Ko-fi shop has been renewed, you can find the link at the end of the chapter.
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The air was crisp on an early morning when Katrin knocked loudly on Diana’s door.
“His Highness is looking for you. He said to bring all the painting tools, so take them with you.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
It was just after dawn. Felix would not be holding a brush at this hour. Every morning, he left the separate palace to head for the hunting grounds.
Although puzzled, Diana left her room and asked the maid tidying the window area.
“Excuse me… Where are the painting tools His Highness uses? They’re no longer in the place I knew.”
“They should be in the studio on the left side of the third floor. Go check there.”
The maid, smelling of tree roots, answered curtly. It was too vague an explanation for Diana. She had never entered the studio and had no idea exactly where the tools she needed might be.
Diana worked hard to chase down the scattering servants, finally learning that the studio was at the far left end of the third floor. She was hesitating near the stairs when someone called out to her.
“Diana, what are you doing here?”
“Ah, Head Maid.”
It was Head Maid Katrin. Diana sighed with relief and turned around.
“The location of the painting tools you mentioned earlier has changed. I heard they are in the studio, so I was trying to find them.”
“You’ve been working here for two months, and you still don’t know where the studio is? Come with me.”
Katrin stretched her hand to Diana’s right and flung the door open wide. Diana was half-pushed into the studio, retreating backward as she entered.
“The painting tools are organized on the shelf along the right wall. Make sure you bring everything.”
“Yes, Head Maid.”
The sound of Katrin’s heels grew closer, her deliberate steps sharp and loud. She lowered her voice as she nudged Diana toward the wall.
“One more warning. Just because His Highness often calls for you, don’t act as if you’re someone important.”
“I’ve never done such a thing, Head Maid.”
One’s arrogance should match their audience, but considering how she treated me like I didn’t even exist… Before Diana could finish her thought, Katrin spoke coldly.
“Don’t think of yourself as a woman who can manipulate His Highness. Remember, everyone here is watching your every move.”
Of course, Diana was aware of the whispers surrounding her, and that she lived under constant scrutiny. Instead of feeling particularly hurt or fearful, she found the situation absurd. Fixing her gaze where Katrin’s waist should be, Diana asked,
“Do you think His Highness is someone who would fall into my hands?”
“You said you’re blind, right? Can you really see nothing?”
“…Does that have anything to do with my question?”
Some people lacked even the bare minimum of courtesy toward those with disabilities. Katrin waved her hand in front of Diana’s face and clicked her tongue in disapproval.
“The world is unpredictable. Why His Highness… such a thing…”
In the end, Katrin didn’t answer Diana’s question.
Diana packed all the tools Felix often used into a painting bag. Once she added the pigment containers and glass tools used for mixing colors, the bag became quite heavy. It was difficult to carry without using both hands.
Taking a deep breath, Diana began descending the stairs.
Her steps were unsteady since both hands were occupied.
Fortunately, she made it safely to the first floor. Sweat glistened on Diana’s forehead. Now, she had another fifty steps to the garden. Just as she took a deep breath, she heard Felix shouting in the distance.
“Why are you just standing there?”
Diana was puzzled, but the words didn’t seem directed at her. A servant, who had been standing stiffly by the door, rushed to Diana and practically snatched the bag from her.
“My apologies, Your Highness.”
“Is this how the dukes’ servants are trained? Don’t make me have to speak about it again.”
“Understood, Your Highness. I will keep that in mind.”
Diana had always vaguely suspected that one would need to master mind-reading to serve the crown prince.
Now empty-handed and standing idly, Diana received his order.
“Diana.”
Hearing her name, she stepped forward. But since the bag meant for him was no longer with her, Diana’s task was essentially done.
She stopped where she could hear the sound of horses pawing the grass but didn’t know what she was supposed to do next and stood still.
The sunlight warmly touched her skin, and the air carried the scent of dust.
Something heavy made of leather and metal clinked noisily. Diana, recalling the hideous whip she had encountered on her first day here, instinctively shrank back.
“Never seen a horse before?”
“Pardon?”
“…Right. You can’t see. But can you ride?”
Felix sighed irritably, realizing the flaw in his question.
He wasn’t one to engage much in conversation with maids or servants. Dealing with the dull-witted ones who needed constant instruction was exasperating, and Diana Escalif required even more effort since she could only understand when given verbal commands. She was nothing short of high maintenance.
“Did I ride a horse before…?”
“Never mind. A pointless question.”
Felix strode over and wrapped an arm around her waist, causing Diana to startle. With ease, he lifted her onto the saddle. It required little effort—her weight was surprisingly light, even compared to the last time he had carried her. Had she lost weight?
“Um, Master, this is…”
Left alone on the gleaming black horse, Diana fumbled anxiously with the saddle. However, she didn’t appear particularly afraid. Despite its notoriously difficult temperament, Felix’s horse, like its master, was unusually calm and compliant.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden, so I’m bound to be clumsy….”
She found the reins hanging down from the saddle and grabbed them, steadying her breath. While she seemed uneasy about maintaining balance, she didn’t display any particular aversion to riding. Felix watched intently as she carefully shifted to face forward.
A blind woman on horseback. It was unlikely Aizen would have taught a maid equestrian skills.
“Was it because you grew up by the spring?”
“……!”
Diana’s face turned ashen in an instant. A servant was standing close enough to hear!
“They say spirits are naturally attuned to nature. Does that extend to animals or—”
“Master!”
Diana interrupted, her tone disrespectfully abrupt, and Felix raised an eyebrow sharply.
Yet his irritation was outweighed by curiosity. Could she ride alone? The road to the hunting grounds was familiar to the horse, so it was tempting to simply observe and see.
Of course, there was also the aesthetic appeal of the scene. A splendid warhorse paired with a delicate beauty—a pleasing composition, save for the horse being somewhat oversized for her.
Should he consider acquiring a smaller horse? The thought was interrupted as Diana slipped from the saddle.
“Ah…!”
A startled cry escaped Diana’s lips. Trying to reposition herself, she lost her footing. As her darkened vision tilted and the terrifying sensation of falling overcame her, a strong arm swiftly steadied her, lifting her back onto the horse.
“Tch….”
A low click of the tongue betrayed Felix’s irritation, though it was clear he was flustered.
After confirming she was stable, Felix climbed onto the horse behind her. Diana reached out clumsily, touching his thighs and arms to ascertain his presence. The smooth fabric of his tailored jacket startled her momentarily before realization struck.
Ah, his clothes… they’re different from usual.
In the parlor or bathroom, he typically wore a loosely draped robe, an oversized shirt, or casual cotton attire. But now, dressed in his formal outdoor wear, it dawned on her that he intended to take her somewhere.
Taking the reins from her hands, Felix nudged the horse with his heels. The black steed let out a long whinny and began galloping toward the hunting grounds.
***
Although Diana didn’t know the layout of the entire imperial palace, it was evident that the Crown Prince’s palace was situated far to the north. Since mounting the horse, Felix hadn’t once changed direction.
As they rode in a straight line, the air brushing against her face gradually began to change.
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The portrait of Pride has opened a ko-fi shop with 5 advanced chapters. Ko-fi shop will be updated with each update in website. Here is the: LINK
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