Side Story 7

“I intended to retaliate against Nosellerton for taking the documents related to the imperial seal.”

As Fenris brought up a heavier topic than expected, Dyffrin’s expression also darkened.

“I planned to poison him. I didn’t intend to kill him, just to disable one of his legs.”

But in the end, that didn’t happen. Dyffrin frowned, focusing on the anticipated story.

“But the Madam noticed first and stopped me.”

“…Evelyn, you mean?”

“Precisely, it was a deal. She would pretend not to know about the poisoning plan if I stopped what I was doing.”

Dyffrin swallowed dryly.

Just pretending to know about the prince’s poisoning plot could put her in danger.

And yet, she didn’t stop there; she even tried to dissuade him.

Even assuming Fenris’s goodwill, it was an excessive action.

“The Madam was worried that you, her husband, might be in danger. That the flames from Nosellerton might spread to you.”

“How did Evelyn find out about your plan, Your Majesty?”

“I won’t answer any other questions. Just telling you this breaks my promise to her. But I can tell you it happened not long after you got married.”

Dyffrin closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.

He had no idea that Evelyn had made such a deal with Fenris behind his back.

Breathing deeply, Dyffrin slowly opened his eyes and asked,

“What is the reason for telling me this now?”

“I thought I should tell you someday. It’s late, but I feel like I’ve finally sorted out my feelings.”

Fenris smiled, looking both relieved and bitter.

“That’s good to hear.”

Knowing that Fenris was talking about his feelings for Evelyn, Dyffrin responded curtly.

Fenris briefly talked about the diamond mines in the Holy Mountain before ending the conversation and standing up.

Evelyn, who had been waiting outside for their conversation to end, blinked as Fenris came out.

With his usual gentle smile, Fenris said,

“It seems I won’t have time to speak with you separately.”

“That’s alright. I can’t hold back Your Majesty’s steps.”

In fact, Evelyn felt more comfortable that way.

“Before I go, let’s talk briefly about the almhouse project.”

Fenris continued, looking at Dyffrin.

“I heard the results of the almhouse project in the duchy were good. Seeing it for myself, the size of the slums has significantly reduced.”

“It’s thanks to my father’s efforts.”

“Efforts alone don’t always yield good results. So, I was thinking, how about expanding the almshouses across the empire, using the duchy’s model? It would greatly help alleviate poverty.”

Dyffrin shook his head.

“I understand Your Majesty’s intention, but I cannot decide this alone. My father is in charge of the almhouse project.”

“Of course, I’m not asking for this service without compensation. If you accept my proposal, I will reduce tariffs on goods from the duchy. I heard you recently signed an exclusive diamond export contract with Lady Oakley; it will be beneficial.”

It wasn’t a bad offer.

Dyffrin seemed deep in thought.

“I will send a reply to the palace by the end of this month.”

“Then I’ll wait.”

With that, Fenris left.

“That’s good news. Father will surely be delighted… Why are you looking at me like that?”

Evelyn asked in surprise as she turned her head from the departing carriage to Dyffrin, who was quietly staring at her.

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

What on earth had they talked about? 

Evelyn felt unusually tense at Dyffrin’s serious demeanor.

Once they were inside the room and the door was closed, Dyffrin spoke.

“I heard about the deal you proposed to His Majesty in the past.”

“What…”

“About how you stopped him from poisoning Nosellerton.”

Evelyn’s mouth opened and closed. It was something she had almost forgotten herself. And now, Dyffrin knew about it.

‘Fenris, you traitor…!’

Dyffrin said seriously,

“It was a dangerous thing to do.”

“It was worth it. If Nosellerton had fallen ill, you would have been affected too.”

“Evelyn.”

“It’s already in the past. There’s no need to talk about it now.”

Evelyn worried that Dyffrin might get angry. His pride could have been hurt by the fact that she had secretly helped him.

