**Chapter 14**
‘Ah—!’
Startled, I hurriedly turned my gaze away while slicing the meat. Across from me, Jereon calmly cut his own portion into bite-sized pieces, placing one in his mouth and chewing leisurely.
“This is surprisingly good. The meat’s tender, too.”
“It really is. Delicious.”
I dipped a boiled bean into sauce and popped it into my mouth, chewing carefully while stealing glances. Sir Magnum was seated within my line of sight. If I had come here alone, I might have indulged myself without restraint, but it was impossible with the crown prince sitting across from me, watching me so intently.
*Just bear with it today. I can always come back tomorrow.*
Perhaps I was feeling more deprived than I realized—before I knew it, I was hacking the meat into ragged strips. Jereon, midway through cutting his own meat, glanced up and asked dryly, “What did that boar ever do to you?”
“I have trouble digesting meat unless I cut it small.”
“Is that so?”
Jereon finished his meal without much expression and wiped his mouth with a napkin. Just as I set my knife down on the table, a group of knights approached us. Among them was Sir Magnum, and I instantly tensed up.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I apologize for the delay. I wanted to greet you earlier, but you were dining.”
“This is not a formal occasion. A simple bow suffices in places like this.”
Rebuked by Jereon, the other knight stepped back, and Sir Magnum followed suit, giving only a respectful nod before trying to retreat quietly.
I lifted my gaze on impulse, hoping to catch a glimpse of his face before he slipped away—but just then, my eyes locked with Jereon’s. And just like that, he turned to the departing knights and called one out.
“Sir Magnum. May I have a word?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
With precise, graceful movements, Magnum returned to our table and bowed halfway. His silver hair spilled forward like silk drapery as he did.
“Hm…”
Jereon made a noncommittal sound, and I busied myself fiddling with my knife handle, pretending not to listen.
“I might be wrong, but… Are you the only silver-haired knight?”
“Yes. To my knowledge, that’s correct.”
“And in the palace as well?”
“There are a few scholars with silver hair, but I believe I’m the only knight.”
“Is that so?”
I had no idea why Jereon kept glancing back and forth between me and Sir Magnum. I deliberately avoided his gaze, but then he pointed to me and asked,
“This is Shanael, my scribe. Have you two met before?”
“Ah… I did briefly encounter her at the stables yesterday, but I wasn’t aware she was Your Highness’s scribe.”
“I see.”
Turning slightly to face me, Magnum offered a polite inquiry.
“You must’ve been startled by the incident with the horse yesterday. Are you all right?”
“Pardon? Oh… Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
My heart thudded. Jereon, curious, asked what had happened, and Magnum briefly explained the events at the stables. Jereon nodded as if everything suddenly made sense.
“Ah, so that’s what it was.”
“What do you mean?”
Jereon looked at me with an expression that suggested he saw through every thought I had.
It felt ominous.
“Sir Magnum, I have a favor to ask.”
“Of course. Please go ahead, Your Highness.”
“I want you to teach Shanael how to ride.”
“You mean personally?”
“Indeed. She seems *very* interested in you.”
*Ack!!* Why was he making it sound like I had confessed to some grand affection? My feelings were more along the lines of respectful admiration—from a healthy distance! Having to learn horseback riding from him directly was beyond overwhelming.
Sir Magnum also looked flustered, so I rushed to interject.
“Your Highness, I already have someone helping me with riding lessons. I’m comfortable with that arrangement.”
“Don’t say things you don’t mean.”
“I’m serious. And I wouldn’t want to burden Sir Magnum when he surely has more important matters to attend to.”
I waved my hands in firm refusal, but then Magnum gently offered,
“I don’t mind. I usually have an hour free before dinner.”
“See? He doesn’t mind, Shanael.”
I didn’t know if I should be grateful or terrified, but I tried to suppress my embarrassment and gave a stiff reply.
“…Then, I’ll be in your care.”
“I’ll do my best to teach you well.”
Jereon, who had been watching the exchange like a judge at a tournament, nodded and rose from his seat. It was clear now—he’d seen me sneaking glances at Sir Magnum and was orchestrating this whole setup. But for what purpose, I couldn’t tell.
“If everyone’s finished eating, let’s get going.”
