TTPB 16

Chapter 16: The Tryst Ends Here

Clack! Clack!

The sound of wooden swords clashing rang out from the knight training ground. Though dulled for safety, the sword wielded by the woman blazed with intense resolve, her eyes burning with competitive fire. Beads of heat-laced sweat dripped from her brow.

In contrast, her opponent blocked every strike with ease, not even breaking a sweat.

“How is it not even grazing you?!”

Frustrated, Rose gripped her hilt tighter. She had finally gotten the hang of wielding a sword with some measure of form. Feeling confident, she had impulsively made a bet with Arsen.

If she could land a hit on him, he’d have to grant her a wish.

At the time, it seemed harmless—surely, she’d get at least one hit in. She even had her wish picked out in advance.

But Arsen, amused, simply kept up his relaxed defense without letting her lay so much as a finger on him.

“I told you, didn’t I? It would be a meaningless bet.”

“I didn’t think I’d fail every single time!”

Several days had passed, and still no success.

Even her final swing, a bold downward slash, was deflected effortlessly.

“I’ll take a short break.”

The moment he said it, Rose collapsed onto the ground, panting. As she tried to catch her breath, Arsen offered her a water flask.

“You seem particularly exhausted today.”

“I’ve just escaped hell, that’s why.”

“The head maid’s lessons are that harsh?”

“Oh, don’t even get me started.”

The memory of the past few days made her face pale. The history and politics lessons from Countess Berdier had been interesting—crucial knowledge for surviving in this world. She’d memorized them on the spot.

But ballroom dancing was another matter. The unfamiliar steps were hard to follow, her progress slow. The uncomfortable shoes only made it worse, sapping her stamina. Still, she endured the relentless Spartan training. Even now, her pinky toes were numb.

“Once the coming-of-age ceremony is over, I’m never dancing again.”

“That may be difficult. Dance is a staple of all social gatherings.”

“Yeah, I know. But don’t ruin my fantasy. I was just venting—if I keep going like this, I won’t have any feet left.”

Then, without a word, Arsen knelt before her and began massaging her legs. His hands moved steadily over her cramped muscles, uncaring of the dust and sweat-soaked fabric.

Come to think of it, this guy touches pretty casually, doesn’t he?

Of course, it wasn’t in the way she wanted—no secretive or suggestive moves. When she made a move or teased him, he’d jump back like she was contagious. But now, he didn’t hesitate at all.

So it’s not about being embarrassed… just selective, huh.

“You’re generally clumsy when it comes to physical things.”

“That’s why I’m working so hard.”

“There’s no need to push yourself this much.”

“Once I decide to do something, I see it through. I hate half-measures. Whether it’s swordsmanship or dance—I’ll master it completely.”

At this point, it wasn’t even about practicality—she was too stubborn to quit.

“I apologize if it sounds discouraging, but Your Highness’s swordsmanship is, strictly speaking, far from mastery.”

“You could at least sugarcoat it. Am I really that hopeless?”

“When lives are at stake, I can’t afford to lie.”

Flattery was not in his repertoire.

His sincerity was preferable to empty praise from other nobles, but sometimes it stung.

“I still don’t know if teaching you the sword was the right decision.”

“Because you’re worried I’ll get hurt?”

“…”

“I’m already about to undergo a ritual that puts my life on the line. It’s not like I can get any more endangered than that.”

Rose said it half-mocking, half-bitter.

“The so-called ‘blessing of the fae’—it’s more of a weakness than a gift.”

“I’ve heard it’s a sacred rite that grants divine power. Why would you say that?”

“Think about it. If you have it, you’re exposed and watched like a hawk. If you don’t, you’re not even treated like a real royal. How is that not a flaw?”

Arsen was reminded that Princess Rose had no known blessings. Realizing she was likely anxious about the upcoming ceremony left him with a tight feeling in his chest. It was an unfamiliar emotion.

Still, drawing on his knightly chivalry, he resolved to encourage her in the moment.

“Considering you’ve only just started, your form and spirit are admirable.”

“I can tell you don’t mean a word of that.”

Rose frowned at the clearly-forced praise.

“Remigis Knights will be securing the ceremony venue. There’ll be no threat to Your Highness’s life.”

“How reassuring.”

She brushed it off lightly—until she heard his next suggestion, and her eyes sparkled.

“Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you dagger techniques.”

“Daggers?”

“Yes. It would be wise to learn for self-defense.”

It was the first time he’d offered to teach her something on his own. Rose was intrigued.

A dagger should be lighter than this wooden sword and easier to handle.

Even learning just a few defensive moves would be worthwhile.

“If you’re rested, let’s resume training. Once today ends, I’ll be the winner.”

