Episode 48

* * *

Though I wasn’t particularly eager, I had to attend the dinner banquet prepared for Isaac and Martina.

I changed into an appropriately grand and dignified dark blue dress and was finishing my preparations when Lothania came to fetch me.

“Oh my, Lotti, you look absolutely adorable today!”

Her sunny blonde hair was curled and styled, with a large crimson ribbon atop her head. Another, even larger ribbon was attached to her back, with its ends trailing long like the wings of a crimson butterfly.

Lothania twirled around, making the ribbons flutter, and giggled.

“I wanted to look my best since I’m meeting Mother’s family.”

“You look so, so cute, Lotti. Your uncle and aunt will be overwhelmed by your charm.”

“I hope they like me.”

“Who wouldn’t love such a cute child?”

I tapped her nose playfully with my finger, making her laugh.

Holding Lothania’s hand, I stepped out of the room to find Aiden standing by the door.

“Aiden? I thought you’d gone.”

“I am responsible for your close protection when meeting outsiders.”

“Protection? You mean like standing behind me as you did earlier?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Earlier was a formal reception for a foreign crown prince and princess, but now it was a private dinner.

Though Aiden was a duke, it felt wrong to have him stand behind me throughout a private meal.

“The Imperial Guard will be present. There’s no need for you to do this, Aiden.”

“It’s my duty, Your Majesty.”

“Does it have to be you?”

When I insisted, both Aiden and Lothania tilted their heads.

“Father always did this when meeting envoys from other countries, Mother. Is it uncomfortable having Duke Tilender with us?”

At Lothania’s question, Aiden’s handsome eyebrows drooped.

It wasn’t that I was uncomfortable, but I felt bad about having him stand like a sentinel, unable to eat, throughout an uncertain-length dinner.

Waving my hand to dismiss the idea, I quickly responded.

“No, it’s not that… How about this: you join us for dinner. That will work.”

I thought I had presented a very reasonable solution, but Aiden suddenly burst out laughing.

Just a moment ago, he looked like he might cry, but now he was all smiles. Such a rollercoaster of emotions.

He asked cheerfully, “Are you worried I might feel left out if I don’t eat with you?”

Not exactly, but close enough. I had been concerned about the dog who often said he wanted to be a man.

Thinking about it, as the captain of the guard, Aiden was more than qualified to serve as my close protection.

I hoped he wouldn’t be treated like a mere dog. It was odd to feel this way because of his canine-like loyalty.

A fierce-looking dog that longed for affection.

A dog whose every feeling was visible on his face.

Look at him now, smiling as if he couldn’t be happier.

If he had a tail, it would be wagging furiously right now.

It wasn’t like I said anything extraordinary.

“I’m really pleased, but it might distract me from my duties. I would prefer to dine with Your Majesty alone another time.”

With Aiden’s polite refusal, I had nothing more to say.

I sighed lightly, nodded to him, and resumed walking hand in hand with Lothania.

Aiden and the guards followed us. Lothania glanced back at them, then whispered to me.

“Mother, you seem especially kind to Duke Tilender.”

“Do I?”

“Yes.”

She nodded firmly, with an earnestness that suggested she hoped this was true.

I tilted my head, thinking I hadn’t particularly favored Aiden, but Lothania’s expression grew even more determined.

“I think it’s a good idea. I support it.”

“Support what?”

“Mother marrying Duke Tilender.”

I stopped in my tracks, taken aback by her bold statement.

“Lotti, why would you say that?”

“Because I like him. He’s strong, kind, and loyal. And I think he’d make you happy.”

Her innocent logic left me speechless for a moment. Seeing her earnest face, I couldn’t help but smile and pat her head.

“Well, thank you for your opinion, Lotti. We’ll see what the future holds.”

Lothania beamed at my response, seemingly content with the possibility she had planted in my mind.

With that, we continued to the banquet, my thoughts lingering on Lothania’s unexpected support for Aiden.

As soon as Lothania finished speaking, I heard a strange noise from behind.

Turning around, I saw Aiden almost stumbling, supported by another guard. It seemed his legs had tangled.

Seeing him resume walking, I whispered to Lothania.

“What do you mean by that, Lotti? Suddenly talking about marriage?”

“He’s handsome enough, tall, and probably the strongest person in Belpator. And the men of his family are known to be devoted to their partners.”

“But, Lotti, I’ve told you I don’t plan to marry anyone.”

“I just want you to be happy, Mother.”

Lothania’s words were becoming increasingly perplexing.

I glanced back to see Aiden walking awkwardly, and Lothania with a determined, serious expression.

I decided to stop walking. Gesturing for Aiden and the guards to step back, I crouched down to look Lothania in the eye.

Lothania had mentioned similar things before—about choosing one of the three beasts to marry so that he would protect me—back when she had overheard Bonita suggesting I should be sent back to Dirmil.

Back then, she was more afraid of me leaving than of being killed by a beast.

Much had changed since then, but was Lothania still trapped by the same fear? Or was she worried because I suddenly introduced her to my brother and sister?

Holding her small hands gently, I asked in a kind voice, “I’m very happy as I am. Why are you saying this now?”

Lothania’s crimson eyes darted around nervously. She stammered, “Uh… um…” trying to find the right words.

Though it was not the reaction I expected, I was relieved she wasn’t fearful or anxious.

After a moment of thought, she finally spoke again.

“Even if it’s after I become emperor, I want you to be happy with someone you love. Duke Tilender likes you, so I thought he could make you happy.”

“Duke Tilender likes me… Who told you that?”

“No one had to tell me. It’s obvious.”

Though it was true Aiden wasn’t good at hiding his feelings, hearing it from my daughter made me feel oddly self-conscious.

Clearing my throat, I spoke to Lothania.

“No matter what Aiden feels, you are the one I love the most. I want to be happy with you.”

Lothania blinked her crimson eyes and then beamed with joy.

Her smile was so bright her cheeks looked like round candies.

“I love you the most, too, Mother!”

She threw her arms around my neck, and I embraced her tightly as she whispered sweetly in my ear.

“You’re my absolute favorite. Even more than Mel.”

After a long, affectionate hug, Lothania pulled back, looking a bit shy.

I adjusted the ribbons on her dress and asked, “Lotti, was that the only reason you suddenly mentioned marriage? Is there anything else?”

I wanted to make sure Bonita hadn’t approached her secretly or if she was uneasy about meeting the guests from Dirmil. Lothania’s crimson eyes rolled again.

“Lotti, you must tell me if something happened.”

“No, really. I just want you to be happy.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

Lothania answered firmly, then mumbled to herself. It sounded like she said, “The snake wouldn’t make Mother happy anyway,” but it was so out of context that I thought I must have misheard.

Seeing no signs of distress on her face, I decided not to press further.

* * *

I held Lothania’s slightly nervous hand and led her to the dining hall.

Isaac and Martina, seated at the large round table, quickly stood and bowed to us.

Lothania approached them gracefully, lifting her skirt in a perfect curtsey.

“Welcome to Belpator. I am Lothania Hielstin Luminal.”

She was so poised and adorable; I couldn’t help but feel proud of my daughter.