Duty-Bound: Chapter 25
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Praises were given when she was introduced as the new heiress of the western lands. Her Lady Mother had told everyone that she was the late heiress's twin sister. Most of them did not believe it as she had never been mentioned before then. Aside from the western lands, no one knew about her existence.
She braced herself when she caught a glimpse of a blonde man from the corner of her eyes.
"Princess Mikan?"
Slowly turning around, she met the man's eyes. His eyes do remind us of the sea, Sister.
They both had believed that she wouldn't be able to meet the man, but here she was, meeting the man who shared his happiness with her twin sister.
As they faced each other properly, both gave a short bow in greeting.
"I'm Ruka, a nobleman from the North."
I know. She offered him a small smile. "My pleasure to meet you, Ruka-dono."
"I mean no harm, Princess, but do you think we can talk alone somewhere?" he suggested.
His pleading eyes were not enough to make her agree, but she complied with his request. Since there was a garden of night flowers near the great hall, she led them there so they could talk without interruption even though she knew someone would be watching them.
"You two really look alike," he started quietly.
Touching one of the night flowers, she agreed, "We do."
"Aida told me about you."
She blinked. "… It would be my pleasure to know what my sister told you about me."
"Even though she was born before you, you always acted more like the older sister to her."
A tiny smile appeared on her lips. "Aida told me about you, too, Ruka-dono."
"Really?"
She looked into his eyes. "She said she really loves you."