos—the infuriatingly infuriating Carlos.

Now was not the time to get worked up. Taking the offer he was giving me without hesitation might be the best I could do.

“My greeting was delayed.”

Even a lowborn must bow to a noble. It was only proper etiquette.

I pressed my hand to my chest and dipped my torso in a respectful curtsy.

Despite appearances, this was the first prince of the country—boosted by the protagonist’s aura.

“May the goddess’s blessing reach you. Rose Lutiense of the Velos Territory Security Team, I present myself to Your Highness, the First Prince.”

“…At the moment, we can skip the formalities. Just be brief.”

“Of course. May I ask the purpose of your summons?”

I lifted my gaze to meet him, ready to hear the reason.

“Yes. There is a matter I wish to discuss, my lady.”

Finally, we reached the main point.

“Listen carefully to what I have to say, my lady.”

“…Yes. Please speak.”

I swallowed dryly as the atmosphere tightened further.

His forehead appeared slick with cold sweat. Perhaps that was why, despite my earlier attempts to avoid him, I could now look at Carlos directly.

Though his features were mesmerizing enough to hold anyone’s gaze, the longer I stared, the more fear crept in.

Ha. What a situation.

‘…Don’t let yourself be intimidated by the only pair of violet eyes in this country.’

I reminded myself, barely keeping my composure.

Right. Elchevita and Carlos hadn’t met yet, so none of the original story events had likely progressed. That meant the “infuriating Carlos” described in the novel might not even be like that yet.

I held onto a small hope, waiting for him to speak.

Finally, his lips moved.

“My lady, this may sound like an abrupt request…”

Wait—request?

“Eh…?”

I blinked in disbelief. Why would the prince make a request to a mere noblewoman?

Before I could dwell further, he continued.

“If you don’t already have a partner, would you be willing to be mine?”

“…?”

I inhaled sharply in shock. This suggestion felt like the gravest threat to my life I had ever encountered.

I blinked slowly, hardly believing my ears.

“…P-partner?”

With Isid gone, I found myself unexpectedly paired for the gala.

Perhaps that was the problem—accepting Carlos’s proposal as my partner.

The carriage jolted and clattered over the cobblestones. Every bump made my stomach lurch.

Why on earth does this driver handle a carriage like this? Even a healthy person would be queasy.

I steadied myself and turned to look out the window.

“…Ugh.”

Though I wasn’t the only one pale-looking, I decided to ignore the reactions around me.

But when a groan beyond normal nausea came from my companion, I couldn’t help but speak.

“Ugh.”

“…Your Highness, may I check your condition?”

“….”

I placed my palm lightly on his forehead, despite receiving no answer at first.

And then—unexpected.

“Gah.”

Why is his forehead so hot?

I pulled back instinctively, startled by the heat. But I couldn’t ignore him while he was still struggling.

I took a deep breath and checked his temperature carefully.

His skin was burning like a furnace.

There had to be a reason for such a sudden rise in body heat. What could it be?

‘Of course… he wasn’t sweating without cause.’

Carlos had seemed to move with urgent purpose from the start, and now it was clear—he was not well.

But a mere fever couldn’t simply be a cold.

After all, an offensive ability user falling ill? That made no sense.

And in the original story, Carlos was ranked S…

‘Ah. Could it be unstable flow of energy in his body?’

High-rank ability users sometimes suffered internal energy blockages.

Had that been mentioned in the story? I couldn’t recall.

As I pondered, my wrist, still touching his forehead, was gripped by his trembling hand.

“My lady… are you a healer?”

Carlos’s voice, thick with sweat, asked with drooping eyes.

Even this minor action seemed to strain him. His exhaustion continued, unrelenting.

The intensity of his gaze urged me to answer.

“…Yes.”

A healer, huh? How should I answer…?

I spoke carefully, measuring my words.

“Well… I am indeed assigned to healing duties within the Velos Security Team.”

“What’s your rank?”

“F.”

“….”

Silence filled the space.

Had I said something wrong?

Embarrassed, I scratched my cheek as he held my wrist.

Carlos finally spoke, his tone low and grumbling.

“Even if you won’t remember, this is a face I cannot forget.”

His gaze had shifted from urgency to suspicion.

“…?”

Well, isn’t that a clear display of dislike? Ability hierarchies are brutal—judging people even when they’re trying to help!

Still, I quietly stepped back and returned to my seat.

I would never admit that those violet eyes intimidated me.

…Yep. I’ll just stay put.

We arrived at the gala hall in tense silence.

The coachman, hands resting lightly, eyed Carlos and me curiously as we descended, but it was part of our agreed “No Escort” act.

We were partners only for entry; beyond that, nothing more.

“Once we arrive, we’ll separate. Your presence is only needed to accompany me into the hall. This isn’t about the leading role or any scandal.”

“Understood. That works.”

I nodded and, smoothing my dress, prepared to step out. A large hand extended toward me—Carlos’s.

“Let’s link arms for the walk.”

“Oh… yes.”

“Let’s get this done quickly and part ways. That’s all I ask.”

A request that was short and simple.

I placed my hand over his arm, matching his stride as we moved forward.

Glancing at him, I noticed he was looking somewhat better.

Though pale, he seemed to have regained composure.

Even in pain, a royal remained a royal.

I marveled at his ability to hide discomfort. His face reminded me of my own expression during the physical tests—the forced composure, clenched jaw, faint grimace.

A strange sense of kinship arose before I even realized my head had tilted to observe him.

And then—our eyes met.

Carlos smirked faintly, tilting his head.

“Why? Do you expect compensation for my request?”

“Eh?”

“Most would. Often when I say ‘request,’ their eyes would shine like this.”

Well… that’s because you’re the prince.

I shook my head slightly, swallowing the thought.

He continued, a little bitterly, as though annoyed by my reaction.

“What reward do you seek, my lady?”

“If there is one, I’d be happy.”

“Unlike the others, you’re honest. What is it you desire?”