“Do that. You don’t know how affectionate they were together. I was envious because I didn’t have a daughter.”

The Empress’s eyes looked somewhat distant as she recalled Lea. Kayla’s heart swelled at these stories. The past days when she felt worthless melted away with just one warm word. At that moment, she carefully asked:

“Did I… perhaps meet Theo when I was young?”

The Empress smiled as if intrigued, while Theodore was visibly flustered. The childhood story of falling for her, the reason he decided to marry her—should he tell her now? Conflict stirred in his heart. With his ears turning red, he hastily rose from his seat.

“I, I think we should go now.”

“My goodness, leaving already? Stay a little longer.”

The Empress spoke with a playful voice, but Theodore had no composure to respond to her teasing.

“We’re busy with wedding preparations. So then…”

“Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress!”

Theodore jumped up and pulled Kayla’s hand, and she hurriedly bowed before following him out. Kayla suppressed a laugh as she looked at his reddened ears.

※※※

Evening, on the way back from the imperial palace.

The carriage was silent without a word. Kayla only looked out the window, while Theodore was lost in thought without speaking. Upon arriving at the grand ducal residence, William was waiting to greet them.

“Welcome back, Your Highness.”

“I’ll be in the study, so bring a light meal there.”

“Yes.”

“Prepare a proper meal for Kayla. She must be hungry.”

Theodore spoke indifferently while lightly patting Kayla’s head. Surprised by his unexpectedly affectionate gesture, Kayla called his name.

“Theo?”

But instead of answering, he quietly turned and headed toward the study. His earlobes were still flushed red. After watching him walk away, Kayla approached William.

“Ah, William. Could I go out tomorrow?”

“Go out?”

“Yes, I’d like to visit the downtown area. It’s been a while.”

William smiled and nodded.

“Of course. You can go with Martha.”

“Really? Thank you, William!”

Unable to hide her joy, Kayla grabbed William’s hand and shook it. Then she left with light steps, her heart excited. Ian, who had been watching from a distance, approached William.

“The Miss seems much brighter now.”

“Indeed.”

William smiled and moved to prepare the meal. Then, as he happened to look down at the back of his hand, he paused momentarily.

“Hmm?”

The wound that had been bleeding after being caught in a door crack yesterday had completely disappeared.

“A wound that should have lasted for days…”

He murmured quietly.

“Could it be…”

※※※

That night, Theodore was alone in his study reviewing documents. The bookshelves were messily stacked with documents received from the imperial palace and reports related to the northern territory. However, not a single line registered properly in his eyes. The secret about holy power and Kayla’s birth mother had thrown his mind into disarray, just like the desk before him.

‘If she has holy power, Kayla won’t be safe…’

At that moment, someone quietly knocked on the door.

Knock knock—

“Come in.”

The door opened, and William entered with a somewhat stiff expression.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. I have something to report.”

“What is it?”

As Theodore put down the document in his hand, William hesitated before continuing.

“Today… while conversing with Miss Kayla, she lightly held my hand. And…”

“And?”

“The wound I got yesterday from the door crack had completely disappeared. Without a trace.”

Theodore’s gaze sharpened. Anxiety enveloped his entire body.

“The wound…?”

“Yes, it was deep enough to last for days. For it to disappear in a day…”

A moment of silence passed. Theodore closed his eyes and slowly inhaled. Then he spoke in a low voice.

“Have you noticed anything different about Kayla? Like getting tired easily?”

“Nothing like that, but when her emotions fluctuate, I’ve felt the surrounding air become subtly warmer.”

“As I thought…”

Theodore muttered heavily, and William carefully spoke.

“Could Miss Kayla possibly have… holy power abilities?”

“I can’t be certain. But the possibility is increasing.”

Theodore rose from his seat and pulled a book from the bookshelf. It was research material related to holy power.

“We must be careful until we’re certain. This fact should remain between just you and me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“… And if anyone ever targets Kayla, protect her at all costs, no matter what happens.”

Theodore’s voice was cold and resolute. At the end of his words was deep emotion, not mere duty.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

William bowed deeply before quietly leaving the study. Left alone, Theodore remained motionless for a long time after the door closed. After a while, he slowly began to read the front pages of the book.

Those with holy power instinctively carry light within them, with some memories sealed.

