HBCFH 03

Chapter 03

My Childhood Friend’s Way of Turning His Heart

『To Sir Dante, the faithful knight』

By the time this letter reaches you, Loren시아 (Laurensia) must already be in the middle of summer. It feels like spring was just yesterday, yet now it is already summer—I can hardly believe it. The season where the scent of thick flowers drifts through the window has arrived!

To begin with, I received the birthday gift you sent. A butterfly brooch decorated with lapis lazuli—the craftsmanship is truly beautiful and impressive.

It makes me a little surprised. I never thought you were someone who could choose such delicate gifts, not even compared to the blanket you sent in return for my four-leaf clover. It seems time is not entirely meaningless after all.

It has already been more than four months since you became Vice Captain of the knights.

I heard about your recent achievements through the visiting envoy. I was surprised to hear that you had conflict with the Kingdom of Felton, but I never doubted that you would still bring back victory.

Ah, I also heard that an unprecedented snowfall hit Loren시아. When I was younger, I only thought about going outside to play with you and the others, but now I find myself thinking first about how difficult it must be for carriages to move. It seems I’ve grown older too.

Come to think of it, are you still cleaning the courtyard in front of the temple with the knights? I can already imagine them trying to stop you, saying, “Please, leave this to us,” while you insist on holding the broom yourself.

Even if a superior is too approachable, it only makes things harder for subordinates, so you should pretend to lose sometimes and step back a little. Take this advice lightly, as it comes from an old friend.

By the way, I don’t think I heard much about your recent life in this letter. At least tell me something about what happened after you returned from the battlefield—you could boast a little. You are already excessively humble, so there is no need to be more silent.

In any case, congratulations on your victory. Though it is nothing in return, I am enclosing a book I recently enjoyed. I hope it becomes a pleasant reading companion for you as well.

Waiting for spring to come again,
Fay Loren시아

『To Sir Dante, whose birthday is near』

It’s been a while, Sir Dante. It feels like it has been quite some time since I last picked up a pen.

First, I should apologize. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend Prince Julio’s wedding. Even if I cannot be there in person, my heart will be with you all.

I hope Vivian will not be too disappointed. I also wanted to meet you after such a long time and catch up properly, but it seems that will not be possible.

The item enclosed is an early birthday gift. I remember your old belt used to secure your sword was quite worn, so I thought it might be useful. I would be happier than anything if you use it well.

Just in case you worry, I will say this in advance: something came up, but it seems to be mostly resolved. I think I will be able to write to you again with a lighter heart next time.

Waiting for your reply,
Fay Benzel

『To Sir Dante, Knight of July』

By the time this letter arrives, it will be the middle of summer on your side.

I received your reply last time. I’m glad to hear that you liked the belt I sent. I wanted to see you wearing it, but what a shame that I couldn’t.

You said you are fine, but you know? When you are feeling down, you always say “I’m fine,” and your replies become slightly slower. Because of that, even your handwriting tends to tilt a little.

Of course, I won’t tell you in detail. It’s fine if I have at least one secret of yours that only I know, don’t you think?

As for me, I am well, so do not worry. The summer of Benzel is also beautiful. So please, make sure you take care of your own safety above all else.

Ah, I forgot to mention this in the last letter.

Dante Igniel. I sincerely congratulate you on your twenty-fifth birthday. May God’s blessings be with you always.

From your eternal friend, Fay

『To my unchanging Sir Dante』

Do you know? As I write this letter, it is snowing outside the window.

It is a little cold, but breathing in the cold air makes my chest feel a little lighter.

On days like this, I remember how we used to run outside together across the fields. People used to say we were like wild foals. I miss those days sometimes.

And I must apologize for something. I seem to have lost the butterfly brooch you gave me. I questioned the maids and searched everywhere, but I still haven’t found it.

It must have been something you carefully chose, so I regret not being able to keep it properly. Still, I plan to look again when I return. Perhaps I just put it somewhere secret and forgot.

