IGBML 26

Chapter 26

“Long time no see, Princess Evergreen.”

The moment the unfamiliar man’s voice echoed, I froze without even realizing it.

Suddenly, memories I didn’t know I had swirled in my mind.

‘Are you the famous Princess Evergreen?’
‘I expected more from the daughter of the Duke of Evergreen… but you’re rather ordinary.’

‘…What are these memories?’

I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed a hand to my forehead. The memories came with a sharp headache.

The unfamiliar voice spoke again.

“More importantly, how long do you plan to keep turning your back on me? After all, it’s been a while since we last met. Let’s talk face to face.”

‘A reunion…?’

A “reunion” is a word used between people who know each other. But I didn’t know who the man behind me was at all.

‘Please don’t be one of those crazy types who thinks we have something going on.’

I tensed and slowly turned around. The moment I saw his face…

“Y-You are…”

I frowned slightly as I recognized him.

Black hair, tanned skin, golden eyes with a yellow tint, and a physique far above average.

“Judging by your reaction, you don’t remember who I am.”

He smirked as he observed me. Somehow, despite the smile, there was a chilling aura around him.

“I’m your precious friend’s older brother. Will that ring a bell?”

“…!”

My eyes widened. The name flashed in my mind as soon as he mentioned my precious friend.

“Could it be… Bertholdt Rainer…?”

“Finally, you recognize me.”

Bertholdt smiled, his golden eyes glinting sharply through his black hair.

‘So he’s Eren’s older brother.’

I blinked in disbelief. I knew he had returned from studying abroad recently, but I didn’t expect to meet him like this.

“…Did Eren come with you?”

Bertholdt shrugged lightly.

“No. As you know, he’s not exactly close with my family. He’s probably alone right now.”

“…I see.”

I replied a moment later, and a strange smile appeared on Bertholdt’s lips.

“Ah, so you care because he’s alone?”

“No, not really…”

I fiddled with my wine glass and downed the remaining wine in one gulp.

From the moment Eren’s name was mentioned, I felt uneasy.

“…Then I should go. My parents will probably be looking for me.”

Just as I turned to leave, Bertholdt’s voice stopped me.

“I’m not finished speaking. Where do you think you’re going?”

He grabbed my wrist roughly, making me drop my wine glass.

Clink!

Shards of glass scattered across the floor. I stared at the broken pieces, stiffening.

“…What do you think you’re doing?”

Bertholdt tilted his head casually.

“I said I still have things to discuss. You leaving without permission is your fault.”

His audacious attitude left me momentarily speechless.

“Fine. Just let go.”

I tried to twist my wrist free, but Bertholdt didn’t budge.

‘How can someone be this strong?’

Just then, the terrace door opened, and a familiar figure appeared.

‘…Michael?’

Surprised, I barely had time to react before Michael approached.

“How long do you plan to hold onto the princess?”

He pointed at my arm, held by Bertholdt, his voice low and heavy with authority.

“Don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t planning to hurt her.”

Bertholdt finally released me and stepped back, surrendering. Michael quickly moved in, shielding me behind him.

“Then as always, the princess is never lacking fine guards by her side.”

Bertholdt smirked meaningfully. I frowned.

‘As always… when exactly?’

Before I could dwell on it, Bertholdt climbed onto the terrace railing.

“Then, I’ll leave you for today.”

In one swift motion, he jumped off the railing. By the time I reached it, he had vanished into the darkness.

‘…What kind of person is he?’

I was still bewildered when Michael’s voice reached me.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“Oh, no. Just a little wrist pain. Nothing serious.”

I rotated my wrist experimentally; it stung lightly. He must have twisted it while holding me.

“It might be best to get it checked by a doctor, just in case.”

Michael’s voice was softer now. I nodded, still holding my wrist.

‘I never imagined meeting Michael like this.’

Originally, I didn’t plan to meet him directly, yet somehow, I even ended up needing his help.

“You’re Michael Schtarten, right?”

I asked innocently. He looked at me with a curious expression.

“Did you already know who I am?”

“I think I saw you when you entered. I wasn’t sure, but I must have seen correctly.”

“Thank you for helping me earlier. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be dealing with that crazy man… no, that person.”

Michael let out a soft laugh for the first time.

“Crazy man… I didn’t think the princess would use that kind of word.”

“…I’m still a person, even if I’m a princess.”

I brushed back my messy hair. The warm breeze had turned suddenly chilly.

“Here, it’s cold. Put this on.”

He draped his jacket over my shoulders. I accepted it, blinking in surprise.

“But won’t you be cold, sir?”

“I tend to get warm easily. Don’t worry.”

Michael adjusted the jacket on me.

“…Then that’s a relief.”

I hesitated to ask, but the day was too cold to refuse.

“…Then I’ll just borrow it until we go inside.”

He nodded slowly.

“No rush. Use it as long as you need, and return it later.”

An awkward silence fell on the terrace. I glanced toward the entrance.

‘I should head back before my family worries.’

“Shall we go inside now? People might notice if we stay out too long.”

Michael nodded slightly.

“Before we go, one favor. My family is a bit overprotective. Could you keep today a secret?”

“…I can do that if the princess wishes.”

He paused, then added:

“But I have one condition.”

“…Condition?”

“Nothing difficult. Just return this jacket to my estate yourself in a week.”