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CHAPTER 14
Erna’s face immediately flushed bright red when she finally noticed the initials embroidered in the corner of the handkerchief.
Her own name.
“……Thank you.”
After hesitating for a moment, she slowly reached out with a trembling hand and accepted it.
Bjorn watched her reaction with quiet amusement.
It was unbelievable.
She had unknowingly carried out the oldest trick in the book—deliberately leaving something behind in order to create an excuse for a meeting.
And yet, she looked completely unaware of it.
That was what made it even more ridiculous.
Bjorn studied her carefully.
A woman who had once boldly used her body and reputation as a weapon to increase her own value.
A woman who had also been seen wandering through Tara Boulevard in a simple, countryside-style dress without a hint of pretension.
Which one was the real Erna Hardy?
At this point, even he found it difficult to tell.
Perhaps he could understand why those foolish men had been deceived by her.
After all, on the surface, she truly looked like the purest and most innocent woman in the world.
“Would you grant me the honor of viewing the paintings together, Young Lady?”
The moment Bjorn noticed that the attention of every guest nearby had shifted toward them, he extended his hand politely.
Erna, who had been desperately searching for an opportunity to escape only moments ago, froze.
Her face turned pale from shock.
Against her porcelain skin, her lips appeared unusually red.
“Me?”
She mouthed the question silently, unable to find her voice.
Bjorn simply looked at her with a calm smile.
“Come.”
Before she could react, he gently took her motionless hand and placed it on his arm.
Since you wanted to use me so desperately, then use me properly.
You will not find a more convenient and fair exchange than this.
With a satisfied expression, Bjorn began escorting Erna through the gallery.
Among the murmuring crowd, one person stood frozen.
Gladys Hartford’s face had lost all color.
She watched the two figures walking together and felt as though she had suddenly been transported back in time.
Back when she was still the beloved Crown Princess of Lechen.
Back when she and Bjorn had stood together as the perfect royal couple.
They looked exactly like that now.
Perfect.
Elegant.
Untouchable.
Only later did Bjorn learn that the rumors had spread throughout the capital before the sun had even set.
According to the whispers circulating among the nobles, Prince Bjorn had shamelessly displayed his relationship with another woman in front of Princess Gladys—the woman who had returned to Lechen hoping to forgive her former husband and reconcile with him.
And the woman beside him was none other than Erna Hardy.
The very young lady whose family was preparing to marry her off for money.
Naturally, countless accusations and speculations followed.
But Bjorn paid them no attention.
No rumor bothered him.
No gossip irritated him.
Except one.
The endless talk about a possible reunion with Gladys.
Bjorn strengthened his grip slightly around Erna’s arm, which was resisting weakly.
The moment he did, she looked up.
Her large blue eyes stared at him beneath thick, dark lashes.
They reminded him of a delicate porcelain doll.
For a moment, she simply looked at him.
Then, as if she had concluded that nothing dangerous would happen, she lowered her gaze again.
She stopped resisting.
Taking her silent agreement as permission, Bjorn continued leading her through the crowd.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Giving everyone enough time to witness the scene.
Enough time to talk.
Enough time to create exactly the kind of spectacle he wanted.
“Y-You bastard!”
Following the intense gaze that had been chasing them for quite some time, Bjorn turned his head.
Peter stood several steps away, silently mouthing insults at him.
The moment their eyes met, Peter widened his eyes in disbelief.
“Are you seriously doing it too?”
Bjorn did not bother answering.
Instead, he raised his chin slightly and looked down at the woman beside him.
Erna continued walking while staring straight ahead, completely pretending that he did not exist.
Her cheeks were bright red.
So were his ears.
Even the corners of his eyes had taken on a faint color.
She looked like a freshly ripened apple.
“Who exactly is that woman?”
King Philip Dniester’s expression darkened as he asked his wife.
Although he had managed to avoid the worst consequences of Bjorn and Gladys’ relationship, the rumors spreading through the hall made it impossible to consider the situation harmless.
“It’s Erna Hardy, Father.”
Louise answered on behalf of the Queen, her expression filled with anger.
“She is Viscount Hardy’s youngest daughter. The same girl who used Brother Bjorn to attract attention during the Royal Ball.”
The King’s expression grew even colder.
The Queen, who had quietly listened until then, shifted her gaze toward the entrance where Bjorn and Erna had disappeared.