I wonder how you are doing now. I remember you always replying that your daily life has not changed much over the years. I hope this year is the same for you.

This winter is quite cold, but I believe spring will come again if we endure it. Please stay healthy and well.

To my dear knight,
Fay

A bright day.

The trees rooted in the royal palace garden stretched their bare branches toward the gray sky. Snow resting on the roof of the covered walkway between buildings fell to the ground with a soft thud.

Dante walked briskly through that passage connecting the palace buildings. His posture was straight and disciplined, his steps neat. His face, under a crisp white uniform, was tightly hardened.

He held a piece of paper in his right hand as he walked—not fast, not slow.

Then he stopped.

A man approached from the opposite side: black hair, red eyes, and a lazy smile.

“Well now, isn’t that Sir Dante?”

Prince Fabian Loren시아, first prince of the kingdom and heir to the throne—and also Fay’s older brother.

Dante lowered his head respectfully.

“Long time no see, Your Highness Fabian.”

“Indeed. What brings a knight of the temple here?”

“I came to see you.”

“To see me?”

Fabian raised an eyebrow.

“This is not something I can discuss here.”

“Then come to my office.”

Dante followed quietly behind him.

Inside the office, Fabian closed the door and gestured to the sofa.

“Sit.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re as stiff as ever. So, what is it?”

“Has anything happened recently regarding Princess Fay?”

Fabian’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

“That is a rather abrupt question.”

Dante handed over the crumpled letter.

“I recently received a letter from Her Highness. However, her tone and writing felt somewhat different from usual.”

Fabian did not take the letter immediately, instead scanning Dante from head to toe.

Even under that pressure, Dante remained calm, holding the letter out like a statue.

“Tch.” Fabian clicked his tongue and finally took it.

After reading it, he shrugged.

“I don’t see anything different. You’re probably overthinking this.”

Dante replied calmly.

“I believe caution is not something to dismiss as excessive in matters like this.”

Fabian sighed.

“What exactly do you want from me?”

“I think we should send someone to check whether something has happened to Her Highness. Even if it is unlikely, if something serious is going on—”

“Do you realize that what you are saying could be considered diplomatic rudeness?”

Silence.

Fabian let out a short laugh.

Then he dropped the letter onto the floor.

“You should know—she is already married. Do you understand what that means? Any interference from us could easily be taken as disrespect by the royal family.”

“….”

“And such reckless assumptions could disturb an otherwise stable relationship. What do you know about politics, a man who only knows how to swing a sword?”

Dante quietly exhaled.

He knew arguing further would not help.

“Any more to say?”

“No.”

He bowed.

There was no point pushing further.

After leaving the palace, Dante returned to his manor.

The moment he entered his room, he removed his sword and threw it onto the floor.

Clang!

The sound rang sharply.

Calm logic said Fabian was right. There was not enough evidence in a single letter to suspect anything. It looked like a perfectly normal letter.

And yet, a strange feeling kept scratching at his mind.

Dante trusted instinct more than most—years of swordsmanship had taught him that. And those instincts were rarely wrong.

He opened the window wide. Cold wind rushed in and struck his face.

Oddly, the cold helped clear his thoughts.

After a long moment, he closed the window and sat at his desk.

He took out cream-colored paper and began writing.

『To Her Highness Fay, most honored』

It has been a long time since I last greeted you. I hope you have been well.

Thanks to your concern, my daily life remains unchanged. If there is any difference, it would be that I now let my subordinates handle even snow clearing in the courtyard.

Please do not worry about the lost item. It was not particularly valuable, and if needed, I can easily replace it. I would rather you not trouble yourself searching for it and risk your health.

However, I hope you will forgive my assumption, but I wonder if there is something else you wish to tell me.

Do you remember the game we used to play as children? If you do, I would be grateful if you could reply according to the rules we set back then.

Your loyal knight,
Dante Igniel