Chapter 247: Dragon's Den (Part 1)
Chapter 247: Dragon's Den (Part 1)
This is...
Holding the hand-painted ticket with a watercolor depiction of a hazy starry sky and a small rose mark in the corner, Lyon was perplexed. "You're saying... the Princess is inviting me to a play?"
"Yes."
Curiously glancing at the sheep's head on Lyon's desk, the maid sent by the Princess to deliver the tickets bowed slightly. "Master Wilde's Morning Star Theatre will be performing his most classic play at the Central Cross Theater today. It's a rare opportunity."
"Princess Veronica greatly enjoys Master Wilde's plays, and upon hearing this news, she immediately thought of you. She hopes you can spare some time this afternoon to accompany her to the Morning Star Theatre's performance."
"..."
I don't believe a word of it! Lyon's face darkened as he recalled his previous experience of breaking off the engagement, where he had been manipulated and fooled. His natural caution kicked in.
A super workaholic who uses their bedroom as an office, with shelves filled only with files and not a single leisure book in sight, could they be a drama enthusiast? No way!
Any fool could see that this invitation had ulterior motives. She was one hundred percent targeting him!
With his exceptional vigilance, Lyon easily recognized the "boiling murderous intent" behind this ticket. He shook his head and returned the ticket.
"Please tell her I plan to work overtime today."
Previously, when he had suddenly broken off the engagement without warning, he had caught her off guard. Even then, she had almost convinced him to register the marriage on the spot.
This time, she was clearly prepared. If he dared to accompany her to the play, he imagined the evening would unfold with dinner, shopping, clothes, strolling, sightseeing... Oh, it's getting late, maybe you should just stay here tonight, and so on. He'd be trapped!
If he went to the play, he'd probably never return!
..."
"Your Grace, please don't refuse so hastily." The maid, seemingly expecting something, wasn't surprised by Lyon's rejection. She smiled and spoke softly, "Your sister, Miss Anna, has recovered, but after being ill for so many years, her health isn't at its best. She should receive proper care and recuperation."
Lyon frowned upon hearing the maid's words.
"So, she means that if I want to help Anna recuperate, I must accompany her to today's play as a trade-off?"
"No, no! Don't misunderstand!" The maid quickly shook her head. "Princess Veronica said she has already made a mistake similar to this before you. She won't repeat such a mistake and will treat you sincerely from now on, without any more tricks.
"Whether you go to the play or not, Miss Anna will receive the best care. Anna's well-being is unrelated to her invitation. Princess Veronica has already sent for an apothecary this morning."
"..."
"Additionally, she's arranging for several teachers to ensure your brother and sister receive the best education possible without transferring schools.
Furthermore, the Purification Bureau's budget for next year will be maximized, and Princess Veronica told me these aren't gifts or attempts to please you. They are her apologies for her previous actions.
She feels guilty for acting rashly and playing those tricks, and she wants to make amends and hopes you won't refuse, giving her a chance to compensate for her mistake."
"..."
Is she trying to compensate me?
She’s practically welded this ticket to my hand!
After hearing the maid’s “recounting,” Leon couldn’t help but sigh deeply, realizing that he would have to watch the play this afternoon.
It had only been one night, and the princess had already done so much. To avoid hurting his pride, she even refused to acknowledge any “favor” or “courtesy,” insisting that it was to make up for her previous mistake and that she wanted him to give her a chance to compensate...
She’s gone this far, even lowering herself so much, I can’t possibly refuse to watch a play with her, can I?
"Alright..."
Once again, she’s leveraging the people he cares about the most, showing the utmost sincerity right from the start, and then lowering herself to offer her goodwill without expecting anything in return... It feels like she’s seen right through me...
Under the princess’s fierce assault, Leon, who hasn’t yet developed the thick-skinned resilience, had no choice but to silently put away the ticket on the table and prepare to brave the Dragon’s Den.
"Actually, watching a play might not be so bad... Where should I meet her?"
Seeing him reluctantly take the ticket, the maid couldn’t help but smile, then she got up and bowed, gesturing toward the door outside and gently replied:
"Princess Veronica’s carriage is parked right outside the Police Department. You can go straight there; Her Highness is waiting for you in the carriage."
"..."
Good grief, she even came to the door... So, she knew from the start that I would feel obligated to agree to watch the play with her, right?
This woman is really... Her intelligence might not be top-notch, but she truly understands human nature. After just a few brief encounters, she’s already figured out how to get a hold on me.
...
Since there’s no resistance, there’s only enjoyment. Leon, who’s been clearly laid out by the princess, had no choice but to take the "Dragon’s Den Pass" and leave the Purification Bureau, guided by the maid, he found the carriage waiting at the intersection.
"Here! Here!"
Seeing the princess, dressed in a velvet gown, lean out the window and wave enthusiastically, then push open the door and step aside, beaming with delight:
"I thought you’d be angry and refuse to come with me to the theater... Leon, you’re so good!"
"..."
You’re so good... Stop it, alright? This is clearly all part of your plan, and given your usual workload, you’d never have the time to wait here for me.
But despite seeing through the princess’s little tricks, when he saw the radiant smile on her face, the slight annoyance he felt about being forced to come melted away instantly.
How to say it... For some people, even if you know the smile isn’t genuine, you just can’t stay mad at them.
Even thinking about all the effort she put in just to gain your favor made his heart warm, even if he knew it was all for show, he was willing to play the fool and go along with her.
Sigh! Leon, Leon, snap out of it! You can’t keep playing the fool!
Taking a deep breath of the cold air, he suppressed the fluttering in his heart and climbed aboard the carriage, asking as calmly as possible:
"Princess, today…"
"Call me Veronica."
Sniffing her nose, red from the cold of waiting by the roadside, Princess Veronica clung onto Leon’s arm, her plump and soft body leaning over, her voice ting with a touch of pleading:
"It’s so cold today, Leon. Can I lean on you for a while? Just a little bit!"
"..."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
