The Omega Princess and Her Two Leashes - Chapter 106

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Chapter 106

The only remaining question was how Arlenrose had acquired such a large quantity of pheromone suppressants. Well, he thought, that’s something I can uncover by examining Graham’s records. Having reached this conclusion, Enrique rose. “Very well, Your Highness. Thank you for the explanation.”

Leybid, lounging on the sofa, offered a sly smile. “Don’t mention it. It wasn’t much trouble. It hardly warrants the gratitude of a Crown Prince.”

Enrique shook his head and looked directly at Leybid. “On the contrary, Your Highness, it must have been quite difficult. It takes courage for a Crown Prince to admit to being driven by fear. I’m sure you were deeply embarrassed, yet you swallowed your pride and spoke the truth, lest my sister be unfairly suspected. For that, I am truly grateful.” With a graceful bow, Enrique turned and left the room. Leybid watched him go with a bemused expression, then, as the door closed, he abruptly turned to Arlenrose. “He was totally mocking me, wasn’t he?”

Arlenrose, about to take a sip of tea, paused. The steaming liquid, hot just moments before Enrique’s arrival, had cooled considerably. She drained the cup in one long gulp and set it down delicately. “No.”

“No?”

“That was blatant mockery.”

“Damn it!” Leybid’s belated outburst followed her calm correction. “Now even he thinks I’m a weakling who faints after eating street food, a delicate hothouse flower, a coward who runs from terrorists…”

“He didn’t exactly say all that…”

“But that’s what he meant!”

“Because that’s what you said.”

As Leybid fumed, Arlenrose picked up a cookie. “I never expected you to go to such lengths to create an alibi.” It was truly surprising. She had only hoped he would corroborate her story, not take the lead so enthusiastically, especially by portraying himself in such an unflattering light. It couldn’t have been easy for someone as proud as Leybid, particularly after she had goaded him into eating that crepe he’d found so unappetizing, just to prove he wasn’t a hothouse flower.

“Will this be enough?”

“Hardly. It’s just a temporary fix. They’ll likely suspect me again as the investigation progresses.”

“So we need to do something more… Hmm…what should we do?”

“You’d do that?”

“If necessary.”

“….”

Arlenrose stared at him, speechless. Not only had he been surprisingly proactive with the alibi, but he was now offering to help further?

“Your Highness…”

“Hmm?”

“Why are you doing all this?” Arlenrose’s violet eyes searched Leybid’s. His own blue eyes, unusually calm, met hers. She had anticipated a boastful response, perhaps a demand for some sort of compensation. She’d even braced herself for it.

But Leybid simply looked at her, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Was I helpful?”

Taken aback by the unexpected question, Arlenrose nodded. “Yes.” There was no reason to deny it. His unexpected efforts had eased her situation and lessened suspicion.

“Good. I like that.”

Like what? Arlenrose tilted her head, puzzled. Surely he didn’t consider the matter closed. Yet, Leybid’s genuinely pleased expression left her feeling strangely unsettled. Isn’t he going to ask for anything in return?

As if prompting her to speak, Arlenrose continued to stare at him. Leybid tapped his lips. What is he doing? Then, she realized she was still holding the cookie. Does he want me to feed it to him?

As she extended her hand, Leybid leaned closer. His lips parted, his warm breath brushing her fingertips. Then, the soft, moist touch of his lips grazed her skin.