The Omega Princess and Her Two Leashes - Chapter 118

Schedule: Monday and Friday

Chapter 118

Leybid glared at the upright and noble knight before him, then looked away. “Hmm. I appreciate your concern, but it’s my affair, and I’ll handle it.” Unable to logically counter Camin, this was Leybid’s greatest act of defiance. But Camin merely nodded firmly once more.

“That is certainly your prerogative, but should a diplomatic issue arise between our kingdoms due to Your Highness’s well-being, it would be regrettable for all involved. I implore you to be mindful during your stay in our kingdom.”

Leybid’s eyes flickered. Arenrose had said something similar before the crepe incident in the market. He instinctively thought that perhaps their long acquaintance had fostered similar sentiments between Arlenrose and Camin, then immediately became angry at himself for the thought.

His mind was a jumble. Why had he needlessly provoked Camin Modreo in the first place, and in such a childish manner? Leybid was bewildered by his own behavior. The Imperial Crown Prince, Leybid Di Valenti Luversiana, wasn’t typically driven by competitiveness or a thirst for victory.

Such desires belonged to those who sought a sense of superiority by besting others. For Leybid, superiority was as natural as breathing. As the Imperial Crown Prince and a dominant Alpha, he was inherently superior. It was a fact known to him and the entire world, requiring no external validation. Thus, winning or losing held no particular significance. Winning was expected, and losing couldn’t tarnish his inherent superiority.

But this Alpha, Camin Modreo, was different. He desperately wanted to defeat this man, to prove his superiority. That was why he had willingly played the fool for Arlenrose—the weakling felled by street food, the hothouse flower, the coward fleeing from terror. He didn’t care what Enrique or anyone else thought, but the thought of Camin witnessing it was unbearable. The memory of the pity in Camin’s eyes made him want to scream.

Even now, the thought of Camin inwardly labeling him weak, fragile, and cowardly twisted his insides. That was why he had resorted to such childish taunts. He simply couldn’t bear to lose to Camin Modreo. But why? Because he was a rare fellow dominant Alpha? Because he was considered the most outstanding man in the kingdom? Or… because he was Arlenrose’s unrequited love?

The moment he posed the question to himself, Leybid knew the answer. The first two possibilities evoked no reaction, but the last ignited a surge of anger. This is insane. Have he truly become a fool?

“…Your Highness?” Camin’s voice, tinged with concern, snapped Leybid out of his reverie. He’d forgotten Camin was still there. Embarrassed, Leybid cleared his throat. “It’s nothing. In any case, I understand your concern. I wouldn’t want to cause Arlenrose any trouble, so I’ll be careful. I’ll keep it in mind.”

Leybid, deciding to cease the pointless sparring, responded agreeably. As he casually spoke Arlenrose’s name, Camin’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly. …What was that? Did he imagine it? Leybid tilted his head, studying Camin again. But the man before him offered a faint smile, as if confirming Leybid’s mistake. “Yes, as Her Highness’s knight, I thank you.” It was the expected demeanor of a knight renowned for his unwavering integrity and nobility.