n

n

n“Oh—Yes. Uh, it’s done with great skill.”

n“Yes,”

nThe mailman thought he was dreaming.

nThere were so many things that he couldn’t explain otherwise.

n“H-here’s the mail.”

nHe politely handed a notice from the military academy.

n“Thank you”

nThe Duke opened the envelope as soon as he received the letter and confirmed the contents.

nThe mailman forgot that he had to go back and stared blankly at the Duke reading the letter.

nTo be exact, he kept looking at his cone hat.

n

n

nThe Duke flicked the paper as he finished reading the letter.

n“He’s accepted.”

nThen a butler standing right behind him released a small confetti party popper.

nSoon, everyone around him began to clap with joy.

nThe mailman didn’t even know what they were celebrating, but he still clapped together.

nAfter returning to the mail wagon, he sat on the horseman’s seat and grabbed his head.

n“What the hell did I see?”

nOf course, what he had witnessed was Alicia’s ‘Party for Military Academy.’

n******

nAlicia’s acceptance party continued until quite late.

nThe children had been allowed to stay up this time.

nShe would have been very sad if she hadn’t been able to share enough of this joy, just because she’s afraid of not being tall.

nAt the party, Rieta thanked the Duke and Noel for doing all that work.

nOf course, the Duke shook his head with gracious feelings.

n“It’s wonderful to be able to help with someone’s dream.”

nAnd Noel answered like this.

n“Well, that’s enough—I had promised you to help your friend, as a gentleman.”

nIt was a promise the two of them had made while waiting for Alicia to come.

nShe loved how Noel remembered and cherished it, so Rieta laughed.

n“Do you really like it?”

n“Hm?”

n“I’m asking if it’s good to have Alicia in the Empire, you idiot.”

n“I’m glad Alicia’s getting closer to doing what he wants. And, of course, it’s good to be close.”

nHe knew it. They’d been together since they were very young, so they’d feel empty if the other wasn’t around. Well.

n“But most of all, I was touched that Noel cared so much about my story. You know, that’s—”

nRieta looked around slightly and said, ‘our secret,’ only moving her lips.

nNoel giggled at the word “secret.”

nStrangely, he felt good just thinking about it.

nCould it be because it was Rieta and Noel’s secret, which was unthinkable to Alicia?

n“You’re part of the Duke’s people and so, it’s natural that I care about you.”

nHe observed Rieta’s reaction with a slight swagger.

nFortunately, Rieta did not seem to be repulsed by the phrase “a part of the Duke.”

nNo, in fact, seeing how she was nodding her head, she must have loved it.

nSee, she was never a guest!

nShe will never, ever leave here.

nNoel grinned at Rieta.

n*****

nAt the end of the party, Rieta called Alicia separately for a while.

nBecause she had something to tell him alone.

n“Would you like to go to the garden?”

nIt must be dark and cold, but she thought it would be better to talk quietly.

nThe two went to their respective rooms to take off their cone hats and put on their coats, and met again at the front door.

n“You have to watch your step.”

nAlicia gave her his arm as he talked, and Rieta gladly held on.

nThe entrance to the dry winter gardens was followed by the sound of footsteps on the dry ground.

nThat’s a long time.

nOnce they were near the tree where she had once found a bird’s nest, Rieta stopped.

n“You know, Alicia.”

n“Yes.”

n“You can only attend the Academy until you turn 16.”

n“Yes.”

n“When the period is over, you’re going back to the kingdom, aren’t you?”

n“…Princess.”

nAlicia rarely answered her questions with anything other than ‘yes’.

n“I think you have noticed the reason why I came to the Empire.”

n“Uh-huh.”

nRieta smiled.

n

n

nHer mixed feelings made her a bit awkward.

n“You’re here in order to return to the Kingdom with me, aren’t you?”

n“Yes. And I don’t care when.”

nThe unwavering answer made Rieta feel conflicted.

nShe didn’t know how to persuade him.

n“I… You know, Alicia,”

nShe said with a rather heavy tone.

n“I was offered as a tribute to the Emperor.”

n“I know.”

n“It’s only after I turn 16 years old, that I will get my rights back fully.”

n