“Mail delivery.”

The Grand Duchess placed the letter before him with an exaggerated show of generosity.

“Is that lion your shield?”

“What?”

Why does she cherish that lion so much?

She was hugging it to her chest as if it were some reliable protection.

“Well, in a way, yes. You were angry earlier.”

“I was not.”

“Ha!”

At his nonchalant reply, she gaped in disbelief while adjusting her grip on the lion cub as big as her forearm.

Looking closely, the cub’s expression matched the Grand Duchess’s—wary yet subtly annoyed. What a silly-looking lion.

But did she just mention a letter?

“So that lion is trustworthy, I take it?”

He suppressed the urge to immediately tear open the envelope and asked elegantly.

“Of course. He’s the only lion I can speak openly with. Isn’t that right, Odiiin?”

“Kyaang!”

When she pursed her lips adorably and called the cub’s name—Odin, what an absurd name for an animal—the little lion responded with a roar that attempted to sound brave.

The only one she could speak openly with…

That Odin or whatever felt strangely irritating, but voicing this would make him appear childish.

Moreover, lions were the symbol of House Hedegen, so he couldn’t treat it carelessly.

“Were you upset that I didn’t give this to you?”

“Well.”

“The letter, I mean.”

Carlo let out an involuntary chuckle at her completely misplaced assumption.

Where did she get the idea he would be upset about not receiving a letter?

His relaxed gaze remained fixed on her before gradually lowering to the letter.

A delicate floral scent emanated from the neat envelope.

Or perhaps it came from her.

“I should have thanked Your Highness first, but I gave it to Lady Mariette instead. I know that’s why.”

His lips tingled peculiarly, but Carlo maintained his composure and looked at her calmly.

The Grand Duchess continued with an intelligent face that appeared almost coy.

“But letters should leave something to the imagination, right? That’s why they’re sent to people far away or separated. Giving one to someone right beside you might feel awkward afterward, don’t you think?”

“I don’t.”

“…Pardon?”

“I disagree.”

She raised her eyebrows dramatically, staring at him as if his answer was unexpected.

His lips curved slightly, amused by her rapidly changing reactions to each exchange.

“…You think you should receive them often?”

“Yes.”

“…How often?”

“Frequently. Regularly.”

“That much?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“…From me?”

“Not a bad idea.”

She appeared to regret bringing up the topic and fell into contemplation.

She was probably wondering how and what to write, lost in various scenarios.

Carlo leaned back in his chair, languidly observing the Grand Duchess deep in thought.

Each time she tilted her head with a perplexed expression, her well-ripened peach-colored hair flowed softly over her pale skin.

“Your answer?”

“Ah… I’ll… try…”

“That’s not a definite answer.”

“If I write letters, will Your Highness reply?”

“We’ll see.”

“…We’ll see?”

“We’ll see.”

Finding his response equally unsatisfactory, she subtly glared at him. Then, pretending not to care, she shifted her gaze to the large windows lining the office walls like an art gallery and said:

“Then I’ll also see about doing that.”

“You don’t have options.”

“Why don’t I?”

“Because I didn’t give you any.”

“Anyway, I’ll see! I’ll be going now!”

She snorted and turned away abruptly, clutching Odin.

Carlo quietly held the letter she had handed him.

“When will the new dresses arrive?”

“Why?”

“You said you wanted to go to Brüpelier.”

She paused briefly and looked back at him.

“They said in five days. I’ll have the fitting then too.”

“Is that so?”

“When are we going?”

“In a week.”

At his reply, the Grand Duchess tensed visibly before continuing on her way.

Only after watching her close the door behind her did Carlo slowly open the letter.

Norbert, who had been observing Carlo intently, remarked casually:

“You seem to be in better spirits now.”

“Not really.”

Despite his curt response, Norbert knew Carlo’s cold eyes had changed to reflect amusement.

