Episode 107

“No need to think too much about it. She might invite other families as well soon.”

“Is that so?”

“Probably. Right now, the nobles are carefully watching to see where they should stand.”

“That makes sense.”

I nodded, agreeing with my brother’s plausible explanation.

“By the way, Princess Daina seems to be a good person.”

“…Oh, really?”

“Yes. It might be too soon to say, but I feel like if she becomes the ruler of this country, it will be a better place. What do you think, brother?”

“Me…?”

I watched with interest as my brother visibly hesitated at my question.

“Yes, I’m curious about what you think of the princess.”

“I think she’s a good person too.”

“Right? When I go to the palace next week, I want to talk with her more. I feel like we would get along well.”

“Maybe… I mean, yes, you might.”

I noticed my brother trying to retract and rephrase his words quickly.

There was definitely something between them, but it seemed that today, I would have to leave it at that.

The reddish sky was gradually darkening.

“I should get going. The Duke is waiting for me.”

“Oh, alright. Be careful.”

“I’ll come again soon, and we can talk more then.”

“Sure.”

After saying goodbye to my brother Jade, I got into the carriage.

The carriage started moving again, heading towards the Blighton Duke’s residence.

* * *

“Duke, I’m back.”

Thanks to the fast pace, I managed to arrive at the mansion without being late.

As I got out of the carriage, Lloydin was there to greet me at the entrance.

“My dear, did you have a good trip?”

“Yes. Only my mother was there, so I spent some quality time with her.”

“I’m glad you had a good time. Shall we go inside?”

“Yes, let’s go in and have dinner.”

We went straight to the dining room and took our seats at the table.

While eating, I told him all about my day.

“My mother received an invitation from Princess Daina.”

“From Princess Daina?”

“Yes, she will go to the palace next week, and I might go with her.”

“You’re going too?”

“Yes, the princess said I could come along.”

“I see.”

“Is it okay if I go?”

“Of course, you should go. Just be careful.”

“I will. Also, there’s been no news from my brother Noah for a few months.”

“The Duke and Duchess of Anais must be very worried.”

“Yes, but my second brother is very capable. I’m sure he will contact us soon, as if nothing happened.”

“I think so too.”

I shared every little detail with Lloydin, enjoying our daily conversations.

After dinner, Lloydin went back to his study to finish his work, and I headed to the bedroom.

I had just finished getting ready for bed and was resting when Lloydin came into the room after finishing his work late at night.

“My dear.”

“Duke. Are you done with your work?”

“Yes, I finished everything.”

I got up from the sofa where I had been sitting and walked to the bed with Lloydin.

As I lay down first and stared at the ceiling, Lloydin got into bed and immediately pulled me into his arms.

It had become so routine that I felt like I couldn’t fall asleep properly without his embrace. I naturally nestled into his arms.

We held each other and continued our small talk until we fell asleep.

“Have you had any more nightmares recently?”

“No, I haven’t had any since that day.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Don’t worry too much. You told me you wouldn’t let my nightmares come true.”

“That’s right.”

“So, even if I have the same dream again, I’ll be fine.”

His words that day were a great comfort and gave me courage.

Because of that, even if I had the same premonitory dream again, I wouldn’t fall into despair as I did before.

“Still, if you have another nightmare, please tell me.”

“Well, is there anything you can do if I tell you?”

“How can someone else do anything about another person’s dream?”

I asked, puzzled, as I had never heard of such a thing.

“There is a way.”

“Really? What is it?”

Intrigued by the possibility, I listened intently to him.

“I will enter your dreams and protect you.”

“What? How is that possible? That’s ridiculous.”

I let out a small laugh at Lloydin’s absurd remark.

But his expression remained serious as he looked at me.

“Even if there isn’t a way, I will find one. So trust me.”

“Oh…”

His words left me momentarily speechless as I gazed at him.

I understood that he was saying this to reassure me, not because he actually had a way to enter my dreams.

He wanted to ensure I slept peacefully, without fear of nightmares.

Understanding his intent, I smiled gratefully and nodded.

“Yes, I trust you. Please, protect me.”

“I will.”

Lloydin’s eyes shone with determination as he answered.

“Shall we go to sleep now? With you here, I feel I can sleep soundly.”

“Yes, let’s sleep. But, my dear.”

“Yes?”

“How are you feeling these days? I’m somewhat relieved that you haven’t fallen into a deep sleep, but I’m still worried.”

“Oh, I’m… I’m fine.”

My heart skipped a beat.

I hadn’t expected him to ask about my illness, so I stammered a bit in my response.

“I’ve been feeling much better. I haven’t felt like falling into a deep sleep. With your support, I feel like there’s no room for my illness to relapse.”

I quickly composed myself and tried to ease his concerns.

“So, are you… fully recovered?”

“Well, not exactly. The symptoms have lessened, but I don’t feel completely cured.”

It wasn’t time yet to tell him that I was fully recovered, so I hastily explained.

“I see. Thank you for telling me.”

I let out a sigh of relief internally as he didn’t press further about my illness.

“Let’s get some sleep then.”

“Yes. Good night, my dear.”

“Good night, my dear.”

To clear my complicated thoughts, I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.

Fortunately, Lloydin didn’t say anything more.

Soon, I could hear his steady breathing as he fell asleep, but I couldn’t fall asleep for quite a while.

* * *

A week later, I was busy from early morning preparing to go to the imperial palace.

Once everything was ready, I got into the carriage and headed to the palace.

When I arrived at the palace entrance, the carriage bearing the Anais family crest was already there waiting for me.

Due to security measures, all carriages, regardless of their owners’ noble status, had to be inspected before entering the palace.

To avoid the hassle of inspecting two carriages, my mother and I had agreed to ride together.

So I immediately got off my carriage and boarded the Anais family carriage.

“Mother.”

“Ayla, you’re here.”

“I should have arrived first. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“No, I just got here as well. Let’s go quickly. The princess is waiting.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

The carriage passed through the palace gates and headed towards the princess’s residence.

Soon, the carriage stopped.

As my mother and I got out, Princess Daina came out to greet us in front of her residence.

Her residence didn’t look much different from other buildings in the palace.

However, its slightly less lavish decor made it feel warmer, resembling its owner.

“We greet Princess Daina.”

My mother and I immediately greeted the princess.

“Welcome, Duchess Anais, and Duchess Blighton.”

The princess greeted us with a bright smile.

“Thank you for inviting us to the palace.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Following my mother’s lead, I expressed my gratitude to the princess.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation. Let’s go inside instead of standing here.”

“Yes.”

“Of course.”

After exchanging greetings, we followed the princess inside.