Crown Prince’s Ex-Boyfriend

The festival was said to be more luxurious than ever.

Therefore, the practice swords and protective equipment that were always placed in the corner of the banquet hall were nowhere to be seen.

There are also VIPs from other countries attending, so it was an opportunity to set aside Dalian, gracefully dance, and display the dignity of a victorious country.

The second half, which was prepared solely by the royal family this time, was also an extension of the banquet.

“Then, I’ll start the masquerade. The rules are…….”

As the host’s words fell, the banquet hall quickly darkened.

In the darkness, I could feel a disturbing presence wrapping around me like a snake.

As expected, she was here. Mona White.

Her hidden touch slowly moved in front of my face.

However, even if she tried to hide it, I could still sense it clearly

Especially because she possessed the same energy as me.

Swiftly, I grabbed the hand that was attempting to cover my mouth.

Then, rather than resisting, I let my energy flow through the space where Mana was holding.

“Ugh!”

“You’ve never assassinated anyone before, have you? You must be used to fighting head-to-head. You should have approached from behind to cover my mouth, not from the front.”\

The knowledge I gained from my experiences with the mercenary corps served me well in this situation.

I smiled coldly.

“You’re stagnant.”

“…….”

“I’m still developing”

I have learned a lot during my time as Irilyn, and my learning will continue.

I have no choice but to admit it now. This life has become precious to me.

Even though I know I shouldn’t dare.

‘Give me my body. Before I kill you.’

When I think of Isvino’s low voice, I feel a sense of fear again.

However, there was also an insatiable desire that wouldn’t be discouraged.

“I don’t want to lose it.”

This body, the life I’ve lived.

Seven years of living in Irillin’s body.

It was definitely my life, not Irillin’s.

“All that Melhona.”

“-!!”

How does it feel to be under the spell of your creation?

I couldn’t even guess, as I couldn’t see Rapel’s face in the dark

.However, I could sense it from her essence.

The body moving at the will of others, not hers, would be embarrassed and tormented by the humiliation of being under someone else’s command.

“What? Is something wrong?”

My sister asked when she noticed my distant expression. I answered with a chuckle.

“I’ll tell you later. For now, pay attention to the host. You can relax for the time being so let’s just get the prize money”

“What? What just happened…….”

“Shh.”

I gently hushed my sister.

Then I listened to the host’s ongoing explanation.

“……Therefore, you can find them by the end of the masquerade. Well, good luck to all of you VIPs.”

The banquet hall was once again filled with light.

I squinted, frowning at the sudden light.

“What? It’s over?”

“Do you want me to explain?”

My sister murmured through her blocked mouth. I let go and shook my head.

“That’s alright. I remember everything.”

The royal family’s masquerade was different from the usual ones.

VIPs were given general masks that covered only a portion of their faces.

However, the royal family received special masks that could magically change their height, body shape, voice, and face.

Guests had to identify a stranger among the countless masked individuals, believed to be a member of the imperial family.

And call out their name.

f they guessed correctly, a significant amount of prize money would be awarded.

<The Crown Prince’s Lover> began in full force during this masquerade. How could I not remember the rules?

“Then, how many royal families are hiding?”

“The Emperor, Empress Mama, the Second Prince, and the Crown Prince himself. There are four of them in total.”

It was fortunate that the second part could be enjoyed by the knights without compromising their duties.

They were required to remain in their assigned positions, but they kept a watchful eye on the proceedings.

“But what’s wrong with your expression? Is it related to what just happened? You seem nervous. Why don’t you tell me now?”

I guess my inner thoughts, which I had been anxious about for a while were revealed even through the mask.

I shook my head.

“No, it’s not because of what just happened. Look over there. It’s all settled now.”

Where I pointed with my gaze, I saw Rapel, who was blocked by other knights.

“Captain…No…unknown knight. What’s wrong with you? Everyone knows that after the masquerade begins, access to and from the inside is restricted…….”

“It was the person who told such a man to put his fist out without mercy……. An unknown knight!”