Norbert remained silent, deliberately avoiding looking at the letter by focusing on the study’s scenery.

Carlo’s elegant blue eyes followed the neat handwriting.

To Your Dearest Highness,

Not knowing how best to begin my greeting, I’ll start this way instead.

I’m sitting in my study under warm sunlight, pen in hand, writing for you. Odin lies beside me.

Together, we’re contemplating how to write a good letter. One that might make you smile.

I live with constant gratitude toward Your Highness.

You may not be particularly kind, but you’ve accommodated my presence here. You may not be especially affectionate, but you provide everything I need. For that, I’m grateful.

Am I really being thanked?

Carlo’s gaze narrowed slightly.

I’m happy waking and sleeping each day in the beautiful St. Berte Castle. All thanks to you.

I will continue to live with gratitude.

P.S. More than the cool breeze, lovely house, or comfortable bed—I prefer Your Highness! Truly!

After reading the letter silently, Carlo folded it back to its original shape.

“Norbert.”

Norbert, who had been gazing out the window, immediately straightened his posture and looked at Carlo upon hearing his low voice.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Get something for me. Send someone if needed.”

Carlo spoke in a casual tone as he picked up some documents.

While maintaining a composed expression, Norbert watched as Carlo placed the Grand Duchess’s letter in the first drawer.

After Carlo finished giving instructions, Norbert nodded with deliberate seriousness.

“Understood, Your Highness. I’ll arrange it promptly.”

“You must take care of yourself while I’m gone. Understand?”

When the day arrived to leave for Brüpelier a week later, I earnestly instructed Odin.

This morning too, I had woken up alone to find an empty sofa.

Lately, the Grand Duke—no, Carlo—was rarely seen.

“Caviar, truffles, steak. I’ve told Medlin to give you all of these without fail.”

“Apple carrot juice too.”

“I mentioned that too, of course. Don’t get irritable or temperamental with others like you do with me. What if they try to get rid of you while I’m away?”

“I am a lion. No one in this castle would dare treat me that way.”

“You’re still a baby lion.”

“Hmph.”

Odin seemed to ignore my words, lying down indifferently and wiggling his soft paws toward the ceiling.

“Not taking me along. How rude.”

“It’s not intentional. The imperial palace forbids animals except royal companions. Believe me, I’d take you if I could.”

Odin flipped over abruptly as if hearing this for the first time.

“Only royal companion animals allowed? It wasn’t like that before!”

“Really?”

“In just a few hundred years, they’ve become as narrow-minded as bedbugs. This country is heading for disaster.”

Full of complaints, Odin flicked his ears and sighed deeply.

“You mustn’t make mistakes there. What should you do when you arrive?”

“Keep my chin up and never run.”

“And your mindset?”

“I am the only Grand Duchess in this empire!”

“Your expression?”

“I am the Grand Duchess with even more money than the imperial family. Is that true, by the way?”

“Let’s move on. I won’t answer that.”

Odin thumped his tail and continued. I’m really curious though.

“If someone bothers you?”

“I stare them down with wide eyes.”

“If someone slights you?”

“I go straight to Carlo and tell on them.”

“If someone insults you when he’s not around?”

“I say, ‘Do you think you can speak to me like that and remain unscathed?'”

“Very good, indeed.”

Odin nodded seriously with satisfaction and sat down.

“Don’t lose your confidence there, no matter what.”

“But is it really okay to be so assertive? Won’t everyone be nice to me anyway? I am the Grand Duchess after all.”

“Haven’t you seen the newspapers yet?”

I tilted my head in confusion at Odin’s words.

“Um, you’ve seen me reading them during breakfast every morning, right? Though lately I’ve been eating with you.”

“That wasn’t all of it.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you only saw part of it. But don’t look at the rest.”

What? Alarmed by Odin’s words, I swallowed nervously and approached the table where Odin sat.

“Is it that bad?”

Just as Odin was about to speak, the bedroom door swung open.