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simplykatarinas-blog · 2 years ago

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The scene where the girls were asking if Cezar was her real boyfriend and then if it was Geordo, Keith, Alan, or Nicol that was her boyfriend was hilarious 😭😭

Hamefura LN13 Chapter 3 Summary

I am currently reading Hamefura LN13 and will post summaries after each chapter.

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1: The Foreign Study Matter

Chapter 2: The Prince Of Ethenell (Part 1)

Chapter 2: The Prince Of Ethenell (Part 2)

Chapter 3: The Sightseeing Outing with Cezar

Preparing for the Sightseeing Outing

Katarina is back home. She is working on the program for the sightseeing outing. Even though she has accepted to be Cezar and Jean's guide tomorrow, she is not confident that she is up to the task. Unlike Nathan, Cezar and Jean don't seem to have a poor sense of direction, so they will probably not get on the wrong path. She could actually get lost herself since she doesn't know the streets so well.

Katarina has recommended a lot of places, so they won't be able to cover it in one day. She should focus on the places they might like, but she doesn't know their tastes. In retrospect, today she should have talked about their likes instead of their siblings stories. In her past life, she could have used her smartphone to ask them, but in this life, she can only send letters, which is less convenient.

Katarina tries to select several places that Cezar might enjoy and be interested in. She also picks vacation-like spots to make him rest.

After deciding on a program, Katarina falls asleep right away. She is tired after her busy day.

Before the Sightseeing Outing

In the morning, Anne wakes Katarina up and helps her get ready.

While half-asleep, Katarina heads towards the carriage. On the way, she meets Keith, who asks her if she is going out in town. Katarina replies that she will act as a sightseeing guide today. Keith asks her who she will guide around. Katarina vaguely answers "Ethenell people" since Cezar and Jean want to go out incognito. Keith still guesses that she is referring to the prince of Ethenell. He shockingly asks her how she became his guide. Katarina simply replies that it somehow happened. Keith is not satisfied with Katarina's explanation. Keith is protesting but she leaves him behind since she doesn't want to be late.

Meeting Cezar

Katarina will meet Cezar and Jean on the outskirts of town. They don't want to openly go out through the castle gate because they would be assigned lots of guards if they did.

Katarina arrives at the meeting place. Cezar calls her out. He is dressed the same way as on their first meeting.

Katarina notices that Jean is not there. Cezar awkwardly explains that Jean had a sudden business coming up and couldn't come. Katarina thinks it is a shame, but they can buy lots of souvenirs for him. Cezar is surprised that Katarina is okay with them being alone together. Katarina doesn't understand why. After all, they were alone together when they met.

Katarina wonders if Cezar is feeling uneasy because Jean is not here to protect him. Katarina tries to reassure him by telling him that this area is safe and that she is also very strong despite how she looks. Katarina has a dark familiar, the magnifying magic tool created by Larna, and the antique magic tool that she keeps on her as a charm, she is all set. Cezar makes an awkward smile while listening to her. After all, he is also strong himself. So strong that some people run away upon seeing him. Katarina remembers that Cezar is a former mercenary. There should be no problem in that case.

Cezar mutters to himself that he can understand why the people around Katarina worry so much. Even so, he won't hold back and have Katarina be his guide today.

Cezar asks Katarina not to speak so formally with him since he is dressed as a servant.

Visiting the Bookstore

They start sightseeing.

Katarina takes Cezar to the biggest bookstore in town. She thought it would be a good place to show him since Cezar wants to study all kinds of things. Cezar seems to enjoy the place, so she is glad.

Katarina explains to Cezar that this bookstore has a large selection of books, and they also receive new releases quickly. Herself, she purchases novels and agriculture books there. Cezar wonders why a noble lady like her would read agriculture books. Katarina explains that it is her hobby. On her days off, she changes into farming clothes and works the fields. Hearing this, Cezar bursts laughing. He laughs hard while holding his stomach. They attract the attention of passersby who are curious about a handsome young man laughing so hard. Katarina asks Cezar what is so funny with farming. After all, you get to work out, stay in good health, and eat vegetables. Cezar laughs even more. Katarina really wonders what makes him laugh.

