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nWith a handkerchief in one hand and a muffler in the other, he went out into the garden cheerfully.

nRieta could be seen in the distance.

nHowever, there was a dark shadow— invisible from the window or perhaps unable to catch his eye— and it was with her.

nElisha . . .?

nThe two were standing to the side of the garden, having a conversation.

nThe atmosphere was rather serious.

nWords in the language of the empire, words that Noel did not understand were pouring out of their mouths.

nWere they fighting?

nA little worried, Noel approached them.

nHis steps were somewhat cautious.

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nJust then the wind blew. It was as sharp as a knife, slicing into his cheek.

nThe muffler had retained some of its previous warmth. Noel gripped it a little tighter in his hand.

n“Princess.”

nSuddenly, a familiar word was heard in the wind. Surprisingly, it was in the empire’s language.

nAs he had unintentionally overheard the conversation of others, Noel became a bit troubled.

nShould he go back? The thought crossed his mind.

nThe cold imperial wind carried the rest of Elisha’s words.

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

n. . . ?

nNoel recounted the startling words that had entered his ears.

nWhen the Princess returns to her kingdom . . .

nReturn to the kingdom . . .

nTo the kingdom . . .

nDid that mean that Rieta would be leaving this place someday?

nNo, I don’t think so.

nHe thought it over in his mind, gazing at Rieta all the while.

nShe was a member of the Duchy.

nHis Majesty the Great Emperor ordered it, and his father accepted it.

nSo it was absolute.

nNo one would be able to interfere.

nHe waited for Rieta to shake her head, to say no to Elisha.

nNo matter how long he waited, however, there was only silence and the howling wind.

nDrop.

nNoel dropped the handkerchief he was holding.

nOh dear, he had to be careful with the family emblem.

nHe hurriedly picked up the handkerchief from the ground.

nAnd when he straightened himself . . .

n“. . . !”

nRieta and Elisha’s eyes were on him.

nHis face suddenly turned red.

nHe was embarrassed and he was somewhat angry.

nHe didn’t even want to give Rieta the handkerchief.

nHe didn’t want to talk. He didn’t even want to see her face.

nHe took a step back, his legs trembling.

n“. . . Noel?”

nRieta called him.

nShe even took a step toward him.

nMean girl.

nReally mean girl.

nNoel whirled around and started running.

nHis head seemed to rattle with every pounding step.

nIt was because the wrong words unrelentingly filled his mind.

nIt was all because of Rieta.

nHe heard Rieta— unaware of the circumstances, as she was— calling to him from behind.

nThere wasn’t the slightest hint of an apology.

nHe leaned his body a little further forward.

nTo escape from this chaotic darkness.

nBut in the end, Darrell’s muffler tumbled from his grasp and was stomped on by his foot.

n“Ugh…!”

nNoel slipped, his falling motion almost as though he was flying downward.

nHis chin slammed into the rough ground. His head was dizzy, his limbs all hot.

n“Noel!”

nRieta approached him. She had been chasing after his running figure.

nShe tried to help Noel up from his sprawled position on the ground.

n“N-”

nNoel lowered his face onto the ground and bit his dirt-soiled lips.

nHe was so very ashamed.

nHe hated all of this. He wanted to disappear.

n“Noel, get up. I’ll bring you inside . . .”

nRieta gripped him near his shoulder again, trying to lift him up.

nWords of concern were on her lips.

nThat flat imperial language . . .

nHe really hated to hear it.

nIf she was going to return to the kingdom, he didn’t actually have to learn it.

n“. . .”

nNoel managed to move his body, burning with pain though it was.

nAnd, refusing Rieta’s help, he stood up alone.

nRieta’s worried gaze, standing right in front of him, was the first thing that caught his eye.

nHe closed his eyes tightly, turned around and started running again.

n“Noel!”

nRieta called his name again, but it was in vain.

nNoel did not halt in his running.

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n* * *

nI’ll be back when the weather warms up.

nNoel remembered his goodbyes to his mother.

nHe was young enough that he couldn’t recall everything, but three or so details remained clear in his mind.

nA promise to return from the Duchy in the spring.

nThe view of her back as she left the mansion.

nNoel having to force back the words don’t go like a good child.

nIt had been several spring cycles, yet his mother did not return.

nNot even today.

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