n

n

nI went to my dad's study room after dinner. He could not join us because he was still at the palace when dinner time came and only had just gotten back. I also brought a tea set with me and a plate of sandwiches, thinking that he might be hungry and tired after the whole day of working.

nI carefully knocked on the door and heard him saying to come in, so I did. Closing the door behind me slowly, I greeted him with a smile.

n

"Good evening, dad!

" I voiced out as I went to him.

nHe was sitting behind the table and was reading something. Even though he just got home a while ago, he is still working.

n

"Nadia? Something's wrong?

" Asked dad, looking surprised when he saw me.

n

"Nothing.. You haven't had dinner yet, right? So I brought a snack.

"

nI placed the tray at the side, avoiding the scattered papers, and poured tea and gave it to him. He then accepted it without questions…

nMy eyes noticed his tired sunken face, proof that he is stressed out lately. I wonder what's bugging him off…

n

"You should take a break sometimes, dad. You'll end up sick if you keep this up,

" I mentioned. It was a piece of sincere advice, I am worried for him after all.

n

"Hmm,

" was his response as he sipped the tea.

n

"Problems in the palace?

" I inquired and sat down in front of him.

n

"The palace always has problems, nothing new,

" Dad put the cup down and let out a tired smile.

"I was just taking care of some loose tongues, nothing to worry about.

"

nMy brows raised up at that. Loose tongues? Does he mean, rumors? Normally, that's what it meant by that. And yeah, the palace does have problems all the time.

n

"Okay then. Don't stress yourself too much. That's bad for your health,

" I said with genuine concern.

nI know how much of a hard worker Marquis Leon is, so I am worried that he might get too caught up with work and collapse. At least, he should try to unwind sometimes and avoid bringing his work home if it is not needed.

nDad's face softened,

"I will try to do that. Anyway, is there any more reason why you came here?

"

nOh, dad. You make it sound like I have some hidden agenda. I have, in a way, but not what you think.

n

"I came here to tell you that Nathan and I will go to the capital tomorrow. We will find a boutique to tailor for hunting clothes,

" I responded while beaming.

nThe Marquis' eyes widened in surprise,

"Hunting clothes? Are you going to participate in the upcoming Hunt?

"

n

"Yep! I was just practicing archery just this morning! Nathan and Uno taught me~

"

n

"Oh. But are you going to be okay? It's The Hunt, there would be dangers everywhere, especially in the forest.

" he uttered with worry in his voice.

n

"Don't worry about it, dad. Nathan would be there, and so are the other council officers! I will be fine.

" I reassured him.

nMy dad looked unconvinced but because he saw the eagerness in my face, he let out a resigned sigh.

n'See how doting my father is? Fufufufufufu~'

n

"Then take care on your journey tomorrow,

" he says afterward.

"Just tell me if you need anything.

"

nAh, if you say that…

nErr, but I am still not accustomed to asking things. I was gonna ask for a bow set but, eh-- I could just borrow the bow from earlier. Or I could use my allowance and save some to buy one. Yep~ Let's do that...

n

"Goodnight, dad. Don't stay up too late, okay?

" I stood up from the chair and smiled at him for the last time before leaving the room.

n---------**

nOn the next day, I got down from my room and saw Nathan waiting outside the house. He was talking to Uno, probably about some security details thing. I looked him over, he was wearing a plain white long-sleeve shirt which was tucked inside his black pants.

nNathan turned to me as soon as I got closer and ooh la la-- His shirt was unbuttoned and I can clearly see his toned ehem… Nadia, stop fangirling come on.

nCan't help it, my brother is sexy.

n

"Are you ready to go?

" He asks after a while.

n

"Yep~

"

nI was feeling excited. This would be the first time that we are going out together. Mostly, it would always be just me and two of my attendants, or with Bea and Gwen.

nNathan helped me to climb inside the carriage first before getting in. Uno and another guy were the ones who would be driving. As soon as we were ready, the carriage smoothly rode out.

nWe were sitting face to face, and my eyes kept looking down. I was trying real hard not to look at it. It was open! And very distracting!

nDamn it, Nathan. Why must you wear something like this? Tsk. This is very bad for my fangirling heart…

nSo I attempted to look outside and enjoy the scenery instead. He was being silent anyway, and I did not try to spark a conversation. Because I know, my attention will only be diverted.

nWe were like that throughout the whole ride until we reached the Capital.

n

"Wow, there are a lot of people today. I wonder why?

" I voiced out as I looked around.

nNathan was beside me, observing as well. Eyes narrowing like a hawk.

n

"Hmm…

"

nMy eyes caught sight of the big building not far from where we were standing. The front side was flashy and attention-grabbing, especially those displays at the window.

n'I bet that shop is lucrative and very expensive. Let's not go there.'

nNathan suddenly held my hand and dragged me in the direction of that boutique.

n

"Wha-- Wait, brother! Where are we going?

" He was tightly holding my hands and I couldn't snatch it back even if I tried to.

nWe stopped in front of the fancy-looking shop and we're about to go in when I stopped him.

n

"Wait! This shop might need an advanced appointment, we can't just go in.

" I whispered to him.

nNathan's brows furrowed as he looked down at me. He looked confused, well of course. He is a guy, this type of thing is unfamiliar to him. I guess? I mean, Nathan is not the type of guy who is fussy with his clothes. I bet all of his things are customized just for him.

nI blinked at him, sending a signal. I don't want us to get shunned after going in okay? That would be pretty embarrassing, and Nathan might get mad from that.

n