“I expected Bjorn to refuse Gladys’ greeting.”
Her voice remained calm.
“But I did not expect him to handle it this way.”
She sighed softly.
“Turning away so deliberately was rather childish.”
“Childish?”
Louise scoffed.
“He actually fell for that obvious trick? It was only a handkerchief! Who else would fall for such a cheap scheme except Brother Bjorn?”
“Louise.”
Isabel Dniester gently interrupted her daughter.
“Watch your words. There are many ears around us.”
The warning was soft but firm.
Louise immediately fell silent.
She wanted to argue further, but eventually lowered her head and stepped back.
Only after confirming that Louise had returned to her husband did Isabel lower her voice.
“I need to investigate this girl further.”
She looked at her husband with a gentle smile.
“That is obviously the right decision, isn’t it?”
As expected, the King did not oppose his wife.
“Please return first, Your Highness.”
Erna finally spoke after they reached the final exhibition room.
It was a surprisingly bold statement.
Since they had started walking together, this was the first time she had willingly spoken to him.
Bjorn looked down at the small lady beside him.
Earlier, she had been quietly observing the painting in front of them.
Now, however, she stood straight and looked directly at him.
Unlike the times when she fled at the sight of him…
Her eyes were determined.
“Now that you have seen all the paintings, you should return inside first, Your Highness.”
She paused before adding:
“I will stay here a little longer.”
Seeing that he did not immediately respond, she repeated herself carefully.
“I mean… I think your role is finished.”
“Why?”
Bjorn stared into her blue eyes.
Those eyes strangely irritated him.
His gaze briefly moved downward, noticing the delicate movement of her breathing beneath her dress, then returned to her face.
“Are there paintings left that you want to see alone?”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“That is not what I mean.”
“Then?”
“You asked to see the exhibition together.”
Her voice became slightly firmer.
“Now that we have seen everything, I believe my part is over.”
She attempted to sound serious.
Unfortunately, she only looked like a small animal trying to appear threatening.
Bjorn glanced around.
The same guests who had followed them throughout the gallery were still watching.
Then he suddenly stepped closer.
Erna startled and instinctively moved back.
But Bjorn was faster.
He caught her before she could escape.
“Stay here.”
His voice lowered.
“There are many eyes watching us.”
Erna followed his gaze.
Only then did she understand.
From a distance, their interaction looked intimate.
Like a pair of lovers sharing a private conversation.
Her body immediately became stiff.
“Are you angry?”
Bjorn whispered.
If not for the amused smile in his eyes, she might have mistaken his words for genuine concern.
“I’m not.”
Erna lowered her voice as well.
The lie was obvious.
Especially with the way her brows furrowed adorably.
“Really?”
Bjorn smiled.
“You look angry to me.”
“I am not angry, Your Highness.”
She closed her eyes tightly.
“I caused trouble for you during the royal ball as well. So I thought today’s matter could be considered repayment.”
“Repayment?”
Bjorn repeated.
“You believe this makes us even?”
Erna remained silent.
“You truly are a very calculating woman.”
The words should have sounded insulting.
But instead, Bjorn laughed.
Because despite appearing timid and fragile…
This woman still had the courage to say exactly what she wanted.
Perhaps people like her were always the same.
They looked harmless.
Until you discovered the beast hiding underneath.
“Fine.”
Bjorn nodded.
“I accept your terms.”
He finally released her.
He had already achieved what he wanted.
There was no reason to continue.
That was until he saw her expression.
The obvious relief spreading across her face.
The joy of finally escaping him.
For some reason, that irritated him.
Before he could think about why, Bjorn reached out and grabbed her small hand covered by lace gloves.
Erna froze.
Only when his lips touched the back of her hand did she realize what had happened.
The entire exhibition hall erupted into whispers.
The guests who had pretended to admire the paintings while secretly watching them could no longer hide their reactions.
Bjorn ignored them.
With perfect elegance, he bowed again and kissed her hand like she was a princess.
“Then I look forward to seeing you again, Miss Hardy.”
He left her behind with a farewell sweet enough to resemble that of a lover.
Watching Erna stand frozen with her face burning red, Bjorn finally felt the strange weight in his chest disappear.
He left the exhibition room without regret.
And as expected…
Peter and the others were waiting outside.
