“Unfortunately, we must take our leave now.”

“Already?”

It was long past time for them to leave, but her disappointment was palpable. Her lips curled as she looked down at the cards spread before her. Before the uneasy Duke Roxas could respond, Akan spoke.

“Father, it would be rude to leave in the middle of a game. May I finish this hand with Her Highness before we go?”

The previously downcast Robellia lit up with joy. As she and Akan returned to their game of matching pictures, Duke Roxas took a step back towards the wall. Lady Suther approached him and struck up a conversation.

“It’s been some time since you last visited the palace, Duke Roxas.”

“I apologise for the delay. Lady Suther, you look as healthy as ever.”

He bowed politely to the much older woman. Duke Roxas was as formal and proper as ever – a man unwavering in his traditional manners. The older woman, who loved to reminisce about the past, smiled fondly.

“I am no longer a countess, you know.”

“I heard the news of the late count. My deepest condolences. I regret that I could not pay my respects.”

“There is no need to apologise. After all, we are now in the same situation. I understand perfectly.”

After the birth of her son, the Duchess of Roxas was confined to her bed for many years. Until then, Duke Roxas had been actively involved in central affairs, but he gave up everything and went to his territory to be with his family. A few years ago, the Duchess succumbed to her illness and died, while Lady Suther’s husband, the late Earl, had died even earlier. There was no lingering bitterness over these old losses.

“Still, your son seems exceptionally bright. You must be proud of him.”

“You flatter me.”

Both looked at Robellia and Akan. Whatever the future held, for now they were simply innocent children, their carefree joy filling the room.

Princess Robellia was unlike any other princess or prince Duke Roxas had ever met. How long this innocence would last, he could not say.

Akan, though younger, was far more mature than the naive princess. For the Duke, his son was a mixture of emotions – apology for the burdens placed upon him, gratitude for his resilience and immense pride.

Lady Suther, noticing the Duke’s shy yet proud demeanour, decided to tease him. She made an old, light-hearted joke that was perfect for making fun of Duke Roxas – a harmless joke that had stood the test of time.

“Oh dear, you are far too modest. Young Lord Roxas is so clever that this old woman once worried that the Duchy of Roxas might declare independence in the next generation.”

“Please, Lady Suther, someone might overhear and misunderstand.”

Although Akan’s mother’s long illness might have made him seem a little more mature than his peers, how the conversation had come to such an extreme conclusion was beyond him. During his time in the capital, the older nobles had often made such remarks. He could never understand how the previous generation had managed to survive such jokes, for they were a challenge to someone as upright as himself. To respond with a smile felt inappropriate, but to address it seriously seemed absurd, especially in the current context. The reigning Emperor was working harder than any of his predecessors to strengthen Imperial authority, making this a particularly sensitive subject.

“Well, there’s some truth in what I said. Isn’t it possible? After all, the House of Roxas is a direct descendant of the old Empire.”

“Very well. I surrender.”

The Duke finally said, admitting defeat. He couldn’t exactly reject the compliments about his son, but he couldn’t completely undermine them either.

Lady Suther chuckled softly, and Robellia’s eyes glanced at her briefly before returning to Akan. Her attention was once again on the boy in front of her.

As the conversation continued, the final game quietly came to an end. The table was now empty of cards, and the result showed that Robellia had turned over two more matching pairs than Akan.

“You won the last round as well, Your Highness.”

“You didn’t let me win, did you?”

Whether Akan had let her win or not wasn’t what mattered – it was the thought of not knowing when she might see him again that made her feel so down. Akan noticed her sulking and gave her another gentle smile.

“Of course not. I’m sure I’ll win next time.”

When Duke Roxas and Akan finally left the room, Robellia followed, clutching the edge of Akan’s sleeve in one hand. It was unusual for the princess, who usually ended her playtime by commanding her playmates, to behave like this. Lady Suther found her actions both endearing and intriguing.

“Be sure to write to me.”

“I will.”

After another reminder, Robellia finally let go of Akan’s hand. Still reluctant to part, she followed him into the corridor, waving every time Akan turned to look back. By then the sun had set completely and darkness had fallen over the world outside.

It was the first and last meeting between the young girl and the boy.

—

After Akan’s departure, Robellia made her way to the Imperial Palace later than usual. It was time for dinner with her father, the Emperor, and her eldest brother, the Crown Prince. Though their conversations were often filled with complicated topics she couldn’t understand, it was the only time of the day she spent with her family.

Robellia cautiously entered the dining hall where the Emperor and Crown Prince were already seated in conversation. Her cautious gaze was directed more towards her brother than her father. The Crown Prince was a stern and imposing older brother, far more intimidating to her than her father. The considerable age difference between them and the absence of her other siblings, who were all married and living outside the palace, only added to her unease.

The Emperor’s cold eyes turned to his youngest daughter standing at the door. Although he was an authoritative and arrogant ruler, he was surprisingly lenient with Robellia. His behaviour towards her was not rooted in affection, but rather in indifference, though Robellia didn’t quite grasp the difference.

“You’re late.”

“Sorry. I was playing with Akan-no, I mean Lord Roxas and lost track of time…”

Robellia said as she hurried to take her seat to the left of her father, directly across from her brother.

The Crown Prince, Raves, gave his youngest sibling a disapproving look. 

“Robellia, how long are you going to waste your time playing like a child?”

“Enough. Don’t be so hard on your younger sister. Supporting your siblings is the key to strengthening your authority.”

The emperor was well aware that the young princess was naive and immature for her age, but he didn’t care. After all, a child who wasn’t an heir had only one real purpose in the Imperial family.

“Yes, Fathe.”

He understood the unspoken truth only too well. Siblings like Robellia were nothing more than pawns, destined to be married off to other kingdoms or noble families in order to increase the influence of the Imperial House. In this sense, Robellia, the last remaining young princess, was a valuable asset. Her ignorance and docility made her easy to manage.

Still, Raves could hardly contain his frustration. Seeing his own blood fail to uphold even the most basic dignity expected of royalty often caused his temper to flare uncontrollably.

Robellia, unaware of their true intentions, continued to pick at her food with an innocent expression on her face. Perhaps it was because she had eaten snacks with Akan earlier, but she had little appetite. Thinking of Akan, Robellia turned to her father and spoke.

“Did Duke Roxas have an audience with you today, Father?”

The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched slightly at the mention of the name.

“Yes, he did. Did you meet with him as well?”

“Yes, briefly. Will he be visiting the palace often now?”