—

Not long after that, Duke Roxas arrived in the capital. This was undoubtedly good news, as it meant that the engagement between the two was about to proceed. But Robe;lia couldn’t be entirely happy. The Duke had forbidden Akan to visit the Princess’s palace.

Finally, during a formal dinner, Robellia caught a glimpse of Akan, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.

“Let’s skip the engagement ceremony and go straight to the announcement.”

“Yes, let’s do that. It seems we need to monitor the situation a little more closely.”

“There was a somewhat disturbing detail in the last report – evidence that the Marquis is raising private soldiers…”

Akan listened intently to the conversation between the Crown Prince and the Duke, his expression serious. Occasionally the subject of their engagement came up, but Robellia paid no attention. She couldn’t take her eyes off Akan, hoping their gazes would meet, if only for a moment.

Eventually, Akan’s eyes returned to Robellia. Seeing the bright, expectant look in her eyes, the tension on his tightly pressed lips loosened and a gentle smile formed on his face.

Silently, Robellia spoke the words she wanted to convey.

“I’ve missed you.”

Akan glanced around discreetly, making sure no one was paying attention to them. When he was sure, he spoke his reply.

“Me too.”

When Robellia chuckled softly, Raves shot her a sharp look. Robellia quickly lowered her head and wiped the smile from her lips.

The conversation continued for some time. Based on what Robellia could gather from the discussion, it was decided that the engagement would be made public immediately.

If they weren’t going to have an engagement ceremony anyway, Robellia wished they would just go ahead with the wedding. However, there seemed to be some reasons – unknown to her – why that wasn’t possible.

Still, things would be better than they were now. As her betrothed, Akan would be free to enter and leave the Imperial Palace.

With this thought in mind, Robellia tried to suppress her frustration at not being able to exchange more than a few words with him. She consoled herself with the idea of inviting Akan to tea after dinner.

But Duke Roxas put an end to her sweet little plan as soon as the banquet was over.

“Well then, let’s say goodbye.”

“Alright.”

“What?”Robellia’s eyes widened and she suddenly exclaimed loudly, attracting the attention of all three men. Flustered, she hurriedly blurted out the first thing that came to mind, even if it was rushed and somewhat incoherent.

“Well, why don’t you two continue your conversation, and I can… have tea with Lord Roxas as well…”

Her transparent intentions were obvious, and her older brother Raves let out a deep sigh. Duke Roxas, on the other hand, burst into hearty laughter.

Embarrassed, Robellia looked at Akan, hoping for some support. But his expression showed that he was struggling to suppress a grin, and Robellia’s face crumpled into an almost toothless expression.

Clearing his throat, Akan finally spoke.

“I will visit you separately soon, Your Highness.”

Once again, Robellia stuck out her lower lip in a gesture that didn’t befit her dignity. She felt like a fool, like she was the only one who felt so desperate. But Akan showed her no reaction at all. Although he always comforted her gently when they were alone.

As Duke Roxas rose, Akan did the same. Robellia had no choice but to stand beside Raves and see them off, her face still filled with displeasure.

“Well then, until next time.”

Duke Roxas said before leaving the dining hall. Akan bowed politely to Raves, his expression remaining indifferent, as if completely unaware of Robellia’s sulking. Robellia just stood there, staring silently at the carpet on the floor.

Just as it seemed Akan was about to walk past her, he suddenly held out a hand. Unable to hide her disappointment, Robellia placed her hand in Akan’s palm with an overly haughty expression, making no effort to hide her lingering frustration.

Akan brought Robellia’s hand to his lips effortlessly, like water flowing naturally. He planted a quick kiss on the tips of her bare, ungloved fingers. Although this was one of the moments Robellia had dreamed of, it didn’t feel as satisfying as she had imagined. After all, she had experienced moments far more intense than this.

As Akan was about to release her hand, Robellia felt something brush against her palm – a faint, rustling texture. Paper. Raising her gaze, her eyes met Akan’s and the corners of his lips curved into a subtle smile.

Maintaining a composed expression, Robellia discreetly secured the note and lowered her hand. Her heart raced, as if she were conspiring in some mischievous act.

“Well then.”

Robellia stared blankly at Akan’s retreating figure before hurrying back to her chambers. Behind her, Raves said something, probably another series of nagging remarks, but none of it reached her ears. She was too eager to get back and see what the note said.

When she finally unfolded the folded paper, there was only one simple sentence written on it. The paper was no larger than the width of two fingers pressed together, leaving no room for anything longer.

But despite its brevity, Robellia’s heart was filled with joy, as if she were floating on clouds.

[Next time, please tell me more about the West Gate. 

– Your fiancé.]

—

A few days later, the engagement between the Princess and the Duke was officially announced throughout the kingdom. Although the story of the princess dancing with an unknown man at a ball was already known, it still took the nobles by surprise.

With no information about Robellia in the kingdom, and the fact that her partner was Duke Roxas, who had been mysteriously absent for a long time, many were curious.

But Robellia paid no attention to the rumours circulating in the capital. After waiting so long, all she wanted was to become a new bride as soon as possible.

“Move over.”

Robellia shot an annoyed look at Madam Suther. She had so much to say to Akan, who had finally entered the palace as her fiancé, but she felt embarrassed with Madam Suther sitting there.

“If I go, then…”

Madam Suther made a remark, suggesting that they would probably start kissing once they were alone. Robellia’s face turned bright red. She didn’t mind the teasing from behind, but she couldn’t allow it in front of Akan.

“No! That’s not it!”

Even Madam Suther couldn’t interrupt the young couple indefinitely. It was her duty as head maid to stand guard at the door and make sure no one approached. Reluctantly, she took a step back towards the door and spoke again.

“Duke Roxas.”

“Yes, we will be careful.

Satisfied with the answer, Madam Suther left the room. It seemed that the fiancé was more trusted than the princess. Robellia continued to fan her flushed face with her hand, still feeling the embarrassment.

For Robellia, Madam Suther was not just a head maid. She had cared for the princess since she was very young, and even now she was ready to follow her to the far north, like a mother would.

What a shame, though! Of course she wanted physical contact, and she had every intention of getting it, but when she heard Akan’s laughter, it only made her feel more embarrassed.

“Um, stop laughing.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Akan wiped his mouth and stopped laughing. Robellia cleared her throat again before opening her mouth slightly.

“Are you… going to sit there?”

“Huh?”

Robellia gestured to the empty seat next to her, quietly urging him to sit down as there was plenty of room.

Unable to restrain himself, Akan let out a soft laugh and quickly moved to sit beside her. Robellia immediately took his hand. Without any surprise, Akan took her hand in return.

Even without saying much, just being together at that moment felt perfect. Ever since she first met Akan when she was twelve, Robellia had believed that a day like this would come. Others might laugh and say she was immature, but she didn’t care.

“Will you be staying at the palace for a while?”

“Yes. Probably.”

One of the advantages of their engagement was that Raves had arranged for Akan to stay at the palace. It was said to be due to some kind of threat, but Robellia was happy because it meant she could see Akan more often, so she didn’t pay much attention to the reasons behind it.

Resting her head on Akan’s shoulder, Robellia went on.