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Chapter 54
The children seemed to want to stick close to Helio more than expected.
As a result, it was inevitable that Daphne also ended up spending more time by Helio’s side. Theophanes was swamped with work and couldn’t make separate time for them, so being with the children naturally became Daphne’s responsibility.
The children appeared to like Helio’s gentle side, but more than that, he had an endless supply of entertaining stories for them.
Helio, a free-spirited crown prince who enjoyed traveling through various territories far more than expected, knew countless tales from his journeys.
“And then what happened was, he grabbed the children just like this—!”
“Eek!”
As Helio suddenly thrust both hands forward to startle them, Michael and Jaquet covered their mouths in shock.
Watching the children’s varied reactions was rather amusing.
Only after telling stories for quite some time did Helio finally manage to free himself from the children.
“Duchess… if the number of children has doubled, shouldn’t my stamina double as well?”
At Helio’s lament, Daphne burst into laughter.
“Even if you’re tired, you still have to take a walk.”
The physician had recommended a proper amount of walking—getting sunlight and breathing fresh air.
Helio smiled back at her teasing.
“Did you notice I didn’t want to?”
“Yes. It was very obvious.”
Spending time together had long since erased the cold atmosphere between them.
And, surprisingly, Helio had a talent for making people laugh.
It made her wonder—was this what it felt like to have a friend?
She had never been fortunate enough to have one before.
Is this what a friend is?
If anyone heard her, they might call it a disloyal thought.
What she felt with him was different from what she felt with Theophanes.
“Then… will you accompany me?” Helio asked.
“It sounds like Your Highness wants me to.”
“I just thought I’d walk with the children a bit.”
“If that’s the case, then of course.”
The two exchanged light, trivial banter.
The four of them put on outerwear and stepped outside.
Warm sunlight. A cool breeze.
Perfect weather for a walk.
A smile naturally bloomed on Daphne’s lips.
“This garden would be lovely for tea outdoors.”
It was exactly what Daphne had been thinking, so she widened her eyes and turned to Theophanes.
“Shall I have it prepared?”
“Will you grant me the honor of enjoying this garden?”
“Very well.”
Answering playfully, Daphne instructed Becky, who had been waiting behind them, to prepare a table.
In no time, a table, refreshments, and tea were set.
The children seemed more interested in playing together than having snacks.
“Mother, can we go play?”
“We won’t go far.”
Daphne straightened their coats.
“Careful. Be careful again. Don’t get hurt.”
At her repeated reminders, the children answered energetically.
“Yeees!”
They immediately began running.
It hadn’t even been three seconds since she told them to be careful.
But hearing their bright, refreshing laughter echo through the garden, she changed her mind.
They’re children. It can’t be helped.
As Daphne smiled at the two children, Helio quietly watched her.
Ever since that day a few days ago, when she firmly declared that his daughter was out of the question, he had found himself curious about her.
Becoming curious about someone was rarely a good sign.
Especially if that someone was already married.
Helio knew well that this feeling would not remain simple friendship.
He sipped his tea, staring at Daphne.
At that moment, she turned her head. Not wanting to be caught watching, Helio quickly shifted his gaze elsewhere.
“Come to think of it,” Daphne began.
Helio then turned to her as if nothing had happened.
“I heard your recovery is faster than expected.”
For a moment he wondered if she had noticed him staring, but her expression was calm, as though she hadn’t.
Relieved, Helio set down his teacup.
“I’ve always had a sturdy body since I was young.”
Feeling inexplicably awkward, he dismissed the attendants standing behind him.
With the servants gone, and even the children wandering further away, only Daphne and Helio remained at the table.
A gentle floral fragrance filled the air, mixed with the fresh scent of grass.
A cool breeze.
Warm sunlight pouring down.
Everything seemed to create the perfect atmosphere.
Helio said nothing, simply looking around, savoring the unfamiliar ease in the silence.
Daphne, who had been watching him, spoke as if entranced.
“You look comfortable.”
“…Me?”
“Yes. Just now, you weren’t making any expression at all.”
“No expression? What does that mean?”
“I think not making any expression is when someone is at ease. If you’re conscious of someone or of a situation, your face changes to match it.”
Helio considered her words for a moment.
After thinking it through, he understood what she meant and nodded with a soft smile.
“If you felt that way… perhaps it’s because I’m with you, Duchess.”
“Me?”
“Yes. I suppose I find you comfortable.”
It took Helio a moment to fully grasp what he had just said.
Worried she might feel burdened, he glanced at her—but her expression was not what he had expected.
Color had bloomed across Daphne’s face.
“Ah.”
Seeing her like that, Helio realized that what he felt had already surpassed simple curiosity.
The faint tickle in his throat was certainly not something so trivial.
Unconsciously, he rubbed his uninjured arm against his neck.
Daphne leaned forward eagerly toward him, her face bright.
“Your Highness feels that way too?”
Her question made Helio flinch, his lips parting.
“Hm?”
“I also… actually…”
She said something more, but Helio’s mind was spinning so much he couldn’t hear her properly.
How had the atmosphere suddenly turned like this?
His thoughts couldn’t keep up with the situation.
“Your Highness?”
At her call, he finally snapped back to his senses.
“Ah, y-yes. Duchess. What did you say?”
“Well, um. We get along well and all…”
Daphne trailed off uncertainly, her voice growing softer.
Helio swallowed dryly.
“It felt like I had gained a friend.”
Blushing, she covered her reddened cheeks with her hands and spoke shyly.
For a moment, silence fell over the garden.
Helio ran a hand over his face and began to laugh awkwardly.
Friend.
At the same time, laughter was heard from behind them.
A familiar laugh.
One Daphne could never mistake.
“Theo?”
From behind a wooden hedge, Theophanes stepped out.
As both men laughed, Daphne’s face rapidly darkened.
Flustered, her lips trembled before she spoke in a tiny, embarrassed voice.
“It’s just that… in my own way, it feels like my first friend…”
“First?”
“So I’m the young lady’s first friend?”
The moment her words ended, the two men reacted in completely opposite ways.
Helio beamed brightly.
Theophanes’ face darkened in shock.
“Good then—your first friend. I’ll be the Duchess’s first friend.”
“First…”
Faced with their contrasting reactions, Daphne could only tilt her head in confusion.
