When I returned to the palace, the first place I went was the room where my mother slept.
In the quiet room, only faint breathing echoed evenly. This alone was proof that my mother was still alive—my hope.
“You resemble her so much.”
As I checked my mother’s condition, Julion, who had come with me, spoke softly.
I agreed, so I smiled faintly and nodded.
“If only my hair were still the same color as before, I would look even more like her.”
“When did your hair color change?”
“Just before my mother passed away, right up until the very end, I couldn’t give up, so I touched even the poisonous herbs I shouldn’t have.”
“…I see.”
“I’m lucky it didn’t affect my eyes, though, because that’s the color she gave me.”
When I was young, I really admired my mother’s eyes.
They were similar to mine but subtly different. Unlike my slightly lighter eyes, my mother’s blue eyes had a brilliant depth, like jewels.
When I saw those eyes lose their light due to Duke Cassian’s scheme, it felt like my world was crumbling.
I wonder if I’ll ever see the same light when these eyelids are lifted again.
“I’m glad Hemion did well.”
After confirming my mother was fine, I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
I trusted her, but confirming it myself brought me peace of mind.
“Should we place the flowers here?”
“Oh, the Yukarif flower. Yes, we should.”
In an empty vase, I placed the Yukarif flower I had brought.
Its red color seemed to shine brighter under the afternoon sunlight.
After briefly admiring it, I turned my gaze back to my mother.
Her flowing, water-like hair had grown remarkably long.
The poison left her in such a state that it was almost as if her body had ceased to function. Though she was over forty, her appearance didn’t differ much from mine.
‘If this continues, I might end up looking even older than her.’
Thinking futile thoughts, I tightly held my mother’s pale hand, which peeked out from under the blanket.
The warmth it transmitted calmed my restless mind a little.
What if she never wakes up again?
What if she leaves me again?
When all sorts of negative thoughts flooded my mind, I would remind myself that my mother was still alive.
“She will wake up for sure.”
Julion came closer to me and firmly held the hand that held onto my mother.
I took a deep breath and nodded again as I exhaled.
“Yes, she will.”
Even if she lost all her memories,
Even if her emotions didn’t return,
Still, if only she would continue to live.
Then perhaps I would have nothing more to wish for.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
After leaving Garnet Palace, the next place I headed to was the infirmary.
It was only for one night that I was away, but since it was such a busy place, today was likely to be quite hectic.
“Your Highness!”
Sure enough, as soon as I stepped into the infirmary entrance, I heard someone calling me from inside.
The assistant chief physician was rushing towards me with a flushed face. He stopped in front of me and gasped for breath, adjusting his disheveled clothes.
“Oh, Your Highness! I’m so relieved you’ve returned safely!”
“It’s not like I went anywhere dangerous.”
“Still, Your Highness, your absence was truly felt! There’s a pile of work waiting, so please come this way quickly…”
The assistant chief was about to lead me straight to the office.
I, too, was eager to follow him, but Julion, who had come along, grabbed my arm.
“Rohiriel, are you really going to work like this?”
“I can’t help it; I’m behind on my work. I had an unexpected overnight stay, so what can I do?”
It seemed like Julion himself had even more work piled up than I did.
However, instead of releasing my arm, Julion glared menacingly at the assistant chief and inquired.
“Is there really such a backlog of work?”
“Yes, Your Highness, there’s a mountain of tasks that need her highness’s attention.”
“Let me ask again. Does Rohiriel really need to go to work right this moment?”
“Well, that’s, um…”
The assistant chief trailed off, subtly trying to gauge my reaction.
He alternated his gaze between Julion and me, looking unsure and on the verge of tears.
“Your Highness, I really don’t know.”
“So you were trying to take advantage of a worn-out Crown Princess?”
“It’s not that, really; there’s just so much work!”
“Didn’t you just say you didn’t know earlier?”
“W-Well, that was…”
“Are you daring to lie to me?”
“No! Your Highness, I wouldn’t… Hmph.”
The assistant chief physician covered his mouth with his hand.
Julion’s gaze turned even more menacing.
It was almost like a threat, so I sighed and tapped Julion’s shoulder.
“Julion.”
“Don’t stop me; you need to rest.”
“Just look over here for a moment.”
As I urged again, Julion slowly turned to face me.
