For a while, the capital was extremely noisy. It was because envoys from neighboring kingdoms were competing to greet Redian, who was about to ascend the throne.
“The response to the Minerva Foundation is very positive.”
In the meantime, I was able to catch my breath for a moment.
“Distributing the ointment for free to commoners and then selling it to nobles has been a great help in securing the foundation’s initial capital. After all, nobles spend for their image.” Aeron said as he handed me the documents. “Moreover, rumors that the Felicite family has been protecting the imperial heir have also spread…”
“That’s fortunate. The first floor of our foundation’s headquarters, to be built on the resort destination, will feature a cosmetics line jointly developed by Vallentin and the research institute. The second floor will display Bergman’s works, and the third floor will focus on accessories by new designers.” I replied as I tackled the piled-up approvals.
What does it matter if Redian is busy? I’m busy too. I thought I could finally have some freedom. But I couldn’t move from the office, handling the work that had piled up while I was confined in the imperial palace.
“Is this all the urgent work?”
“Yes, Princess. It seems the banquet is not yet over, even though it’s late at night.” Aeron nodded satisfactorily, looking out the window.
The majestic and brilliant lights from the palace were still sparkling.
“Redian, no, I mean the crown prince, must be very busy too.”
“That’s usually the case when preparing for an ascension.”
I also looked out the window. “I wondered if he could endure as the crown prince with that personality…”
Aeron smiled nostalgically.
“Ash Benio’s fall is quite a sight. It’s almost embarrassing compared to the popularity he’s maintained for decades.”
“People are always weak to beauty.”
“Yes. There’s even a joke that the young ladies of the capital are lovesick these days.”
This was something that had been foreshadowed in the original work. A crown prince with such a face and story suddenly appeared one day… In other words, Redian was someone Ash could never compete with from the beginning.
“If Redian were still in the underground castle, he would be waiting for you now, Princess.” Aeron, reminiscing about the past, muttered jokingly.
“Things are different now. Redian is busy with his own affairs.”
But I quickly looked away from the imperial palace.
Even if nothing had changed between him and me, this distance couldn’t be helped. I wasn’t particularly upset. It was expected and a situation I had always experienced.
“By the way, Aeron. That jewelry store on Central Street…”
“Ah, the one you visited the day before the eve of the festival.”
“Yes. I suppose it’s closed now?”
I needed to meet the Summoner, but I couldn’t find the time. Moreover, starting tomorrow, the kingdoms’ envoys would gradually return. It was hard to know if I could even go out, given I could be summoned at any moment.
“It’s quite late… but the manager has contacted us periodically. They said they would open the store anytime for you, Princess.”
“Really?”
Well, if I bought even one necklace from that store, the promotional effect they would enjoy would be more than double.
“Hmm.” I crossed my arms and thought for a moment. “Are the guests in the parlor gone?”
“No. They should still be with His Grace.”
While I helped with the imperial palace affairs, the duke handled the large and small events at the duchy. Since Redian was recognized as the heir of Rixon, the duke had been busy dealing with the influx of guests.
The duke is holding his ground too. At this point, when we need to solidify Felicite’s image, if the duke came off as stiff as before, there would be no solution. But he seemed to be handling his share well…
“Contact the manager, Aeron. Tell them I’ll drop by briefly.”
Redian was busy, my work was done, and the duke would keep the duchy overnight. It was hard to know when such a perfect alignment would happen again. I must seize this opportunity to go out.
I began to prepare for a night outing, which felt like a small rebellion.
* * *
“Rumors are spreading across the continent that the crown prince successfully completed the ceremony.”
“To have such an outstanding heir, the Meteor Empire is truly blessed by the goddess.”
Redian slowly closed and opened his eyes. The overly bright chandelier, the suffocating uniform choking his neck, and the annoyingly loud voices. He wanted to leave immediately, but he held back with effort.
“You have to be kind, Redian.”
Remembering what Siani had told him.
“…”
While the emperor answered, Redian looked down at the never-ending night of the empire. Countless stars, clouds, and chaotic lights envelop the entire imperial city. Even those romantic scenes appeared in black and white to Redian.
There was no contact at all.
He could only think of Siani, who must be breathing somewhere in this place.
Redian hadn’t seen Siani in recent days. She wasn’t the kind of woman who would graciously show her face just because he waited.
“She hasn’t left the duchy. They say she’s been constantly in her office, handling her piled-up work.”
“And the people coming and going?”
“The duke is meeting all external guests, and the princess seems to be living as usual.”