“Noisy. Can’t you all move? I must go find a melon right now!”

After hearing this series of conversations, the circumstances of the incident became clear.

My sister gave me a thumbs-up and patted me on the back.

“Well done, well done. But why do you still have that look? Are you still worried?”

“No, I don’t know. What’s wrong with me…?”

“Isn’t it because you’re not feeling well?”

“Is it so…?”

I feel like I’ve forgotten something important, and I feel like I’m just…….

The source of this anxiety was completely unknown.

“Argh! She broke through!”

Then there was a great commotion on Rapel’s side.

Did she break through?

How powerful was she? I can’t believe she’s broken through so many knights.

…Is that how I act too?

“Stop the Captain!”

“You should say unknown knight, you fool!”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“Is that the real problem now? Come on, stop her!”

“If she’s so strong and fast, why don’t you use bait? Like wine.”

“Hey, newbie, Is the unknown knight a dog? They can’t be lured like prey!”

“Yes. What kind of dog would come running with his tail wagging for some wine? Maybe a melon would do.”

“…….”

“Hey, get me a melon right now!”

……Did I turn Rapel into a melon maniac?

“Are you not Prince Sebastian Haydn Abert?”

As soon as those words were spoken, the brown-haired young man transformed into a black-haired boy.

The magic on his mask was released upon mentioning his name.

What a shame. I felt that something was familiar, but I hesitated, thinking it might be an illusion.

I should’ve just screamed his name!

Now that the Emperor, Empress, and Prince have been revealed, only the Crown Prince remains.

I’ve been scanning the masked VIPs around me, but I couldn’t sense the presence of the Crown Prince.

I thought you’d find him right away because you’re used to his presence. Where the hell is he hiding?

It’s not easy because there are too many people.

“Unknown Knight.”

Suddenly, a large white hand extended toward me.

I had been concentrating in the corner of the banquet hall that I hadn’t noticed someone approaching me.

A knight in a black mask grabbed my waist, I instinctively took a step back in surprise.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

Between the black masks, dark blue eyes stood out, accentuating the beauty that couldn’t be hidden even with a half mask.

Heat spread not only on my back but also on my face as well.

Fortunately, the mask covered up this situation.

“……I’m on a security mission.”

“As long as the Deputy Captain permits it, it’s fine.”

The mouth under the mask curved into a smile.

“No, it’s an order, not a permission. You must follow it.”

The hand reached out again as if urging me.

……He must have gone mad.

Why do I…

I feel like I want to hold that hand…

“You can’t.”

My sister grabbed my arm tightly, and I could feel the bruise forming from the force applied.

“I heard that even a knight on a mission is allowed to dance for a while. Isn’t it?”

“That’s right…….”

“If you want to intervene, justify first. But for now, don’t interrupt and respect her choice.”

For a moment, I got goosebumps.

We were taught not to interfere in matters of protection and to honor personal choices.

It was the same advice Sith had given Vin when he struggled against the elders of Ortega.

I felt that he had grown so much that he could reach his own conclusion without anyone helping him.

It seemed that my sister understood this too or had nothing more to add, as she closed her mouth and looked pensive.

As the knight in the black mask had implied, she respected my decision.

‘Make the right choice? You know, right?’ She looked at me with that kind of eyes.

“Well, choose, unknown knight. Whether you will take my hand or not.”

What should I do?

I know I should decline, especially not knowing if the Crown Prince was watching, but somehow, I can’t.

No. Honestly…… I don’t want to.

I just want to hold that hand.

But I have to let go of this foolish desire to survive…

In the end, I was about to refuse.

“Ho ho! Is this knight tactless? Why are you in such a romantic atmosphere?”

An unknown guest who was far away interrupted…….

That’s it, I give up. The Marchioness hurriedly came over, laughing.

“Now, two unknown knights, go on and enjoy. I’ll take care of him. Come on. What are you waiting for? Go!”

“Argh!”

The Marchioness took my sister and shoved my back and I stumbled, my head in Vin’s arms.