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Chapter 31
Killis escorted Father and me back to the ducal residence before returning to the imperial palace.
I wanted to at least offer him some tea before he left, but both men declined, each citing their own reasons.
Besides, unlike when we came, the two of them didn’t even make eye contact or exchange a single word on the way back.
They seemed to get along fine when we were heading to the temple… or maybe not?
“Lucelin, I’ll be away from home for a while. I’ve been called to the North—it’ll likely be a long trip.”
As soon as we entered the estate, Father spoke as if he had been waiting.
It was a bit sudden, but whenever Father went north, it was usually to visit my great-aunt, so it wasn’t surprising.
The North, where it snowed year-round like eternal winter, was also known as the homeland of the Black Rabbits. Father often traveled there to the Erbel territory to pay his respects to my great-aunt.
It seemed that time had come again.
If I could, I’d want to go with him, but the journey was long and harsh. My great-aunt had strictly forbidden me from visiting until I officially became part of the imperial family through a “wedding.”
“Please send my regards to Great-Aunt. Tell her I miss her very much.”
“I will. More importantly…”
As I nodded quietly, Father’s eyes suddenly turned sharp.
“That red wolf—do not let him into your room.”
With a stern gaze, Father pointed directly at Din and gave me a firm warning.
Father really disliked Din, and the reason was…
Well, I couldn’t say I didn’t know. Father disliked those who didn’t follow proper etiquette and hated free-spirited people who strayed from established norms.
And Din was exactly that.
‘Though if you think about it, Killis isn’t exactly Father’s ideal type either…’
I swallowed the thought with an awkward smile. Somehow, none of the men around me seemed particularly “normal.”
Fortunately—or unfortunately—Killis behaved quite properly in front of Father, so he hadn’t noticed.
On top of that, Killis’s true identity was something Father would consider his natural enemy—a snake. Not just any snake, but a White Snake, infamous for being the most ruthless of them all.
“That man—never let him in. I’ve increased the guards, so don’t even think about meeting him in secret.”
“Haha… when have I ever met him secretly…?”
“I’ve told you repeatedly. He is not acceptable.”
As I laughed awkwardly, a cold glint passed through Father’s blue eyes. Honestly, I couldn’t quite understand why he hated Din to that extent.
From his expression, you’d think Din was a traitor.
“…Alright.”
If there was anything unfair, it was that I had never secretly met Din in the first place.
Then again, Din always showed up on his own.
There wasn’t much I could do about that. Ever since his family was destroyed, Din had no fixed residence. Even if I wanted to meet him, there was no way—unless he came to me, our connection would simply end.
But saying all that would only provoke Father further, so I chose to remain silent.
The Erbel territory was somewhere we frequently visited, and my great-aunt had her own residence there, so there was no need to pack much. Father quickly departed.
Perhaps because he didn’t trust me, he kept repeating, “Don’t let anyone into the house,” right until the moment he left.
“Miss, there’s nothing else scheduled for today. Is there anything you’d like to do?”
“Something I want to do? Hmm…”
With so many things on my mind lately, I didn’t know how to use this sudden free time.
As I hesitated, the maids, who had been waiting for an opportunity, rushed forward and began offering suggestions all at once.
“How about looking at dresses? Shopping makes time fly!”
“What about visiting the new cake shop in front of the plaza? I heard their chestnut cake is amazing!”
“Wouldn’t it be nice to bake apple pie again? We just got a batch of fresh apples!”
“You could organize the jewelry you received last time! A necklace with that blue diamond would be gorgeous!”
Come to think of it, before I met Killis, I used to spend my time leisurely doing things like that…
When exactly did I stop enjoying all those fun activities?
Feeling a strange sense of dissonance, I ended up blaming that sly snake—Mangdeok.
Just then, something shifted inside my sleeve.
“Wait, there’s something in here.”
As I fumbled inside, I pulled out a folded note.
When had this gotten here…?
I opened it and found a single line written neatly:
Come see me.
It was short, simple, and written in an elegant hand.
Even though I had never seen the handwriting before, I immediately knew who it belonged to.
‘Killis slipped it in.’
I didn’t know when he did it, but… did this mean he was inviting me to the imperial palace?
Meanwhile, the maids were still arguing noisily.
“Why go out for dresses when we can summon a designer? Cake is the answer!”
“You can just buy cake! Baking apple pie is her hobby!”
“Jewelry organizing is elegant! You all have no sense of her taste!”
“Miss! Please choose! What do you want to do?”
As they bickered, Retty stepped in and passed the decision to me.
Looking at their eager, sparkling eyes, I finally spoke.
“I’ll go to the imperial palace.”
“…Yes, that’s a great—wait, what?”
They all froze mid-nod, eyes widening.
“The palace. It’s a nice day, so a walk in the palace garden sounds lovely. Don’t you think?”
“Well… yes, but… you’re going right now?”
“Mm. I was just invited.”
I smiled and showed them the note.
“Will His Highness come to escort you?”
“No, this time I’ll go to him.”
“Ah…!”
The maids exchanged meaningful glances, then turned back to me with determination.
“This is when we unite!”
“We’ll make you look your best!”
“Mm, I’m counting on you.”
With their enthusiastic help, my hair was braided, and I was dressed in a pink gown before boarding the carriage.
Today, Retty came along as well.
“Last time I let you go alone, and I was so worried… If a dangerous carnivore approached you, it would be a disaster. I’ll definitely accompany you from now on!”
I looked at her, and she laughed sheepishly.
Too bad… a dangerous carnivore had already been clinging to me for quite some time.
“Don’t worry—I’ll step away when you’re with His Highness!”
“You don’t need to do that. I like having you with me.”
Besides, Killis had already noticed her “tact” anyway.
Even if she stayed, he would surely escort me home himself.
“Miss…!”
Retty teared up, deeply moved.
By the time I comforted her, the carriage had already arrived at the imperial palace.
Kin was waiting at the entrance.
“Lady, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“Kin, you look well today.”
As he helped me down, he smiled brightly, adjusting his glasses.
He looked much better than before.
“His Highness cleared all his pending work to see you. It’s all thanks to you.”
Kin beamed, looking completely at ease.
“Please visit often—for the sake of saving a life.”
“I’ll… try…”
His expression was far too serious to be a joke, so I nodded awkwardly.
Just what kind of life had this man been living…?
