The Young Master I Carefully Raised Became Obsessive

Delzion placed the sack on the table.

The elderly man grinned widely at Ardion. “My workshop is but a humble place, Your Highness, but I will do my best to serve to the best of my abilities. What kind of necklace do you plan to make…?”

“Can you make a necklace that can hold mana?”

“If it’s your Highness’s mana, it must have all sorts of magical properties, right?”

Instead of answering, Ardion simply stared at the elderly man. Seeing the intensity in his gaze, the elderly man quickly nodded. “Yes, I can do it. Just give me a month, and I—”

“That is too long. I need it before the tournament.”

At Ardion’s gesture, Delzion brought out another sack from the carriage.

The elderly man cleared his throat and nodded. “I’ll put off my other commissions and make the necklace you requested, Your Highness.”

Ardion nodded and turned to leave.

Suddenly, the artisan asked, “Do you have a design in mind for the centerpiece of the necklace? Just let me know, and I’ll make it beautiful.”

“Carve a lilac flower.”

“Certainly, Your Highness.” The artisan bowed his head.

Ardion exited the workshop and entered the carriage.

Delzion asked, “Your Highness, making such a necklace could be dangerous. If someone gets their hand on it, they may use it with ill intentions.”

“When I’m at the hunting tournament, I can’t protect Laila. At least with the necklace, I’ll feel more at ease.”

“Of course. With the necklace, Miss Laila will be safer. But if it fell into the wrong hands…”

“Delzion, whatever happens, I will take responsibility. Laila must be safe.”

Because of Ardion’s firm and unyielding words, Delzion fell silent. With Ardion’s mana, an attacker could strike directly at him, which posed a great risk.

“And keep an eye on the artisan. He’s fond of money and could sell information to others.”

Delzion nodded.

Wind blew, clouds shrouded the sky, and days passed. The discussions about the hunting tournament echoed throughout the palace.

[Laila’s POV]

“I heard the crown prince is granting an unprecedented wish to the winner.”

“It’s going to be more competitive this time.”

“Especially with the crown prince's participation.”

Both servants and nobles buzzed about the upcoming event. I watched them for a moment before heading to Ardion’s chambers.

I knocked on the door, and his voice called out, “Come in.”

Ardion lay on the bed without moving. He always did this. I had never found him awake when I arrived, and he would only stir when I approached, as if he welcomed being woken.

“Your Highness, it’s morning,” I said stiffly, but he simply stared at the ceiling.

“Your Highness?”

“Laila, if I win the hunting tournament, I’ll make a wish.”

“A wish?”

Only then did Ardion turn to look at me. His emerald eyes fell on my lips before meeting my gaze, a charming smile curling at the corners of his mouth. “I hope you’ll be happy when my wish comes true.”

“What kind of wish do you have in mind?”

I was genuinely curious, but Ardion simply smiled and rose from the bed. His toned upper body was visible, and although I had seen it many times, I instinctively took a step back. 

“Laila, how long are you going to keep avoiding me?”

“Pardon me?”

“Isn’t it about time you got used to this?”

He took a step closer, and I awkwardly smiled while backing away. Flustered, I tripped over my own feet.

As I lost my balance, Ardion expertly steadied me by holding my waist, his large hand brushing against the fabric of my dress.

Has he always had big hands?

The gentle pressure at my waist made me acutely aware of his hand size. I met his eyes that held a deeper hint of obsession and affection for me.

Ardion leaned in slowly, and I turned my head away.

“Do you know how unsettling it is when you keep distancing yourself from me?”

His breath grazed my ear, and he squeezed my wrist lightly. A sudden jolt of electricity surged through me.@@novelbin@@

I tried to escape, but Ardion didn’t release me. The warmth of his touch spread from where he held me.

I stood there in a daze, my heart racing inexplicably. Just moments ago, I had felt fine, but now…

Why am I like this?

While I was confused, Ardion’s low voice sounded. “Laila.”

I looked up and saw a necklace dangling from his hand. It was a smooth gold chain with a lilac flower intricately carved at its center, surrounded by sparkling, multicolored gems.

As I stared at it in bewilderment, Ardion placed the necklace around my neck.

“Your Highness, this is…”

“It’s a necklace infused with my mana. No matter how much mana you lose, this will protect you.”

