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Chapter 10
“Your Majesty didn’t tell you?”
“He didn’t say that.”
Astrid had just realized, once again, that the Emperor was not the kind of person who shared every piece of information with her. Thinking back, from their very first meeting, she had already spoken only what she needed and then dismissed her guests.
Seeing her doubtful expression, Rosana added,
“An order for necessary supplies must have gone out at dawn. You’ll likely be able to move in by this afternoon.”
“So soon?”
“As long as the bedroom and dining room are ready, basic living won’t be a problem.”
“…This feels like I’m being kicked out.”
Astrid nudged a small pebble at her feet in mild displeasure. It rolled until it hit the roots of a hedge and stopped.
“Kicked out? No, not at all. It’s all for your sake.”
“For me?”
“Yes. Even if you’re the Emperor’s personal guest, it wouldn’t look good for an unmarried young lady to stay in the palace for long.”
“Debutante?”
Every time Rosana spoke, Astrid had no choice but to ask again. The Emperor’s words—“You have much to learn”—echoed in her mind.
“A debutante is a ceremony where noble young ladies formally present themselves before the Emperor. Only after completing it can they officially request access to the palace as adult noblewomen.”
“…Sigh. They really make everything complicated.”
Rosana laughed at Astrid’s blunt reply.
She was strange, honest, and oddly entertaining. Having spent most of her life at sea, it was natural she didn’t understand noble customs or etiquette.
Maybe someone like her doesn’t even need a guard…
The weekly report Rosana was supposed to send to Lady Vasquez would probably end up sounding like a ridiculous short play.
Meanwhile
Felix Ortez didn’t dislike all of his family business.
He enjoyed sitting in the office, reviewing ledgers, checking imported goods, their quantities, origins, and destinations. He liked examining samples and comparing quality, predicting which goods would sell better in which cities.
What he disliked were the crowded places—the docks, the warehouses—where he had to supervise in noisy chaos. He had no talent for shouting orders through dust-filled air.
While reviewing an order list, a new destination caught his eye.
“Del Ponte estate? That place has been abandoned for over ten years.”
A worker beside him replied,
“Not sure if Lord Del Ponte has returned. The order came in suddenly this morning.”
“Hm…”
Felix scanned the list. Linen, cotton cloth—likely for curtains and household use. But among them were large amounts of silk and organza, typically used for women’s clothing.
Did he bring home a bride?
Even so, the quantity seemed far too small.
“Is this all the silk and organza in storage?”
“We’ve already contacted the outer warehouse. They’ll send the remaining stock with the next shipment into the inner city.”
“Then we’ll need another run this afternoon.”
“By the way… the boss said you should come and show your face to the client…”
Marteo, the owner, adored noble customers. Felix had no good excuse to refuse.
“…Fine.”
Del Ponte Estate
Astrid’s move was over almost instantly. In truth, she had no belongings at all. Rosana had only packed a few sets of clothes.
The estate, unused for years, looked slightly desolate—but workers were everywhere, restoring it to life.
Astrid watched them work and felt oddly reminded of a ship’s crew.
Soon, Felix Ortez’s wagon arrived.
Astrid recognized it immediately.
“…Huh?”
“…What?”
She turned and bolted.
Felix’s reaction was identical.
And then—he ran after her.
For someone who hated running, Felix pushed himself harder than ever before. Something about that girl made his chest pound in a way he couldn’t control.
Astrid darted through the manor corridors, weaving through workers. Strangely, she started to enjoy it.
Running is good.
Her body felt alive again after days of confinement.
Eventually, she stopped.
Behind her, Felix was leaning against a wall, out of breath.
“You’re… really bad at running.”
Astrid teased him and walked closer.
He didn’t respond.
“…Hey, about last time—”
She reached out.
And then—
Thud.
He collapsed sideways the moment her hand touched him.
