HBCFH 02

Chapter 02

How to Change a Childhood Friend’s Heart 

“Dear Dante,”

By the time this letter reaches you, I wonder if Lorencia is already deep into summer. It feels like spring just ended, yet summer has already arrived. The season where strong flower scents drift through the window has come!

To get straight to the point, I arrived safely. Luckily, I didn’t suffer much seasickness, probably because the weather was good. I couldn’t attend an important national event looking pale and sick, after all.

Our kingdom’s customs and language are very different, so I struggled at first. But now I think I’ve mostly adapted. I’m finally able to send you news. I just hope you aren’t disappointed by how late this letter is.

Benzel is a beautiful country. From my room window, I can see a garden full of green life, and far beyond it, a blue-green sea stretching along the horizon.

When I first arrived, white blossoms were blooming everywhere, but now lilies fill the air with their scent. Walking through them makes me feel calm. I wish I could show it to you.

I wonder how you are doing. I hope you aren’t spending all day swinging a sword in the marquis’ estate courtyard.

The marquis’ garden must still be beautiful this year. Scarlet rose bushes, asters, petunias, and phlox—like a painted picture in my mind.

And yet you never cared about such a garden. You really are the same indifferent man as always.

Everyone in Lorencia is doing well, I hope. If you could send some interesting stories, they would comfort me on lonely nights.

I hope your reply won’t be too far away.

With warmth,
Fey Lorencia

“To Her Highness the Princess,”

I believe your journey went smoothly thanks to good weather. It is an honor to receive your personal letter.

I have heard that Benzel Kingdom stays warm even in winter. I am glad the gardens there please you.

As you know, my life is mostly training, so I find it difficult to think of interesting stories. If something happens, I will try to share it, even with my poor writing.

Also, since you mentioned the estate garden, I have enclosed some flowers from here. I hope they bring you a small moment of joy.

May the blessings of Seiren always be with you, now the princess-consort of Fey Lorencia.

Your loyal knight,
Dante Igniel

“Dear Dante,”

I’m writing this letter on a summer night, with the sea breeze coming through my window. It is definitely summer, but since we are by the sea, nights are cooler.

I said I was adapting in my last letter, but I think I still have a long way to go. Today, the first prince’s wife picked a fight with me. She spoke so fast I only understood half of it. Maybe that’s a good thing?

People who create tension exist everywhere, I guess. Still, the queen seems to like me, so that’s a relief.

Also, I was surprised by the flower bookmarks you sent. Did you really ask a gardener about all those flowers? Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t get damaged.

And there’s no way you have “no interesting stories.” Everything at the marquis’ estate was always lively in my memory.

If possible, tell me about Julio and Vivian. You can skip anything too personal. Or just tell me about your daily life.

Under the summer sky,
Fey Lorencia

“Your Highness Fey,”

The gardener, Redon, gave me many warnings. Even when careful, flowers are delicate things. Without his help, I might have damaged the garden you love.

Recently, I tried making a flower crown. It made me realize again how skilled you are. Perhaps I am simply not meant for anything other than the sword.

As for my brother, I recently saw him fighting with Vivian. The moment I opened the door, Vivian slapped his face. I assume it was his fault. His left cheek was still swollen this morning.

As for me, nothing special has happened. Ah, but do you remember Dane? The dog Prince Leo raised. It gave birth to five puppies.

At first, I was surprised that such small creatures already had eyes, noses, and mouths. When I touched them gently, they cried weakly.

I thought you would have liked them very much. I hope your royal household also has a companion like that.

I will soon depart for a pilgrimage in the southern region, so I may not be able to reply for a while.

At the end of summer,
Dante Igniel

“Dear Dante,”

I received the puppy drawings you sent! They were all so cute. I feel a little sorry if I was asking too much.

Right now I’m sitting by the fireplace, drinking warm milk while writing this letter. I caught a mild cold, so the maids closed all the windows tightly.

Winter here is still fairly warm. I heard it even rains instead of snow. It’s a little disappointing—I wanted to see snow.

I’m still in a cold war with the first prince’s wife. Does she dislike me that much? I never even tried to impress her.

Being disliked by a beauty is tiring, but what can I do? I’ll just endure it.

By the way, you said you threw a glove at Terius. How did the duel go? I assume you won. I’m still surprised you even challenged him.

I hope you are not injured. Please tell me you are safe.

With concern,
Fey Lorencia

“Cheerful Princess Fey,”

You don’t need to worry about the drawings. I am honored I could bring you joy.

And I cannot disagree with the maids. Since you are usually healthy but weak in winter, they must be anxious. Please dress warmly when going outside.

I did win the duel, but Terius never properly apologized. He has been avoiding me since I nearly broke his right arm. I plan to collect the proper repayment soon.

As for matters between people… I am not good at them, so I will be careful with my words. But even if there was a reason, I do not think it was your fault.

I hope everything troubling you will be resolved smoothly.

Sincerely,
Dante Igniel

“Dear Dante,”

This is the second summer since I arrived here. The royal palace has been busy with events. Standing still while the king gives speeches is still as exhausting as ever.

As for me, I finally understood the cause of a problem I’ve been thinking about. But even when you understand something, some problems are still hard to solve.

Still… if it were you, you would probably tell me I could do it. Maybe that’s why I’ve started thinking I should at least try.

So I’m sending you a four-leaf clover I found in the garden. May it bring you luck on your pilgrimage.

With trust,
Fey Lorencia

“To Dante, who has been silent,”

Congratulations. I heard you were officially promoted to Vice Captain of the Knights.

But honestly, I can already imagine your expression—just saying “Is that so?” with a blank face. I know you don’t care about titles.

From a young age, I’ve never seen anyone as faithful as you in this age where many claim to serve God but act for themselves.

Because of that, while I respect the decision of the temple, I sometimes wonder—will there ever be a day you look at something other than God?

Honestly, I can’t imagine it. I’ve known you too long. I know how stubborn you are.

I’ve enclosed a small gift with my congratulations. It is nothing expensive, so don’t feel burdened.

The feather of the quill paused at the final line.

It hesitated for a long moment… and then a drop of ink fell onto the paper.

But soon after, the quill moved again as smoothly as before.

“Wishing for your happiness,
Fey Lorencia”