After he has finished laughing, Cezar explains that there is nothing wrong with agriculture. What is funny is just the idea of a high-ranking noble lady in farming clothes working the fields. Especially since he can easily imagine her doing it happily. Katarina shrugs it off since she is used to people getting surprised by this.

Moving on, Katarina explains that she has taken him here because she thought this place would be useful for his studies. Cezar thanks her for her solicitude with a grinning smile. Katarina feels relieved that she made the right choice.

They enter the bookstore and look at the books. Katarina usually only checks romance novels and agriculture books, but she feels unusually captivated by the other genres of books that interest Cezar. She enjoys it in a different way from browsing romance novels with her friends.

Katarina's stomach rumbles. Cezar proposes they go eat something.

Visiting the Restaurant

Katarina and Cezar head to a small restaurant that Katarina often visits incognito. It serves food that tastes nostalgic to her. It isn't the kind of place fit for royalty, but she has included it in the program since Cezar wouldn't mind it.

Katarina is nervous about whether Cezar will like the food. Cezar loves it, so she feels relieved. She excitedly tells him that it is one of her favorite restaurants. Cezar is happy she took him to her favorite place. He gives her a natural smile, different from his princely smile.

Despite being his guide, Katarina feels like she is with an older brother. She could almost expect him to pay the restaurant bill and buy her some snacks at the street stands.

Katarina tells Cezar he is like a reliable big brother. Cezar is surprised since he is heavily taken care of by his older brother. It feels new and nice to him to be called a reliable older brother. Cezar is making a mischievous smile.

Visiting the Farm

Cezar would like to study farms and agriculture. It seems like today's outing will include an observation trip.

They head out of town to the closest farm. After getting permission, they look at the fields.

There is a large field with abundant golden crops. It looks like a sea of gold. Katarina excitedly tells Cezar the field is the same color as his eyes. Cezar has golden eyes but he usually hides their color with black lenses. Cezar doesn't think his eyes are so beautiful since people are terrified of them. Katarina assures him they are. Cezar smiles.

While looking at the fields, Cezar mutters to himself that Ethenell still can't produce crops well since the fields have been burned during the civil war. He would like Ethenell to have abundant fields like that soon.

Katarina remembers that her international affairs lesson mentioned that Ethenell had been plagued by a civil war up until the current king ascended the throne. Fields had been burned down during the civil war.

Katarina doesn't know what to say so she keeps watching the fields silently with Cezar. After a while, Cezar snaps out of it and goes to the farmers to ask them questions. The farmers kindly answer them. Katarina and Cezar thank them.

Cezar and Katarina go back to the carriage. Katarina regrets that she couldn't prevent Cezar from working during his holiday. But since Cezar seems to have enjoyed himself, she guesses it is fine.

Arriving at the Orphanage

Next, Cezar would like to visit an orphanage.

Katarina thinks it must be because they are building orphanages in Ethenell after many children lost their parents during the civil war. Incidentally, Sora's childhood friend, Arnaud, has started working in one of these orphanages. Katarina would have preferred their next destination wasn't related to work, but she still wants to fulfill Cezar's wish.

Katarina takes Cezar to the orphanage where Cyrus delivers his crops. Upon arriving, Katarina is warmly welcomed by the kids and the teachers. They all know her since she has come back several times after Cyrus took her there. The kids get curious about Cezar since they are not shy of strangers. The precocious girls even are sparkly-eyed looking at him since he is a wild type.

The small kids (the age of kindergartners) ask Katarina to play with them. Whenever she comes over, Katarina always takes on the job of playing with the small kids since she can't teach the other kids anything. As a result, she is popular with the small kids. Also, when she comes with her beautiful friends, the precocious boys get careful about their appearances and keep glancing at her friends, while with her, they just ask for treats and leave. Except for one boy.

