secret love

Episode 7

Max lowered his head slightly and said, "On behalf of my brother, I sincerely apologize to you."

Lera’s brother, taken aback by Max’s humility, quickly responded, "You are older and more respectable than me. Please, don’t apologize."

Max looked at him with a firm yet understanding expression. "A person should trust themselves more than others. Right now, you’re seeing yourself as inferior, but instead of lowering yourself, prove that you can be better. Show me that you can surpass me, and if I have said anything wrong, then please forgive me."

Lera’s brother absorbed his words in silence before nodding with determination. "You’re right. I will become stronger and work harder."

Herry, who had been observing the conversation, couldn’t help but smile internally. From where did this argument start… and where has it ended up? Shaking his head slightly, he decided to leave them to their discussion.

As he walked through the corridor, his eyes landed on a servant passing by. With a gentle voice, he asked, "Do you know Lady Lera’s room?"

The servant immediately bowed slightly and replied, "Of course, Prince Herry." She then guided him through the grand halls, leading him to Lera’s room.

Upon reaching the entrance, Herry offered a warm smile. "Thank you very much," he said, expressing his gratitude before turning to the guards stationed outside. "I wish to meet Lady Lera. Could you please seek her permission?"

One of the guards nodded and stepped inside. With a respectful tone, he said, "Lady Lera, I apologize for disturbing you, but Prince Herry wishes to speak with you."

Lera’s heart skipped a beat. Why is he here? What could he possibly want to talk about? A mix of excitement and nervousness settled within her as she took a deep breath.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally replied, "He has permission to enter."

As Herry stepped into the room, his gaze immediately fell upon Lera, who was lying on her bed. For a moment, he simply stood there, captivated, unable to look away. His eyes were locked onto hers, and he found himself speechless.

Lera, feeling the intensity of his gaze, quickly averted her eyes. Herry, realizing his actions, smiled slightly and said, "Forgive me… but you are so beautiful that I couldn’t look away."

Lera blushed and sat up. "Prince Herry, you wanted to talk about something, right?"

Herry nodded. "Yes. I wanted to ask—why did you run away earlier?"

Lera hesitated, her mind racing. I was foolish to run away like that…

She composed herself and replied calmly, "I just remembered something important, so I had to leave. If that offended you, I apologize."

Herry shook his head. "No, you don’t need to apologize. You are a lady, and every woman deserves respect, just like a mother. Even if you were at fault, you should never apologize to me, okay?"

He stepped closer, leaning slightly towards her and teasing, "Now, what are you thinking about, Lady Lera?"

Lera couldn’t hold back her laughter. She laughed openly, her eyes sparkling. "You’re really funny, Prince Herry."

Herry smiled, watching her laugh. There was something about her joy that made him happy, too. Then, he asked, "Lady Lera, do you have a best friend?"

The question made Lera pause. Her laughter faded, and she quietly shook her head. "No… I don’t."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and Herry immediately noticed. "Why are you crying?" he asked gently. "My brother is just like you… but he never cries."

Herry pulled out his handkerchief and gently wiped Lera’s tears away. She looked at him, touched by his kindness. "I’m sorry…" she whispered.

Herry smiled softly. "You don’t need to apologize."

Lera took a deep breath, composing herself. Herry then said, "Let’s go somewhere. Would you like that?"

Lera nodded with a small smile. "Yes, I would."

As they walked, Herry spoke again. "My brother has always been alone… he never found someone who could show him the purpose of life. But I won’t let the same happen to you." He paused for a moment before asking, "If you allow me… may I kiss you?"

Lera hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Herry noticed and reassured her, "It’s okay, take your time."

Instead, he gently took her hand and placed a soft kiss on it. Lera watched him, feeling something warm in her heart. For the first time, she felt like she wasn’t alone.

Breaking the silence, she looked at him and asked, "Prince Herry… will you be my friend?"

Herry chuckled. "Friendship isn’t made through words… it’s built by spending time together." He extended his hand. "So, will you come with me? I want to show you a place you’ll love."

Lera smiled and stood up. Herry took her hand, holding it gently. "Shall we go?" he asked.

Lera nodded. "Yes."

For the first time, she felt truly happy—because, for the first time, someone her age was by her side.

As Herry and Lera walked together, he took a deep breath and smiled. "Isn't today a beautiful day?" he said, glancing at her.

Lera nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, it really is."

They continued walking for a while, but soon, Lera noticed that they were heading somewhere unfamiliar. She looked at Herry with curiosity. "Where are we going?"

Herry chuckled. "Before going anywhere, we need to seek permission from your family."

Lera’s steps slowed as she thought about what her parents might say. Will they allow me to go? What if they refuse?

Without hesitation, Herry led her toward the king’s room. As they arrived at the grand doors, Herry turned to one of the guards. "I need to speak with King Philip."

The guard bowed slightly and stepped inside to inform the king. After a brief moment, he returned and said, "The king has granted you permission to enter."

Herry, maintaining his composed demeanor, walked inside with Lera by his side.