If You Take the Enemy Prince as Your Knight Chapter 77

“…”

 

Even someone as skilled as Regen at suppressing his emotions couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

 

Ever since he’d asked to spend the night, he knew she had been very angry with him. Under the guise of keeping work and personal matters separate, she drew a cold line with him, treating him no differently than the other young lords.

 

Regen endured it without complaint, showing no reaction. He simply waited, hoping that time would pass, her mood would soften, and he would have a chance to talk to her. But now, she had gone so far as to avoid him and leave on her own. And to make matters worse, the place she went to was a banquet filled with males eager to court her. This was a serious matter.

 

Demia, as if realizing something, covered her mouth with her hand. “I thought something was off these past few days. It seems something happened between Her Highness and Sir Regen.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“How strange. Our princess isn’t the type to show her hurt feelings so childishly… Ah, I mean, she doesn’t usually show when she’s upset. Just how angry must she be?”

 

“…”

 

At this point, it didn’t feel like a simple rejection anymore. It felt like she was rejecting Regen himself.

 

It was the first time Regen had ever asked someone to spend the night with him. Did anyone think he hadn’t agonized over it or made a firm resolve before saying those words?

 

Sasha spending the night with another man was something Regen couldn’t even bear to imagine. That’s why he had asked, even though he was fully aware that the situation was already tilted in her favor.

 

Regen clenched his fists so tightly that the knuckles on the back of his hand turned white. The more he replayed the princess’s rejection in his mind, the more it felt like an icy chill was pooling in his chest.

 

At that moment, Demia pressed Regen. “What are you doing, Sir Regen? Hurry up and go soothe Her Highness. You need to win back her favor!”

 

“She’s upset with me. How could I possibly do that?”

 

“What are you talking about? If she were truly upset, she wouldn’t even acknowledge your existence. Don’t you know Her Highness’s personality by now?”

 

“…”

 

“Oh, look at that face. You finally get it, huh? Pull yourself together and go! Her Highness looks absolutely stunning today, and I’m telling you, she’s going to attract a swarm of pests!”

 

At that, Regen flung open the door and rushed out.

 

✦

I admit my behavior was childish. Ditching Regen and coming to the banquet hall alone was a failure in every sense—manners, professionalism, decorum, you name it.

 

The future me will probably look back on this moment with deep embarrassment and regret. But I hope you can understand my reasoning for today. If I had kept Regen by my side, I might have been swept up in my own emotions, becoming overly sensitive and saying or doing something I’d regret. It was only right to distance myself from such a volatile element.

 

Music began to play, and people danced. Behind the fluttering curtains set up in the corners, the silhouettes of entangled couples were faintly visible.

 

I sipped my drink on the second-floor balcony, watching the crowd below. This must be what a city lost to decadence and debauchery looks like. I wasn’t particularly fond of this kind of banquet. The stage offered nothing but provocative displays, and the room was filled with men looking for any opportunity to make a move. The latter was especially tiresome and made the whole affair rather unpleasant.

 

Right now, there are five men clinging to the couch where I’m sitting. Two behind the backrest, two on either side of the couch, and one at my feet. It felt like I was experiencing what it must be like to be Sister Orlette.

 

I ignored them as best as I could and focused on the glass of alcohol I had brought with me. The amber liquid burned its way down my throat, leaving a fleeting warmth before settling. It seemed like there wasn’t much left inside me to burn.

 

Suddenly, the men who had been buzzing around me like flies scattered. I wondered absentmindedly if someone had lit some insect-repelling incense, but then the seat next to me on the couch sank down.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

The moment I turned my head to the side, my face twisted into a frown without resistance. The person who had taken the seat next to me was Dominic. A man with dazzling blond hair and eyes as red as blood smiled at me, his lips curling up at the corners.

 

“What brings Your Highness here? Without your knights, no less.”

 

“It’s none of your business.”

 

“I was just wondering if I should be grateful for the chance to be alone with you. By the way, you look especially stunning today. How did you know I have a thing for women who look good in ponytails?”

 

Just as I raised my hand, about to untie my ribbon—

 

“Do you know why I like it?