Liam is shouting at the small kids to let Katarina rest since she has just arrived.

When she first came here, Liam was a foul-mouthed kid with a bad attitude. But now, he is a serious, diligent, and considerate boy who is proactive with his studies and work. Only Liam doesn't ask for treats and leaves.

Liam invites Katarina to rest in the dining hall. He will make her some tea. Katarina is impressed he can make tea. Liam says he can handle this much, though he can't make fine tea that would satisfy a noble lady.

Only the director and Liam know that Katarina is a noble. All the others think she and her friends are from merchants' families. Because of this, she has introduced Cezar as an acquaintance from a foreign merchant family.

Katarina tells Liam that it will be fine but if the tea is too bitter, she might spit it out on his face. Liam is surprised, then replies with a grin that in that case, he will run away before she spits it out.

Katarina calls Cezar over not to leave him alone. She also tells the small kids that she will play with them after having tea.

Tasting Liam's Tea and the Girl's Cookies

Katarina sits in the dining hall with Cezar. Cezar looks at the kids around them chatting away and thinks it is a good orphanage. Katarina tells him that the orphanage is well-equipped thanks to the donations of the nobles. Cezar is surprised that nobles in Sorcier make donations to orphanages. Katarina replies that they do that out of duty. They allocate a donation portion in their work budget. Cezar is impressed that there is this kind of system in Sorcier.

Liam and a girl arrive with the tea. Katarina is pleasantly surprised that they have brought cookies with the tea.

Liam explains that these cookies were made by the girl. She wants to have another person taste them and give them their opinion. The girl is about the age of a grade schooler. She shyly explains that she is learning baking from Maria. Everyone here says her sweets are good but she would like the opinion of another person. Liam adds that the girl was already baking sweets before but she has greatly improved after learning from Maria. In his opinion, her sweets are as good as the ones sold in shops. Hearing Liam's praise, the girl blushes. Katarina realizes that Liam has not only become considerate but also popular with girls.

Katarina thinks it is indeed a great advantage to have learned from Maria. After all, Maria is a pro baker whose delicious sweets rival those of the shops around.

Cezar discreetly asks Katarina if, by "Maria", she means Maria Campbell, the Wielder of Light. Katarina says yes and remembers that Cezar knows her. Cezar only knows her because she is famous, they are not acquainted.

Katarina realizes that Cezar and Maria haven't met yet. They were supposed to meet at the International Assembly, but she may have prevented their meeting. This sightseeing outing could also be a game event that she has unknowingly stolen. She may have already been acting as the villainess who gets in the way of the capture target. Still, she wonders if Cezar will really fall in love with Maria if he meets her.

Katarina tastes the tea made by Liam. She tells him it is good. Liam smiles. Katarina tastes the cookies made by the girl. She excitedly shouts that they are delicious and that they will definitely be popular. The girl's face lights up. Liam happily tells the girl that, since her cookies have gotten the stamp of approval of a noble lady, she should be able to work in a pastry shop. The girl blushes. Katarina can tell that the girl loves Liam.

Comparing Orphanages in Sorcier and Ethenell

The other kids in the dining hall approach them and tell them what they want to be in the future. A girl is learning sewing and wants to work in a clothes store later. A boy likes learning new things and wants to be a scholar. A boy is learning swordplay and wants to become a knight. Katarina feels like a grandma as she is looking fondly at the children expressing their dreams for the future.

Cezar is impressed that the orphanage not only gives an education to the children but also teaches them all kinds of things. Katarina explains that in addition to giving them an education, the orphanage also teaches the children skills like cooking and sewing so that they can live by themselves once they are adults. The occasional visitors also teach the kids, and the kids can further their studies with them. Cezar finds it amazing that orphans can further their studies and have dreams. Cezar is smiling fondly.

