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I Am Looking for the Runaway Princess – Chapter : 10
Students from the Empire, as well as students from countries on friendly terms with the Empire, also placed roses into Eliziah’s vase.
It was because those watching Rakan’s actions interpreted them as a “silent message.”
Eliziah tilted her head slightly and tried to make sense of the situation.
“…Could it be that Senior Rakan’s family has considerable influence in the Empire?”
Otherwise, there was no way to explain the behavior of those who were now following his lead.
Honestly speaking, unless one was a prince, it would be difficult to wield that level of influence.
No matter how powerful his family was, it still didn’t seem possible.
But she concluded, So this is what a popular man is like.
This was a school, not an imperial palace or a royal court—so something like this might not be impossible.
And more importantly, it never even occurred to her that Rakan might be “that prince.”
What should I say when Senior Rakan comes? Thank him? Or say it’s unnecessary for him to go this far?
While she was thinking about it—
Rakan, who had been walking toward Eliziah, was blocked by Frederic.
After exchanging a brief conversation, the two headed toward the terrace.
Rakan wore a relaxed smile on his face, while Frederic looked quite stiff.
Inside the terrace, Frederic and Rakan took seats in a place where moonlight did not reach.
Frederic turned to face Rakan. His gaze was firm.
“Your Highness, you don’t… possibly have feelings for Princess Eliziah, do you? She is a princess of an enemy nation.”
It was extremely rare for Frederic to use honorifics toward Rakan inside the Swena Neutral Kingdom Royal Academy.
Only when things were serious—or when speaking as a retainer.
And unfortunately, this was both.
“Of course not.”
At Rakan’s answer, Frederic’s expression loosened slightly, though he still didn’t look fully relieved.
Rakan leaned against the terrace railing, staring down at the flowerbeds with an expressionless face.
“I would never approach a princess of an enemy country with romantic intentions.”
“Then why…?”
“To build goodwill with the Empire and establish connections through me, so I can introduce her to Rahan.”
“Introduce? A princess of an enemy nation…?”
“Yes. Introduce her. The princess of an enemy nation.”
“…You’re the one under the most pressure right now. Everyone’s worried sick because you keep refusing even an engagement.”
Now that he had relaxed, Frederic’s speech also became less formal.
“That’s not the reason. It’s for future peace between the Empire and the Kingdom.”
“Peace between the Empire and the Kingdom?”
Frederic repeated it with a puzzled expression. He had too many questions.
But Rakan showed no intention of elaborating further.
Looking at the distant river, he brushed his wind-tossed hair back.
“It’s been over twenty years of meaningless ceasefire. It’s about time we loosen the knot.”
“That may be true, but…”
“I’m not acting on impulse. Don’t worry.”
“…Alright.”
Frederic knew well that despite Rakan’s relaxed demeanor, he was not someone shallow.
He was the type who understood the weight of his position—and used it.
Feeling slightly reassured, Frederic decided to bring up another concern.
“By the way, why did you put roses in Princess Eliziah’s vase? There was no need for that. Everyone’s confused, wondering if there’s some hidden meaning.”
“She simply suits that place.”
Rakan recalled Eliziah’s battered fingertips and the way she had trained despite looking like she would collapse any moment.
For a representative of the academy, someone like her was appropriate. Of course, that wasn’t his only reason.
“No. It would’ve been more appropriate to give roses to Princess Beth instead. People are panicking, thinking there’s some political intent behind it.”
“I simply took care of my junior. Don’t overthink everything. This is just a school.”
Frederic sighed deeply after a moment of silence.
“Even if I try not to, I have to. You need to consider your position.”
At that, Rakan’s lips curved slightly.
“Is my position so fragile that I must worry about something as trivial as this, Frederic?”
“….”
His gaze and tone turned noticeably cold.
And Frederic immediately understood it was a warning not to cross the line.
He pressed his lips together and fell silent.
People often mistook Rakan’s easy smile for gentleness.
But in truth, his nature was far from soft—it was closer to something forceful.
When he believed something was right or necessary, he acted without hesitation and ignored advice.
While Frederic was lost in thought, Rakan stared at the flowerbed alone.
He imagined his half-brother Rahan meeting Eliziah.
Eliziah and Rahan.
Both loved their countries and, unlike typical nobles, had open minds—they would likely get along.
If they built a decent relationship and eventually took positions suited for them, things might improve.
Twenty years of ceasefire had become tiresome.
Then he recalled Eliziah’s smiling face, her eyes gently curved, and her hair flowing as she walked.
She was quite charming in personality and appearance. She might even get along well with his brother.
Though it was a speculative thought, relationships were unpredictable.
If that happened, the word “war” might finally feel like something from a dream.
“….”
Rakan frowned slightly, then relaxed.
He clicked his tongue while staring at the blooming flowers in the bed.
“…Is there something in the flowerbed?”
