"That's only fair… isn't it?"
Astraea's starry eyes suddenly contracted.
The exiled prince standing before her—his composure and calculation—were utterly different from those vain, arrogant noblemen who reveled in favoritism.
He was not a fragile vase needing protection, but a hidden strategist.
The clarity and depth in those alluring, almond-shaped eyes—so paradoxically fused—held her gaze captive.
A strange heat surged from deep within her chest.
It was only then that Her Highness realized how dangerously close she was to the gallant Prince.
So close… she could clearly smell that unique scent of blood and sweetness on his body.
So close… the cold armor on her chest was nearly brushing against the tip of his nose.
'Gods!'
'This—this is utterly improper!'
'I… I have no shame!'
Astraea's face instantly flushed red. The blush spread swiftly from the tips of her ears down her slender neck.
"S-Sorry!" She jerked back like she'd been scalded by fire, retreating a full step to put what she deemed a "safe" distance between them. Her right hand, as if acting on its own, pressed against her wildly pounding heart as she bowed slightly.
"Your Highness, Wendy Black!"
"I—I got overly emotional just now and forgot myself. Please… forgive my rudeness!"
Astraea bowed her head slightly, not daring to meet Wendy's eyes again. Her long golden lashes cast shadows on her lids, veiling the anxiety in her gaze.
The proud First Princess of Valoran, the decisive commander of the Northern Front—now looked like a rookie soldier caught in a blunder, unable even to lift her head.
Wendy chuckled inwardly at her startled expression.
It seemed that even though his kingdom had fallen, his status as a prince still made for a powerful card in front of this chivalrous knightess, so obsessed with decorum.
Which meant… there was much to be played with.
"It's all right, Astraea." Not only did Wendy not step back, he even stepped forward, reaching out to gently lift the hand she'd placed over her armor.
"And please, there's no need to call me 'Your Highness' anymore. Just call me Wendy," he said, lips curled into a dazzling smile. "Between us, there's no need for all that formality."
The warmth of his hand seeped into hers. Astraea stiffened, wanting to pull away—yet something inexplicable kept her still.
She turned her face to the side, her voice faltering. "Th-That wouldn't be right… Prince Wendy, you are a renowned beauty across the continent, and I… I am merely… so ugly…"
Since childhood, she had endured cruel names like "ugly girl," "fat pig," "disgrace to royalty." The echoes of those taunts stabbed at her heart once more.
Before her stood a prince of extraordinary beauty and poise… How could someone like her stand beside him as an equal?
But just as Astraea was drowning in self-loathing, Wendy made a move that left everyone present stunned.
He let go of her hand—and stepped even closer, so much that his body nearly pressed against her armor.
In those shimmering, seductive eyes was no trace of politeness or pretense, but a sincere, almost obsessive admiration.
"Astraea, in my eyes, you are incredibly beautiful. I like you very much."
"Please don't belittle yourself."
The air froze.
Astraea was struck still.
Even her adjutant, Kara, and the surrounding knights stared wide-eyed, jaws nearly dropping to the ground.
In this world that worshiped "flat-chested justice," "loli supremacy," and "pretty boys rule," a man—no, a stunning, high-born prince—had just publicly praised Astraea's unconventional figure?
This was no less shocking than claiming the sun rose in the west.
"You… You dare—"
Kara instinctively drew her blade, thinking this man was cruelly mocking her princess.
"Kara, stand down!"
Before she could finish, Astraea cut her off with a trembling voice.
A storm was raging in Astraea's heart.
Since childhood, she had endured discrimination because of her "ill-fitting" body. She thought that as long as her battlefield achievements were glorious enough, as long as her integrity was unimpeachable, she could silence all voices.
But deep down, she had always yearned—for someone to genuinely praise her.
And now, that wish… had come true in the most unbelievable way.
Even if… Even if it was just a lie from a ruined prince seeking shelter, she was willing to fall for it.
"Astraea…"
Seeing her face red as a cherry, Wendy knew it was time to strike.
"You might think I'm being polite," the dark-hearted prince continued, deploying his long-prepared assault with an earnest tone, "but I despise hypocrisy. Think about it—if I truly looked down on you, why would I choose to ally with you in a life-or-death situation? I could've found another way."
"But I didn't. Because I admire you, I trust you, and I am willing to entrust my life to you!"
His expression grew increasingly "devoted," and his voice dropped lower, laced with a fatal charm.
"In my distant homeland, there's an old saying—'Plump or slender, all forms have their beauty.'"
"True beauty should never be confined to a single, narrow standard! Your strength, your courage, your powerful and magnificent body—these qualities hold a unique allure in my eyes."
Astraea listened quietly, feeling a warm tide rise from deep within her heart, washing away years of darkness. The inferiority she had buried so deeply was now crumbling piece by piece beneath Wendy's "sincere" and "fiery" praise.
At some point, tears had gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Not from sorrow—but from emotion, from years of being wronged… and finally, from release.
"Tch…"
Kara, standing aside, sucked in a sharp breath.
Logic screamed that this man was dangerous. But upon seeing the radiant glow on her liege's face—a look she had never worn before—and comparing it to Wendy's breathtaking face…
Kara's heart wavered slightly.
Perhaps… this prince truly did have unusual taste?
Astraea did her best to steady herself, regaining composure. But when she spoke again, her voice had softened, losing its prior edge.
"Wendy… if you truly have a plan to repel the enemy, then come with me to Sunset Keep."
Then, barely audible, she added under her breath:
"Besides… in your current state, you really do need a proper bath…"
[Perfect execution!]
Wendy gave a satisfied mental snap of the fingers, seizing the opportunity to once again take Astraea's hand and give it a firm, warm squeeze.
"It would be my honor… my dear Astraea."
But what the victorious prince failed to notice—
From the shadows of the jagged cliffs in the distance, a cold, piercing gaze was locked onto him.
"That little prince… just how did he manage to survive?"