The Omega Princess and Her Two Leashes - Chapter 103

Schedule: Monday and Friday

Chapter 103

“I apologize, Arlenrose.” It was a somewhat perfunctory apology, but an apology nonetheless. Enrique’s grey eyes fixed on her violet ones, confirming that his apology was indeed directed at her.

“Oh…” Arlenrose was taken aback, having never received an apology from her brother before. Quickly composing herself, she nodded. “Yes, it’s alright, Brother.”

“Good. Thank you for understanding.” Enrique let out a hearty laugh, a forced, booming sound that felt hollow. This exaggerated laughter was a habit of his whenever he found himself in an embarrassing situation. Arlenrose knew this well. She usually found the sound irritating, but now, she barely registered it. She was too surprised by the fact that Enrique had actually apologized.

Unlike Arlenrose, Leybid still seemed displeased, one eyebrow arched. However, since Arlenrose had accepted the apology, he seemed to let it go.

“Then, Your Highness, would you excuse us? I have a private matter to discuss with my sister.” Enrique, now polite once more, addressed Leybid formally. Leybid, however, leaned back further into the sofa, an arm draped over the back, a sly smile playing on his lips.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Enrique’s expression hardened at this unexpected response. “Why…?”

“I was here with Her Highness first. Her Highness’s time is mine at the moment. Even you, Your Highness, cannot take that away.”

At his words, the muscles in Enrique’s carefully composed face twitched. Struggling to maintain his pleasant facade, he forced a friendly tone. “Then, when might that time… conclude?”

“I don’t believe it will.”

“What?”

“You see, I’m quite fond of Her Highness. As you know, with the peace treaty concluded, my return to the Empire is imminent. Our time together is growing short. I find that rather regrettable, so from now on, I intend to remain by Her Highness’s side at all times.” Leybid, sprawled on the sofa like a languid predator, slowly curved his lips into a smile.

Enrique’s composure finally crumbled. He wondered if he had heard correctly. Although the Crown Prince’s tone was polite and elegant, the underlying message was pure petulance.

“So you’re saying you won’t spare even a moment of Arlenrose’s time for me?”

“Precisely.” Leybid winked at Enrique, pointing at him with his thumb and forefinger. Enrique’s brow twitched with renewed irritation. He couldn’t understand why the Crown Prince was being so difficult today.

“Your Highness, why are you behaving this way?”

“Didn’t I tell you? I’m exceedingly fond of Her Highness.” Leybid’s eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint in them. Enrique, in contrast, forced his expression into one of stern disapproval.

“Your Highness, this is unacceptable.”

“Why? Wasn’t it you, Your Highness, who entrusted Her Highness to my care? Us being together is something you yourself sanctioned.”

“But you can’t interfere with royal affairs. Do you realize this behavior could be considered overstepping your boundaries?”

“Hmm, it seems this private conversation between siblings is rather crucial to royal affairs.” Leybid adopted a thoughtful expression, and Enrique quickly nodded.

“Yes, it is.” Enrique forced a smile, certain that the Crown Prince would finally abandon this ridiculous charade and excuse himself.

But Leybid simply smiled and held out his hand. “Then, why not just have your conversation here?”

“…What?”

“Go ahead. I’m more discreet than I appear.”

About twelve grams worth, Arlenrose thought, recalling something she’d heard him say once. She glanced at him before quickly looking away.

“We’ve become quite close, almost without secrets between us, so I’m sure Her Highness won’t object.”

Enrique stared at Leybid’s smug face, then turned to Arlenrose. “Arlenrose.” The weight with which he spoke her name was a clear command to persuade the Crown Prince. Arlenrose, who had been staring at the floor, flinched and lowered her head further.