Frederic followed his gaze, scanning it.
There was nothing except violet flowers shimmering under the moonlight.
Eliziah had just finished a dance. Her partner was a male student with a puppy-like expression—the third person she had danced with.
As soon as he let go of her hand, another student stepped forward.
“Eliziah, would you dance with me too?”
His fingertips trembled slightly as he extended his hand.
“Alright. Let’s dance, Hedrick.”
Eliziah smiled and took his hand.
She was in a good mood, full of energy—there was no reason to refuse.
Lively waltz music filled the ballroom like air.
Eliziah spun in Hedrick’s arms, laughing in the center of the hall.
It was because of what he said mid-dance, nervously swallowing.
“E-Eliziah, you look… very beautiful today…”
The tremor in his voice showed he meant it sincerely. Eliziah giggled as she stepped.
“I’m always beautiful, Hedrick.”
“Th-That’s true… but today especially… your dress suits you so well…”
“Yes. This is an expensive dress.”
It was clearly a lavish dress.
Probably the most expensive one she had brought here—or rather, the one her maid Sophie had “brought for her.”
Hedrick’s hand grew sweaty as he held hers, his nervousness obvious.
“Eliziah, everyone was surprised when you arrived earlier.”
“Why?”
“You just looked so different today. Ah, don’t misunderstand! I don’t mean you’re not beautiful normally—you are! But today you’re even more, like, unbelievably beautiful!”
He stumbled over his words, repeating “beautiful” three times.
“I’m not misunderstanding. You look good today too, Hedrick.”
“Thank you!”
He looked overjoyed at her compliment.
Eliziah laughed softly. So this is what happens when you just wear a fancy dress and get styled by Sophie—people shower you with praise.
In the royal palace, this was her everyday appearance, so she was used to it.
But for others, it must feel unfamiliar.
Seeing their reactions made her feel oddly pleased.
Maybe I do have a desire to look pretty after all.
Maybe I should dress like this every day. That annoying Princess Beth is always pretty anyway…
But she quickly dismissed the thought.
No matter how much one liked beauty, the effort required to maintain it was too much.
If a maid did it for her, that was one thing—but doing it herself was another.
She’d rather sleep longer in the morning than spend time decorating herself.
At that same moment—
From the terrace, Rakan leaned against a marble pillar, watching Eliziah dance with Hedrick.
His expression was unreadable.
He tilted his head slightly and crossed his arms.
He silently observed Hedrick, who was flushed red and smiling foolishly.
The music gradually faded. It seemed to be changing.
Eliziah slowly removed her hand from Hedrick’s shoulder, signaling the end.
Hedrick reluctantly let go but didn’t leave. He stood awkwardly in front of her, as if he still had something to say.
Then he lifted his head with determination.
But no words came out.
“….”
Because Rakan had appeared behind Eliziah, watching him with a darkened expression.
He was standing there firmly, intimidatingly. Even though he was familiar, he felt unusually large today.
Hedrick decided instinctively that he should leave immediately.
“Th-Then I’ll be going now. I had a great time, Eliziah.”
He left awkwardly, still glancing back at her as he walked away.
Once he was gone, Eliziah turned around.
And there he was—Rakan, smiling faintly as if nothing had happened.
“Were you here?”
“Yes. I was.”
Eliziah looked at the crowd passing by and then back at him.
They were in the center of the ballroom.
The only options were to leave together or dance again.
Eliziah chose the latter.
“Senior, dance with me.”
She suddenly extended her hand.
Rakan looked at her slowly, eyes half-lidded.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed from dancing.
His gaze lowered.
A small, delicate hand—one that looked like it might break if held too tightly.
“….”
Eliziah felt awkward when he didn’t respond.
So she pulled her hand back.
But the moment she did—
Her hand was grabbed firmly, and her waist was pulled in.
She fell into his arms in an instant.
Eliziah’s face pressed against his chest. She heard his steady heartbeat and caught a faint scent of perfume.
A low voice echoed above her head.
“Leaving already, Princess?”
His tone was deep and quiet.
Eliziah looked up at him. His beautiful lips were slightly curved.
The smile was almost dazzling, leaving her dazed in his arms.
But she quickly regained herself and pushed against his chest.
He didn’t move.
The difference in strength was clear.
“W-What are you doing all of a sudden?”
She pulled back slightly.
But Rakan only tightened his hold around her waist.
He leaned down slightly.
“You were the one who asked for a dance, and now you’re running away?”
His voice was close—too close. His breath brushed her skin.
Golden hair fell across his brow as he tilted his head.
Then he took her hand.
Warm fingers traced along hers, slowly, deliberately.
Eliziah flinched.
He slid his palm over her hand and enclosed it completely, covering it entirely with his much larger hand.
“So… do you want to stop, Eliziah?”
Under the chandelier light, his green eyes shimmered darkly.
A chill ran down Eliziah’s neck.
