Sometimes, he found these impulses difficult to bear. He knew he only acted this way when it came to Hazel, but he didn’t want to admit it. He feared the consequences that his desire for her might bring.

In the garden of the capital residence, benches were neatly arranged among the well-trimmed trees. The branches were not wild, and the leaves were so well-groomed that they made no sound as they rubbed against each other, but that didn’t matter.

He leaned back on one of the benches, particularly close to a tree. The day was indeed pleasant, and the breeze felt refreshing, with no hint of humidity. Of course, who wouldn’t enjoy such a day?

Somehow, it seemed as if he could hear a rustling sound in his ears. Perhaps one day, he should take a walk in the forest on a day like this… Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to secretly follow her when she went for her stroll…

Yes, he indulged in such foolish thoughts.

“Go and gather all the knights immediately.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Watching Jayden shout with all his might and run off, Leopold berated himself internally.

The reason those feelings from that day resurfaced wasn’t because of the blood-soaked handkerchief, but rather because of this annoyingly clear southern weather.

It had nothing to do with the obituary he had heard.

***

Some of the knights left with Derrick, and I remained alone in the drawing room. Although the confirmation process was said to be quick, if it turned out that he was indeed the missing prince, some time would be needed for a reunion.

While I waited, maids entered one after another, bringing tea and snacks. I thanked them, and as I glanced at the filled teacup, a familiar fruit caught my eye.

I thought Leopold had prepared it for me, but it was simply a tribute, that nameless fruit.

Like a lie, you exist here too. Just how far do you plan to follow me?

With a small sigh, I asked a casual question.

“What is this fruit called?”

“It’s called Longsar. Is this your first time seeing it?”

The maid, with her hair neatly tied up, replied with a somewhat proud expression. It seemed to be quite a rare fruit even within the principality.

“No, I’ve had it in the Empire.”

I didn’t mean to dampen her spirits, but there was no need to lie about something like this.

However, at my answer, she looked overly surprised.

“In the Empire? That would be impossible…”

“Doesn’t it get sent to the Empire as a tribute?”

“Longsar is the only fruit not included in the tribute list. Moreover, it’s cultivated only in the royal palace. Although it’s harvested year-round, the quantity is very limited. It’s served for hospitality or only to royalty. Exporting Longsar abroad is a serious crime, regardless of the reason.”

Her explanation ended in a near whisper.

Could I have been mistaken? Well, it was quite a long time ago, so my memory might be faulty.

I lowered my voice as well.

“Oh… Then I must have been mistaken. It’s just that its white and fragrant qualities are so similar to a fruit I had before.”

“There must be another fruit that looks similar. How intriguing.”

“Indeed.”

I offered an awkward smile, and she responded with a kind smile before leaving.

Once her footsteps faded away, I carefully picked up a fork. The crescent-shaped Longsar slices looked very much like the fruit I remembered.

My heart fluttered again.

If I tasted it, I might end up with a stomachache.

Yet my hand moved on its own, as if it had a mind of its own. My mouth, tongue, and throat acted as if they weren’t mine, following an unstoppable motion.

Sweet softness, a lovely rose scent.

There was no doubt about it. This exquisite flavor was something I hadn’t encountered even once in the Empire, except back then.

“Ma’am! Do you know what ingredients we received today?”

“What is it?”

“It’s a fruit from the south, called Lo… something. Anyway, it’s a rare treat even in the Imperial Palace! I mentioned that you haven’t had much of an appetite lately, and the Duke—”

“Why did you say that? He’ll think I’m being childish and fussy.”

“It’s not nitpicking. It’s true! Look at how much weight you’ve lost.”

Even Emily, who was usually quiet, seemed pleased that Leopold had shown concern for me. Unfortunately, it was a misunderstanding on both our parts.

‘It’s a tribute from the southern Principality of Rumatera. It was only meant to assess its value as a trade item, so don’t read too much into it.’

…Was it really a misunderstanding? If what the maid who brought the Longsar said was true, it felt as if Leopold had gone out of his way to get it for me.

I placed the piece of fruit, with my bite mark still on it, back on the plate. Perhaps in the past, when I had died, Longsar had been a tribute fruit…

Ah, even after ending everything and leaving, what was I still hoping for? Even if he had a moment of whimsy in the past and thought of me, nothing would change. Yet this weakness just wouldn’t go away. Don’t seek comfort from him, Hazel.

I pushed the plate away for no reason. But on the tiny tea table, there was no place to hide the sticky past.

Yes, even if you hide it, the scent will remain.

Even if you hide it, the memories will linger.

How much longer did I have to endure these times…

I forced down the rising frustration with a sip of tea. It didn’t work as well as I had hoped.

As I swallowed, managing a difficult, wry smile, there was a knock at the door.

