Just as she tried to treat Crown Prince Belhart well, Cattarina would also treat Barron Neil wisely. Without making an impression anyone could hate.
When Neil finally began to properly introduce himself and say hello, Monna chose to return the greeting politely enough.
" It's an honor for me to meet and receive congratulations from the great Chief Knight of the Imperial Guard. Rumors about your tactics with His Majesty the Crown Prince in various wars, have been heard almost all over the country. Therefore, Geraldy is lucky to have a promising confidant like you in his country, " said Monna sincerely.
There was a hint of surprise attached to Neil's face when he heard Cattarina say things he didn't expect. Of course, all this time, rumors about Cattarina having a unique temperament have clearly reached the ears of various parties. It was no exception in the realm of Royal Chivalry.
Continuing to put on a friendly smile, Monna ignored the faint smile Belhart was hiding from her. And even though she was confused by Belhart's attitude, Monna chose to look at Neil and say again.
" Looks like you two want to talk together. Because of that, I will step back and welcome the other guests. Please continue your chat, " exclaimed Monna while saluting the two. And left.
Just as Cattarina walked away, Belhart immediately glanced at his knight.
" Doesn't she look different enough? If it had been the old Cattarina, she would have underestimated you. She wouldn't compliment you so smoothly and be overly happy like that. Doesn't that seem a little strange and a little difficult to understand? " Belhart said to Neil as he continued to trace Cattarina's figure, who was getting farther away and covered in several crowds.
Neil said nothing. He only thought for a moment about the Crown Prince's words. The Crown Princess has changed ?!
***
" What are you really doing? " asked Cattarina quite excitedly when she walked into Belhart's workplace, and found the man busy immersing himself in work.
Expecting Cattarina to come over to him, Belhart was as calm as ever. He gave Cattarina a quick glance, then lowered his head again.
Monna gave him a dissatisfied look. Supporting her hands, she protested.
" Why does Neil Rudwig have to be my bodyguard? Do I need to be watched? " Monna asked, raising her tone a little because she really needed the Crown Prince's attention, who was currently really ignoring her.
Not after 10 minutes ago, Monna heard from her maid that Barron Neil Rudwig would be assigned to be her bodyguard today without her knowledge.
Isn't this very different from what happened before when he was married to Belhart Dominic before?
Belhart never assigned anyone to look after her.
But what is this? She was escorted by the Knight Chief of the Royal Guard who should have other more important duties?
What was the man really thinking? Why did he do so many things that Monna couldn't predict? Was there anything she had missed back?
Belhart stopped his work and looked at Cattarina. The wife he just married one day ago. While considering something, Belhart looked at Cattarina with his watchful eyes.
" Aren't you happy that he doesn't come from a noble family? Because of that, you don't agree if someone of his level works for you? " Belhart's spontaneous question took Cattarina by surprise.
" Of course that's not what I meant. He is the Chief of the Royal Knights. How could he be given the task of looking after me? Rather than should he look after and protect Emperor Dominic or His Majesty the Crown Prince? This is definitely not true! " Monna replied frustratedly.
Even though Barron Neil did not come from a noble family, everyone knew how great and great his abilities were. Monna's denial was clearly not made up.
Belhart answered Cattarina casually.
" My father already has his own bodyguard. And me, I don't need guarding. The abilities of all the knights in this empire, even if combined, are all below me. Because of that, I don't need them. " Obviously Belhart was sure.
So because of that, you want to throw it out to me ?, thought Monna.
The Crown Prince's explanation may indeed be logical. But Cattarina didn't want to die quickly in that stiff human hand! She doesn't want to have to deal with more and more people who will make her life more difficult in the future !!
Therefore, when she got the news that she was not wearing this, apart from protesting there was nothing else she could do! But instead of considering the opinion she put forward, Belhart flatly rejected it?
" Oh come on! He is the chief palace guard !! Isn't that job too simple for him ?? " Monna tries to renegotiate. But Belhart sticks to Cattarina's argument.
" Certainly not. Because protecting members of the imperial family is the main duty of the Imperial Guard Knights. And since you have become the Crown Princess, it is only natural to do this. Don't think anything nonsense and come back, " ordered Belhart, not wanting to bother.
Monna went limp.
She looked at Belhart with teary eyes, " So you're going to keep asking him to be my bodyguard? " she asked softly.
" Yes, " Belhart replied shortly.
Monna is reminded of what happened last night when she was with Belhart in their room.
" Didn't I say that we will sleep separately after we get married? But what is this? You just tricked me? " Monna protested powerless.
She looked at Belhart in disbelief. Monna still vividly remembers how her third agreement with Belhart was before her marriage was approved.
They have to sleep separately !! And didn't it, in the past Belhart himself wanted that too ?!
"Aren't you just asking us not to sleep in one bed together? " asked Belhart casually. Without feeling wrong with his actions.
Monna stared.
" What?? By providing two beds in your room ?? " Monna asked sarcastically.
" Yes. Isn't it important that we don't sleep in one bed? " replied Belhart exposing the facts.
Facts that are true. But not quite true.
***