In his eyes, I could see subtle dissatisfaction and concern.
I gently held Julion’s cheeks and pulled him closer to me.
His face came willingly, and his expression was so endearing that I couldn’t help but smile.
Our lips lightly touched and parted in an instant.
“I’ll handle only urgent matters and then rest. You have a lot of work to do, too. Go on, quickly.”
Julion looked genuinely surprised, eyes wide open, unable to respond except for a slight movement of his lips.
In no time, any other complex emotions had vanished from his expression.
Smiling softly, I pushed Julion out of the infirmary.
“Come on, hurry up. Finish your work quickly. I’ll see you tonight.”
“…Tonight, then.”
Julion’s expression turned serious as if he were making a resolution, tightly clenching his fist.
Finding his seriousness adorable once again, I chuckled and waved my hand.
“See you later then.”
As I turned away, I met the startled gaze of the assistant chief, who was staring at me like a startled rabbit. I gestured vaguely at him with my hand, seeing his mouth hanging wide open.
“You said you were busy; don’t just stand around; come on.”
“Ah, yes, of course!”
“Make sure you only report what’s absolutely necessary right now.”
“Of course! Your Highness, you’re the best!”
The assistant chief physician enthusiastically flattered, trotting behind me.
Feeling a bit annoyed by his excessive praise, I heard a familiar voice again.
“Your Highness, you’re back!”
“One would think I’ve been away for ages, Hemion.”
“I was just worried about your unplanned absence. Ah, I’ve been taking good care of Lady Shahadna!”
Hemion smiled proudly and patted her chest.
Standing tall with sparkling eyes, he looked like a child waiting for a compliment.
“Yes, thank you. I just checked. You did very well.”
“Hehe, not at all! I’ll be off then!”
Hemion laughed heartily and quickly dashed away.
I had told her not to run into the palace, but she really hadn’t changed.
“Maybe we should change the flooring to prevent slipping.”
With various thoughts in mind, I entered the office with the assistant chief physician.
It seemed like today would be a busy day.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
Recently, Empress Psirias had a small pleasure: tea time at Garnet Palace after meals.
To be precise, it was beside Shahadna within Garnet Palace.
“Your Majesty, what tea would you like prepared today?”
“I think the Rolfram tea we had last time would be nice. I really liked its aroma.”
“Yes, will you also have it at the Garnet Palace today?”
“Hmm, yes. Please prepare the accompaniments appropriately.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
As he left Tishrit Palace, Psirias hummed a small tune. Behind her, the maids followed, pulling the tea tray.
It might seem a bit odd to have tea while someone sleeps nearby.
Initially, Proseria only did it occasionally. But after a few times, she came to enjoy going to the Garnet Palace.
She enjoyed hearing news of Rohiriel busily immersed in work, and it was pleasant to meet Rohiriel, who came to see Shahadna at the right time.
‘She’s really busy.’
Just seeing her face like this was a good thing.
Yesterday, she was worried when Julion went out with her and didn’t come back.
She had gone to Shahadna and began to express concerns that she might not even hear, so she was embarrassed when Hemion suddenly walked in.
Luckily, she didn’t seem to hear her ramblings.
“Have you arrived, Your Majesty the Empress?”
The maid guarding Shahadna’s room at Garnet Palace bowed familiarly.
“Well, is the princess consort inside?”
“No, I believe she went to the Palace Infirmary.”
“I see. I see. Please open the door.”
At Psirias’ command, the maid slowly opened the door.
As soon as she stepped inside, she smiled at the pleasant fragrance filling the room.
It was a scent she had never smelled before. Reflexively checking where the flower vase was, she spotted unfamiliar red flowers.
“She must have left them behind.”
Though not certain, it was likely so.
Psirias inhaled deeply as she stepped inside.
The scent was soft and refreshing, soothing and calming at the same time.
She decided she would ask Rohiriel about the flowers when they met later.
Psirias stood still, blinking absentmindedly.
She closed and opened them again and again, as if she had seen something unbelievable.
“Your Majesty, the refreshments are ready.”
The maid, who had come close to reporting to Psirias, could not finish her sentence.
Her eyes widened, and Psirias’s trembling voice was heard.
“Immediately… Immediately summon the Princess. Quickly!”
