Bab 79: His Name

Just like what Artie had expected, she received a rather discreet once-over from the princess. The princess was indeed very beautiful, and all her features were rather feminine. Havina was described as the standard of Galacian beauty, and it wasn't an exaggeration. However, she was also the epitome of a Galacian princess… so Artie expected more of that behavior similar to Gustova and the twins.

However, instead of cold and judging eyes, Havina's eyes continued to glitter in joy. Her soft, small lips were also curled slightly in amusement. It was strange, but Artie thought it was better. The princess then hooked hair behind her ear again before speaking, "Artie Shen… what does your name mean?"

"My name?" The archduchess was curious about the question, but she had always known what it meant. "Artie… means 'lion'. My father had always said that… I should be strong, loyal, and decisive… just like a lion."

"...really?" Havina moved her head left and right as if getting a rather obvious look at Artie's features. "Never have I seen a lion for so close, but I have seen them in the savanna in Latodine once. The lions there are… lazy. They only laid on their bellies under the shade and… do nothing. Would you really like to be associated with them?"

"...savannas tend to be very hot when the sun is out. I think all animals wouldn't bathe under the sun that could make them faint." Artie chuckled before waving a hand. "It would be better if you catch them in the middle of a hunt. They won't be too lazy when they're getting hungry."

Havina giggled and reached out to stroke at Artie's snood. "Yes, I've seen them hunt. Such majestic and strong creatures. Heheh, I heard we're just around the same age." Her words came out in a teasing melody, and yet her eyes would sharpen. The smile on her lips deepened considerably as well. "I wonder if a lion handles Uncle well at times. He tends to be very… untamed in some nights."

If Artie was free to react, she would frown at this princess. At such a very suggestive speech, no one would mistake her meaning. However, Artie knew Larkin and some things that he could have done for the sake of locating his children. She only smiled knowingly and made a hushing gesture.

"Let's keep that a secret, shall we?"

"...!" Havina was surprisingly… surprised, even to the point of stepping back. A quick blush flashed across her face before she covered her lips with her fingers. "So it's true!"

Perhaps not only Havina was stunned by her discovery, but Artie's eyes in disbelief. All of a sudden, confusion came, and she had no idea what just hit her. 'Ah, crap! She was bluffing!' The archduchess then blushed as well, her ears faintly red from the embarrassment they both shared for playing a game they were not supposed to do so in broad daylight.

Miel then cleared his throat, overhearing their exchange. "Princess Havina, please, it's not wise to play with Lady Shen." He then turned to the prince who carried their child as if reminding Havina of their presence. "Welcome to Ellis Plains, Crown Prince Selvig of Latodine. My name is Miel Ellis, seneschal of the ducal castle. This is Lady Shen, Archduchess of Ellis Plains."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Archduchess." Selvig only gave a nod to greet the archduchess. He would kiss her hand, but he was holding the baby.

"I-It's my pleasure, too." Artie quickly pulled away from Havina's strange response and only offered a curtsy. She then realized that he was holding onto the baby that was supposed to be days old. "It must be quite dangerous to let your child travel after being born just days ago. Please let's head inside."

"Hm, I thought so, too. However, the path from Haussia to Ellis Plains had been smooth and well-maintained. Matron Eula is also accompanying us for his sake. There had been no problems at all." Selvig walked ahead with Artie—Havina, Eula, and Miel following behind them. The cousins seemed to be catching up so the prince stuck with speaking with the archduchess. "Havina told me things about the archduke…

"He sounded like an outstanding man, but… aren't you… quite too young to be his second wife?" Selvig only hummed softly. "I hope you don't mind me asking. Kingdom Latodine had rules against these kinds of marriages, but of course, some kingdoms cared less about generational locks."

Artie listened as she took a good look at Selvig. He looked to be around her real age—around 27 or 28—and was exceptionally dashing. He didn't look awfully masculine, but his soft features and default polite attitude added to his charm to the ladies. As an avid otome gamer, Artie wasn't easily attracted. She couldn't deny that Selvig was handsome, but he's… 'not a husbando she would whale for'.

As for his question… "The other nobles did show their concerns over it, but it's not something that hinders us from getting married." Artie sighed as she whispered, "In fact, some old men in Kaigansa are so used to marrying young females because they think that beauty expires through time."

That was actually from her old world, not Kaigansa in particular. Then again, she figured humans who lived among elves would always prefer the young. It's not like the system corrected her as well. Moreover, Selvig also agreed quietly as if he knew Kaigansa.

"How about him? What's his name?" Artie then looked down at the little one who seemed to be frowning and rather uncomfortable in his father's arms. She hesitated to touch the baby, but Selvig didn't even stop her. Her finger stroked at the baby's cheek. "Must be very inconvenient for you to be traveling this early, was it, tough guy? You're just days old yet already out and about."

"...his name..." Selvig hid his frown as he felt that Artie was talking strangely. Then again, he just thought it was normal for someone who came from a different continent. "We… his name was yet to be decided. Havina wished to come here to see her uncle and ask him for a name."

Artie lifted her eyes and stared at his face with a strange gaze. Though it was not strange to ask Larkin for a name, for them not to do it before the baby was born? Even if they had no means of knowing the gender, shouldn't they be ready for both chances? She only retracted her gaze when Miel noticed and cleared his throat. The archduchess then pouted at the two people behind her. "Poor little guy. He doesn't have a name."

Havina twitched and chuckled. "I wish for Uncle to name him. He was the one who decided on Miel's name after all. I refused to deny the future prince the chance to have a rather pretty-sounding name."

"...oh, then, let's find him quickly!" Artie twitched and then flashed a grin at them. Strangely, Havina showed enthusiasm and nodded with her. The princess picked up her skirt and grabbed Artie's arm so she could drag the archduchess away in haste.

"She's rather filled with energy today." Miel only sighed, but Selvig eyed their direction differently. For some reason, the prince's gaze was a little angry.