After Liser listened to his story, Rozia felt a twinge of pity for him. Born into the royal family, he should have lived a life of luxury, a man with a silver spoon from birth. Yet here he was, struggling to survive petty family politics.
"You should take better care of yourself. What if you actually die? Then I'd be a widow for life," Rozia said, feigning anger.
Liser chuckled. "Silly. Don't you know me? I navigated the business world on Earth, and you think I can't handle this soap opera?"
"Yet you still died in your last life," Kristina cut in.
Liser froze.
Rozia glanced at him with a strange expression. Sensing he didn't want to dwell on it, Kristina spoke again. "Let me tell you about my journey…"
After hearing her story, Liser felt relieved. However, when she mentioned the engagement, his heart tightened. It eased only after learning it was with the First Prince.
He sighed inwardly. His beloved truly was amazing. Even while under house arrest, he had heard rumors of the virtuous Lady Kristina. Her beauty and graceful temperament were well known. Still, a sense of unease lingered. With her heavenly appearance, he couldn't guarantee that his shameless second and third brothers wouldn't try to take her as a concubine.
"So, Ryan, what should we do?" Rozia asked.
"It's Liser now. You should address me properly in public," he replied.
"Then you should call me Kristina."
"Fine. Now that you're practically widowed, we're relatively safe. But I need power. I'm planning to establish my own kingdom. This place is not livable at all," Liser scoffed.
"I know this place is unlivable, even for nobles. But… establishing a kingdom?" Though hesitant, Kristina made up her mind. If her man wanted to build a kingdom, then so be it. She would support him until her last breath. After all, they had 22 years of affection behind them. Neither wanted to lose the other.
"I have connections I built while in the capital. After this banquet, you should come out with me," Rozia said.
"But I'm being monitored every second," Liser replied.
"They're watching you, yes, but they won't act. Not yet."
Silence fell between them. Both were lost in thought, yet neither disturbed the other. It was a habit they had shared since childhood.
Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in Kristina's eyes. She shared her plan. Liser hesitated at first, but after some persuasion, he reluctantly agreed.
At that moment, a maid entered. "Miss Kristina, the banquet is starting. We should head out."
Kristina's face lit up when she saw her. She stood and took the maid's hand. "This is my personal maid, Lira. She's also my best friend." Then she gestured toward Liser. "This is Liser, the Fourth Prince."
Lira tensed immediately and bowed. "I-I'm truly sorry, Your Highness. I failed to greet you properly."
Liser waved it off magnanimously. "It's fine."
Kristina rolled her eyes at his pretentious tone. This guy is being ridiculous, she thought.
Lira hurriedly added, "Your Highness, the funeral is starting, and—" She stuttered, not daring to urge a royal.
Liser glanced at her. She was pretty, though not as breathtaking as Kristina. Still, her long, slender legs caught his attention a bit too much.
Lira grew flustered under his intense gaze.
Kristina noticed immediately. Alarm bells rang in her head as she shot Liser a deadly glare.
Sensing danger, Liser snapped out of it. I'm dead, he thought.
He coughed awkwardly. "I'll be going now. See ya."
"See ya," Kristina replied. It was their childhood way of saying goodbye.
After he left, Lira let out a sigh of relief. That gaze had been overwhelming. Then curiosity sparked in her eyes. "Ji, do you have a relationship with the Fourth Prince?"
Kristina hesitated for a moment before answering softly, "Yes… I like him."
Lira was stunned, then immediately intrigued.
Their relationship allowed such boldness. Lira had been brought to Kristina at age seven, when Kristina was five. Over time, their bond had grown into something like sisters. Kristina's lack of noble arrogance only strengthened that bond.
As for the "leg incident," Kristina quietly noted it down. She would settle that later, with interest.
Meanwhile, Liser, now far away, let out a deep sigh.
Oh, Liser… why did you have to stare at her legs in front of Ji? he scolded himself.
Composing himself, he headed toward the back garden, where a grand procession awaited. Black cloth hung from trees and buildings, marking the somber occasion.
At the center of the funeral, he saw a red-haired woman with a graceful figure and breathtaking beauty seated beside a frail old man who looked drained of life. Several officials sat nearby.
Liser stepped forward, putting on the act of a frightened child. His wide, naive eyes quickly drew attention.
One official approached. "Hey, child, what are you doing here? Which house are you from—"
He stopped abruptly upon noticing the golden insignia on Liser's shoulder.
At that moment, the graceful woman rose and approached him. "Oh? Is this the Fourth Prince? Where are your attendants?"
If you hadn't pushed me to this point, would I be like this? Liser cursed inwardly. Outwardly, he maintained his innocent act.
"Aunty, I'm lost. I heard my brother died, and a maid left me alone in this big place."
The woman was taken aback. She had expected naivety, but not to this extent. Then again, it could be an act. She needed to observe more.
"Oh my, I'm your stepmother, Helena, the current queen. You can tell me anything."
"Really? You're my mother?" Liser's eyes lit up.
For a brief moment, Helena's composure cracked, but she quickly recovered. Her family was still under suspicion, and the Crown Prince's faction remained strong. If she could win over this seemingly gullible prince, things would become much easier.
With a gentle smile, she took his hand and led him toward the center.