Seeing her saddened eyes, Charles wanted to pull her into an embrace. But he hesitated.

If they were in their past life, he would've hugged without hesitation at all. But...she doesn't even remember him. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

He retreated his hands that were reaching out for her.

"Can you tell me more about her...?" Angelina asked.

"Mhm" Charles smiled and nodded. His mood became slightly better. Angelina was too caught up with her emotions, that she unknowingly forgot to address him as 'your highness' and spoke to him informally.

It was just like how she spoke to him in the past...

"Unlike Lily, she isn't an orphan. She was born in a commoner family. Her father works as a farmer. When marquess Bailey asked her parent's for permission to take their daughter as his, they agreed immediately. This Harper is a simple, naive, and kindhearted girl. Not like Lily at all..." as Charles told her about Harper, he didn't forget to tease Angelina.

"........" it took Angelina a few seconds to realize. Once she did, she flushed in embarrassment and pouted stubbornly.

Charles chucked before offering for them to go somewhere out of the estate and Angelina agreed. The engagement party lasts for quite a long time, and she didn't want to see 'them'.

"Follow me Lily" Charles held her hand and led her to path leading to exit. He was delighted that she agreed. It's been a while since they spent time together. The last time was during their past life, when they were children.

He really missed the moments that it was just him and her.

*********************

Angelina silently admired the majestic black horse in front of her. Then her gaze went to the emerald amulet around it's neck.

".........." Why does this horse remind her of someone...?

"Here" Charles took out a black cloak from the horse's saddle bag and handed it to Angelina. Angelina nodded and obediently put it on.

She gave the horse another glance before directing her attention to Charles.

"What's it's name?" Angelina asked. An innocent smile plastered on her flawless face.

"........" Charles widened her eyes at her question. His faint blushed turned scarlet in an instant. He hesitantly opened his mouth and told her.

"Lilith..."

"Yes?" Angelina responded.

"No...it's name is Lilith..." His face seemed to turn redder and redder as more seconds pass.

"........." Angelina was completely dumbfounded. Did he really give his horse...her original and true name...!?

Charles felt extremely embarrassed. He had gotten this horse years ago, when he was still a child. So he childishly named his horse Lilith, since at that time, he was recently separated from Lilith.

Meanwhile inside Angelina's head, only one thought occupied her mind. 'Wait...was he comparing her to a horse...??? '

"I'll help you get on..." Charles offered his hand. He dared not face her gaze.

"Mhm..." Angelina mindlessly accepted his help. Then she felt herself being lifted up and placed on the horse's back.

"Comfortable...?" Charles asked. He wanted to make sure she didn't sit in an uncomfortable position. Only after he saw her nod did he get on the horse.

Angelina's back was pressed against his chest. His arms around her, holding the reins. Charles reminded her to hold on before he allowed the horse to start walking.

It's been quite a while since Angelina mounted a horse. During her time as Lilith, she stopped riding them after her favorite horse passed away. She wasn't very good at riding horses. Someone always had to be nearby to watch her when she did.

********************

Luckily the Casspan estate is not too far from downtown, so they soon arrived.

It was around noon so the streets were bustling with people. They had to be careful so they wouldn't bump into anyone. They could smell the scent of fresh baked bread in the air, coming from the bakery. But they also could smell the scent of blood from the butchery.

Charles tied the horse to a poll. He took out a few apples and gave it for the horse to eat.

"Wait for us here okay, Lilith?" Charles said to the horse.

"........." Angelina couldn't help but be speechless. It felt so strange hearing someone call a horse by her name...

Charles and Angelina eventually ended up in the market place.

Laughter and chatter came from every direction. It was loud, but it strangely felt harmonious. The atmosphere was lively and pleasant.

They both visited a few stalls and bought some food. But soon they became tired and exhausted. They were able to find a deserted area and sat down on a wooden bench.

"It's much more enjoyable spending my time here then at that hellish place..." Angelina exclaimed. She leaned back, not caring for her image. No nobles were present, she could finally breathe freely and relax.

"As long as Lily is happy." Charles smiled and lightly pinched her left cheek. His eyes full of affection and pampering.

"Stop treating me like a child..." Angelina wined. She understood that they developed their friendship when they were children, but their not children anymore! All throughout this afternoon, he treated her as if he was doting on a child. Of course, her enormous pride refused to let that happen.

"Whatever Lily says..." Charles's smile dimmed. Was she saying this because she was uncomfortable around him? He really just wanted to play with her and spend time together like they used to...

He wanted to woo her. But he doesn't know the first thing about working for the love of a lady. He was brought up as a prince. He was drowned in study. He was taught many things, but love wasn't among them!

He was scared he would make a mistake, and instead of gaining her affection, she would be annoyed or disgusted.

He could only think of a one way too woo her. And that was to just be there for her.

Comfort her when she is sad. Help and support her if she needs it. Respect her decisions, and protect her.

Even if she never returned his feelings, he would be satisfied if he could just stay by her side. Of course it would hurt him immensely. But as long as she didn't hate him, he would be alright. At least he could live knowing she holds him dearly. If not a lover...than a friend would be okay. At least....she would still be in his life.

"Hey...are you alright...?" a pleasant voice entered his ears. He saw his beloved look at him with concern. Was she worried about him...? Thinking of that possibility, he felt slightly joyful.

Angelina noticed his low spirited expression and was quite concerned. He seemed completely fine just a moment ago, why does he suddenly look so wronged...?

Charles let out a light chuckle and stated, "Knowing Lily cares about me is already enough to lighten my mood."

"....!!" Angelina widened her eyes at his words, before turning her head away. 'Why was he so flirty today!? ' Angelina silently cried out.

She could not bear to look directly at his irresistibly charming face as he spouted such words. She must not let herself be seduced by this sly emperor!

Staring at the visibly flushed and embarrassed young lady beside him, Charles's too flushed with embarrassment. He felt so shameful! How could he say such things!? Did he go overboard...?

*********************

"Where's Lina?" Alice finally asked what had been stuck in her mind. She had been wandering this since Angelina left them to greet marchioness Casspan.

"Huh..." Rienne glanced looked around the ballroom, before saying, "Oh yeah. Where is she...?" Angelina had an outstanding reputation among the the noble circles, unlike herself... She thought Angelina was merely chatting with others. But when she looked around the ballroom, Angelina couldn't be found.

"Lady Angelina likely ran away, hoping to escape both of yours endless bickering." Arianna mocked the two. Her blunt tone made one unable to discern if she was joking or serious.

"........" Alice lowered her head with embarrassment.

"........" Rienne pouted in embarrassment.

Arianna doesn't speak much, but when she does she always spoke in a rather harshly manner. Only when she was the one hosting an event, would she speak slightly more restrained and less blunt.