Cornelia's eyes narrowed. The cold gaze exuded made Mathias feel that something was wrong.
“Royal Physician Richard has reported that the First Prince's condition has improved significantly.”
However, Cornelia looked into the distance and changed her mind.
"Is there such a thing? The, uh, First Prince's illness often changes."
“I heard that the new Princess has managed that crazy guy quite well.”
At that moment, Cornelia's expression stiffened. She was clearly uncomfortable when her son mentioned that Prince Concubine.
“Why do you care about such a lowly person?”
“Well, because there were rumors reaching my ears.”
Mathias remembered meeting Irenea before. The green eyes filled with hatred that looked at him were not something to be easily forgotten.
Speaking of which, she looks quite beautiful. He was very surprised when he heard the secret police report on the recent events at Luc Ngoc Palace.
The First Prince's nanny had murdered four previous Prince Concubine candidates, and it was she who discovered the truth. She even used herself as bait to expose the nanny's crimes.
With that weak, bland appearance, is there such toughness? Thinking back, he felt a little excited. In other words, she's quite attractive.
“Mati, I have some advice for you.”
“I will remember any words of Mother.”
He made an exaggerated bow.
“Absolutely do not pay attention to that despicable person.”
“The despicable one?”
"Prince Concubine Irenea. The illegitimate child of the Flores family."
Mathias said “Ah ah” once. His intelligent mother realized where her son's interests lay.
“Mother, I love you.”
Therefore, it is necessary to cover the mother's mouth. To do that, love is always the best means. Mathias kissed Cornelia clearly on the cheek, making a noise.
“This boy, he has grown up already……”
He has always been a man who showered love on countless women. His confession was so easy. In a way, he loves everyone. But sometimes he wonders if his true love is directed towards his mother. He smiled wryly.
"Don't worry too much. Have you ever made Mother worry?"
“Is it always like that?”
Cornelia's sulky expression is adorable. Mathias tried not to laugh and left the Moonstone Palace.
“Mom told me not to worry, which makes me even more curious.”
His footsteps accidentally led to the Emerald Palace, where Prince Concubine Irenea lived.
“I don't know if it's because Mother said so that I'm like that, or if I'm really interested in that girl.”
He could hardly tell the difference. Because he loves his mother, but he also loves making her worry.
At that moment, from afar, he saw a woman walking and crying. At that moment, Mathias's heart seemed to contract.
Not understanding what this feeling was, he had to put his hand on his chest for a moment.
It feels like you're seeing something extremely unstable and fragile. That's right, for example, that gait. That limp looked so fragile, as if she would collapse at any moment. He felt the need to run to her and support her immediately.
Or those skinny limbs and neck as slender as a deer's neck. She was so thin that it felt dangerous, as if she could break it with just one hand. That's fascinating.
Mathias slowly followed Irenea.
I walked aimlessly. Tears kept flowing, I couldn't hold back. The more I think about it, the more I feel sorry for myself and miserable.
Cesar is strange.
I can't believe Cesar caused me this much pain. Someone who always stood by my side and only looked at me did that to me.
But at the same time, another thought also occurred. After all, Cesar is a man. Maybe I made the mistake of basking in the adorable appearance he showed in front of me, and only thought of him as a pure person.
That might just be what I want.
“Sniff, huff…….”
That thought made tears of self-pity flow again. I feel so stupid. Why do I think like that? You idiot, you foolish Irenea.
I want to run away somewhere. But where to go? I have no place to go. This is not my home, and there is no place to hide in this palace. Everyone is the enemy, and everyone is watching me.
That thought suddenly scared me. I ran out full of spirit, but was that too impulsive?
Surely someone had seen this scene. Are there any strange rumors spreading? When those worries kept circling in my head, then:
“Why are you crying?”
A very familiar man appeared. A face that, once seen, cannot be forgotten. Because he looks exactly like the Queen, whom I find offensive.
“Second prince… Your Highness?”
“Irenea.”
He still calls me by name. It was a disrespectful act.
“Please, please call me Your Highness.”
I turned my head slightly, used my hand to wipe away his tears and corrected his way of addressing him. He gently grabbed my wrist.
“I asked why you were crying.”
“That is not something Your Highness needs to worry about.”
“I care.”
"Yes?"
"When a lady is crying, a gentleman should care. Let alone an injured lady like this."
He gave me a handkerchief and placed it on my neck.
“Ah, t-thank you……”
I awkwardly bowed to him. But I immediately felt uneasy. Is it right that I bow to him? Is he the Queen's son?
"Don't thank me for the obvious concern. I won't ask how you're injured. But you should be treated."
“Your Royal Highness, there is no need to worry.”
I said emphatically.
“You still haven't answered my question.”
"Yes?"
“Why are you crying?”
His blue eyes looked at me intently. That piercing gaze made me feel pressured.
“……”
Seeing me silent, he smirked.
"I won't eat you. It seems like the Royal Brother-in-law thinks I'm a strange person, right?"
I was still stiff with tension, not knowing what he was going to do. He called the mayor standing behind him.
“Hey Vertuccio.”
A muscular, dark-skinned man approached.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Go get the first aid kit here.”
“I understand.”
Vertuccio quickly disappeared. Mathias grabbed my hand and pulled me away. I didn't know what to do, so I was pulled to where he wanted me to go. The place we arrived at was an outdoor gazebo next to a fountain.
When we sat down, Vertuccio brought over the first aid kit. In the wooden box there are small medicine bottles, tweezers, scissors and clean bandages.
“These are the things I carry in case I get injured while hunting or training.”
Mathias said another unnecessary sentence and then deftly took out the tweezers and antiseptic.
“It will be a little burning, but please bear with it.”
He poured antiseptic onto a clean linen cloth and placed it directly on my neck. The stinging feeling made me shrink back.
"Wet."
But Mathias held my shoulders, then gently rubbed the linen again.
"If not treated properly, the wound will become infected. Do you know how dangerous infection is? It will leave a big scar. What do you plan to do if your skin is scarred?"
“S-scar?”
At those horrible words, I nervously rolled my eyes and muttered in a low voice.
“B-but, I can do this alone…… Oh, call the doctor……”
Somehow I couldn't finish the sentence clearly. I felt pitiful so I kept my head down.
“Don't think nonsense.”
He adjusted the tweezers, then applied a thick layer of plaster that smelled like weed.
“The smell is a bit bad but the effect is certain.”
He then completed the first aid by dressing the wound with clean gauze. I slowly stroked my hand around my neck.
Mathias advised me carefully:
"Open it once a day to disinfect. And this."
He took a small bottle of medicine out of his toolbox and gave it to me.
“W-What is this?”
"It is made from mink marrow stewed with precious medicinal herbs and pearl powder. Helps regenerate young skin and fade scars. Apply to the wound twice a day."
“Th, this thing……”
Seeing my hesitation, he smirked. He opened the bottle of medicine and applied some to the back of his hand.
"It's not poisonous. As I said, the contents of this box are for my use. It is an ointment that promotes healing and prevents scarring."
I never thought it was poison. But for some reason, it was difficult for me to refuse this help. I took the bottle back and looked at him, then looked at the bottle again.
“I did you a big favor, can't you give me a thank you kiss?”
What he said was surprising.