Magnum moved to stand beside the crown prince, seemingly ready to escort him. I rose as well and followed them out of the dining room, hiding the thrill bubbling up inside me.
*Tomorrow! A riding lesson with Sir Magnum! Eeeek!*
Since I had to go in a different direction from the crown prince, I slowed and bowed slightly beside him.
“Then, if Your Highness will excuse me.”
Just as I turned toward the annex, Jereon’s voice called me back.
“Shanael.”
“Yes?”
“A proper farewell, please.”
“A farewell?”
Sir Magnum, still beside him, glanced between us, puzzled. But Jereon, completely unfazed, tapped his right cheek twice.
*Come on, he knows Sir Magnum is standing right there! Can’t he let it go for once?!*
With great reluctance, I turned around and marched toward him with my skirt swishing aggressively. As I stopped in front of him, Jereon, who usually held his chin arrogantly high, tilted his face down for me.
“Well? What are you waiting for?”
With him staring me down, I quickly kissed his pale cheek with a loud *smack*. Only then did he lift his head again.
“I—I’ll see you tomorrow!”
I managed to glance at Sir Magnum as I stepped back, only to find his eyes wide in astonishment. He must’ve thought I’d lost my mind. After all, who in their right mind kisses the crown prince on the cheek for a casual farewell?
It wasn’t like I *wanted* to do it! But there was no opportunity to explain, not when Jereon turned and walked away so coolly, his knights trailing behind him. Sir Magnum followed suit, never once glancing back.
Watching their backs, I let out a long sigh.
*Ugh… It already feels like everything’s going wrong from the start.*
I resolved to redeem myself during the riding lesson.
—
When it was time to part ways again, I stood by Jereon’s desk, prepared to offer my now-routine cheek kiss farewell. At the sound of the bell signaling the end of the day, he rose with a stretch, pretending to be clueless.
“Is there something you need?”
“I’m here to say goodbye.”
“Oh? Why?”
“You told me to kiss your cheek whenever we part.”
“Then you should wait. It’s not time to say goodbye yet.”
I blinked in confusion.
“Why not?”
“Well, you’re going riding.”
“Yes, but Your Highness and I are parting ways here, aren’t we?”
“What are you talking about? I’m going too.”
“…What?!”
“I’ll be training with Sir Magnum in swordsmanship.”
“But… what about my lesson?”
“You just need to learn how to hold the reins. No need to drag it out for an hour. Besides, I’m even letting you use my personal horse. That one basically moves on its own once you’re in the saddle.”
“Then what’s the point of the lesson…?”
Yesterday, he’d made it sound like a secret one-on-one riding class. Now it turned out my lesson was just a bonus activity tagged onto his training session.
“…”
Sensing my disappointment, Hassel stepped in.
“Your Highness, if you need a sparring partner, I’d be happy to volunteer.”
But Jereon declined without hesitation.
“No. It has to be with Sir Magnum.”
With a dramatic swirl of his red cloak, he strode out of the office. I’d imagined a sweet, private moment with Sir Magnum, but all of that shattered instantly.
As he exited, the waiting attendants followed.
“Shanael, I’ll be changing before we head out. You go get ready too.”
“Yes, Your Highness…”
If I’d known I’d be stuck with Jereon even after work hours, I would never have agreed to these riding lessons. But maybe I could take comfort in the fact that, unlike watching him from afar in the dining hall, I could at least exchange a few words with Sir Magnum.
With that thought, I hurried to the stables—every moment alone with him was precious.
—
“His Highness’s horse is so gentle, it could be ridden even if it were injured. No need to be afraid. Place your foot in the stirrup and hold onto my shoulder.”
“Your shoulder? Are you sure that’s okay?”
Sir Magnum’s gentle tone calmed me, and I rested my hand lightly on his shoulder. Even through his uniform, I could feel how solid and muscular he was.
He turned slightly, helping to steady me as I mounted, even offering subtle support around my waist. That alone made my heart skip a beat.
“Sit up a little straighter.”
“If I do that, I feel like I’ll fall.”
“If you fall, I’ll catch you. Don’t worry—just sit tall.”
*Catch me?*
For a moment, I was seriously tempted to fall—just to test if he meant it.