The only thing Redian could know was what Siani was doing and whom she was meeting in places his eyes couldn’t reach, which was why he hadn’t said anything so far.
When she worked, Siani became extremely sensitive and hated anyone disturbing her time. But she could at least send one message.
Even while he had no time to sleep, Siani always occupied one part of his mind. Yet it seemed he was less important than those piles of papers.
“…”
Redian chuckled softly.
Well, he had always liked that indifferent side of Siani. If her attention wasn’t on him, he’d rather she be buried under the paper piles. In front of those red eyes, only he should be alive and moving. But then,
“It’s the first time I’ve seen Your Royal Highness smile like that. What were you thinking about… My princess can’t take her eyes off you.” The queen of the Kingdom of Kaheti pointed to the princess sitting next to her.
“Mother, please.”
“The princess must have fallen for Your Royal Highness at first sight.”
As the princess blushed, the guests in the banquet hall burst into satisfied laughter.
“By the way, isn’t the princess seventeen this year? The ages seem perfect. They would make a fine couple.”
The enthusiasm of adults trying to matchmake young men and women knew no bounds, regardless of nobility or commoners. Moreover, the princess’s reaction was so cute that more teasing comments inevitably followed.
“Well, that’s…” The emperor, sensing the awkward atmosphere, waved his hand. “I hope the crown prince marries someone he loves.”
With those meaningful words, everyone became more interested. Did the crown prince already have someone he loved, or did it mean he would gladly approve if the two of them liked each other despite the difference in national power?
“Does Your Royal Highness have someone in mind?”
The queen, who had been observing Redian’s reaction, asked in a subtle tone. The emperor, too, seemed interested in hearing Redian’s direct thoughts.
“I do, but it’s just me liking her,” Redian replied without hesitation. The straightforward, almost indifferent tone momentarily quieted the hall.
Only the emperor seemed to catch on to his nephew’s feelings, smiling slightly as he covered his mouth.
“So Your Royal Highness hasn’t formally promised a future together with anyone yet?” The princess, who had been boldly looking at Redian, said.
“Oh my, the princess of Kingdom Kaheti, who is said to be proud, also becomes assertive in front of her ideal type. Hoho.”
At that moment, Redian saw his aide lingering at the door. It seemed he had something urgent to report but couldn’t find the right moment to interrupt. To come here at almost midnight… Redian’s gaze briefly checked the clock and then moved away.
“Your Majesty, I must excuse myself.”
Redian cut off the attention directed at him and stood up.
“I still have unfinished business to attend to.”
It was neither rejecting nor ignoring the princess’s blatant courtship. He was simply indifferent as if it wasn’t something that concerned him.
“Oh, then you may go. The conversation did go on for quite a while, taking up much of your time.” The emperor waved his hand, letting him leave. “These days, he assists me with state affairs, so he’s very busy. Even before his official ascension, he has a great passion for national matters…”
Leaving the banquet hall, Redian headed for the terrace. Once he reached a secluded spot, Redian frowned as if irritated by the lingering gazes.
“Lisfeld.”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”
“What’s the matter?”
“Well, it’s…” Lisfeld, who had quietly followed, whispered into Redian’s ear. “The princess has just gone out to Central Street.”
“Right now?”
His blue eyes, which had checked the time again, became calm.
“Why?”
“I heard she headed to a jewelry store.”
Redian’s fingertips tapped the terrace railing a couple of times as if recalling something. “A jewelry store…”
If she really intended to buy something, she could have just summoned the manager. Even if she had a reason to go out herself, why at this late hour…?
“Who is her escort?”
“It seems she is accompanied by one of the knights closest to her in the duchy, but since I just received the news, I don’t know the details…”
His patience, which he had barely held onto, seemed to run out.
“She doesn’t keep any knights close to her.” Muttering as if to himself, Redian eventually let out a dry laugh. “Or did she get one when I wasn’t looking?”
Only he should be by her side. He hadn’t chosen this path to see another kid take his place beside Siani tonight.
Why are we drifting apart? He thought that if he rose higher than Siani, he could keep her by his side. That’s why he endured the disgusting remarks and revolting glances while maintaining his position.
“Your Royal Highness, if you’re worried, I can assign more knights to her.”
“No.”
He endured it all just to keep his promise to Siani.
“Wear your robe properly, Redian.”
But that didn’t mean he would watch her affectionate hand being allowed to another man.
“I’ll go myself.” Redian turned around immediately.
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