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Chapter 7
Two weeks went by in the blink of an eye.
Every day, Aila wondered what to do whenever Luka and Sada came over. Before long, she realized something.
“If I keep deciding everything myself, then it’ll just be what I want to do. I should ask them what they want too.”
When she did, the boys looked genuinely surprised—and that alone made Aila feel rather proud.
After that, they sometimes went to the library, as Luka wanted, and sometimes went fishing, as Sada suggested.
At the library, Aila discovered that Luka loved books and was starved for knowledge.
During their fishing trips, she learned that Sada, despite his rough tongue, had surprising patience—and even owned his own boat.
These were things she had never known before.
“I’ve learned more about the two of them in these past two weeks than in the ten years before.”
Most of all, Aila was shocked to find out that neither of them had ever once visited the famous sights of the Solarun territory in the past three years. So, she planned a five-day, four-night carriage tour.
Lady Poppy and Sir Lupen, the captain of the knights, helped finalize the schedule.
During the planning, the boys saw Aila spread out the map of Solarun and recite its geography and landmarks with perfect recall. Their jaws dropped.
“My lady, how do you know all this so well?”
Aila scratched her cheek awkwardly.
“Because I studied really hard.”
If someone ever asked her about Solarun and she failed to answer, they might think, “Of course, she doesn’t know—she’s a fake Solarun.”
That fear had driven her to memorize everything obsessively.
“But truthfully, this is the first time I’m actually touring Solarun myself.”
The thought filled her with excitement. She enthusiastically waved her hands and explained everything she saw to the boys.
“See that brook? Three generations ago, two vassal houses started a feud over it. Back then, Governor Julius of Solarun—”
The details spilled out endlessly, astonishing not only Luka and Sada but even the retainers listening nearby.
“This waterfall formed about six hundred years ago, when the river spirit—”
“This region’s specialty is honey. They raise lavender for the bees, but the taxes on lavender—”
But Aila only had eyes for Luka and Sada, oblivious to everyone else’s amazement.
Because they spent the entire journey together, they gradually learned more about one another, and their speech grew more casual.
On the way back, they lit a campfire and set a copper kettle over the coals. The children’s campfire was set a little apart, so the three of them sat together in a tight circle.
Aila gazed into the flames and asked softly:
“Um… did you all have fun?”
“Of course we did.”
Sada replied without hesitation. The firelight flickered across Aila’s face in the dark. When she lifted her head and smiled, relief shone in her expression.
“Really? I’m glad.”
Sada froze.
That smile was different from any he’d seen before—gentle, touched with relief.
Embarrassed, he jabbed at the fire with a stick.
“What’s with her… seriously.”
Sparks leapt into the night sky.
“You’re the one who worked hardest. Traveling this long by carriage, living outdoors—it couldn’t have been easy.”
His words came out quickly, brusque, as though to hide his fluster.
But Aila shook her head.
“No, it was a wonderful experience. And I realized Sada and Luka are far more mature than I am.”
Strange. She clearly carried older memories, yet the boys seemed more adult.
Sada smirked.
“At this age, even a year or two makes a big difference. You’re still a little kid, you know.”
“You’re barely older yourself.”
“That little difference is everything.”
Aila pouted, but Sada only puffed out his chest proudly.
Then Luka spoke in his soft, gentle tone.
“I think it’s admirable, Aila—how you’re trying to live as a new version of yourself. Even your hair shows it.”
“Ah, speaking of hair—I was disappointed about that.”
Sada gestured at her short locks.
“How did you make it shine like that? It must’ve taken years to grow, right?”
“Yeah, but… I hope you’ll see it as proof of a big decision I made.”
Aila tucked the short strands behind her ear.
“Though, of course, who knows how long it’ll last.”
“Sada.”
Luka chided, but Sada just shrugged casually.
Aila, however, said firmly:
“No. I won’t change it back. You can trust me on that.”
Please, just believe in me already. Escape from the Crown Princess’s net.