When Katarina asks why he is making that face, Cezar explains that the orphanages in Ethenell have their hands full looking after the kids so it is difficult for them to give them a proper education. Cezar feels frustrated over the difference between Ethenell and Sorcier. He mutters to himself with a pained face:

Cezar: What should I do for the people of Ethenell to be able to live more happily?

Katarina can tell Cezar is really concerned by his people and that's why he keeps working relentlessly. His concern is a wonderful thing, but she is worried he might overwork himself to death. Katarina doesn't know the answer to his question but she can tell him one thing.

Katarina: I don't think this is something you should think about here alone. When you return to your country, please talk about it to your older brother, His Majesty the King of Ethenell, and to the people you rely on. If you talk about it and think about it together, it should be enough. It should not be an issue that you can take on by yourself.

Cezar is frozen in shock, then smiles. He thinks Katarina is indeed right and will follow her advice when he returns to Ethenell. Katarina encourages him to do so or else he will make lots of mistakes. Cezar thanks Katarina with a smile. Katarina is embarrassed that Cezar takes her opinion so seriously.

Cezar Discusses With Liam

Liam asks Cezar if he is from Ethenell. Cezar says yes. Liam says he is from Ethenell too. He asks Cezar if he lives there. Cezar answers he is in Sorcier for work but he will return to Ethenell later.

Liam asks if the war is over in Ethenell. Cezar says it is not completely, but mostly over. Liam is glad since it means that there will be fewer robbers. His dad said that it was because the war was going on that the number of robbers increased. Cezar agrees since the people who lost everything because of the war would become robbers to survive. However, there should be less damage now. Liam is glad that there won't be more people like him.

Katarina remembers that Liam's parents were killed by robbers.

Cezar awkwardly asks Liam if his parents were killed by robbers. Liam replies that his father, mother, older brother, older sister, and the people of the villages all died protecting him. He was the only one to survive. Then he lived like an animal in the slums, got caught, and after various things happened, he was taken to Sorcier.

Liam has said it in an unconcerned way unlike before, when he said it in a painful way. When Katarina asks him why, Liam tells her it is because he has decided to face forward and live. Liam is such a strong boy.

Cezar's eyes cloud and he apologizes to Liam. Liam doesn't understand why Cezar apologizes to him. Cezar probably wanted to apologize to him as a royal, but he is a foreign trader at the moment. He suddenly realizes he is supposed to hide his social status and tries to fix his mistake. He tells Liam he is apologizing as an adult who is supposed to protect children like him. Liam says he doesn't need excuses and would rather Cezar make Ethenell a better place so that there won't be more children like him. Cezar says he will work hard for it.

Cezar asks Liam if he plans to stay in Sorcier forever. Cezar looks like he expects Liam to say yes. But Liam says that he plans to return to Ethenell once he is an adult and has saved money. Cezar is surprised since Sorcier is a wealthy country with better life conditions. Liam explains that he hasn't returned to his village ever since it burned down. He would like to go back there and see with his own eyes what it has become. He has also heard that the new king is working hard on making Ethenell a good country, so the situation should be better once he goes back there. He also would like to use what he has learned in Sorcier to get a job where he can make Ethenell a way better country. It is his dream.

Liam has said it in a little bashful way. Katarina is impressed to see how much Liam has changed since the first time she met him. He told her before that it was his plan, but it is the first time she has heard him say that it was his "dream". Katarina is glad that Liam has a dream.

Cezar has been oddly silent. Looking at him, Katarina realizes that he is trying hard not to cry. Cezar is probably trying to hold back tears of joy. Liam is confused by Cezar's reaction and asks him if there is something wrong. Cezar pulls himself together and tells Liam that he is just happy hearing his words. He thinks Ethenell will become a way better country with people like him. He will have Liam work hard for it. Liam shyly says yes.

Katarina Gets Questioned by the Girls

Cezar and Liam are now talking about Ethenell. Katarina wants to listen too, but she is discreetly called by a girl.