The next day was a clear day with warm sunlight dancing in the streets. Kayla was excited since morning, preparing for her outing after a long time.

“Miss, just grab your parasol and we can go!”

Martha was busy trying to take care of Kayla and prepare for the outing. Nevertheless, her smile made Martha happy. Dressed in a new dress, Kayla’s heart fluttered with unfamiliar excitement.

“Let’s go quickly, Martha! I’m so excited right now.”

Kayla fidgeted in front of the carriage, urging Martha. Meanwhile, Theodore quietly watched from the window and called for Ian.

“Follow behind Kayla. It would be troublesome if her parents approached her.”

Ian nodded briefly and disappeared beyond the window. Before Kayla knew everything, he couldn’t allow them to meet carelessly.

“Both holy power and Lea’s death… they’re still heavy truths for Kayla.”

Theodore murmured softly.

※※※

Meanwhile, the carriage arrived at the downtown area and stopped. Merchants were busy noisily promoting their goods, and children were absorbed in playing tag. Kayla’s heart raced for the first time in a long while as she looked at the lively streets.

“Miss, shall we get off here?”

“Yes, I’d love to!”

Kayla got out of the carriage with Martha, her expression excited. Before they knew it, they were holding hands tightly.

“Wow, there are so many people!”

“I know, it’s been a while since I’ve been in this atmosphere.”

“Where would you like to look around first?”

“I think there used to be street food vendors… do you know where?”

Martha nodded, her eyes sparkling.

“Ah, it’s not far from here! But Miss, do you eat street food too?”

“My mother used to buy it for me when I was little. It was quite delicious.”

Kayla smiled shyly as she recalled a small memory with Lea. These little memories were gradually coloring her life. Seeing Kayla’s smile, Martha led her forward.

“I’ll take you there. But, I won’t get scolded by His Highness, will I?”

“I’ll keep it a secret, hehe.”

The two headed excitedly toward the area where street food vendors were gathered. They enjoyed their time looking at merchant-made embroidered handkerchiefs and hair ornaments, and sat by the fountain to drink juice for a brief rest. It was a leisurely scene.

“I’m already tired after coming out for the first time in a while.”

As Kayla stretched slightly, Martha said with bright eyes:

“You need to get healthy soon. Then you can come out often.”

“Yes, I should.”

Kayla looked up at the sky. As she narrowed her eyes against the bright sunlight, unfamiliar conversations reached her ears.

“Is the Grand Duke getting married soon?”

“You’re just finding out now? But I heard rumors that he prefers men.”

“No, they say he bought the eldest daughter of Baron Grenville.”

“Ah, the woman who fell in front of the procession?”

“Yes, there’s talk that he fell for her at first sight because she’s such a beauty… Hmm, but there are also rumors that he has nasty tastes.”

“Oh my goodness!”

Kayla’s face hardened. He hadn’t bought her; he had rescued her. But in people’s mouths, Theodore was already rumored to be someone with peculiar tastes. Martha, noticing her expression, hurriedly said:

“Don’t listen to such talk, Miss.”

“I’m so… angry. How dare they speak so carelessly without knowing anything…”

“Such rumors are always just nonsense that floats around. Do you think those are the only rumors?”

At Martha’s words, Kayla asked with wide eyes:

“Are there other rumors too?”

“Yes, of course.”

Martha finished the remaining juice in one gulp, made an amusing expression, and spoke in a low voice:

“There’s also talk that His Highness the Crown Prince is a woman, and that the high priest doesn’t actually exist.”

“What?”

“It’s because His Highness Evan looks so pretty. And the high priest is such a mysterious person.”

Kayla shook her head with an incredulous and bewildered expression. Martha firmly held her hand and spoke resolutely:

“So rumors are just rumors. Miss, don’t worry too much.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Kayla replied, trying to hide her upset feelings.

“Actually, I’m upset too, but the Grand Duke is someone who only follows his own path, so he doesn’t pay much attention to rumors.”

“Hehe, he does have that side to him. That sounds like Theo.”

“At first, I told him to respond to them, but would he listen to us? So we just got used to it. Well, who could stop His Highness?”

At Martha’s words, they looked at each other and laughed. Kayla gently patted Martha’s hand. From a distance, they looked like old friends.

※※※