Episode 10

Seated at the table, I anxiously open the letter, dreading its contents.

"Hello dear, today will be a long day. Preparations for the party have begun already; mother chose today to go downtown to pick out my dress. I'm not fond of shopping, but I just want to see her happy. It's been a while since I've seen everyone so excited about something. Maybe they're right; maybe I should accept courtship to find peace. I hope you have a good day, see you later"

She's going downtown! Could I possibly spot her there? No, I don't even know what she looks like! How would I recognize her?

I try to work, but she lingers in my mind. I have lunch and rest in the garden. As I mentioned, I'm not keen on flowers, but these are somewhat pretty. I spend my afternoon amidst the blossoms, waiting for Paulo to return, forgetting the important tasks I had to do. The king must forgive me; she is more significant.

I wake with a strong gust of wind and realize I've fallen asleep on the garden bench. Rising, I head to my room, feeling lighter, as if the flowers have brought me closer to her...

Such folly! An archduke, respected throughout the realm, asleep among flowers over a woman! I don't even know if she's beautiful—it's disgraceful!

I stand up, angry with myself. To what depths have I sunk?

Come morning, I'm determined to forget her. It's futile; I need to accept she'll be with someone. She doesn't even know me. I will focus on kingdom affairs, not the love life of a woman!

Dressing, I descend for breakfast. While eating, Paulo suddenly appears.

"Good morning, sir. I've obtained the address, and here is last night's."

"..."

"Sir?"

"Did you see her?"

"Yes, sir."

"...What does she look like?"

"I only caught a glimpse, sir, but she's a beautiful lady."

"Thank you. Come by my office later to receive your reward."

"Thank you, sir."

I stare at the letter and the slip of paper bearing the information I've longed for months.

What shall I do? I was right in what I said yesterday!

Unfolding the letter automatically,

"Hello dear, it's me again. Just wanted to say that I found my dress; it's beautiful! Mother said I'll be the fairest at the party. I wish you were real..."

What does she mean? Am I not real to her? Why send me so many letters then? Does she think I don't exist because I haven't answered? And if that means she won't send any more letters?!

Before I know it, I've opened the paper with her address—it's across the city! I rise quickly to prepare to meet her.

"IRENE! IRENE!"

"Yes, my lord!?"

"Fetch me a suit immediately, please. I'm stepping out soon. And prepare a hot bath."

"Right away, sir."

I head to my garden; I can't arrive empty-handed. If she can't visit my garden daily, then a piece of it shall reach her. With the help of a servant, I select the most striking lilies and arrange a fine bouquet for her, then hastily make my way to the bath and don my attire.

Episodes
1 Episode 1
2 Episode 2
3 Episode 3
4 Episode 4
5 Episode 5
6 Episode 6
7 Episode 7
8 Episode 8
9 Episode 9
10 Episode 10
11 Episode 11
12 Episode 12
13 Episode 13
14 Episode 14
15 Episode 15
16 Episode 16
17 Episode 17
18 Episode 18
19 Episode 19
20 Episode 20
21 Episode 21
22 Episode 22
23 Episode 23
24 Episode 24
25 Episode 25
26 Episode 26
27 Episode 27
28 Episode 28
29 Episode 29
30 Episode 30
31 Episode 31
32 Episode 32
33 Episode 33
34 Episode 34
35 Episode 35
36 Episode 36
37 Episode 37
38 Episode 38
39 Episode 39
40 Episode 40
41 Episode 41
42 Episode 42
43 Episode 43
44 Episode 44
45 Episode 45
46 Episode 46
47 Episode 47
48 Episode 48
49 Episode 49
50 Episode 50
51 Episode 51
52 Episode 52
53 Episode 53
54 Episode 54
55 Episode 55
56 Episode 56
57 Episode 57
58 Episode 58
59 Episode 59
60 Episode 60
61 Episode 61
62 Episode 62
63 Episode 63
64 Episode 64
65 Episode 65
66 Episode 66
67 Episode 67
68 Episode 68
69 Episode 69
70 Episode 70
71 Episode 71
72 Episode 72
73 Episode 73
74 Episode 74
75 Episode 75
76 Episode 76
77 Episode 77
78 Episode 78
79 Episode 79
80 Episode 80
81 Episode 81
82 Episode 82
83 Episode 83
84 Episode 84
85 Episode 85
86 Episode 86
87 Episode 87
88 Episode 88
Episodes

Updated 88 Episodes

1
Episode 1
2
Episode 2
3
Episode 3
4
Episode 4
5
Episode 5
6
Episode 6
7
Episode 7
8
Episode 8
9
Episode 9
10
Episode 10
11
Episode 11
12
Episode 12
13
Episode 13
14
Episode 14
15
Episode 15
16
Episode 16
17
Episode 17
18
Episode 18
19
Episode 19
20
Episode 20
21
Episode 21
22
Episode 22
23
Episode 23
24
Episode 24
25
Episode 25
26
Episode 26
27
Episode 27
28
Episode 28
29
Episode 29
30
Episode 30
31
Episode 31
32
Episode 32
33
Episode 33
34
Episode 34
35
Episode 35
36
Episode 36
37
Episode 37
38
Episode 38
39
Episode 39
40
Episode 40
41
Episode 41
42
Episode 42
43
Episode 43
44
Episode 44
45
Episode 45
46
Episode 46
47
Episode 47
48
Episode 48
49
Episode 49
50
Episode 50
51
Episode 51
52
Episode 52
53
Episode 53
54
Episode 54
55
Episode 55
56
Episode 56
57
Episode 57
58
Episode 58
59
Episode 59
60
Episode 60
61
Episode 61
62
Episode 62
63
Episode 63
64
Episode 64
65
Episode 65
66
Episode 66
67
Episode 67
68
Episode 68
69
Episode 69
70
Episode 70
71
Episode 71
72
Episode 72
73
Episode 73
74
Episode 74
75
Episode 75
76
Episode 76
77
Episode 77
78
Episode 78
79
Episode 79
80
Episode 80
81
Episode 81
82
Episode 82
83
Episode 83
84
Episode 84
85
Episode 85
86
Episode 86
87
Episode 87
88
Episode 88

Download

Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Download

Bonus

New users downloading the APP can read 10 episodes for free

Receive
NovelToon
Step Into A Different WORLD!
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play