When she comes over to her, she gets surrounded by girls. Katarina has often been surrounded by small kids, but this is the first time she is surrounded by girls of this age.

-----------

Katarina: Umm~ Is there something wrong?

When I asked this to the girl who called me over,

Girl A: Big Sister Katarina, what is your relationship with that mister?

...she asked while leaning forward.

Katarina: Umm..... A friend?

I couldn't possibly tell them he was a foreign prince and that I was his guide showing him around, so I replied this.

Girl A: Oh, I see. Since you have come together today, I thought he was your real boyfriend.

She readily said this. I was so shocked that my mouth was wide open.

While I was frozen like that, the girls continued talking.

Girl B: As I said, Big Sister Katarina's boyfriend is Big Brother Geordo. Am I wrong?

Girl C: Whaaat~? Her boyfriend is Big Brother Keith, don't you think?

Girl B: But Big Brother Keith said they were brother and sister.

Girl C: No, when I asked him, he said she was his adoptive sister. So he can be her secret boyfriend.

Girl D: In that case, Big Brother Alan too!

Girl E: What about Big Brother Nicol?

The girls happily chatted while I felt so embarrassed I wished I could run away.

For these girls to look at my relationship with my brothers and my friends that way, girls these days really are precocious.

Girl B: But Big Brother Geordo definitely loves Big Sister Katarina!

Girl C: Big Brother Keith too!

After saying this, the girls looked at me.

Uuuh, I still hadn't tackled this topic yet, it was a delicate period for me.

To begin with, how come the girls here are so perceptive and notice things that I haven't noticed for a long time myself? How are girls these days?

Girl B: Hey, Big Sister Katarina, who do you like?

Girl C: Did someone confess to you?

After she had said this, a lot of girls turned their sparkly eyes towards me. I...

Girl B: Ah, wait!

Girl C: She ran away!

I ran away full speed.

----------------

Katarina ran away from the dining hall because she couldn't handle the girls. She feels relieved that they didn't chase her.

Katarina Plays Tag With the Small Kids

Katarina sees the small kids playing tag in the garden. She feels like she is more suited to interacting with kids that age rather than more grown-up girls.

Katarina comes near the small kids. They surround her and all talk to her about playing tag. Katarina asks them if they can join them, which they happily accept.

Katarina starts playing tag with the small kids. They are unexpectedly nimble so Katarina must go at it seriously.

After a while, Katarina is out of breath while the small kids are not tired from running around. She takes a break while sitting on the grass. The small kids ask her if she wants to play hide-and-seek.

Cezar arrives and asks her if she is alright. Katarina says she will once she catches her breath.

Katarina asks Cezar if he has finished talking with Liam. Cezar smiles and says they have talked about lots of nice things. Katarina remembers that Cezar was about to cry of happiness earlier, and feels happy for him.

Katarina Holds a Baby

Katarina and Cezar hear a baby crying. Katarina is confused since there are not supposed to be babies in the orphanage. When she looks in the direction of the cries, she sees one of the female staff members holding a baby in her arms.

The staff member comes towards Katarina and thanks her for playing with the kids

Katarina asks the staff member about the baby. The staff member explains that the baby's mother hasn't recovered well after giving birth and thus can't look after the baby. As a result, they will temporarily look after the baby instead. Katarina didn't know that the orphanage could temporarily look after kids. Though, now that she thinks about it, there are some kids that she has never seen again. Cezar is impressed that the orphanage can also temporarily look after kids. Katarina feels the same.

Katarina looks at the baby. She can't believe how small they are. The staff member chuckles and says it's because the baby was just born this month. The baby was crying but now he is silently looking at Katarina with round eyes. Katarina finds them cute.

The staff member chuckles and asks Katarina if she wants to hold them. Katarina flusteredly refuses since she has never held a baby before. The staff member insists. After all, Katarina may be blessed with a child in just a little while. She will also thoroughly teach Katarina to hold them, so she should try. The staff member is a little pushy, but Katarina also wants to hold it, so she accepts.