But then her thoughts darkened.
“Still… the Crown Princess is a demon. Since when? How? I want to investigate… but I’m only ten years old. I can’t exactly mobilize an intelligence network…”
“My lady, supper is ready.”
A servant’s voice called, and Aila jumped to her feet.
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah.”
The three walked together, chatting softly.
“Good. The first step went well. At least now, we’re sharing our stories.”
Aila clenched her fist with determination.
After the trip, Luka and Sada promised to exchange letters before returning to their estates.
The Fish Ornament
After her regression, Aila began rising early every morning.
Before, she used to think waking up early was unladylike, so even if she opened her eyes, she’d force herself to linger in bed. Now, every moment felt too precious to waste.
“My goodness, are you trying to become a shepherd?”
Lady Poppy, seeing her mistress rise with the dawn, made the remark in surprise—but she didn’t oppose it.
These days, Lady Poppy was busy sewing new clothes for Aila. That morning too, she was fitting a dress with pins when Aila suddenly spoke.
“Lady Poppy.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“How do you think trust is built?”
Poppy answered seriously.
“More than words, I’d say through actions. Steady, consistent actions.”
“I see…”
“And ability is important too.”
“Ability?”
“Who do you trust more? A beggar teaching you how to earn money, or a rich man teaching you how to earn money?”
“True, that does make sense.”
Then… how was she supposed to build trust when it came to girls?
“Maybe… by having lots of girlfriends?”
She was still puzzling over this when the door burst open. Helen strode in, waving a letter triumphantly.
“Aila! Good morning.”
“Sister, you’re up early?”
“Yes. I rested yesterday.”
Helen’s smile turned sly as she declared proudly:
“Lady Poppy, you’d better start on a new wardrobe right away. Aila is going to attend the Sage’s lessons.”
So shocking was the news that Lady Poppy accidentally jabbed Aila with a pin.
“Ow!”
“Oh heavens, I’m sorry! The Sage’s lessons, truly? That means… with His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“Exactly.”
Helen waved the letter.
“The lessons start soon, and I slipped Aila in at the last moment. Didn’t you say you wanted her to make new friends? Well, where better than among her peers?”
“The Crown Prince…?”
You mean the man who killed me?
Of course, she couldn’t say that aloud, so Aila asked cautiously.
Helen nodded.
“Yes. The Forest Sage only teaches royalty, so these classes are rare. I’m curious myself what exactly he’ll be teaching.”
“Good heavens, lessons with the Crown Prince! I must sew new clothes at once. Hold still, my lady.”
Lady Poppy stabbed pins at lightning speed while Aila sat stiffly, frozen.
“Other children your age will be there too. Countess Renka’s daughter, for instance—she’s our neighbor, and she’s the same age as you. She might become a good friend.”
But Lady Poppy fretted aloud.
“And your hair… should we summon a wig maker?”
“Eh, they’ll just think it’s another of Solarun’s eccentricities.”
Helen laughed lightly.
Aila glanced at her sister, noticing the dark shadows beneath her eyes.
“Sister.”
“Hm?”
“Is there anything I can do to help you?”
Helen sat down on the sofa and replied half in jest.
“Just enjoy your childhood. That’s enough.”
“But still…”
Lady Poppy suddenly interjected.
“Lady Helen, why not entrust her with some work?”
Both sisters turned in surprise.
Poppy continued:
“Lady Aila knows everything about Solarun. At the very least, she can share her opinions.”
Helen stared, incredulous, from Poppy to Aila.
“If Lady Poppy says so…”
“Even Sir Lupen was astonished.”
“Sir Lupen too? In that case… fine. Aila, let’s get started right away!”
Helen jumped up with renewed energy, only to be stopped by Poppy’s stern voice.
“Not yet. The fitting isn’t finished.”
She finished the task with dazzling speed, then promptly released Aila—whereupon Helen seized her hand and whisked her straight off to the office.
