Franz didn’t say anything particularly dangerous or act awkwardly, despite being tense the whole time. His only interaction with Laila when she finally showed up a bit late was a simple, “Thank you for coming.” He spent time with her, exchanging suitable words, nothing more and nothing less.
As they shared an appropriate distance and familiarity, Laila’s guardedness crumbled without her even realizing it.
“It would be nice to do this again,” Franz murmured as they enjoyed a meal he had prepared for her. Although it sounded like a casual remark, he intended it to be heard. For Laila, who had no immunity to relations with the opposite sex, it probably felt like genuine affection overflowing from him.
Every action and word of his was enough to sway her innocence. Who wouldn’t be affected by the unending kindness shown by an attractive man? If Laila had a friend her age, she might have warned her against falling for such charms, explaining how those signs often mark a bad man.
But for Laila, whose only close female companion was the much older Mrs. Pulcheria, that was impossible.
“Is something good happening?”
“Huh?”
Living in a world where hate and lies might not even exist, Laila couldn’t help but display her excitement on her face. She paused at her work, staring into space, then blushed and smiled shyly, prompting Pulcheria to realize something was amiss.
“Ah, there’s a man.”
Pulcheria had always felt a pang of sympathy for her niece, who had reached marriageable age yet remained oblivious to men. Though she often considered finding a suitable betrothed for her, she had been too preoccupied with her own tasks to focus on Laila’s romantic life.
Despite having mentioned to others to look out for someone good for Laila, that was the extent of her efforts. Pulcheria cared deeply for her, but not being her biological mother, her affection remained within reasonable bounds.
Recently, however, Laila appeared to be embodying a pure girl just starting her first love, which left Pulcheria both delighted and concerned for her niece. Though several years had passed since reaching adulthood, Laila still radiated the innocence of a girl.
Pulcheria could only hope that this sweet and pretty girl nurtured her feelings with a kind-hearted man, at least half as good as her.
“No, ma’am.”
“Shouldn’t you thoroughly understand the other person before meeting?”
“That’s not it, really.”
Blushing like a ripe peach at just a few questions. Who would see her and think she’s an adult who has long passed her youthful years? Perhaps if she were just beginning her adolescence.
“It’s your choice, and of course, I respect that. But you should never give your whole heart right from the start. Men are just like that.”
“…Oh, come on.”
With her ears flushed and her gaze turned away, Laila looked endearing, like a charming child. Was this how one would feel looking at a child left by the water’s edge?
“I’ve seen how innocent girls like you get hurt while trying to build relationships, more times than you can imagine. You don’t realize who you’re truly meeting or whether that relationship will be beneficial or harmful.”
“…”
Laila had no response.
It would be more fitting to say she couldn’t find any words to answer.
The points that Pulcheria made about needing to see the other person clearly and getting involved without knowing if it would harm her were too sharp and accurate.
Laila was certainly aware of how dangerous Franz was, considering how many women were wrapped up in rumors about him.
But she lacked the resolve to cut off an attractive man who showed her endless kindness, even if he might be harmful to others.
One of the easiest misconceptions people have is believing they can change those with whom they form relationships.
Though she didn’t realize it, Laila found herself making excuses for Franz the more she met him, growing hopeful amidst the vile rumors surrounding him.
She thought perhaps he wasn’t so bad, that many hated him due to his background, and that a minor fault of his had snowballed through gossip.
Until now, she never truly experienced love and had hurt many women, but somehow she held onto the hope that he might sincerely care for her.
In reality, this was just an illusion created by Laila’s desires, and until that hope was thoroughly betrayed, she would never grasp the truth of her ‘false’ feelings that completely dominated her heart.
This was about a month after her secret times with Franz.
“Anyway, I’m saying be careful, very careful. Don’t you know how much I care for you, Laila?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m incredibly grateful. I will keep that in mind.”
“Right. You’re a smart girl, so I believe you’ll manage well. My advice might feel like nagging, but listening won’t harm you.”
Laila bowed her head in reply. Once Pulcheria finished her words and left for other matters, Laila quickly took out a piece of paper for the sleeve dance and scanned its contents.
“Canava, 3 PM.”
I received another message from Franz. Thump, thump. My heart raced once more. As the time we spent together accumulated, the words we shared and the closeness between us became much more intimate than she had expected.
During our last secret meeting, I returned from brushing hands with him, staying awake all night with wide eyes.
In that fleeting moment of contact, which seemed like it almost touched, I can’t describe how fast Laila’s heart was racing.
What words can capture this mix of fear and excitement? The opposing emotions felt by someone crossing a taboo.
The guilt of doing something I shouldn’t, coupled with the sweet thrill of engaging in something that not just anyone can experience.
Though they are opposite in nature, these feelings that bear a slight resemblance were creating a delusion for Laila. She wondered if her feelings for Franz might be ‘love.’
“Your Highness…”
I miss you. She whispered internally, quickly folding the paper back up and tucking it into her sleeve to hide it.
***
A telegram arrived early in the morning, and the few short words written within threw Karl into unexpected confusion.
“It seems something has happened to Valerie.”
“What? To the lady?”
Clovis wore a bewildered expression. Valerie and Celeste were hiding in the safest place possible within all the grand duchies.
Moreover, it was perplexing for Karl to hear that something had happened only to Valerie, not Celeste.
“Is Her Grace the Duchess alright?”
“It doesn’t seem like she was attacked…”
Karl trailed off. A short telegram couldn’t convey all the underlying circumstances.
He repeatedly read the message that indicated there was some change concerning Valerie and urged someone to return to the capital or send more people from the Ministry of Magic.
“I will send someone immediately.”
“…”
“No, I will go myself.”
Clovis, sensing the seriousness on Karl’s face, declared he would head to the Grand Duchy personally. No one else could reassure Karl as much as Clovis could.
However, leaving Karl alone in the capital presented too many unresolved matters.
The election of the archduke was just around the corner.
Before the vote took place, they needed to continue contacting those eligible for the archduke position, and to expose Franz’s crimes based on materials obtained from the Abu’man’s search would take considerable time.
Yet, the decision to go himself stemmed from how significant Valerie and Celeste had become to Karl.
Perhaps sensing Clovis’s genuine concern, Karl shook his head.
“No, this isn’t something to rush into.”
“Then…”
“Let’s consider sending Minister Linke.”
Minister Linke from the Ministry of Magic. He was the one who recognized the ancient dark magic lingering in Celeste’s body. If he could personally check on Valerie’s condition, it would provide some reassurance. Clovis nodded.
“Yes, I will meet with the minister right away and convey your message.”
Now he needed to think about who would accompany him. As Clovis recalled the names of reliable subordinates, he began to formulate the next plan.
