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nZoemi was walking back to his room after early supper he ate in the barracks.

nHe was using the time that would usually be taken by the Miriette to train under the watchful eye of his father and other knights working for the duke.

n

"...?

"

nAnd just when he was passing by the main gate, a royal courier's carriage entered through it and stopped under the staircase leading into the castle.

n

"..hup...!

"

nThe courier dropped the reins and jumped from his seat, letting out a small sound while landing.

n

"...almost, almost... Ah, there you are!

"

nThen he opened the carriage and pulled out the biggest bouquet of flowers that Zoemi has seen in his life!

n

"Now then... Oh...?

"

nThe courier looked a bit distressed but then he spotted the boy.

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"Ah! Young man, can I ask you for a helpful hand?

"

nHe smiled and beckoned the black-haired boy towards him.

n

"...

"

nZoemi obediently came closer without saying a word of complaint...

n

"Oh, dear heavens...!

n...but when the courier saw the child's face, his expression twisted as if he saw something unpleasant.

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"Um... well, never mind that.

"

nAs it was expected of anyone taking their job seriously, the courier soon regained his composure and smiled returned to his face.

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"Could you hold this up for me for a moment?

"

nHe asked, handing the black-haired boy the enormous bouquet before dived into the carriage once more.

nOnce he got out again, he was carrying a giant basket full of sweets together with two letters.

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"Do you know where the duke might currently be, by any chance? I am to deliver those to him.

"

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"Yes, sir.

"

nThe courier asked Zoemi and the boy nodded to him from behind the flowers.

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"I'll lead you to him right away!

"

nThe black-haired boy exclaimed, barely able to contain his happiness from showing in his voice - he could already guess from and for who all those presents were.

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"...whew...

"

nHe allowed himself a sigh of relief – after all his nervousness and worries - everything was still going fine between the blond-prince and the black-haired girl.

nWith that, the black-haired boy lead the courier right into the castle and took him to the dining room as the duke and his wife should be still enjoying the supper – where he knocked on the door and called out, asking for permission to enter.

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"The door's unlocked, boy, there's no need to be shy.

"

nThe voice of the duke was calm as always, maybe only a little bit more curious than usual.

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"My lord – there's a courier with flowers!

"

nZoemi opened the door and exclaimed while sticking the bouquet through the door.

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"My lord, it's a pleasure to find you in good health. The first prince Horeo Merets Bellcephora sends gifts to his fiance.

"

nThe courier used the chance and slid inside, cautiously sliding past the scarred boy.

nJust as Zoemi thought - all those flowers and sweets were indeed meant for the Miriette and gifted by none other than the first prince!

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"I also have letters.

"

nCourier bowed deeply before the duke and duchess Espince, Zoemi stayed behind the door and continue to peak at them using the bouquet to mask his presence – which was a really cute, but completely inefficient way of hiding.

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"One is for your esteemed daughter, the fiancé of the first prince, lady Miritte Lisea Espine.

"

nThe courier spoke with courtesy while handing the letter to the duchess since her daughter was known to be feeling unwell.

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"And the other is for...

"

nCourier glanced at the envelope.

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"Zoemi Auequas.

"

nHe read out, furrowing his brow at the name he did not recognize despite all the studying about the noble families and their members he had to do in order to not make a blunder while doing his work.

n

"Th-that would me, sir...

"

nZoemi shyly raised his hand and leaned out from behind the door.

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"Boy, there's no need to act shy. Take your letter.

"

nEven though the duke Espine grumbled at the black-haired boy, his expression didn't suggest that he was angry.

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"At once!

"

nNonetheless, Zoemi hurried to the courier and took his letter.

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"Thank you, sir.

"

nThe boy nodded and the courier nodded back.

n|Such a well-mannered child, such a shame that his face is like this...|

nThe courier thought to himself and turned back towards the duke and duchess.

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"Is there something else...?

"

nDuke Espine raised his brow seeing that even after completing the delivery, the courier doesn't even try to walk away

/

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"I'm terribly sorry but I have been instructed to wait for the answer, my lord.

"

nThe man bowed deeply and apologized.

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"I see. Renear.

"

nwith duke nodding, duchess called for and instructed one of the maids to give the letter to her daughter together with some ink and paper all while Zoemi broke the wax seal and started reading the content of the letter.

nDear Zoemi,

nRecently I have been very busy with studying and all that prince-related things that are too boring to write about, and could not visit both Miriette and you. My father learned that Miriette fell sick and he forbade me from going to the Espines castle now when I finally have some free time. As it would be unreasonable to ask Miriette to come when she is unwell, I would be happy if at least you could come to see me.

nThere is also one thing, that I would prefer not to write about, that I would like to discuss with you.

nIf it's not a problem, please come to my castle together with the courier once he will receive the reply to the letter I have sent to Miriette.

nYour friend,

nHoreo Marets Bellcephora

n|I guess the prince is feeling lonely, being the next in line to the throne sure must be stressful.|

nZoemi thought to himself before speaking about the content of the letter to the duke and then excusing himself to run off to see his father.

nAfter asking Mizoe for permission, it was decided that the boy will indeed go to see the prince, but since it was already late the journey was postponed until the early morning of the next day.

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