Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 118

I placed my hand on the hand Prince Esteban offered.

Esteban smiled, the same smile that had been the talk of the Dawn Festival.

“Oh my, aren’t they a perfect match?” the Empress exclaimed, while the Imperial Concubine narrowed her eyes.

“Luatisha was quite popular at the Dawn Festival, I noticed.”

“Hehe, our Prince Esteban is also very popular, so it’s a good match between a handsome man and a beautiful woman.”

“Oh my, to say that after just seeing them admire the garden together might make the young people feel pressured.”

“I suppose I got carried away with a mother’s excitement and became meddlesome. But shouldn’t the Imperial Concubine be indifferent to whom Paeraton’s daughter forms a connection with? Why are you reacting so sharply? It’s not like you have a son.”

The Imperial Concubine’s face subtly hardened at the Empress’s words.

It must have reminded her of the painful memory of losing a child.

“Enough. Must you raise your voices on such a pleasant day, having invited a dear guest?” the Emperor interjected.

‘He’s speaking to both of them, but he’s stepping in after the Empress landed a blow on the Imperial Concubine.’

He remained silent when the Empress was in trouble because of the Aphelia story earlier.

Hmm, the Emperor is subtly siding with the current Imperial Concubine.

I’ve seen enough reactions.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

I left for the garden, escorted by Prince Esteban.

* * *

The summer sun was still blazing fiercely.

“Is it hot?”

“A little.”

“It’ll be a bit cooler if we go to the fountain.”

The fountain in the middle of the garden was made of bronze and gold, giving it an antique and beautiful appearance.

The water jets sparkled like jewels in the afternoon sunlight.

As I gazed at the fountain, I turned my head and saw Esteban smiling at me.

Oh…

Is this perhaps a typical date course?

We were more awkward than lovers, like a man and woman forced into an arranged marriage by their parents.

I released my hand from Esteban’s arm.

“This is enough, Your Highness.”

Gray-blue eyes looked at me questioningly.

“Doesn’t Your Highness also feel uncomfortable with this situation of being forced to be with me?”

“It sounds like *you* are uncomfortable, Lady Luatisha,” Esteban replied.

I smiled, not denying it.

Esteban scanned my face and chuckled.

It was a different kind of laugh from the smile he had been wearing until a moment ago.

“I should have told you my name before.”

“How dare I easily speak Your Highness’s esteemed name.”

“Really? Everyone else seems eager to say it as soon as they get permission.” Esteban said with a sly smile.

Why is this kid acting so slick when he’s still so young?

“Then you can grant permission to those young ladies.” I said primly.

Am I being annoying?

That’s right. I’m the annoying type who doesn’t back down, so please leave me alone now.

But instead of getting angry, Esteban took a step closer to me.

Just as I was surprised by the sudden closeness, he stroked my hair.

‘Wh-what?’

It was the moment I was about to step back in embarrassment.

Whizz!