VDBO 41

Chapter 41

“Me? Me?”

“Yes. Your character is rare around me.”

Did he mean I was rude? But I just said it because he asked.

“Hmm……”

“It means it looks good. Your honesty suits you well.”

Honest. My honesty suits me.

How funny. My body doesn’t even have a single real truth in it.

I gently lifted the corners of my lips.

“It’s because Your Highness sees me kindly.”

Delkian spoke about the painting, then put his hand into his jacket pocket and quickly pulled out a small red pouch, offering it to me.

I held it with both hands. I could feel something inside, but it was so light I barely noticed the weight.

“Are these magical stones?”

“Yes. The craftsman felt very honored. So the yield was better than expected, and the grade is high.”

“If the grade is high, the performance will naturally be higher, right?”

Delkian nodded and gestured with his chin for me to open it.

“That’s right. They’re close to top grade. Open it and see. A few small stones might come later after additional processing. Should I send them directly to your home? Their power is probably just for practice.”

“I’m grateful, but……”

I untied the ribbon and looked inside the pouch. There were three long, dark blue crystals shaped like swords and one opaque white crystal.

Before thinking about their power, I noticed their size and shape—they were perfect for hiding.

“What kind of stone is this dark blue one?”

“Teleportation stone. Not top-grade, but one can carry you a three-day journey by carriage without trouble. Shorter distances can be used several times with a single stone.”

“Three days?”

“Yes. Be careful, they break when fully used. The teleportation stone is the highest grade, so I asked them to make it as strong as possible. Is that okay?”

“Very much. It’s an honor to use such a fascinating thing.”

If this is high grade, I wondered how top grade would be. They said top-grade stones are huge.

Also, even the small ones, though one-time use, can easily carry someone thirty minutes or an hour on foot.

Almost weightless. Perfect for escaping.

I hope it never happens, but if my mother and Mr. Shuwalt can’t protect me, it might be very useful.

“So this is for hiding my body?”

“Stealth stone. Even low grade is tricky; they break easily during processing. It’s a shame there’s only one.”

“It’s amazing it can be made like this from ice.”

I was very satisfied. I thought even one or two would be enough, but he got me something this good.

“You like it, huh?”

“Can I do anything for you? You probably don’t need anything, but I want to show my thanks.”

“…….”

I looked up at him. He was watching me with a subtle expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Just… I realized your eyes are really mysterious.”

A cheesy line? No, his gaze was too sincere. It felt like he genuinely thought my eyes were mysterious.

“A rare color, huh……?”

“Seems so. You got them yourself in the game, so no need to feel pressured.”

“Really?”

“If you want, we can meet again next time.”

He sounded playful this time. This was definitely teasing.

I smiled slightly and turned my head back to the painting.

Late at night.

“Miss, here.”

Nina handed me a note after pouring tea. She had sent it under the pretense of checking my dress design.

I took it quietly and opened it. It said that the carriage of Lady Ferza, the Empress’s mother, had been delayed.

I guess they trusted me it was dangerous. I had asked Shayl Iscar to block the road just in case, thinking they wouldn’t trust me—but it wasn’t needed.

“Good work.”

“It’s my duty. She asked who told me. I didn’t answer but asked if I should tell her.”

“The Madam?”

Nina nodded.

I thought for a moment, shook my head, and burned the note with a candle. I drank the remaining tea.

“Not yet. It’s not very important, so telling now would put me in danger. Let’s pretend it never happened.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“You can rest now. Nothing else will happen today.”

Mr. Shuwalt might have been annoyed, but there was nothing I could do.

“Miss, it’s Lisa.”

“Come in.”

Right after Nina left, Lisa entered.

“A royal messenger came. It’s a letter from the Second Prince.”

“At this hour? Give it here.”

It was the usual gold-sealed envelope he sent. The content was simpler than usual—a brief reply saying he would send the carriage at that time.

“This isn’t necessary, but what about this?”

“They came together.”

It was a large box.

I took it from Lisa and opened it. Inside was a cloak-like coat.

“A cloak…?”

Not a dress, but a cloak. Thick too, meant for very cold winter.

Were we going somewhere colder than here? There was no other note. But it didn’t seem like we were going to the North.

“They probably want you to wear it on your date tomorrow.”

Lisa said, a little excited. She rarely showed much emotion, but recently she seemed livelier, maybe thanks to Nina.

“I see. Will it match my dress tomorrow?”

“Of course. Don’t worry!”

“Good, take this then. Get some rest to prepare. Tell my mother or Mr. Shuwalt if they come.”

“Yes, Miss. Rest well.”

After Lisa left, I was alone, thinking over yesterday’s conversation with Jury.

She said she would bring me good news soon.

Valeri was waiting for her at the agreed place.

His face was more flushed than usual. He had received her letter. Though the exact meeting time was written, he couldn’t wait and had already sent a reply.

A large bouquet was hidden behind his back.

It was the same kind he had sent as a gift to the North. She would recognize the flowers and remember who sent them.

It was almost time for her to arrive. He hoped the carriage he sent would bring her safely. After giving her the gift.

Valeri practiced several times, clearing his throat, holding the bouquet up and down in the air.

He had never waited for anyone in his life. This was the first time. He had no idea waiting for someone could feel this exciting.

If he could feel this way forever, he would wait forever. Though seeing her would be even better.

“Blake. Hmm, Ble… Blake.”

He practiced how to look his best for her, over and over.

Hoping to see her face soon.

I wore the necklace he asked me to wear on our date. I chose a dress to match it.

I came out a little earlier than the time I told him. I held his reply, wore the cloak he sent yesterday. Luckily, it was cold enough to wear it comfortably.

Today, the sunlight coming through the window was especially nice, and I wanted to enjoy it before taking the carriage. Normally, I would avoid the sun.

While waiting for the carriage, I opened the letter again.

‘Blake Ariandel. I have something I want to tell you officially tomorrow.’

I imagined him writing it, very tense.

Even if it’s not my real name, I guessed there was only one thing he wanted to say.

“Ha……”

Even though it was my mother’s request, I felt nervous since this was my first real date.

I didn’t know how close I could get to him.

Like when we bumped on the terrace? More than when we danced? Or like when he picked me up?

Maybe I could even hold hands. Maybe one day he would come without notice.

Part of me felt bad, like I might hurt his feelings. He was a really good person. Someone who didn’t suit me at all.

I felt heavy-hearted, as if I might take away a chance to meet a good person. I had never thought this way before…

I realized I liked him more than I expected.

It was almost time for the carriage.