Chapter Six: The Princess Consort Greets the Prince at the Royal Villa

“Who’s a good boy?” I whispered to the alpaca as I stroked its mane. The young alpaca, who was terrified when he initially came here, had finally adjusted to his new environment. He allowed me to ride his back whenever we took a stroll around the villa. It was always a delight as I couldn’t get enough of his fluffy mane.

“The alpaca has become attached to you, Your Highness.” One of the maids said, cutting into my reverie.

“That’s because he’s very friendly. Aren’t you?” The alpaca whinnied happily as I continued stroking its neck.

“We are almost at the goal; hang in there!” I screamed and straddled the Alpaca tighter.

“Your Highness, there is a problem!” a frazzled maid came running towards me from the direction of the royal villa. We were mostly at peace here, so it was rare to see someone in such a state. Something big had happened.

“What is the problem?” I replied as calmly as I could.

“His Royal Highness, the prince, he’s here…” she ran out of breath before she could complete her statement.

“What? The Prince? Here? Why? I must go and meet him at once!”

“No need for that” The maids and I froze at the voice. There was no mistaking the figure leisurely strolling towards us. His glossy platinum-blond hair that made countless women fall in love shone in the sunlight, his lilac-colored eyes exuded certain nobility. Even from a distance, it was sure the figure strutting towards us was no one but His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.” He continued as he reached me with his long strides and then stared at me with puzzled eyes. Well, why wouldn’t he? I wore unbefitting clothes and straddled an Alpaca. I never imagined that the Prince would be here today so I was dressed in my usual clothes. If I had been informed beforehand, I would have donned attire befitting for him.

“I apologize for showing you something so unsightly.”

“No, it doesn’t matter. What is this animal? A horse? A sheep?”

“This is an alpaca. The fleece is soft. Would you like to pet it?”

“I accept your proposal” The prince was as confused as I was and had no idea what to do. I suggested he pet the alpaca on impulse, and the prince simply followed what I said. While other people who surrounded us were frozen in place, with some struggling to hold in laughter, the alpaca was the only one whinnying in happiness from being stroked.

“I came to inquire on how you are doing, but it seems like everything is fine.”

“Yes, it is, Your Highness” The prince and I faced each other in the parlor of the Royal Villa, but I still could not get over the shock of having him see me in this attire while riding an Alpaca. However, It counted as a win since he hasn’t cut off my head while yelling: “This is for degrading the dignity of the Royal Family, you miscreant!”

“I have read the reports,” he continued. “You seem to have been doing a number of innovative things.”

“Well?” One could feel the fear in my voice.

“The cultivation of vegetables and herbs. I believe there were also plans to create an orchard? I also heard you handle the soil, and you are involved in farming yourself. You are quite enthusiastic about this, aren’t you?”

Excuse me, why is the Prince aware of my activities and actions? I glanced at the documents he was holding and noted something scribbled beautifully. That couldn’t be a report of my…Oh my God!!!

The moment I realized what he held, I felt all blood drain from my body. I never thought the Prince would spare me a second thought, so I wouldn’t have imagined the maids from the Royal Villa reporting to him about my activities. He also took time to go through it; had he been overlooking everything I was doing until now?

“I-I’m terribly sorry,” I apologized profusely.

The Prince looked at me with wide, surprised eyes.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I am aware that I should have behaved in a manner appropriate to my position. However, I have acted in a way unbecoming of the crown Princess.” If other countries found out the princess plowed the fields with a giant smile and rode around on an Alpaca, we would become a laughing stock. But the prince didn’t scold or punish me.

“Raise your head.” Which I did, with great trepidation, steeling myself to meet his stern gaze. I was surprised to see his light expression; it was as if he was looking at something enjoyable.

“Farming is a job that is indispensable for humans to live, and by extension, for the maintenance of a country. It is not a job to be taken lightly. I believe it is not in vain for anyone, including the Royalty and nobles, to voluntarily engage in agricultural work and understand the hardships involved.” The Prince put on a serious expression as he said that, which left me dumbfounded. I had initially thought he was an ignorant prince since he attempted to marry Ella after he danced with her only once.

 He is not an idiot. He is a prince with his own opinions who carries the burden of the country’s future.

“In the future, I plan to develop a large-scale farm near the Royal Palace. It would be helpful for you to put it into practice first and identify any problems and issues you come across.” 

Does this mean he approves of my lifestyle? May I continue living my life as I have up till now?

“However, you will be notified in advance for any visitors. Be sure to dress appropriately during those times,” he continued, as he affirmed my lifestyle.

Thank goodness. If he told me to wear a dress and sit in the Villa all the time, I would dry up from boredom!

“Thank you very much, Your Highness!” I said, with a smile on my face.

“I’ll come again.” He mentioned as he strutted out.

 I wasn’t able to show him my hospitality. Maybe, I’ll bake a cake and bring it out the next time he visits?

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