The staff member gives her directions and Katarina holds the baby. Katarina is holding the baby well. The baby is so soft and warm, and he smells so good. Katarina is overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling while holding it.

Katarina excitedly calls Cezar over to see it. For some reason, Cezar is a little distant from her. He still comes over but he has an awkward face.

The staff member tells Katarina that the baby has fallen asleep. Katarina looks down at the baby in her arms and can see they are sleeping peacefully. The staff member thinks it must be because Katarina is holding it well. Katarina thinks it is rather because the warmth and the nice scent of the baby have put her in a good mood.

The staff member will take the baby to a quiet place so that the small kids won't wake them up. Katarina softly gives back the baby to her. Now that the warmth and the softness of the baby is gone, Katarina feels somewhat lonely. The staff member leaves with the baby.

Cezar Thinks He Is Filthy

Katarina comes close to Cezar and asks him if he doesn't like babies. Cezar replies that it is not that he dislikes them, it is just that sometimes, he feels like he shouldn't get close to pure beings like that baby and the small kids. Katarina is surprised. Cezar explains that ever since he was 15, he has taken the lives of many people as a mercenary. It is not only his hands that are filthy with blood, his whole self is filthy. So he feels like he must not get near beautiful things so that he wouldn't soil them.

Cezar looks like a different person as he says this while looking at his hands. Katarina thought Cezar enjoyed his former mercenary life, but after hearing this, she realizes that it was actually hard for him. When she thinks about it, it must have been hard to suddenly become a mercenary after leaving the inner palace at 15. There must have been some circumstances behind it.

Just by spending some time with him, Katarina can tell Cezar is a gentle person. Since he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would keep hurting people, the mercenary life must have been hard for him. Cezar was feared because of his golden eyes, he had to fight painful memories. Behind his bright smile, there is actually a wounded heart.

In the game, maybe he fell for the heroine after she had healed his heart. In that case, she should maybe introduce Maria to Cezar. Katarina is afraid of her doom but she can't possibly leave Cezar like that. As a villainess, she can't heal his heart like the heroine would. She will introduce Maria to him and let her handle the healing. As for her, she will just express her own feelings on the matter.

----

After I had decided this, I held Cezar's hands tightly. Cezar had a very surprised face. I told him...

Katarina: Your hands supported me when I was about to fall. They are warm and gentle, I don't find them filthy. I am sure that Mister Jean, your older brother, and all the people who cherish you think the same thing. That's why I don't want you to say that your hands are filthy.

Cezar: ........

Cezar was silent while gazing at me with wide eyes. I continued.

Katarina: I think the people who cherish you would be sad if they heard you denigrate yourself like this.

After saying this, I held Cezar's hands even more strongly.

Katarina: Your hands are warm and gentle. And you are too.

As I had talked one-sidedly, I thought I might have upset him, but when I looked up at him, he had an even more surprised face.

He didn't seem angry. His face gradually broke into a gentle smile. Then Cezar said...

Cezar: Thank you.

Thank goodness, I didn't upset him.

When I relieved my grip on his hands out of relief, this time, Cezar was the one to grasp my hand. Then for some reason, he approached it towards his mouth.

----

Maria and Cezar's Standoff

Katarina is confused about the situation when someone suddenly calls her out. When she turns around, she sees Maria.

Maria usually looks lovely, but for some reason, she has a sharp stare and a stern expression.

----

Maria: What are you doing?

She didn't say this in her usual gentle tone but in a stern resounding one.

What we were doing, huh? Well, I didn't know myself.

Until a while ago I was speaking my mind to Cezar, I was holding his hands and he is the one holding mine right now. I also would like to ask about this situation.

I was full of questions, but Cezar was the one who started speaking.

Cezar: We were just talking a little.

