Shocked, Charlotte did a double take at her reflection in the mirror.

Despite not knowing much about magic, she knew that replacing someone’s attire required a great level of precision.

Once again, Ethelbert lived up to his reputation as a genius magician. Charlotte never expected she’d have been made to experience magic so often in such a short period of time.

“Sorry, blue is a bit eye-catching so I chose a darker color.”

Charlotte was taken aback.

In other words, he had intended to do that all along. Hence why he inquired about her favorite color.

“When it comes to clothes, I do prefer this color.”

“That’s great.”

Ethelbert chuckled, before touching Charlotte’s hair. She was stupefied when she saw her hair change color wherever he touched it.

While she was rendered speechless, Ethelbert’s hand moved to her cheek. As she lifted her face, his thumb trailed across her skin. It was coarse, perhaps because he practiced swordsmanship.

Seeing his earnest gaze, Charlotte was unsure of what to do other stare up into his indigo eyes.

How many seconds passed since they first looked at each other from a distance that could be said to be close?

For some reason, Ethelbert frowned slightly, sighed, and moved away.

“…Shouldn’t you be more careful?”

“Your Highness was the one who told me not to move.”

“Still, instead of showing any signs of resistance, you stared straight at me. Would you be able to blame another for misunderstanding and making a move?”

“… misunderstanding.”

Charlotte contemplated it seriously with a skeptical expression on her face.

“What would you gain from harming me?”

“…Seriously?”

As his expression became inquisitive, Ethelbert asked such a question. He sounded genuinely at a loss.

“—Ahem!”

Brandon cleared his throat, earning him a look from Ethelbert, who sighed once more before roughly brushing aside his bangs.

“All right, never mind. This conversation’s over.”

“…I can’t help but feel as if you’ve given up on me.”

“More importantly, check your hair and eyes in the mirror.”

Charlotte was a bit irked at his brushing her off, but his remark did pique her curiosity.

…Eyes?

She had witnessed her hair changing color, but what about her eyes?

Turning back to the mirror, Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise once more.

Not only her hair, but even her eye color had changed. Was that why he was caressing her cheeks? Or to be more precise, the area beneath her eyes.

“…I’m assuming this is also the work of magic?”

“Correct.”

For the first time in her life, her eyes bore a color different than those of Frederick’s. They were the color of tea, which was common among commoners.

Who’d have known that even one’s eye color could be changed using magic?

“Now, as for the finishing touches…”

Although her hairstyle was still half-up, the flashy and expensive hair ornament had disappeared. As Charlotte stared at her own reflection, she saw Ethelbert tie a dark blue ribbon to her hair.

“Don’t you think I have a good taste?”

Ethelbert smirked, satisfied with his work. He then grasped the ribbon to feel its texture.

Charlotte was transfixed to her brown hair and light brown eyes. Ethelbert also gazed at her reflection.

“Do you like it that much?”

“Yes, I do. I dislike that man’s colors, so this new assortment of colors is refreshing to see.”

After a few seconds, Charlotte was appalled. She had just revealed her true feelings.

The one who had just admitted to harboring negative feelings towards the king—the acclaimed hero—was none other than his own successor.

She’d just given people from another country an opening to take advantage of.

Charlotte was upset. She had let her guard down, something she would have never done under normal circumstances—

“I see.”

Ethelbert curtly responded. To Charlotte’s relief, he didn’t seem to be particularly interested in her relationship with Frederick.

…Somehow, whenever I’m with him, my true feelings inadvertently come out… I have to be more careful.

The fact that Ethelbert held different values from the people of the Kingdom of Lymore made her relax her guard. As a result, her true feelings, which she always suppressed, came forth. Perhaps, she did that fully knowing that he wouldn’t shut her off.

Even though letting her guard down against someone like him was the last thing she should do as the crown princess.

---

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***T/N: Gosh, what CAN’T this dude bro do!?

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