Chapter 44: No One Can Live Alone part 2
But no matter how hard Fay tried, she kept recalling Lucius awkwardly looking away when he gave her his flowers.
He always looked like a flustered boy at times like that.
Still, the elixir… Why did he do that?!
The other two briefly commented on how pretty the bouquet was and how well it suited her before moving on to another topic. She wished this moment would last a little longer.
‘If only it weren’t for the Orleans family affairs.’
Knock, knock.
Just as their tea time ended and the conversation had lulled, a sudden knock interrupted them.
“Who is it?”
“Pardon me, Young Lord. It’s me.”
The visitor was in such a hurry that he opened the door while calling for Kassel.
“Paul, what is it?”
“It’s…”
‘Oh!’
Paul, a servant of Duke Klein’s estate.
Fay’s eyes darted around urgently, rolling away as soon as she spotted another familiar face.
After listening to Paul’s whispered words to the end, Kassel stood up, looking genuinely apologetic.
“Miss Fay, my apologies, as well as to Your Highness Prince Astein and Sir Raphael. An urgent matter has come up that I cannot ignore, so I must take my leave. Since His Highness will need to return to the Imperial Palace in about two hours, shall we conclude our gathering here? My attendant, Paul, will see you off.”
Raphael showed no signs of disappointment at Kassel’s departure. Instead, he waved his hand with a bright smile.
“Oh, no, no. It wouldn’t be proper of me as a gentleman to leave Miss Fay without an escort after bringing her all the way here. I’ll ensure she returns safely, so don’t worry and go ahead, Commander.”
He looked as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.
“And what about His Highness?”
For a brief moment, Raphael wore a dumbfounded expression.
“Ah.”
“…Haah, I don’t have time for jokes. I really must go. Paul, escort Miss Fay respectfully, but don’t rush her home. Prince Astein, I shall see you next time.”
“Very well, Sir Kassel. I had a wonderful time today.”
“Likewise.”
Just before leaving, Kassel cast a regretful glance at Fay. He had originally planned to send Prince Astein and Raphael off first so he could talk with her a little longer.
As he was about to turn and leave, something crossed his mind. Given today’s events, and perhaps future unforeseen circumstances, it seemed necessary to say this.
Without hesitation, Kassel approached Fay and whispered in her ear.
“If Sir Raphael tries anything strange, don’t hold back. I heard that one of your specialties is a spell called Frozen Step.”
“…Pardon?”
“If he acts suspiciously, you have my permission to step on his foot mercilessly while using that spell. I’ll take care of the aftermath, so don’t worry.”
“Uh… Ahaha….”
Unbelievable. Someone else had given her the exact same advice as Holtdayne!
Fay could only laugh awkwardly, caught in an awkward situation, while Raphael, who had excellent hearing and had caught every word, grumbled.
“That’s just cruel. Is this all our friendship amounts to? A friend who doesn’t mind if my foot gets frostbite… How tragic, after all these years of camaraderie.”
“I really must be going now. I’ll see you all later.”
After Kassel’s departure, the three of them didn’t linger long. As he had pointed out, the sunset was already painting the sky in hues of orange. Though reluctant, it was time to part ways.
The rain hadn’t come, the weather was neither too hot nor too cold, and even though she was the only one aware of this long-awaited reunion, it was still a joy to see good people again.
Back at the Magic Tower, Fay lay sprawled on her bed, lost in thought.
‘I wish every day could be like this. It was a perfect day… Except for the piano.’
Of course, that was an impossible wish.
Even if she reclaimed her title as Lady Klein, nothing would change. Just because one is a noblewoman doesn’t mean they get to do only what they want.
It was just a fleeting, childish thought at the end of a long day.
Raphael Orleans, an outstanding knight, admired by noblewomen and young ladies alike. At the very least, no one had ever called him lazy.
Astein Delphior Arkan, the Prince.
She had always seen him poised and dignified by Queen Rania’s side. But today, she discovered he was actually talkative and full of curiosity.
Fay could fully understand why Astein had kept his true personality hidden.
With Crown Prince Sillas remaining in seclusion, it would be problematic for his half-brother, the younger prince, to be seen freely moving about. In many ways.
The prince Fay had known in her past life had never once ventured out without Queen Rania accompanying him. That’s why today’s unexpected encounter had been so surprising.
For him to leave the Imperial Palace on his own and say he wanted to meet her, one of the Crown Prince’s most trusted retainers, that alone took courage.
Was this a sign that he had finally decided to speak up, trusting in Sillas’s strength and resolve?
‘In this life, the once reserved prince might have the chance to live differently. I hope he gets to embrace his lively nature freely.’
She wished happiness for him, for Raphael, and for her brother, Kassel.
With Fay’s warm, earnest heart carrying her thoughts, the long winter days continued to pass.
Spring would come soon. And whatever awaited in that spring, no matter what each person thought or planned…
* * *
One Day in January.
Watching the piles of gifts flood the duchy for the New Year had become dull. Having spent the past few weeks making small complaints, asking for new servants to be hired, expressing a desire for a quiet outing, the young lady of the Duchy finally met with the Duke and Duchess in private.
She had requested for everyone else to be dismissed, leaving only the three of them in the room. From her expression alone, it was difficult to read her thoughts.
Her lips, delicately shaped yet firmly pressed shut, revealed hesitation. Yet her well-groomed, hazel-toned eyebrows and clear, steady gaze remained as composed as ever.
