Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Forty-One

The Third Prince's Request

Ugh. This is so uncomfortable. I can almost feel the disgusting tickle of sweats from my forehead down. Like beams of lasers penetrating my defenses, I can simply calm myself down silently.

I cleared my throat. "Say, uh, third prince-"

"Prince Gavin," He corrected me with a straight face.

"Right, Prince Gavin. Uh, is there something on my face?" I asked because he's been staring for almost twenty seconds now. It's uncomfortable. Super uncomfortable. I hate it when I'm being stared at openly and intently. It also doesn't help he's not speaking what he wants to tell me. God, I want to go home!

"Indeed there is. There's a mask covering your face."

Is he being funny? "Hah... ha...ha..." I laughed awkwardly. Goddamn it. I know it wasn't meant to be a joke but for a moment I thought he was. And even if it was a joke I don't think I can laugh real laughter because I don't get the joke, if there's any. "Well, you see, this is my identity... a trademark of some sort."

"Hmm, a trademark..." his head tilted. "I wonder why you wear masks?"

"Well," I looked away. I might be wearing a mask his penetrating gaze still feels like it can see me from behind the mask. "I like to keep a low profile." I simply answered. It's an honest truth anyway. Keeping a low profile and live a chill life afterward!

"Low-profile eh? But doesn't that make you more eye-catching? Masks and all..." He trailed his eyes up and down, "those fabrics."

Patience. I need to have patience no matter how that insulting that sounded. He's ignorant of the power my mask and robe possess so let's not get mad. Let's-

"Does looking shabby include in being low-profile."

"Yes," Yes, you p*****t.

I don't know if he's straightforward or simply discreetly insulting me. If it's the former, his honesty stings a little, just a little.

"Ah, forgive me, I did not mean to sound insulting. I hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable." He said apologetically while scratching his head. His head turned away and look back again, "although I was serious that your robe looks shabby. I wasn't insulting you."

"Yeah." I know already so stop repeating that! "Anyway, Prince Gavin, I wonder what you want from me?"

"You're right. I want something from you," then his eyes turned serious. Dead serious. His calm aura was completely gone and replaced by an intimidating and heavy atmosphere. "You're a girl, right?"

"Ah..." 'You're a girl, right?'

IS HE GOING TO REVEAL HIS p*****t SIDE?!

No, no, I must not panic. There is nothing he can do to me in this room. Besides, he's a prince. What does a prince would want to a masked woman looking all shabby?

"I suppose the marquess told you so?" I inquired. It's the only plausible reason why he knows my gender.

He blinked before he cleared his throat. "I apologize, it seemed I made uncle do something he's not supposed to."

I don't understand what this guy is thinking. It's unbelievable how easy for him, a prince, to apologize. But I guess it's also due to my prejudice against politicians, in this case, royalty of high status that I thought they're all proud and unyielding regardless of whether they're right or wrong.

I cleared my throat feeling a little ashamed. The third prince seemed humble and understanding yet here I am, kept thinking he's only a p*****t prince. I've been rude without Prince Gavin knowing. "Oh don't be. I know the marquess has a reason to do so," Let's put the 'p*****t' stuff behind.

His eyes once again stared intently at my face- mask before he nodded. "I am truly thankful. Truthfully, I wanted to ask for you to lend a hand for the royal family."

Help the royal family?

Even though I'm filled with questions, I asked the most important. "What type of help are you expecting from me, Prince Gavin?"

His face turned grim, his eyes shone filled with unyielding determination. "Your magic and items, I want to use those to purge those that have been turning this kingdom into chaos."

"..."

Purge. Chaos. These two words shouldn't be placed in the same sentence.

"Hmm," purge he says. I looked away from his face. He's really handsome okay, it's a little distracting but what's more amazing is that the painted expression on his face. One befitting that of a member of the royal family.

He did not falter even for a bit when he announced what he wanted no matter how heavy it sounded.

"Purge, you say? That's rather...—"

"I understand that it is burdensome, more importantly, it is difficult for you to decide since this concerns the lives of people, however, I cannot take my decision back. They must be purged for their crimes against the people, the kingdom, and against the royal family."

Then, silence...

He turned his attention to the teacups placed in front of us that none of us tried sipping from. It's only there for the sake of it.

To have such unwavering determination. Is that what it takes to be part of the royalty? Based on the expression on his face, there seems to be nothing that can change the mind of this prince. His decision is final, purge it is.

