I had just gotten off work when Karen told me the royal family had come to our house, and I was completely stunned. But Karen didn't say why they came, and I didn't ask—because everything got overshadowed by the sword saint's behavior anyway.
But seriously… they're so annoying. They stayed from morning until night, completely ruining our peaceful family time—and now I even have to grill meat for them. Ugh, annoying.
Just then, a beautiful woman with bright orange hair spoke to me.
"Miss Lina, I'm sorry for introducing myself so late. I am the queen of this kingdom, Leanna Aimabisalon."
After her introduction, she gently nudged the adorable little girl beside her.
"I'm the second princess, Sophia Aimabisalon."
Karen had already told me about them on the way home. The queen loves cake and even asked Karen to make some for her. The princess barely talks and doesn't fuss at all—basically, a good child.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lina."
I introduced myself, and the queen immediately picked up a topic.
"Miss Lina, you must be eating delicious meals every day. Aren't you afraid of gaining weight? But your figure is wonderful—may I ask how you maintain it?"
"I will exercise everyday."
To stop myself from becoming lazy again, I exercise for half an hour every night before bed.
"May I ask what kind of exercise—"
She didn't get to finish her sentence. Someone interrupted—someone I hate the most.
"Ms. Lina, I shall also introduce myself. I am the first prince, Steve Aimabisalon, the crown prince."
This shameless crown prince—the one with no sense of awareness—grabbed my hand the moment we met. If he weren't the crown prince, I would've punched him on the spot.
Now that Karen wasn't around, he scooted right up next to me, staring with a disgusting look in his eyes. I instinctively shifted away and replied only because I had no choice.
"...I already know."
The prince bowed deeply.
"About earlier, I apologize. My behavior was unbecoming of a gentleman. Please allow me to formally apologize again. I will compensate you for it in the future."
So annoying. Karen already said it was unnecessary. And I know exactly what the prince is trying to do—use this chance to get closer to me.
I see all kinds of pickup attempts at the guild every day, and the countermeasures are always the same. I responded coldly.
"Karen said it's unnecessary."
He immediately countered with an over-the-top line, like some hero saving a damsel from a villain.
"That is his opinion. You are not him. You have the right to decide."
"I know. My opinion is the same as Karen's."
What a useless line. Anyone can see that. Obviously I'm not Karen and Karen isn't me—we just happen to agree.
"Then you—"
"Lani, do you want this piece of meat?"
"I want."
The prince tried to continue, but I didn't give him the chance. I turned to little Lani for help. But the prince had a thick face—despite my obvious rejection, he still didn't give up.
"Ms. Lina, this pet's little cry is so cute. Its name is Lani?"
He called Lani a PET! Unforgivable!
But—I hold it in. Karen said that if a prince touches me for more than one second, I'm allowed to hit him. But…
(I'm sorry, Lani. Big sister failed to defend your honor instantly.)
I hugged Lani tightly, not letting her look at this foolish scumbag. I kept grilling, picking up meat, and eating in silence.
"..."
"Ms. Lina, please bring it to the castle someday. I also have a pet named Petty. I think they could become good friends."
Lani is way smarter and more well-mannered than this prince.
"..."
I glanced toward the house.
Why is Karen not back yet? Every second feels painfully long when he's gone.
Right—Queen's conversation earlier got interrupted. If I bring it back up, I won't need to deal with the prince. I quickly turned to the queen.
"Your Majesty, earlier you were interrupted—may I ask what you wanted to say?"
"Miss Lina, my son is speaking to you."
My attempt to get help went nowhere.
And nobody was correcting the prince's behavior.
Is THIS considered "gentlemanly" in the royal family?
Looks like I'll have to resolve this myself.
"Indeed, Ms. Lina. As a gentleman, I am speaking to you. As a lady, shouldn't you respond?"
He touched my shoulder.
One second passed.
He didn't let go.
Good. I can hit him now.
I placed Lani on the other side and looked at the prince.
"I never said I was a lady."
Then I punched him hard in the stomach.
"Urgh—! Bluuugh!"
The prince vomited. I grabbed Lani and quickly moved away. Ugh, great. He threw up on the sofa. Doesn't he ever think about how hard that is to clean? Typical inconsiderate royalty.
"Miss Lina, why did you suddenly hit him?!"
The queen panicked. I ignored her—she's the one who failed to teach her child. I let out everything I'd been holding back.
"Gentleman, gentleman—you keeps calling yourself one. But you interrupts conversations, touches woman's body without permission… you'd be better off calling yourself a thug."
"Edward! Your son was hit—say something!"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince," I snapped, "Let me make one thing clear: Lani is NOT a pet. She is Karen's and my little sister. You dared compare her to a pet—our house does not welcome you. Get out!"
I wanted to throw him out immediately—someone like him doesn't deserve to step inside our home. And honestly, I fear for this kingdom's future. I don't want to live in a country ruled by this prince.
"Lina! Why are you shouting so loudly?! What happened?!"
Karen finally returned.
I ran to him at once and pointed at the prince.
"Karen! He interrupted my conversation with Her Majesty, touched my shoulder for five whole seconds, and he even called Lani a PET!"