The place the Larvian Empire invited us to was not in the capital, but a place with a beautiful sea and a summer villa.
The castle, perched on a cliff with a clear view of the sea, was within sturdy walls. The castle, made of white marble, harmonized splendidly with the giant leafy trees and a shimmering blue sea, creating a breathtaking scene.
Comparing it to various cities in the Britina Empire, I truly felt like I was in a foreign land. I seemed to understand why Larvian insisted we come here.
“Did you have any trouble getting here?”
Demimore was in front of me, ready to escort me, before I even got off the carriage.
Although he casually extended his hand to hold mine, recalling Astina’s words in the carriage made it awkward to meet his eyes.
‘This is a bit uncomfortable.’
From the specially arranged carriage by the imperial family to the vast imperial knights surrounding it, Demimore put a tremendous amount of effort into this visit to Larvian. Well, I won’t deny that most of that effort was for my sake.
When Demimore mentioned that he would prepare a separate carriage for me and Astina, Aiden, somewhat irritated, scolded Gilbert and asked if carriages of the Grand Duke could only move within the Britina Empire.
But when he saw the carriage Demimore had prepared, he went crazy again, scolding Gilbert for saying that horses should be sent to the palace once they are born.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the carriage that arrived in front of the Grand Duke’s residence. It was a black carriage, as opulent and elegant as an imperial banquet hall. Demimore said he couldn’t make a new carriage due to time constraints, so I shouldn’t expect much. The biggest discomfort was trying to calm down Astina, who was trembling in fear when she got on the carriage earlier.
“It was a comfortable ride—so comfortable, in fact, that I fell asleep as soon as I laid my head on it. I barely got to see the scenery.”
At my nudge, Demimore chuckled, a pleasant sound.
“We can come again next time.”
“If that’s the case…”
“Just the two of us.”
I could only blink my eyes as I looked up at Demimore’s words. He made a slight gesture, as if he wanted to gain my agreement.
He flashed me a smile that was so gorgeous. I nodded, unable to resist.
Perhaps he prepared all this in the midst of his busy schedule because he wanted to ride alone with me. That thought only occurred to me now.
“We should definitely come back when you have time.”
I urgently added, holding onto Demimore’s sleeve tightly. I wanted to assure him.
Demimore, who grew up with an impression that seemed aloof at first glance, always smiled childishly in front of me. Even for such a small promise.
His beautifully drawn eyes were so tender that the place where Demimore and I were standing became blurry in my mind.
“Sis!”
While I was lost in Demimore’s smile, Rex, who had come in the same carriage as Aiden, rushed towards me.
Now taller than me, Rex, when running towards me like that, still reminded me of a cute little puppy. Rex, who ran up as if wagging his tail, noticed Demimore next to me and politely greeted him with a composed face.
“I see you’ve arrived already, your Highness.”
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
Demimore, Rex, and Theodore awkwardly exchanged greetings. Gilbert and Aiden were indifferent to Demimore, but fortunately, Theodore seemed friendly.
“How was the carriage ride? Did you like it?”
Look at this! Theodore sneakily approached me from behind to ask about the ride. But I, too, subtly showed a thumbs-up to Theodore in a position where Demimore couldn’t see. Crazy! I really liked it. But it’s a carriage, and I need to get off.
Everyone here marveled at the carriage I got off, more than the one Demimore arrived in.
“Thank you for visiting the Larvian Empire.”
An immeasurable crowd came to welcome us in rows, even with an orchestra. Ah, so this is how the country’s taxes are being used for us.
Amidst them, people adorned in fancy attire, seemingly aristocrats, were approaching us. The Britina Royal Family is, of course, magnificent, but Larvian is no less impressive… Although the landscapes of the countries may differ, these things seem similar.
The Emperor of Larvian had rich auburn hair elegantly styled and wore a dazzling crown. I wonder if this is what it means to be graceful in your stride……. Although he had a kind smile, I couldn’t breathe comfortably because of the natural intimidation that came when he approached us.
“You’ve traveled a long way.”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
Demimore also made a formal greeting with graceful gestures.
“I am Prince Gabriel Larvian.”
“I am Princess Sylvia Larvian.”
At first glance, Gabriel seemed a year younger than me, and Sylvia was six years younger. Sylvia, with her auburn, wavy hair adorned with beautiful flowers, looked incredibly cute.
Sylvia, shyly avoiding eye contact with Demimore, seemed adorable and pleased.
Huh.
‘Could it be?’
Come to think of it, the Larvian Emperor was scrutinizing Demimore with a more critical gaze than I expected, much like how my father and brothers look at him every time he comes to visit.
‘Maybe Demimore and Sylvia…’
I only thought that much, but my mood suddenly became unpleasant. A tingling sensation made me clench my fist.
Despite being here, the fact that Demimore receives numerous glances from others is undoubtedly making me more sensitive.
The feeling of becoming a guardian… I really didn’t want to feel this way.
“You must be Lady Mary Conler? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”
The Larvian Emperor gently stroked my shoulder. Well, surely I wouldn’t be having such thoughts while wide awake like this? No, no, no, I don’t think so.
Regardless of my thoughts, everyone finished their greetings with laughter, and the courtiers brought huge bouquets to Astina and me.
I plucked a single red rose from mine and handed it to Demimore, as I had studied beforehand.
“Here, Demimore.”
Good. It felt natural.
Even though it was a tradition not often observed in Larvian, this little sense would be appealing.
Demimore, taken aback, took the flower from me, and I proudly looked around. Sylvia Larvian, who was beside me, mumbled something like “Oh” and then clapped her hands. Starting from there, the applause spread, and cheers echoed. Someone might think we won a competition. Even the orchestra was playing energetically.
‘Is it really that big of a deal?’
What is this…
Looking at Demimore in front of me with a puzzled face, he, with a brighter smile than anyone else, was smelling the fragrance of the rose I gave him. The scene was so beautiful and elegant that I involuntarily gulped.
As Demimore was absorbed in the fragrance, I looked around to find the next person to seek assistance from. Theodore, no, Rex would be good. Where is Rex?
“Sis, what’s this?”
Rex also approached me with a bewildered face. I don’t know either. Help me, Rex. The reactions of these people are too much. And behind them, Theodore, holding his stomach and laughing, was visible. Why is that guy behaving like that? Watching Theodore laugh, I felt increasingly uncomfortable and uneasy. It felt like my bones were tingling.
Rex, with a puzzled expression, swept his hair back with a troubled look and whispered in my ear. Sylvia was looking at Rex with twinkling eyes.
“Uh, the act of handing a flower from a bouquet… in Larvian, it’s a way for a woman to propose.”
“Oh, really?!”
No wonder everyone seemed so excited!
