?

　　Augustus did not seem troubled by Gideon’s questions whatsoever. He merely got more comfortable on the couch and pondered for a moment before starting his story.

　　“The two questions you asked are related and the brief answer to them is that it has to do with my appearance. I was born as a bad omen of sorts to my family because I did not share the same dark hair nor dark eyes as my parents and the rest of my siblings.” He explained. “The title of Ghost Prince was used as a mere insult to me by my family and peers.”

　　“I apologise if I had offended you,” Gideon said.

　　“You did not. After years of this, I became rather used to the title and I grew fond of it.”

　　“And the manor?” I pressed.

　　“Would you believe me if I told you that my father ‘gifted’ me that manor as a means to get me out of his sight?”

　　“You do not get along with your father?” I hesitantly asked.

　　“As I said before, I was considered a bad omen to my family. When I was born, my appearance caused a lot of discourse between my parents when my mother was accused of infidelity. To prove her innocence, she hired a shaman to show that I was indeed my parents’ flesh and blood. But of course things did not end there.”

　　“Was the shaman the one who deemed you to be a bad omen?” I asked.

　　“You are quick-witted, princess. How admirable.” He said although by the way he said it, it did not sound like a compliment whatsoever. “The shaman claimed that as long as I am alive, I would bring misfortune to my family. My father is a rather…superstitious man and hence he trusted the shaman’s words. And due to this, he decided to send me far away.” He said, completely composed in contrast to the words he was saying.

　　Gideon and I exchanged a quick glance as we waited for him to continue. I felt as though there was something missing from his story, something he was purposefully hiding. When Augustus did not show any signs of continuing his story, Gideon cleared his throat.

　　“Is this why you said that rumours have fragments of the truth to it?”

　　“So you’ve heard of this tale?”

　　“Bits and pieces, though at that time I merely thought it to be another conspiracy someone had made up.”

　　“Are you disappointed that it is true? Or, has this revelation made you change your mind about me as a potential future partner to the princess?”

　　Gideon shook his head. “Truthfully, your past does not affect the selection process. This is after all a marriage of convenience and of mutual benefits hence if you still retain the title of a prince and own arches of land, I do not see why we should dismiss you as an option.” The royal advisor said matter-of-factly.

　　“And does the princess share your sentiment?” Augustus asked me.

　　“What did you mean earlier when you said you wanted to prove your parents wrong? How will our union play apart in that?” I questioned instead of answering him.

　　“It’s quite childish to say it aloud but I long await to see their reaction when they find out that the future empress of the Southern Kingdom sent me a marriage proposal.”

　　I made a face as I did not expect that answer at all. From the short interaction I had with Augustus Grey, I noticed that not only does he have an unnerving air to him, he was also incredibly petty. But I could not blame him as I recalled his story. He was particularly ousted by his own family solely due to his appearance—something he had no ounce of control over.

　　I reached out to grab my cup of tea in an attempt to hide the smile growing on my face as I drank. Augustus would definitely be a worthy partner and the land under his name would be beneficial in the long run. The only downside I had with him was the fact that I found it hard to fully trust his words.

　　I set my cup down on the saucer. “Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us, Prince Augustus.” I said politely.

　　“Of course. I did not travel all the way here to lie or plot anything against you, if that is what you are worried about, princess.”

　　My smile did not flatter. “Oh whatever do you mean by that?”

　　Augustus smiled back, the first time he had done so for the short period of time that we had met. “Are there any more questions that you would like to ask?” he asked, intentionally ignoring my question.

　　“No, I believe we have asked enough for now. You may retire for the day, Prince Augustus.” Gideon said as he stood up to walk Augustus to the door.

　　“Very well.” He said, standing up straight. He did not spare me a glance or even bid me a farewell as he followed Gideon to the door. I could hear their low whispers but failed to make out the words they were saying.

　　A moment later, Gideon returned to the couch. “What do you think, princess?”

　　“He is…” I paused. “Interesting.”

　　“Interesting?”

　　“Did you not feel as though he was keeping something from us when he told us about his past and his parents?”

　　“Ah, so you noticed it too? Hm, it is something completely irrelevant that he brushed over it or it has to be something of significance that might have altered our view on him.” he said, nodding to himself.

　　“And if it is the latter, do you think he will still be a good pick?”

　　“Hm,” Gideon thought about it as he absent-mindedly stroked his snow-white beard. “It is too early for us to dismiss him and besides, we still have two more candidates to interview.” He gave me a small smile.

　　I slumped back onto the couch, not caring that I did not appear ladylike in front of Gideon. He did not make any comments as he sat back down beside me. “What were you two talking about when you were walking him out?” I asked, curiosity irking at the bad of my mind.

　　“He asked about your father.”

　　I immediately straightened my posture and looked at Gideon. “My father?”

　　He gave me a firm nod. “Just offering condolences for the late emperor. Nothing more.” He said, not looking at me.

　　“I find it strange that he would say those things to you and not to me. He barely even acknowledged me now that I recall.”

　　“Perhaps he is just shy.”

　　“Gideon.” I called out sternly. He finally looked over to me. “Shy? Really?” I raised an eyebrow.

　　“Now, now, princess, calm your nerves. We have to go through these interviews with an open mind and especially for you, an open heart.”

　　“I am not here to fall in love, if that is what you are insinuating.”

　　“I would not dare insinuate such a thing, Your Highness.” He simply said as he turned back to the documents. “Next will be Duke of Ashborne. Cassian Alwyn.”

　　“Or in your own words, the flirtatious Duke of the Western Kingdom?” I scanned my eyes through the document, giving it a once over.

　　“Haha, I hope you listened to my warning about him. But what did you think when you first saw him?”

　　“He is rather fetching and I can see why he is the way he is. He is blessed with such beauty after all. Although he does not seem to understand the concept of personal space.” I said without thinking about my words carefully.

　　Gideon nodded in understanding as though he knew exactly what I was talking about. “Could it be that Duke Cassian is your type, princess?”

　　I faked laughed. “Do you think I am that shallow to fall for the first pretty face I meet? You wound me, Gideon.” I sulked at him playfully.

　　Gideon laughed aloud. “What does this old man know about the yearning of your heart, princess? I will not judge if you were to pick solely based on looks.”

　　I sighed aloud. “We both know that you are lying. You would probably have a heart attack if I choose my future spouse based on the reasoning that he is nice to look at.”

　　“You truly are a bright young girl, Cordelia. I am honoured to be able to be by your side and watch you claim the throne just as Bryon had wanted.”

　　The sudden shift from playful banter between the old man turned into aching sentimentality at the mention of my father’s wishes. “I believe it is I who is honoured to have you advise me just as you did for my father, Gideon. Now, before I start sobbing in front of you, let us continue with the interviews and help me pick my future husband.”

　　Gideon laughed at my words, the sound of pure joy and happiness that for a moment I had forgotten the real reason we were doing this in the first place.