Life as a Tower Maid: Locked up with the Prince - Chapter 23

TM has been completely translated on Patreon

Chapter 23

Translator: Yonnee

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“No, but Your Highness, Blanc has already settled in. And I already gave him a name. He also really likes this place, so… I can’t do that.”

How could I throw out a child out there in the world, and to top it all off, it’s not even certain when he’d die?

I shook my head firmly. Albert frowned.

“It’s only been a day, Rosé. Did you get attached already in just that short of a time?”

“The span of time we spent together doesn’t define the way we spent it.”

From the moment I laid my eyes on him, I was already captivated by Blanc.

Right. I can’t kick him out just like that.

Especially now that I heard what his future is going to be like.

Albert’s cold expression made me speechless. He was so straightforward about kicking out Blanc.

“Rosé, the probability of that fledgling surviving is only one out of a thousand. If you don’t let him go now, you’ll only regret it later.”

“Even though I’ll be sad if Blanc dies later, I won’t regret meeting him. We’ll spend our time together as best as we can from now on.”

I answered firmly.

I was aware of Albert’s stance on this, but I valued my relationship with Blanc.

“I like spending time with him, so we can just have more happy times together. It would be better for the both of us.”

“And what if he won’t be able to survive?”

“He survived until he’s 499, so who’s to say he can’t survive more in the future?”

“And what will you do if that fledgling leaves your side?”

I bit my lips for a moment, not knowing what to say.

This is because I knew all too well how hard it would be for someone you love to leave your side.

I still remember how it felt when my family—the people closest to me—left me behind.

…But I also knew how foolish it was to end a relationship before it even begins.

“It’s foolish to start something that you know will end eventually.”

“But happy memories will remain with me, Prince. For me, the time I can spend with Blanc would be an unforgettable memory.”

This was my first time arguing with Albert.

His demeanor was different right now compared to when he spoke coldly when I asked if I could have a pet. And it was different from when his eyes glinted dangerously when I got myself injured.

He seemed angry, but he was calm externally. This quiet countenance was like the sky at dawn.

“I won’t abandon someone just because I’m scared of something that hasn’t happened yet.”

“……”

“Even the probability of Blanc coming here is just one out of a thousand.”

I concluded with that, my voice trembling.

Despite what I had said… I really was still scared of the future.

Apart from this, I couldn’t imagine the aftermath.

Albert was a nobleman—above all, a prince. There must not have been many people who were openly against his words.

I might have offended him a lot. Maybe right now he’s already thinking of cutting my neck.

As I observed him cautiously, I unconsciously touched my neck.

Albert was clearly frowning, but at the same time he seemed to be uncomfortable.

Prince, please tell me you won’t cut down the land and money I’ll be receiving from you just because of this argument…?

Albert stared at me, his eyes slightly narrowed. He was still so attractive, and he looked ready to entice someone just about now, but that didn’t matter at this moment.

Tensions soared as the silence continued to stretch between us. Please just say something. This silence is scarier.

“You’re not wrong.”

“…Huh?”

Soon after he spoke, I could feel the tension in my body leave gradually.

…You’re taking it in stride?

“It seems like you gave me the answer to my worries.”

“…Huh?”

But weren’t we arguing just now?

Albert nodded nonchalantly as he stared at my puzzled face.

“Do whatever you want.”

“…You were so stubborn at the start. Isn’t Your Highness’ words too different from earlier?”

“So should we do what I want?”

“No! No!”

I shook my head.

Since he allowed it now, there’s no need to push him further. What if he’d change his mind again?

Albert smiled, his eyes curved, as he saw me waving my hands frantically.

“It’s surprising to know you could say something like that.”

“…You’re surprised?”

“It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t. Didn’t you say you can read my face?”

“But Your Highness accepted in the end. I knew it, Your Highness truly is a beautiful and benevolent prince.”

“I wonder if you eat a bowl full of honey every day.”

Finally, we returned to the usual atmosphere between us. I only felt comfortable then.

“I have something to tell you, Rosé.”

Gulp.

As soon as Albert said this, I got nervous again. I might still be in trouble.

“Cut my hair later this evening. I feel stuffy around my shoulders.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

As Albert stepped back, I could only listen.

I don’t know how to cut hair…

Welp. If I can’t avoid it, then I should just postpone it. With a solemn expression, I asked.

“Wouldn’t it be better if it’s tomorrow morning instead?”

“No. You have to do it today.”

I cried inwardly, but Albert didn’t take back his words. He was already set on it.

Dinner time.

This was the time when Albert and I didn’t come into each other’s spaces.

Albert broke the silent agreement between us and invited me into his space during this solitary time.

He said it so naturally that it didn’t even register in me that this was unusual until this second, but he was allowing me to be part of his personal time.

I had no choice but to say yes. He’s finally warming up to me.

However, I warned Albert.

“Prince, I’ve never cut hair before.”

There’s this modern establishment called a hair salon, so there had been no need for me to cut my own hair at home.

“I could mess up your hair.”

I couldn’t even cut my own hair right now, but it’s true that Albert’s hair had gotten thicker.

It doesn’t really matter because he’s still handsome. Do I really have to cut it?

“It’s alright. You can do it roughly.”

But no, actually, it does matter! My meager skills would bring harm to the prince’s appearance!

“Your Highness, do you really have to leave this to me? Why don’t you just grow it out? I think you look good with long hair, too, Prince.”

“I’ve already considered it. Just do as I say.”

But Albert was adamant about it.

Eventually, Albert and I had a compromise.

I’ll cut his hair, but it will be tomorrow.

I really really really don’t want to. When I told him that I wouldn’t do it, the prince just persuaded me by saying he’d increase the land he’ll give me later.

So I was left with no choice.

After all, I am but a humble slave to capitalism.