Episode 6
When Miel entered the VIP room where the crown prince was waiting, she was a little surprised.
Not because the Crown Prince of the Empire was right in front of her, but because his appearance was more beautiful than she had expected.
In the story Flower of the Knight, Crown Prince Troy de Hagrand of the Hagrand Empire was a supporting character—quite a significant one at that, as he was the close friend of the male protagonist, Richard.
They had been friends since childhood, even before Richard became the Commander of the Imperial Knights.
Now that she thought about it, the crown prince was mentioned occasionally in the novel.
However, since he wasn’t the main character, his appearance was only briefly described—something like being a beautiful imperial with blonde hair and blue eyes.
But now that she saw him in person, he was far more beautiful than the description. It was clear the author had downplayed his appearance on purpose.
Troy de Hagrand, the current crown prince of the Hagrand Empire, was the very picture of a fairytale prince.
His short golden hair and blue eyes complemented his pale white skin perfectly.
His sharp nose needed no mention, and even his slightly parted lips were tinted red.
His small face housed perfectly balanced features—it was truly astonishing.
After observing Troy for a moment, Miel realized she was being rude and quickly removed her hood to greet him.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Miel from the Magic Tower.”
As she finished speaking, her eyes met his, which were as blue as the sky.
For some reason, the crown prince was looking at her with his lips slightly parted. His expression looked surprised.
‘Is it because I look young? I suppose that’s possible. I do have a youthful face.’
Miel tucked her hair behind her ear and cautiously called out to him.
“Your Highness?”
But the prince didn’t respond immediately. He stared at her for a moment before hastily looking away, then focused his gaze elsewhere as he spoke.
“Mi-Miss Miel, please have a seat.”
Miel carefully sat across from him. Soon, the prince instructed a servant to bring tea.
The two of them were now alone in the VIP room. In the brief silence that followed, Troy hesitantly spoke.
“I am Troy de Hagrand, Crown Prince of the Hagrand Empire.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I am Miel from the Magic Tower.”
“I see, Miss Miel.”
A soft smile appeared on Troy’s lips. That smile was truly princely.
Or rather, it was the smile of a crown prince. Either way, he welcomed her warmly.
Miel had expected the crown prince to dislike her, being from the Magic Tower.
In the original novel, Troy wasn’t fond of the Tower’s overwhelming influence—so much so that even the Emperor couldn’t meddle with them.
That’s why he got along well with Richard, who also disliked the Tower Master.
“It must’ve been a long journey. You’ve gone through much trouble.”
But contrary to her expectations, the crown prince was kind and gentle.
‘I was wrong to judge him so quickly. I shouldn’t form opinions before meeting someone.’
Miel corrected her initial judgment. The crown prince was a kind man.
“It’s nothing. It was just a request, after all.”
Miel took out the leather pouch she brought and placed it on the table.
“Here is the item you requested.”
Troy checked the pouch immediately and instructed a servant to summon the botanist Clover.
After the incident in Rubina, Clover had been residing in the palace and arrived at the VIP room quickly.
He carefully examined each of the ingredients inside the pouch. They were all in perfect condition.
“They’re genuine, Your Highness.”
“Very well. Go prepare the medicine immediately.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Once Clover left, Troy ordered another servant to bring the prepared reward along with other valuable jewels.
In the meantime, refreshments were brought out for Miel. This time, it wasn’t just cookies and tea—but apples too!
“Wow!”
“What’s wrong, Miss Miel?”
“There are apples! I’m just so happy to see them… Uh, may I eat one?”
Normally, Troy would have rebuked someone for asking such a silly question.
But not today—not in this moment. He smiled, showing his teeth, and nodded.
“Thank you!”
Miel was instantly delighted. It didn’t matter that the crown prince was sitting across from her—those apples came first. She wiped the apple with her sleeve and took a bite.
Oh my, the sweet flesh filled her mouth instantly. A wave of sweetness spread over her tongue.
Finally tasting what she had longed for, a look of pure joy blossomed on her face.
Troy felt his heart flutter again. Her golden eyes crinkled with joy, and her small face flushed with happiness.
Just looking at her, he could feel how truly delighted she was.
And that expression struck something within him.
His heart pounded fast and strong. Troy knew what this emotion was, even though he had never felt it before.
“M-Miss Miel.”
“Yes?”
Having already finished one apple, Miel reached for another.
She took a bite, then met Troy’s gaze. For a moment, it seemed like his eyes sparkled.
“Do you… by any chance, have a lover—”
Just then, the door to the VIP room opened again.
The servant returned with a small box.
Unaware of the expression on Troy’s face, the servant placed the ornate box in front of Miel.
Decorated in gold and red, the box was clearly a jewelry case.
“This is your payment and a special reward granted by His Highness.”
Miel set her apple down and opened the box.
Inside were enough jewels to make her eyes widen. It was far more than a regular payment.
Since they came directly from the crown prince, each gem must’ve been of exceptional quality.
“Such a generous reward… Thank you so much, Your Highness.”
Miel bowed with a bright smile.
That dazzling smile melted Troy’s previously stiffened expression.
He responded gently, as if to return her smile.
“It’s only appropriate. You completed the request earlier than expected.”
“Thank you! Please use the Magic Tower again if you have any future requests. I’ll take my leave now.”
With her business-like smile, Miel gave a polite bow, picked up the box, and prepared to leave—apple in hand.
As she rose, Troy also jumped up in a fluster.
“Wait, Miss Miel! I want to request a magic item for traveling…”
“Thank you! Please direct any requests to the Magic Tower, Your Highness. You didn’t forget, right?”
Miel maintained her professional smile until the very end and left the VIP room.
After she was gone, Troy collapsed into his chair.
The tension drained from him. He hadn’t felt this nervous in a long time.
Not once since becoming crown prince had he felt like this…
That’s how intense his meeting with her was. It was only a short moment, but he had fallen deeply without even realizing it.
Troy recalled Miel’s face and murmured softly,
“I’ll have to visit the Magic Tower soon…”
Back in the reception room, Miel returned excitedly. She couldn’t wait to share the news about the generous reward she had just received.
But something unexpected was flying around the room.
“Kyaah! It tickles!”
“Hehe, it’s so cute! I want to raise it!”
“Let’s raise it! What should we name it?”
Lulu and Lala jumped around excitedly.
A white paper bird flew around them. It was clearly imbued with familiar magical energy.
“Lulu, Lala, this isn’t a real bird.”
“R-really?”
“It’s not a bird?”
Miel patted their heads and gently caught the bird. It allowed itself to be caught easily.
“This is a message from the Tower Master.”
Disappointed that it wasn’t real, the girls pouted.
In the end, Jack had to create another magical bird to cheer them up.
“Jack, this is the payment from His Highness the Crown Prince. With the added bonus, it’s quite a hefty amount.”
Miel handed the jewelry box to Jack. Soon, the room filled with excited cheers from Jack, Lala, and the others as they checked the contents.
Smiling with satisfaction, Miel unfolded the paper bird.
On the small sheet of paper, a short message was written:
[Return to the Tower immediately.]
