“Let’s go on a date, Your Highness!”
Lin was startled by Lynn’s sudden declaration as Ivyst looked up from her desk.
She frowned.
“Are you tired of living?”
Lynn glanced at her, noticing the usual cold indifference on her face, absolutely no sign of distress.
Shouldn’t she be a bit annoyed about this unexpected task?
Even if she was not troubled, she shouldn’t be acting like it was just another day, right?
Although he didn’t know the specifics, nothing could have stopped her return to the Imperial Capital except for truly high-ranking figures, even possibly the Sixth Saint Roland himself.
As Witch Miss had said, this task would take a long time.
He wasn’t sure exactly how long, but given her personality, she ought to be at least a little displeased.
Yet at this moment, Lynn noticed no hint of anything amiss.
Was it possible that too much time had passed and Witch Miss had misremembered?
But it was too late to turn back now.
So, mustering all his courage, Lynn repeated his request in another way: “Your Highness, I would like to invite you to go out with me tomorrow.”
Ivyst dazed for a second, then sneered: “Reason?”
“I want to create a precious memory with you.”
Lynn continued using a montage technique, responding vaguely.
After all, he had seen that lie-detecting ring right on her finger.
Sure enough, Ivyst stole a glance at the ring.
When she realized he wasn’t lying, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she concealed it expertly.
Silence engulfed the room.
As the one who had made the invitation, Lynn averted his gaze, afraid to meet her ruby-like intense eyes.
Ivyst stared at him wordlessly, who knew what was going through her mind.
Seconds crawled by.
Feeling increasingly pressured, Lynn was even prepared to remind her of that earlier promise.
Just then, Ivyst’s cold, melodious voice rang out again.
“Fine.”
Lynn looked up in disbelief.
She actually agreed?
The next morning, as Lynn stood at the manor’s entrance quietly waiting for Ivyst, he was still mulling over yesterday’s events.
He never expected her to agree without using that wish.
Could it be she’s falling for me?
Highly possible.
Lynn stroked his chin gloomily, troubled by his own charm.
At that moment, Greya, who had been eavesdropping, suddenly chimed in: “You’ve been acting all flamboyant since yesterday—who are you actually going out with?”
“Though that chick can clean up nice, she’s way too young to pique my interest.”
Greya continued his chatter.
Clearly, he was extremely curious about Lynn’s date today.
Unfortunately, Lynn remained cryptic, refusing to spill the beans.
This only intensified Greya’s curiosity.
So, bright and early, Greya stuck around, eager for a glimpse of the woman in question.
“Tap, tap, tap”
Suddenly, Greya perked up at the sound of dainty footsteps, feeling he was about to nab some juicy info on Lynn.
But when he turned around and spotted the approaching woman, he froze.
“Y-Your Highness, good morning!”
Greya’s face turned pale, his legs trembling like leaves.
Ivyst casually glanced at him, then turned to Lynn, her expression deadpan: “I wasn’t aware your idea of a stroll involved a third person.”
“I’ll just leave!”
Before Lynn could even speak, Greya bolted away, rolling and scrambling to get out of there.
Simultaneously, his opinion of Lynn soared to new heights.
What a beast!
Absolutely the cream of the crop in the male species!
How else to explain that he’d managed to woo the notorious Princess in just over half a month?
Clearly, this kid Lynn was no ordinary guy, accomplishing what others couldn’t even dream of.
But was it really wise to spread this gossip?
He thought bleakly.
Watching Greya flee, Lynn chuckled to himself.
Then he turned to the Princess before him.
He had expected Ivyst to spruce herself up, only to find she was dressed in her usual black long gown, sporting matching high heels, her long hair tied into a high ponytail resting on her waist, exuding a simple yet capable vibe. Her inherent beauty, coupled with an air of unapproachable authority, still left Lynn briefly awestruck.
Noticing his expression, Ivyst frowned: “So, what exactly do you have planned for this date?”
Snapping back to reality, Lynn instinctively looked away: “Um, just… walking around, strolling, dining together, enjoying the scenery, and chatting.”
“Boring.”
Ivyst shot back flatly.
Yet the next second, she walked ahead without another word.
Lynn shook his head, quickly following her: “Uh, Your Highness, usually on dates, cough cough, hand-holding is expected.”
“Hand-holding?” Ivyst let out a scoff, “You have quite the nerve.”
So it’s a no-go? Lynn felt a bit deflated but wasn’t discouraged.
But moments later, Ivyst slowly stopped: “However, since I’ve already agreed, so be it.”
“Also, I’m not fond of that phrase.”
Huh?!
With that, she turned around to meet Lynn’s gaze.
Under his watchful eyes, a mischievous smile tugged at Ivyst’s lips as she extended her slender white hand in front of him.
Lynn took a deep breath, wondering why this woman always knew how to provoke him with just a word.
Stay calm!
This was part of the plan to get back to the Imperial Capital!
After an intense inner struggle (which took all of 0.5 seconds), he obediently placed his hand in Ivyst’s palm.
Feeling her delicate skin and the cool sensation that vaguely radiated from her, Lynn’s heart skipped a beat.
Something was off.
This woman was acting strangely today.
Their first stop was an upscale women’s clothing store.
“You brought me to this kind of place?”
Surrounded by opulent clothing, Ivyst didn’t seem impressed and even appeared a bit displeased.
It was clear that any item here could easily match the annual income of an ordinary family.
But being a pampered Princess, it made sense that she would dismiss apparel meant for regular nobles and citizens.
“Your Highness, the essence of a date is to do some ordinary things.”
Lynn whispered in explanation.
Ivyst’s expression remained flat as she ordered the confused female staff around: “Bring me your most expensive clothes and shoes.”
The staff exchanged glances for a moment, then scattered under Lynn’s fierce gaze.
After all, these two looked quite wealthy, not someone they could afford to offend.
Moments later, as they stood before a neatly arranged array of clothing and footwear, Ivyst gave a cursory scan.
“You, go pick out the best looking one.”
She commanded Lynn.
Lynn was taken aback for a second before he dutifully turned around and selected an outfit based on his taste.
“Are you trying to embarrass me?” Ivyst said coldly, “These outfits are hideous, and you chose the ugliest combination. So unsatisfying.”
Lynn stared at the wide-brimmed sun hat, white wave-patterned dress, and crystal high heels he held, falling into silence.
Was his taste really that awful?
He just wanted the sharp, intimidating Princess to try out a new look.
Something more innocent perhaps.
Who knew it would result in such brutal derision?
Just as he hesitated whether to pick another outfit, Ivyst’s voice rang out again.
“Hand it over.”
Lynn looked up to find her staring expressionlessly at the crystal heels in his hands.
Realizing the implication, he quickly approached Ivyst and presented the shoes to her.
Unexpectedly, Ivyst frowned at the sight and hissed, “Do you think this Princess has the habit of bending down to wear shoes?”
Staring at her fair legs peeking from under her skirt and those dainty little feet in black high heels, Lynn froze for a few seconds.
Feeling the odd stares from the surrounding staff, he took a deep breath and slowly bent down.
Calm down.
This was part of the plan.
Even if it was mundane, it was still a crucial part.
And during the double monthly vote period, family, remember to cast your votes!!!