I heaved a deep sigh.

"What will I gain from this?" I question bluntly.

He didn't look surprised by that, if anything, I know he expected that. The Prince is not naive, he knows that nothing is given for free.

"Others believe that having a connection with the royal family is enough reward for their services. I personally do no think that the great contributions would be enough, especially not with what I asked you, Lady Istorya." He breathed a sigh, "tell me whatever it is that you want, I shall do my best to fulfill it to the best of my abilities."

Oho?

"Really? What if I want this kingdom?" My eyebrows quirked.

His face darkened, his eyes glared, as quickly as it appeared, it's gone the moment I blink. As if it wasn't there. I can't be seeing things, it was only for a split second but I know how his face darkened and how his eyes glared at me with a hint of intent. Ill intent.

"I cannot give you that."

This man... he really is devoted of this kingdom, huh. Is it devotion or obsession I don't know, I'd rather not confirm either of the two it is, instead, I should focus on the matter at hand.

A prince asking me for a favor.

"I'm kidding, I would never ask for this kingdom or anything related to power and management. My chill won't be impossible if I do." I exhaled.

"... chill life?"

I flinched. "It's nothing. Just a random I heard somewhere," I smiled while waving my hand dismissively. "Anyway, what's the plan?"

"Are you accepting my request?"

Honestly, I have nothing to lose if I reject him- maybe aside from losing the royalties connection with me- anyway, all in all I don't have much to lose. This might make things awkward between the marquess and I if I reject the prince which is his nephew but considering his personality, I don't think he will mind it too much. Unless of course there is something big going on...

"Truthfully, this type of request is something i should reject but I will accept for the sake of my friendship with Marquess Rolfe. I only have one condition, Third Prince." I glanced at him seriously. The expression on his face didn't change. "I want to know who will be involved, who are your allies and the subject of this purge."

The change in the expression of his change is visible, he did not try to hide it, he was crystal clear in showing that my request crossed the line he set. I know, I understand that even though he asked for my help, there are things I'm better off not knowing, but, since I will be the one who will provide items and help for this purpose, I'd like to know who will be involved. More importantly, I want to know who they are the state of this kingdom.

"As much as possible, I would appreciate it if Lady Istorya won't ponder further into this topic. If it worries you that this will fail and it will impact you negatively, rest assured, I will use all my power to prevent that from happening. Whether this fail or not, you will suffer any consequences."

Tempting. If only that is really possible. I won't suffer any consequences? That's rather hard to believe. I know the influence of Faceless, my worth. Whether he like or not, I will be affected.

"I understand that there is a line that I cannot cross but at the very least, I want to know who they are. I want to know if my items are worth using on them."

The Third Prince eyed me for a couple of seconds before he sighed, a sign that he's given up.

"I suppose you have the right to know who. However, whether you know them or not, I hope you won't make any wrong move against me or the marquess, Lady Istorya."

I flinched. My forehead crease upon seeing the suspicion on his eyes.

Hah. This guy, I see... he's very thorough. He knows when to step forward and when to retreat, more importantly, his very cautious too.

"I know where I stand, Prince Gavin. Besides, this simply a business transaction, is it not?"

I smirked. He stared at my face before the end of his lips tugged.

He stood up.

"I look forward to working with you, Lady Istorya."

"Likewise, Prince Gavin."

*

My talk with the prince ended and I returned back to the auction house. The employees were relieved to hear the news that all the accusations against our auction house have been settled. They were told- threatened- that the auction house will be closed since I committed sins. Seriously, this isn't earth but news travel just as fast in here. Don't tell me they have an internet connection here that I don't know of? Jeez.

"My lady, how was your talk with the prince?" Elise asked while she pours my glass with the freshly squeezed blue apple. It's commonly known for its cool and minty flavor. It's a fruit considered exclusive only to those in the upper class.

"That? Ah, it went well."

Thankfully my biased opinions about the third prince. I just have to worry about his request. The information about them that were given to me by the prince is useful but I won't settle down. I have to know more. Especially their connections with the other nobles here in Griselda.

"Enjoy your drink, my lady,"

Elise bowed a little before she exited the room. I opened the parchment containing the names of the target, one particular name caught my eyes.

I smirked.

Duke Michael Alerra

Now, now, I guess this is most amazing result of the prince’s request.

To be continued....