After saying this, he quickly released my hand and faced Maria. He had the smile I saw him making when he was standing up to people as a royal and noble.

Cezar: Could you be the famous Wielder of Light, Maria Campbell?

Maria: I don't know whether I am famous, but I indeed am Maria Campbell. You must be Prince Cezar Dahl from Ethenell?

Cezar: Yes, that's right.

Ah, it seemed like the two of them each knew about the other.

It felt like they knew about each other but were not acquainted with each other. And that it was their first meeting right now.

This handsome boy and pretty girl gazing at each other… It was such a beautiful sight. This must have been a game CG.

Now that they had met, these two would fall in love with each other, and...

Maria: And so, Prince Cezar Dahl, why might you be alone with Lady Katarina here?

Cezar: I have asked her to show me around the towns in Sorcier and following this, I had her take me here. Also, just "Cezar" is fine.

Maria: Then I will take you up on your word, Prince Cezar. If you want to engage in sightseeing of the towns in Sorcier, you can find people who serve as guides. I shall advise you to ask these people next time.

Cezar: Well, with my position, I just won't hire people I can't trust. And since I show myself plain like this, it can't just be anyone.

Maria: Is that so? Still, Lady Katarina is someone you have just met.

Cezar: Well, actually, I met her at the International Assembly and we hit it off.

---------

Katarina is confused since despite their smiles there isn't a sweet mood around Maria and Cezar. Rather than sweet, it actually feels electric. Katarina didn't expect a sweet mood right away since Maria was playing hard-to-get but she at least expected Cezar to take interest in her and gradually get charmed by her. But however she looks at them, Cezar doesn't look charmed at all. And Maria is colder than usual.

Cezar and Maria's conversation goes on. While listening, Katarina learns that Maria came here because she had a mission outside, and since the location was close to the orphanage, Cyrus asked her to deliver vegetables there for him. Then she saw Katarina and Cezar alone together without any servants and she thought that it was dangerous. Katarina also thinks it was dangerous for Cezar to go out without a servant but he insisted that it was fine.

Since they had their encounter, Katarina wonders if Cezar and Maria will interact with each other from now on. Katarina thought earlier that she should have the two of them deepen their relationship for Cezar's sake, but their relationship doesn't seem to deepen at the moment. It bothers her but she won't cut in their conversation.

After a while, it is time for Cezar to go home. Maria wishes him a safe trip back. The encounter event seems to be over. Despite only watching, Katarina feels exhausted.

Cezar tells Maria he is going home with Katarina. Maria offers to take him back home since the ministry and the castle are in the same direction. It will also be convenient for Katarina that way since she can directly go home. Cezar accepts Maria's offer with a princely smile.

Katarina goes back home alone. She is completely exhausted.

*** Cezar's POV ***

Maria's Hostility

Cezar is riding a carriage back with Maria.

Maria is so famous that rumors about her have reached Ethenell. Cezar has seen her at the International Assembly, so it doesn't feel like a first meeting for him.

He doesn't mind riding a carriage with someone he has just met, but her sharp stare makes him feel awkward. She has directed full hostility towards him ever since she has called out to him. He finally had some alone time with the girl who opened his eyes, and it turned out like this. This isn't funny.

Cezar tells Maria she doesn't need to show him so much hostility since he won't do anything to Katarina. Maria is surprised. She wasn't aware that she was making a hostile face. Cezar wonders how much Maria loves Katarina for her to unconsciously pour hostility on him.

Maria Asks Cezar About His Bride Searching Plans

After pulling herself together, Maria asks Cezar if it is true that he has come to Sorcier to search for a bride. Cezar sharply asks where she has heard that. Maria chuckles and replies that her superior at the Ministry of Magic cautioned her about Cezar approaching her. Though, she hasn't told anyone since he asked her not to. Cezar guesses that her superior must have been worried about Cezar taking Maria as his fiancée.