For someone who didn’t seem to care, he was surprisingly earnest. His eagerness to win was annoyingly cute.

“Hmph! Don’t get cocky. Before the sun sets, I will land a hit!”

Naturally, the spar ended with Arsen’s complete victory. He even wore a rare smile as he walked her back to her room, telling her to start thinking about her wish.

Ugh. I was going to ask to spend the night with him if I won!

Of course, he didn’t go easy on her. It was obvious he didn’t see her as a woman—let alone his superior.

No way he could act that casually otherwise.

That night, Rose couldn’t sleep. Outside the balcony window, summer insects buzzed faintly.

“I can’t sleep.”

She got up, pulled out a pair of tall-heeled shoes from under the bed—her dancing shoes, custom-made to fit her feet.

Dressed only in a chemise and heels, it wasn’t a pretty sight, but she only intended to practice briefly.

Might as well use the time.

She lightly held the hem of her skirt in one hand, the other raised to an invisible partner. Imagining someone’s hand in hers, she took a few refined steps, then spun.

Under the moonlight, her movements flowed in silence. Her silver-pink hair shimmered in the light, trailing stardust-like shimmer. The soft rustle of her dress grazing the floor filled the stillness.

Now for the part I always mess up…

Tension tightened her shoulders as she reached the tricky section. Focusing on her steps, she forgot about the heels—and twisted her ankle.

“Ow!”

She stumbled, catching herself on the balcony railing after several awkward steps.

Jeez… I nearly died.

As she caught her breath, a clear, amused laugh rang out nearby.

“Hahahaha.”

Startled, Rose looked up. A young man lounged in a tree, watching her with a wide grin.

“Who’s there?!”

He was draped comfortably across a high branch, clearly experienced at such mischief. In her shock, Rose forgot her room was on the third floor.

“Evening.”

He smiled with soft, foxlike eyes. Then, with effortless grace, he leapt from the tree and landed soundlessly on her balcony. A few leaves fluttered behind him in the breeze.

He still wore that lazy smile, arms folded behind his head as he strolled toward her in a rumpled tunic that made him look like a carefree wanderer.

Who the heck is this—and why is he so ridiculously good-looking?

Tall and lean, he had light ash-brown hair and sandy-colored eyes, his features distinctly feline.

Like a desert fox…

His flawless smile, bathed in moonlight, gave off an alluring, otherworldly charm.

“Why are you laughing?”

“You trying so hard not to fall was adorable. Did I offend you?”

It had been a long time since she’d heard someone speak so casually to her. She scowled in suspicion.

But then—he grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

“…!”

Before she could resist, he guided her into a dance posture.

“I’ll be your practice partner.”

“What are you doing? Let go!”

“You won’t improve dancing alone. It’s a partner activity.”

He interlaced their fingers tighter and spun her around. His lead was surprisingly smooth—better than her maids’.

Having a real man as a partner made a world of difference.

She tried to pull away.

So he’s been spying on me—definitely suspicious.

And now suddenly dancing? This stranger was far from ordinary.

“Didn’t you need a dance partner? Just trust me.”

“What—?”

Without waiting for an answer, he took the lead.

“Here, turning this way makes it easier.”

He extended his arm to support her spin. He had immediately zeroed in on her weak spot and was now coaching her through it.

How did he know this was the part I struggle with the most?

Their eyes met. He smiled again—soft, smooth, and utterly disarming. Up close, his presence was mesmerizing.

No way someone this eye-catching wasn’t mentioned in the novel…

She scoured her memory for a match, but none came to mind. Maybe he was a new character brought about by the diverging story.

“How is it? Easier, right?”

There it was again—that feline grin. Eyes gleaming, he waited for praise.

He was so earnestly cute, Rose decided to indulge him.

“Yeah, fine. I’ll admit it. You’re better than my maids.”

Satisfied, he gave her a playful nod. She returned the gesture with a curtsy. Having completed the dance without a hitch, Rose felt her spirits lift.

The man gently released her hand.

“Truthfully, I only learned recently myself.”

“Really? You seemed so skilled.”

“Glad it looked that way.”

“No, seriously. You’ve got a knack for teaching.”

And she meant it. Just following his lead had significantly reduced her mistakes.

He began humming softly, then gave her a small wave.

“Well, that’s it for our tryst.”

With that, he leapt gracefully back to the opposite tree, moving like an agile alley cat.

Rose gaped.

“Even his tricks are impressive…”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

And with those words, he vanished as silently as he came.

“Ah!”

Rose leaned over the railing, but the mysterious man had already disappeared into the dark underbrush.

“I didn’t even get his name…”

Under the moonlight, her secret night visitor was gone—but somehow, Rose felt she would meet him again.