 

“…”

 

“Because it’s sexy the moment it’s undone.”

 

I decided to give up. Ignoring the snacks he pushed toward me, I kept downing my drink. The crystal glass was empty in no time.

 

“You don’t look like you’re in a good mood.”

 

“No, I’m fine. That’s why I’m even bothering to exchange words with you.”

 

“Ah, I see. Then, would you like to have my drink as well?

 

“…”

 

The empty glass in my hand and the bottle of alcohol he was holding. After a moment of hesitation, I held out the glass, granting permission.

 

Dominic’s expression turned to one of surprise before he curved his eyes into a sly smile. “Somehow, this feels like an opportunity for me.”

 

“Just fill the glass.”

 

The crystal glass was filled to the brim, almost overflowing. While I couldn’t move recklessly, he slyly closed the distance between us and sat closer.

 

“Did that guy upset you?”

 

“…”

 

“Should I comfort you?”

 

“…”

 

I stopped just short of sipping from the edge of the glass and stared at him silently.

 

Dominic Mizekal. He leaned his upper body toward me, grabbed a handful of my hair, and kissed it. As always, his face carried that sly yet charming smile, exuding a sense of ease. But at the same time, his crimson eyes, fixed on me, revealed tension and heat.

 

In any game, the one who desires more is the one who loses. Just as I lose to Regenhart Lohengrin every single moment.

 

“Sir Dominic.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness?”

 

“You should be grateful for the fact that I have a good temperament.”

 

I’m doing well to keep my wounded pride in check here.

 

“…Your Highness has a good temperament?”

 

I didn’t bother responding to his feigned ignorance.

 

Dominic wasn’t the type to give in easily. He casually toyed with the blue ribbon adorning my hair. “I can comfort you well. Do you think I’m popular in society for no reason?”

 

“Popular, are you?”

 

“You didn’t know? According to gossip magazines, I’m ranked number one as the most dangerously charming bad boy chosen by ladies.”

 

“Being a bad boy isn’t exactly something to brag about.”

 

“Isn’t it? I thought it was a compliment.”

 

“It means you’re a good male, but not a good person.”

 

“Still sounds like a compliment. After all, what Your Highness needs now is a good male, isn’t it?”

 

“…”

 

The tail of my ribbon slowly coiled around his index and middle fingers. He looked ready to pull it with even the slightest hint of approval.

 

A small laugh escaped my lips. “You really are a bad person. Trying to take advantage of a drunk woman.”

 

“Your Highness is not drunk, are you?”

 

“I am. If I were sober, there’s no way I’d be talking to you this long.”

 

“Ha…” Dominic let out a sound, somewhere between a sigh and a groan, as he leaned in closer to me. “Even when you say such insolent things, you’re still beautiful. Keep going. I want to keep hearing your voice.”

 

Having an honest conversation with Dominic was impossible, as neither of us treated the other like a proper person. I placed my empty glass on the table.

 

Sensing my intention to stand, he spoke. “Think carefully. I’m definitely your best option. Your way out.”

 

“A way out only matters to someone who’s thinking of retreating. Besides, I’m someone who believes in romance in a relationship, so compromise isn’t really my thing.”

 

“And that guy is okay?”

 

It was obvious who Dominic was suddenly bringing up.

 

I covered my unease with a smirk. “It’s just that you’re not an option. You’re too spiteful, not my type.”

 

“Men naturally become spiteful when they’re jealous. Do you think that guy would be any different?”

 

“Don’t drag others down to your level.” I got up from the couch.

 

Meanwhile, Dominic reflexively grabbed my dress. “Where are you going?”

 

“The powder room.”

 

“…”

 

“Don’t follow me.”

 

Using the women’s space as a shield, I easily shook off Dominic’s hand. Thankfully, he still had a shred of decency left.

 

Pretending to head to the powder room, I veered off to another hall. I was looking for some water to quench my thirst when a sudden wave of intoxication hit me, making me stumble. As the heel of my shoe twisted and I lost my balance, a strong arm caught my back and waist.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

I looked up at the person holding me with dazed eyes. A man with a very familiar face was holding me in his arms.