Prince's tone shifted into a lazy drawl. "Because I'm a prince, genius. From birth we're trained to rule. We study every kingdom, their histories, their leaders—pictures, reports, everything. I've seen his face before, and he's unmistakable. As for the suspicion… you'll figure that out soon enough. Just be glad he hasn't tried to kill you yet. And don't give him a reason to."
That... didn't really answer my question, but I could tell Prince wasn't in the mood to elaborate. Typical. When he didn't want to talk, no amount of pressing would work.
We walked all day through the scorching heat, sand scraping at our clothes, until by evening we finally arrived at their settlement. I braced myself for the worst—imprisonment, maybe death. But to my surprise, they gave me a place to rest. A room. A proper bed. Food.
A footmam entered silently, placing several dishes before me. I stared at them—four or five varieties. I hadn't expected such hospitality, not from a clan known for rationing even drinking water.
Still, I gently pushed the plates away.
"Please take it back. I don't need it." I spoke with deliberate politeness. "And… send your leader here. I'd like to speak to him."
The footman looked taken aback but nodded and left.
Prince, ever ready with his commentary, sighed loudly.
"Really? You turned down their food? You do realize how rude that is, right? You're not in Bluesta anymore. You're in a foreign land, practically as a diplomat. There's a chance they know who you really are—do you really think this is the time to offend their hospitality?"
I shrugged, ignoring him. I wasn't about to touch food that likely belonged to people who needed it more than I did. Instead, I summoned something simple from my storage ring and ate silently.
Not long after, there was a knock. The clan leader stepped in, his steps quiet but sure.
He looked directly at me and asked, "Did you not like our food? Or… did you think we'd poison you?"
I stood, wiping my hands, and replied calmly, "Neither. I didn't inform your people in advance about my arrival. If they suddenly had to feed me, it might put unnecessary pressure on your supplies. I didn't want to be a burden."
He blinked, visibly surprised. Maybe even... amused?
His expression said it all: "You don't look like the type to care about burdens."
Exactly what I wanted him to think.
I added with a casual tone, "Honestly, I expected you to bring four or five guards. You came alone."
His gaze swept over me, lingering briefly. Then he replied, "You're not acting scared anymore, huh? Either way, if I wanted to kill you, I wouldn't need four or five people. I could do it myself. But... I don't plan to be your enemy. Not when I'm speaking with Christopher Von Windsor—the Second Prince of the Bluesta Empire."
I gave a low laugh at that. "So you figured it out." I leaned back slightly. "But don't underestimate me—I might not look it, but I could take on a fair number of your female warriors and come out alive."
Bihu Clan is matriarchal—their strongest warriors are women. He'd know what I meant.
What surprised me more was that Prince had guessed the man knew my identity, but hadn't explained how. I was genuinely curious.
"Alright, you win. Tell me—how did you recognize me?" I asked, crossing my arms.
He looked almost disappointed. "Huh. No gasp of surprise? No denial? You're no fun." Then, shaking his head, he added, "But fair. You asked, I'll answer—if you answer one of mine later."
I nodded, and he continued.
"At first, I didn't recognize you either. But your eyes... and your sword." He tilted his head. "Your eyes are unmistakable. Everyone on this continent knows the Bluesta royal family carries the aqua-blue gaze of the storm sea."
I sighed. "I changed everything. My clothes. My gait. My posture. I even adjusted my speech pattern. But my swordsmanship and eyes betrayed me, huh?"
"You faced Mia and held your ground," he said simply. "That alone narrowed down who you could be. There are few people in the kingdom who can do that. Then your eyes confirmed the rest."
I let out a breath and sat down, suddenly exhausted.
So much for blending in.