ILRP 10

Looking for the Runaway Princess – Chapter : 10

Students from the Empire, as well as those from countries friendly to the Empire, also placed roses into Elizia’s vase.

Those who had been watching Rakan’s actions interpreted them as a “silent message” and followed his lead.

Elizia tilted her head slightly, trying to understand the situation.

‘…Could it be that Senior Rakan’s family has quite a lot of influence in the Empire?’

Otherwise, she couldn’t understand why others were copying his actions.

Honestly, unless he was the prince himself, it was hard to imagine that level of influence.

Even if his family was powerful, it still didn’t make much sense.

She concluded that this is just what happens to popular people.

After all, this was a school, not a royal palace—so such things were possible.

And in her mind, there was no possibility that Rakan could be “that prince.”

Now she wondered what she should say to him. Should she thank him? Or say it wasn’t necessary for him to go this far?

While she was thinking—

Rakan, who had been walking toward Elizia, was stopped by Frederic.

After a short exchange, they moved to the terrace.

Rakan still wore a relaxed smile, but Frederic’s expression was serious.

Inside the terrace, Frederic and Rakan stood in a place where moonlight did not reach.

Frederic turned toward Rakan, his gaze firm.

“Your Highness, surely you are not interested in Princess Elizia. She is an enemy nation’s princess.”

It was rare for Frederic to use formal speech with Rakan at the academy.

He only did so when things were serious—or as a vassal speaking his duty.

And now, it was both.

“It’s not like that.”

Rakan’s answer made Frederic’s expression loosen slightly, but he still didn’t look fully relieved.

Rakan leaned against the railing, looking down at the flowerbed with a calm face.

“I wouldn’t approach an enemy princess romantically.”

“Then why…?”

“To build goodwill with the Empire, and to build a connection with me so I can introduce her to Rahan.”

“Introduce? An enemy princess…?”

“Yes. Introduce her.”

Frederic frowned.

“You’re the one under pressure right now. You’ve even rejected engagements—everyone is worried.”

Rakan smiled faintly.

“That’s not the reason. It’s for peace between the Empire and the Kingdom.”

“Peace?”

Frederic looked confused.

“It’s been over twenty years since this meaningless ceasefire. It’s time to loosen the tension.”

“That may be true, but—”

“It’s not something impulsive. Don’t worry.”

“…Alright.”

Frederic knew Rakan was not as simple as he appeared.

He was someone who understood his position and used it well.

Frederic decided to change the topic.

“Then why did you put a rose in Princess Elizia’s vase? You didn’t need to do that. Everyone is confused about your intentions.”

“She suits that position the most.”

Rakan recalled Elizia’s injured hands and her determination to keep holding her sword despite exhaustion.

If there was a school representative, it should be someone like her.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

“You should have put it in Princess Bess’s vase instead. People are thinking it has some hidden meaning.”

“I simply took care of my junior. Don’t overthink everything politically. This is just a school.”

Frederic sighed.

“Even if I try not to, I can’t help it. You should consider your position.”

Rakan smirked.

“Do you really think my position is so fragile that I must worry about something like this?”

Frederic felt a chill in his tone.

It was a warning: don’t cross the line.

Frederic fell silent.

People often misunderstood Rakan because of his relaxed smile.

But in truth, he was not soft at all.

He was decisive—and when he believed something was right, he ignored all advice.

Meanwhile, Rakan thought about his half-brother Rahan and Elizia meeting.

Elizia and Rahan.

Both loved their countries and had open minds despite their noble status. They would likely get along.

If they built a connection, and later took proper positions, things could improve.

Twenty years of ceasefire was already too long.

Then he recalled Elizia’s smile and her flowing hair.

She was attractive and interesting—perhaps she and Rahan would get along well.

Of course, it was just speculation.

Still, anything could happen in relationships.

Rakan frowned slightly, then relaxed again.

He stared at the blooming flowers and clicked his tongue.

“…Is there something in that flowerbed?”

Frederic looked around.

There was nothing except purple flowers glowing under the moonlight.

Elizia had just finished a dance with a boy who looked like a puppy.

As soon as he stepped back, another boy approached.

“Elizia, would you dance with me too?”

The boy’s hand was slightly shaking.

“Alright. Let’s dance, Hedrick.”

Elizia smiled and took his hand.

She had no reason to refuse.

Music filled the hall like air.

Elizia spun with Hedrick and laughed.

“E-Elizia… you look very beautiful today…”

His voice trembled. He was clearly serious.

“I’m always beautiful, Hedrick.”

“That’s true, but today especially… your dress too…”

“Yes. It’s an expensive dress.”

It was clearly a very luxurious one.

Hedrick’s hand was sweating from nervousness.

“Elizia, everyone was surprised when you arrived.”

“Why?”

“You looked so different. Not in a bad way! You’re always beautiful, but today you’re even more beautiful!”

He kept repeating “beautiful” without stopping.

“I’m not offended. You look good too, Hedrick.”

“Thank you!”

He was overly happy.

Elizia laughed softly.

Back in the palace, she was always dressed like this, so it felt normal to her.

But to others, it was clearly different.

Maybe she did enjoy being admired a little.

‘Should I dress like this every day? Bess always looks perfect anyway.’

But she quickly gave up the thought.

Looking pretty required too much effort.

Sleeping a little longer sounded better.

At that moment, from the terrace, Rakan watched Elizia dancing with Hedrick.

His face was unreadable.

He tilted his head slightly, arms crossed, silently observing Hedrick.

The music slowly changed.

Elizia removed her hand from Hedrick’s shoulder.

The dance was over.

Hedrick hesitated, then stepped forward again, as if he still had something to say.

But he couldn’t speak.

Because—

Rakan was standing right behind Elizia.

His calm but heavy presence made Hedrick freeze.

He quickly bowed.

“I-I’ll go now. It was nice meeting you, Elizia.”

He left quickly, still looking back at her unwillingly.

Elizia turned around.

And saw Rakan, smiling calmly as if nothing had happened.

“Are you here?”

“Yes, I am.”

Elizia looked at the crowd around them.

Since they were in the center of the hall, the options were either to leave or dance again.

She chose the second.

“Senior, dance with me.”

She held out her hand.

Normally men invited women, but Elizia didn’t care.

Rakan looked at her quietly.

Her cheeks were slightly red from dancing.

His gaze lowered to her hand.

Small. Soft. Almost fragile-looking.

“….”

Elizia felt awkward at his silence.

“Don’t want to? Then forget it.”

She pulled her hand back.

But—

Rakan suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

Her body fell into his chest.

Warm, steady heartbeat.

A faint scent of perfume.

“Don’t want to? How could I refuse, Princess.”

His voice was low and close.

Elizia looked up at him.

His faint smile was dangerously beautiful.

She tried to push him away, but he didn’t move at all.

The strength difference was clear.

“What are you doing all of a sudden?”

Rakan leaned closer.

“You were the one who asked me to dance first.”

His voice was quiet, teasing.

Then he took her hand.

Warm fingers wrapped around hers completely.

“…Do you want to stop, Elizia?”

His green eyes shimmered under the chandelier light.

A chill ran down Elizia’s neck.