“Healer. Marquis Aaron Rumatera requests an audience with you.”

A visitor I hadn’t expected. Though I was slightly puzzled, I was also glad for the interruption in my thoughts, so I quickly stood up and replied.

“Please let him in.”

The door opened, and in walked the man whose name I had been hearing since the border.

Aaron Rumatera was slightly shorter in stature and appeared to be quite a bit younger than the king. He seemed more like a nephew than a brother.

He greeted me with a courteous bow.

“It’s an honor to meet you. I am Aaron Rumatera.”

“Hello. I’m Hazel, a healer from the Denhaph Empire. Please, have a seat.”

I offered him the chair opposite me, and only then did I notice the half-eaten fruit on the table. I regretted not leaving it untouched, but fortunately, he didn’t glance at the tea table.

“I heard on the way that you are the king’s brother.”

“Yes, I came to express my gratitude on behalf of His Majesty.”

“Gratitude?”

“Yes. Everyone has worked hard searching for Raphael.”

So his name was Raphael. It sounded like a princely name, and I asked with interest.

“Has the mark been confirmed already?”

“Not yet… but it’s almost certain.”

His answer, which seemed both negative and positive, was somewhat peculiar. To be precise, his expression was subtle. He appeared pleased, but the slight furrow in his brow suggested displeasure.

If he were to be named the heir, this situation would certainly not be welcome. Of course, it was not something I needed to involve myself in or worry about.

“I see. That’s good for Derrick. Oh, you mentioned Raphael.”

I added with a slight smile, and Aaron returned a faint smile.

“I heard you took him on as an assistant. How did you come to meet him?”

It was a question I expected from anyone. Fortunately, before coming to the palace, we had agreed on a story, so I smoothly recounted my fabricated confession. There was no need to mention the unwelcome truth that he had once been part of a pirate crew.

“My guardian found him wandering the streets. He was recommended as an assistant because he was quick to learn.”

“It’s a wonderful connection. As Raphael’s uncle, I’d like to offer you a fine meal as a token of gratitude and welcome during your stay here. How about it?”

“I appreciate the thought, but I’m fine.”

“Please don’t refuse. Once you’ve rested a bit, I’ll send an invitation. My wife is also from the Empire. She was eager to meet you upon hearing the news.”

An Imperial citizen in this unfamiliar land piqued my interest for the first time. Despite speaking the same language, the different attire and scenery made me feel like an outsider.

“It would be a great honor to visit.”

They say it’s impolite to refuse too often. Since he insisted, I couldn’t think of a reason to decline.

“…Alright.”

I nodded reluctantly.

***

The knights gathered in the makeshift tent meeting room, looking bewildered by Leopold’s sudden summons. They surrounded the central table, exchanging various speculations, but nothing seemed to fit.

When Leopold appeared, someone jokingly asked, “Master! Are you planning to reward us?”

“Honestly, we’ve had a tough time here…”

Another knight, catching sight of Leopold’s cold expression, quickly fell silent.

Since the wedding, their master had noticeably softened, but today he was once again the sharp Leopold Lawrence.

Before he even properly took his seat at the head of the table, a heavy silence filled the tent. The knights quietly waited for their master to speak.

“…Hazel has disappeared.”

His voice was colder than usual, almost filled with anger.

“What?”

“What do you mean—”

“The madam?”

Confused voices erupted from all around.

Instead of answering, a blood-stained handkerchief was dropped onto the table. This time, no one dared to groan. The air grew even heavier.

“Hazel seems to have dropped it while traveling alone to D’Agnon last night.”

Everyone wondered why the madam had disappeared and why she had gone to D’Agnon alone, but judging by their master’s tone, they knew better than to ask any questions.

His voice, devoid of emotion, continued.

“There are about twenty knights in Fojetta, but no soldiers. It would take too long to order a dispatch from the Lawrence territory. So I have sent a request for reinforcements to the nearest Soltanir territory. Once they arrive, we’ll spread the troops across the south to track Hazel. Each of you will take charge of a platoon of fifty men, and any remaining soldiers will be under my command. As soon as you secure Hazel, return to Fojetta. That’s all.”

The ominous, blood-red handkerchief disappeared back into Leopold’s pocket, compelling them to expect the worst.

—

T/N: Again, Leo, if you had the energy to go all the way to Rumatera just to get that damn fruit for Hazel, surely you would have the energy to be honest with her and just tell her your feelings, right?! Just disappear, elope, and live away in domestic bliss away from the clutches of your mother! This is making me so frustrated (* ￣︿￣)

You are just like Ains! Maybe you two can marry each other instead to spare Hazel and Cecilia from heartache.

(Ains is the protagonist from my other work, “The Reason Why She Wanted to Leave”. You can check that out here!)