“Why… are you giving this to me?”

As I fidgeted with the necklace, Ardion took my hand and held it firmly. “Because it’s you, Laila. You’ve been hurt too often.”

“But I’m fine now.”

“You never know. Anything could happen.”

Ardion walked past me towards the door. I gazed up at him intently as he tilted his head slightly. “Laila, are you just going to stand there?”

Reluctantly, I followed him. Perhaps it was the necklace, but I felt unusually clear-headed.

When we reached his office, Delzion knocked on the door. “Your Highness, the hunting tournament is set to take place in Delphid Forest.”

“Delphid Forest?” Ardion’s expression changed momentarily.

“Isn’t that the forest that was closed off after monsters appeared there a decade ago and caused many deaths?”

“Yes, but the location was ultimately decided because the crown prince wanted to hunt in a place where there are many animals.”

“Where is Rowell now?”

“He should be dining with other nobles, Your Highness.”

“To suddenly inform me of this while leisurely dining…” Ardion’s grip on the paper suddenly tightened until it spontaneously burned away. Both Delzion and I were startled.

“Your Highness!”

The paper turned to ashes that fell to the floor. Ardion stepped on the blackened remains and exhaled slowly. “I’ll go there myself.”

“But if you go now, the nobles there won’t be welcoming, especially considering those nobles are on the crown prince’s side…”

“I am aware they have always underestimated me, but I’ve endured it in silence to see their reaction. They’re actually treating me like this. Ridiculous.”

Just then, a scratching noise caught my attention. I quickly reached into my pocket, which drew Ardion’s attention.

Given the tense atmosphere, I explained quickly, “I’m just worried about Derol being lonely. Can’t we spend today together?”

I had been thinking about Derol every day since I worked here, missing him. He had expressed his desire to be with me every night, and I couldn’t shake my concern for him, wanting to be together at least today.

“Laila, I told you before. Just the sound of a mouse makes me…”

“Your Highness, please.”

Seeing my pleading expression, Ardion fell silent. After a moment, he said in a low voice, “Just this once. Next time…”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” I beamed, speaking quickly to prevent him from finishing his sentence. I was grateful he had agreed.

He momentarily stared at me, as though time had stopped, and he didn’t even blink. When Delzion softly called him, he slowly turned his head.

Ardion’s ears were red. For some reason, his cheeks held a slight flush.

Why is he acting shy when he was so bold moments ago?

Ardion was a box full of mysteries. He exited the office briskly, and since my role was to serve him, I followed closely behind.

Soon, we arrived at the banquet hall where Rowell was. But upon our arrival, knights blocked our way. “Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince does not allow anyone to enter, as he is currently…”

“It’s the crown prince’s command. Open the door.”

“But…”

Frustrated, Ardion drew his sword and pointed it at the knight’s hand holding the door handle. “If you don’t want your fingers chopped off, you should open it.”

His voice was coldly menacing. The rumors he had single-handedly slain countless monsters were likely not exaggerated.

The knights exchanged nervous glances before hastily moving aside. Ardion sheathed his sword and gestured for them to open the door.

Right after the door opened, the wind drifted out with the laughter of the people inside.

“Haha, the crown prince sure knows how to enjoy himself…”

Realizing the door had opened, the seated guests ceased their laughter and turned their attention towards the entrance.

“Ardion, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” Rowell was the first to acknowledge Ardion.

“Indeed. If there’s an event like this, you should have invited me, brother.”

“I enjoy hearing you call me brother so formally,” Rowell responded with a teasing tone, dismissing Ardion’s sarcasm.

I glanced around, noting that all present at this meal were high-ranking nobles dressed in exquisite attires. There was not a servant in sight.

The spread before them was lavish. Fried meats, salads mingled with fruits, and golden goblets brimming with wine adorned the opulent table.

“Brother, won’t you arrange a seat for me?” Ardion asked.

Rowell gestured to the servant who had just entered. The servant hurriedly prepared a seat for Ardion.

“Ardion, wouldn’t it be better for the person accompanying you to step outside? As you can see, this gathering is meant for conversation, not for eavesdropping.”

I quickly caught on and began to retreat toward the door. 

But I heard Ardion say, “Laila stays here with me.”