Maria looks so lovely and beautiful that some men could fall in love with her at first sight. She looks like an honest girl and she must be pretty smart since she always scored high grades at the Academy of Magic. Even if she is a commoner, it wouldn't be strange for a foreign royal to propose to her.

If Cezar hadn't met Katarina, maybe he would have taken an interest in Maria and gotten fascinated by her. But this is just hypothetical and in reality, he does not have such feelings for Maria, and Maria probably doesn't have any for him either.

-----

Maria: Prince Cezar, I have heard that if your desired partner responds favorably, you can take her back to Ethenell as your fiancée. However, Lady Katarina is the fiancée of one of the royals of this country. I don't think she would be a suitable partner for you.

Maria said this while firmly staring at me. I could feel a strong determination in her defiant eyes.

As expected. Maria was wary of me seducing Katarina and taking her away to Ethenell as my fiancée.

I could see this look too, earlier. I could tell that she would think that if she knew about me searching for a fiancée. However, I really shouldn't make an enemy of Maria right now.

I put on a gentle smile on my face, then...

Cezar: Of course, I have no intention of making a pass at the fiancée of the third prince.

I decisively said this, like it was all but common sense.

All while shooting sparks from her eyes,

Maria: Is it true?

She asked this while still suspicious of me.

Cezar: Yes, of course.

I asserted with a smile.

She must have been an honest girl. She relaxed her guard after I had said this without thinking any of it.

She didn't seem to notice that I add secretly added "For now" in my heart.

-----

Cezar Listens to Maria Talk About Katarina

Maria has relaxed her guard and is now looking gently at Cezar. Since Cezar has asked, she is happily talking about Katarina.

While listening, Cezar realizes that Maria loves Katarina from the bottom of her heart. If he made an enemy of her, she would be an opponent as troublesome as Geordo. He is all smiles while listening but he actually has cold shivers.

Cezar Is Back at the Royal Palace

Cezar has arrived at the royal palace. He can finally relax.

Cezar returns to his room. Jean has been waiting for him and asks him with a grin how it went.

Jean has pretended to have something to do today so that Cezar and Katarina would be alone together.

At first, Cezar wanted to tell Jean "Mind your own business", but since he actually had a good time with Katarina, he considers telling him "Thank you. It is thanks to you that I could have a good time" but it was embarrassing, so he ends up saying "It was okay" before entering his room. He can faintly hear Jean giggling behind him.

Cezar Can't Ignore his Feelings for Katarina Anymore

Cezar dives onto his bed. He is thinking of Katarina.

He took an interest in Katarina back at the International Assembly when she was not scared of his golden eyes and said they were pretty. He could contain his feelings when he learned that she was the fiancée of a royal of Sorcier. However, when she told him with her gentle voice and warm hands "Your hands are warm and gentle. And you are too." he felt his heart getting healed.

When he was a mercenary, he had relationships with female nightlife workers. Despite this, when he thinks of Katarina, his cheeks turns hot as if he had just reached puberty. It is the first time he has felt like this.

He has fallen in love with the woman named Katarina Claes.

He can't use reason to contain his feelings anymore. Katarina's fiancée is a prince of Sorcier who is infatuated with her. And the people around Katarina are all infatuated with her, including Maria Campbell. He won't be able to freely make a move on her.

Even so, these newborn feelings will be painful when he ends his relationship with her at the end of the foreign study trip. He would hate not to see her ever again. He wishes to have some kind of connection with her. And to this end, he will need to make Sorcier indebted to him. This is what he intended in the first place for Ethenell's sake, but now he also has personal reasons.

Something Liam told him about the incident in Port Town bothers him, so he will investigate it. By doing so, he feels like he will uncover information that will make Sorcier indebted to him.

Cezar shakes off the fuzzy feelings in his head and switches to work mode.

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simplykatarinas-blog · 2 years ago

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thank you so much for translating this!!

The scene between Kat and the baby was adorable! ☺️🩷

Wish we had gotten some Art for that scene. 🥲🥹