But instead of getting angry, Dyffrin rubbed his face with his hands. Evelyn realized he was feeling remorseful.

As she quietly watched him, Dyffrin confessed his feelings.

“I regret how I was in the past.”

Seeing his distorted expression, Evelyn knew he was sincere.

“Why was I such a fool to you back then?”

“I won’t deny it.”

Evelyn replied playfully with a faint smile.

But seeing Dyffrin’s still somber expression, she spoke again in a soft voice.

“Let’s not dwell on the past. How about we go on a picnic with Ellia? The weather is lovely today.”

Dyffrin couldn’t refuse.

They decided to go to a hill not far from the duke’s estate for the picnic. The slope was gentle, and a wide plain spread out at the top, perfect for a picnic.

Even Ellia, who was usually calm, seemed excited. As soon as the picnic cloth was laid under a tree, she ran around.

“Ellia, don’t go too far.”

Ellia flitted about like a butterfly, seemingly not hearing. Worried she might fall, but also enjoying the sight, they didn’t scold her further.

Evelyn glanced at Dyffrin. His mood seemed to have improved a bit, as his expression was more relaxed.

After running around, Ellia returned to where they were. When Evelyn poured her some milk, she gulped it down, clearly thirsty.

Handing back the empty cup, Ellia asked,

“Did the prince who came today already leave?”

“He’s not a prince. He’s the Emperor.”

Evelyn answered as she rinsed the cup that had held the milk.

“The Emperor?!”

Ellia’s eyes widened.

“He came out of the castle secretly so no one would know, to inspect the empire.”

“I see…”

Ellia nodded seriously, her face thoughtful. Evelyn squinted her eyes and asked,

“By the way, Ellia, do you have that many princes?”

Ellia’s white cheeks turned peachy red. Evelyn found her so unbearably adorable that she wanted to bite her.

“Yes… There are many people in the world who are like princes.”

“Are there many princesses too?”

Ellia shook her head vigorously, her fine golden hair fluttering lightly.

“There’s only one princess, and that’s Mom.”

“Wow, I’m honored you think that.”

“There’s no one as beautiful and graceful as Mom in the whole world.”

Evelyn looked at Dyffrin.

“Did you hear that?”

“I feel the same way.”

Despite his indifferent tone, Dyffrin’s response was so doting that it made Evelyn chuckle.

“To be Ellia’s one and only prince, you’ll have to try harder.”

At that moment, Ellia was staring blankly at something.

It was a butterfly sitting at the end of a tree branch. The yellow butterfly gently moved its wings as it perched lightly.

But Ellia couldn’t see it well because the branch was quite high up.

Seeing this, Dyffrin lifted Ellia onto his shoulders. Ellia rose high.

“I’m taller now…”

“Now you can see it well.”

Ellia nodded, her attention fully on the butterfly.

“I can see it well.”

She reached out her hand. Evelyn quickly warned,

“Don’t catch it. It will hurt the butterfly.”

Ellia flinched and withdrew her hand, watching the butterfly from Dyffrin’s shoulders for a while.

When the butterfly flew away, Dyffrin set Ellia back on the ground.

Ellia’s gaze lingered somewhere in the sky. Dyffrin bent down and asked,

“Are you sad?”

Ellia turned her head.

“No. There are more butterflies.”

“You’re very mature.”

Dyffrin smiled faintly and praised her. Ellia fidgeted with her fingers.

Then she flapped her small hand, signaling she had something to say quietly.

Dyffrin leaned closer to Ellia.

“Actually, Dad is the coolest prince.”

“…”

“The only prince who suits Mom is Dad.”

Embarrassed by her confession, Ellia quickly turned and ran to Evelyn.

“Ellia, why is your face so red?”

Evelyn said, hugging Ellia and patting her back. Ellia, too shy to speak, just buried herself in Evelyn’s arms.

Dyffrin watched, feeling a warm fullness in his chest as a refreshing breeze blew by.