Chapter 22
It was an undeniable fact that he could not practice. In everything, there should be a balance of theory and practice, but the crown prince’s lessons lacked the latter. Concerned unnecessary rumors would spread if a practice partner was sought out, these lessons were being conducted in secret.
The crown prince is receiving sex education from Rosias!
If this fact went public, it could prove fatal for Cayman, who was already overshadowed by Prince Wichern.
For this reason, very few were informed of their classes. It probably only involved the emperor, his close aide Grand Chamberlain Eforono, and Fasia, the head of the imperial knights who always came to pick her up.
“That may be the case. Since that day, every time I visit the villa, I have not seen anyone but His Highness.”
After taking her to the villa, Fasia would stand guard, not moving a single inch. Every single time, she and Cayman were the only ones in the big mansion.
“Come to think of it, even when we are alone, he shows a genuine attitude.”
Ellie rubbed her chin, furrowing her brow. When left alone with a woman, men tended to show their true colors. Even men who treated women with the utmost respect would behave somewhat differently when they were alone, but Cayman did not show the slightest hint of that.
What else was there to say?
“Even if the lesson is particularly hot, he does not waver at all.”
While teaching sex education, she often faced the treacherous gazes of noblemen. Sometimes, they tried to seduce her or treated her like a filthy prostitute. Those men saw her as a promiscuous and vulgar woman. However, that prejudice was not limited to men; women would also gossip about Ellie.
But Cayman was different.
“Not just ‘different,’ he is completely outlandish.”
From the start of the lesson to the end, he treated Ellie like a teacher. Not once did he glance at her improperly. Upon realizing that, a smile crossed her lips.
“It is troublesome… but I do not feel bad.”
“I do not know what it is, but I am glad that Miss Ellie does not feel bad.”
Ellie was talking to herself when, lo and behold, a man replied. Surprised, she sprang out of her seat and turned her head away. After checking who it was, her face quickly turned red.
“Ah, uh, S-Sir Cay… You are here.”
At her greeting, Cay nodded, smiled brightly, and gave her the small basket he was holding. Without thinking, she accepted, blinking.
“Apples?”
“Winter apples sold at this time of year taste the best. They were being sold at the back alley entrance, so I bought some,” Cay responded leisurely and began browsing the nearby bookshelf.
Her cheeks were as red as the appetizing apples, but of course, she had no idea how she looked.
“Do you want an apple?”
“If you offer, I will gladly accept,” Cay replied with a smile, taking a book off the shelf.
Blinded by the brilliance of that smile, she had to look away as she handed him an apple. Then, she took a bite of her own vibrant apple. The refreshing crunch and its sweetness filled her mouth.
It was a winter luxury.
Cupping the apple, she nibbled on it and snuck a look at him. She did not know much about him: his name was Cay, he liked books a lot, and he was her most regular customer.
Additionally, he was an apprentice of the imperial knights.
As she took another bite of the apple, she ended up coughing when it stuck in her throat. She put the apple on top of the table and hacked with her hands covering her mouth. Then, Cay hurried over from somewhere, immediately offering a cup of warm water. He seemed to have brought water from a kettle on top of the brazier.
“Please drink it, Miss Ellie.”
“Ack! Ah, thank you…”
Accepting the cup, she held back another cough. As the pain eased, the warmth from the cup spread throughout her body. She fiddled with the cup awkwardly.
“Have you caught a cold? With this weather, many people are getting sick.”
“No, the apple got stuck in my throat,” Ellie mumbled, quietly rubbing her cheek with an embarrassed expression.