n

n

nThus, a lot more time was taken in order for her to return to the kingdom.

n“I want you to return first. The precious time spent waiting for me is not worthwhile.”

n“. . .”

n“Besides, talented people who have graduated from the military academy are prized. Don’t you want to go back and become a knight? Just like your grandfather did.”

n“ . . . Princess Rieta.”

nThe moment she called Rieta, gusts of cold wind swirled around them.

nElisha closed Rieta’s coat tightly, as there had been a slight opening.

n“I have no intention of serving any ruler other than you.”

nThen he paused for a moment. It was because of his strong hatred for the current, foolish king.

nIt would have been better for him to die than to entrust his life in the hands of such a man.

n

n

n“Where the Princess stays must soon be where I reside as well. For that purpose, I even studied the language here. I don’t want to be a hindrance to the Princess.”

nRieta blinked her eyes.

nMaybe he was becoming more excited, as Elisha’s speech was slowly increasing in speed.

n“When the Princess returns to the kingdom, I hope I will be able to stay by your side.”

nHis last words were in the empire’s language, spoken perfectly and flawlessly.

nAs though to prove that he had studied hard.

nThe garden was quiet again.

nRustle.

nFrom somewhere, there was a sudden sign of the presence of another.

nNot only was Rieta startled, Elisha expressed his surprise as well. They turned their heads toward the sound.

n“. . . Noel?”

n* * *

nWhen the party was nearly over, Noel was searching for Rieta.

nIt wasn’t that big of a deal. He just had something that he wanted to give her.

nIt was a handkerchief.

nAnd it was not merely a normal handkerchief.

nThe pattern of the Duchy of Mayer was embroidered on it.

nSince Rieta is a little foolish at times.

nShe might be discouraged for no reason when she stood before others.

nBecause when there is something you don’t know, you get embarrassed.

nJust as Noel was not able to properly speak the empire’s language on a particular day. He was very disheartened then.

nWere Rieta to ever find herself in such a situation, a handkerchief embroidered with the pattern of the Duchy would be able to protect her or at least offer her some comfort.

nThe meaning would be that the dignified Duchy of Mayer supported her.

nIf you receive this handkerchief, you’ll be glad, right?

nOf course she would be glad.

nThis wasn’t something that a certain snub-nosed boy could obtain by saving up some pocket money.

nBesides, it was much more useful than some fairy tale book, as well as easy to carry around.

nHe imagined Rieta smiling softly, the handkerchief resting in her hands.

nNoel’s lips twitched spontaneously.

n. . . She would be very pretty.

nHe shook his head quickly, dispelling any nonsensical thoughts.

nPretty? What was he thinking?

nIt was just . . .

nWhen Rieta was ignored and disregarded outside, it simply didn’t sit right with Noel. It gave him negative feelings.

nBecause she was part of the Duchy too. No other reason.

nBy the way, where did you go?

nNoel looked around the small hall where the party was taking place. Unable to find her, he then went to Rieta’s room.

nHe knocked, but no answer came.

nIt seemed that she hadn’t returned to her room as of yet.

nOn the way back alone, Noel caught a glimpse of hair glistening under the moonlight when he glanced through the window facing the garden.

nIt was Rieta.

nIt was rather dark so he couldn’t see her features clearly, but he was sure.

nRieta was the only one with such gorgeous hair.

n

n

nThat stupid girl. Why did she go outside on such a cold night?

nHe had recently borrowed some reading material about the Liz kingdom. Tonight’s weather reminded him of the differences in climate that the Liz kingdom had.

nSummers there were hotter than here.

nWinter was similar, but the wind was soft and it felt relatively cold.

nThus, if one was a citizen of the Imperial Capital, one would not have to dress all that heavily.

nVice versa, it would mean that the winter here was harsher for Rieta.

nBut walking on a winter night?

nOn his way out to the garden, he picked up Darrell’s muffler, which was hanging near the front door.

nIn fact, when he first met Elisha, it had seemed pretty cool for him to drape a coat around Rieta.

nI’ll have to try it too.

n