Heroine On Strike

Act 4. We Don’t Need Each Other

Only opened for two months so far, the Glass garden was considered the best place to visit within the capital city of Durasdin. There were constantly people visiting every day. Due to the many visitors, it required a reservation in order to visit. Lots of people waited outside of the garden. Outside space larger than the Glass Garden itself was decorated into an outside garden for those waiting for their turn to spend their time. The outside garden was also decorated in Martinic style that added yet another sight to see. 

The carriage that Ella and Cullan rode on stopped at the Glass garden’s entrance without any restrictions unlike the other visitors. As the carriage with distinct symbol of Toiken stopped at the front of the Glass Garden, it gained immediate attention of people around it.

“I guess the rumor is true then?”

“You mean the rumor that the Toiken emperor’s seventh son who studied in the academy decided to stay at our country even for the Week of the Beginning?”

“I heard his highness even gave him a room at the palace.”

“I heard they were close friends at the Academy! I heard that they have a very special relationship.”

“Special? It’s not like he’s a prince from some nowhere! He’s a prince from the Toiken Empire! Of course he has a special relationship!”

Everyone busily stared at him and chattered as the prince in the flying rumors made his appearance. Many of the men had a greedy expression as they watched the prince who was in charge of handing most glass and gem productions around the continent. Women, on the other hand, were intrigued as they thought they might have the opportunity to see the rumored prince. The prince had grey hair, which was uncommon in Duffspe. He also had grey eyes, which were unique only to the Toiken royal lineage. In addition to his good looks, he was also skilled with the sword.

It was rumored that the prince was a good match for the proud Crown Prince of the Duffspe Empire. Was it why it was special to see them together? It was hushed between people so they would not hurt the honor of their Crown Prince, but all women knew about him. From men to women, all of them were full of greed and curiosity, so they all stopped walking as they got to the point where they could see the carriage. Eventually, the carriage door opened, and the prince appeared. As he walked out, some of the women gasped in awe. People could also hear the sounds of many fans opening from these same women.

“My!”

The rumor was true. The prince shined as bright as silver. When he got out of the carriage, Cullan offered his hand to Ella. As Ella accepted his hand, there were more gasps. This time, the gasps came from the men, and they were much louder. Everyone’s focus was now on Ella’s beauty which resembled a charming flower. Another round of gasp were let out as she stood by Cullan. Weirdly, Cullan’s silver hair and bluish gray suit matched Ella’s distinct purple hair and bright yellow dress even though there was a minute contrast. The way Cullan tenderly looked at Ella obviously had some special meaning to it. Onlookers began to whisper among themselves after seeing that.

“As I expected, people can’t take their eyes off your beauty.” 

“I think they are looking at you, Cullan.”

Hearing Ella’s words, he smiled, seemingly became glad to hear and said, “I just hope you won’t take your eyes off of me.”

Ella stared at Cullan fascinatingly with a coy look in her face at his courteous flirt and wrapped her arm around Cullan’s. Joanne then readilyopened the umbrella from her side, and Ella held it up close to her shoulder.

“I promised my brother that I would thank him for what I see today. I cant thank him with a lie. Although I’m tempted to accept your offer, I’m going to have to decline.”

“Hahaha! Yes, of course. You will need to see those flowers today, so you won’t have to lie to him.”

Cullan jokingly gave permission to her and escorted Ella into the Glass Garden with a spotless manner. The garden was full of foreign plants and glass sculptures. The sculptures were created using special techniques from the Toiken empire. Next to those sculptures were bluish steel pillars that were from the Martin region. There were also plants draping down the pillars with a magical light floating around them.

Ella was intrigued by the lights. The palace magician who Cladis invited was probably the one who created these magical lights. In the novel, the magic was supposed to react to the boutonniere that Ella had prepared for him. The lights, however, would serve a different purpose this time. 

‘What would be its purpose?’