Chapter 9 – Part 4

As Evan left the audience with the Emperor, Ailon hurriedly followed him, catching up and grabbing his arm. However, he seemed at a loss for words and merely stared blankly at Evan.

“Your Highness, is there something you wish to say?”

“Well… it’s just that; it’s been a while since we met, hasn’t it? I was glad to see my old friend from childhood returning from the battlefield.”

“I see.”

Evan was puzzled by the Crown Prince’s demeanor, which was so different from before his return. Previously, his tone had been cynical and filled with harsh words.

Now, seeing Ailon looking timid and uncertain two months earlier than their last encounter, Evan wondered what had happened in that time to change him so much.

But what did it matter? Evan turned back and replied.

“You told me last time that our relationship had ended. If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”

Joseph tried to pull Evan away, shaking his head.

“Your Highness, he is the commander.”

“Be quiet.”

Evan responded coldly to Joseph.

“…I want to escape.”

Those words stopped Evan in his tracks.

It seemed the Crown Prince had come to Calohas right after receiving his letter, desperate to escape the palace. However, with Johannes accompanying him, the war situation worsened.

Though Evan knew Ailon wasn’t responsible, he approached the Crown Prince.

“Do not attempt any escape. Fulfill your duties as royalty in this palace until your death. It will make things easier for those below you.”

“Evan.”

“And I hope there will be no further instances of Your Highness involving yourself directly in the war.”

“There won’t be.”

Ailon’s firm reply made Evan frown.

* * *

At the entrance to the estate, Suen smiled as she saw the pile of letters in the red mailbox.

Delivering letters was always a joy. Watching the recipients’ faces light up as they recognized who the letters were from was one of Suen’s favorite pastimes.

While sorting the mail, Suen was surprised by an unexpected envelope and ran excitedly to Heas.

“Head Maid! I’m glad you’re here. The sorting is done!”

“Well done.”

There were three main types of mail: letters for Baron Vanessa, letters for the Baroness, and letters for the servants. Usually, the servants’ letters were kept in a drawer in the lobby.

After placing the servants’ letters in the drawer, Suen spoke to Heas again.

“This is for the Baron, this for the Baroness, and we’ve already received mail from the field hospital for Lady Anne. She’ll be so pleased!”

Heas, checking for any mistakes, was startled by one envelope. It was sealed with gold wax and bore no sender’s name. Recognizing the seal, she tried to remain calm.

“Would you fetch Lady Anne? It’s best if the Baroness is informed about her first mail.”

“Yes! I’ll take her to where the Baroness is.”

“Good.”

Taking the letter from Suen, Heas hurried to the Baroness’s study.

Bursting into the study with a worried expression, Heas called out.

“My lady!”

“Heas?”

Evelyn looked up gracefully, only to be startled by the next words.

“A letter from the royal family! For Lady Anne.”

“What?”

“What could it be about?”

“It might be nothing. Anne is part of the Royal Administrative Medical Corps, so it could be related to that.”

Despite her words, Evelyn’s eyes showed unease.

Just then, Anne entered, greeting her mother with the courtesy she had learned.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Anne, sit down. There’s no need to mind etiquette at home.”

“Yes.”

Anne nodded with a slightly awkward smile and sat. Evelyn got straight to the point.

“Are you uncomfortable in any way?”

“No. You’ve taken such good care of me.”

“That’s good to hear. Next time, I’ll have your letters delivered directly to you. But for now, take a look at this.”

Anne accepted the letter handed to her by Evelyn and smiled brightly at the familiar name.

It was a letter from Kyle!

“Miss! Please let me know what the news is.”

“Yes, go ahead and read it.”

***

Anne, it’s been a while. I wonder how you’re doing.

However, this will be the last letter I send from the field hospital.

I’m leaving this place.

If anything happens, contact Hans.

He’s still at the field hospital.

Wishing you well.

– Kyle Elman –

***

As Anne finished reading, her expression gradually hardened with worry for Kyle.

She couldn’t believe he would leave the hospital without additional explanation, but she couldn’t verify Kyle’s whereabouts at the moment.

“He must have depended on you a lot to send you a letter like this.”

“…Do you think so?”

“Of course. Didn’t I watch over you from afar for a bit? Everyone trusted and followed you. Now, read the next letter.”

Anne looked at the luxurious letter and murmured.

“This is a letter from the Royal Palace.”

Evelyn looked at her in surprise.

“You know? Have you corresponded with the Royal Palace before?”

“Not exactly, it was an administrative matter. They commended me for my service and set a reward and a rank.”

“……”

Evelyn was silent for a moment. Given Anne’s military achievements, it was natural for the Royal Palace to take an interest in her. Yet she couldn’t hide her unease.

Unaware of Evelyn’s feelings, Anne casually took out and opened the letter.

***

To Miss Anne Vanessa, who has found her lost family.

We thought thanking you for your service would be the end, but we have heard of another joyous occasion and sent this letter to proceed with a blessing ceremony.

Soon, the season for opening the temple will come, so please come to the Royal Palace accordingly.

We are fortunate to finally bestow the lost blessing.

– Royal Administration –

***

Anne looked puzzled, not understanding what it meant.

“My Lady, tell me quickly.”

“Actually, I’m not sure. A blessing? Why are they asking me to come to the Royal Palace?”

Anne handed the letter she was reading to Evelyn. Despite the brief content, Evelyn understood instantly.

“Children of nobility go to the Royal Palace as they grow up, before the cold winter. They receive a blessing there, wishing for their well-being. But, suggesting this to you…”

“Should I see it as a favor?”

Evelyn tilted her head slightly in a somewhat ambiguous manner. There was no reason for the Emperor to personally intervene in the blessing ceremony for the daughter of a baron.

However, she couldn’t tell the child looking at her expectantly that it wasn’t a favor and that she should be wary.

“Anne, will you go with this mother?”

Anne’s eyes widened at Evelyn’s words. Hearing Evelyn Baron’s wife call herself “mother” made Anne’s heart ache for no reason.

Seeing the lady waiting for her answer with a serious expression, Anne smiled brightly and responded.

“Yes. Mother.”

Evelyn also smiled upon hearing the answer.

She realized now that if she took a step closer, this child would take two steps closer.

Such a kind-hearted child. Sometimes they are probably even called foolish.

Evelyn resolved to do her best in her role as a mother to ensure this child wouldn’t get hurt.

“I have one request. No matter what happens there, don’t be surprised and focus on your safety. Of course, nothing will happen, but since it’s your first time at the Royal Palace, I’m worried.”

“I’ve already learned royal etiquette. I’ll be careful not to cause any trouble.”

Touched by Anne’s confidence, Evelyn patted her head.

“My L-Lady?”

“Anne, I like it very much when you call me mother.”

Evelyn’s voice was soft as she said this.

Anne, recalling her mother stroking her hair when she was little, smiled brightly and responded.

“I like it too, mother.”

“Good, my daughter.”

With a playful smile, Evelyn raised her voice.

“Now, prepare for the journey to the Royal Palace. We need to prepare suitable gifts as well. This time, we’ll take most of the servants, so pack plenty.”

Heath was quite surprised by the unexpected decision of the mistress, but he nodded calmly.

“Understood. I will inform everyone. When should we leave?”

“It’s best to leave as soon as we wake up tomorrow. The Royal Palace is far away.”

As everything progressed swiftly, Evelyn walked slowly to where Anne was sitting. She tucked Anne’s hair behind her ear and gave her final instructions.

“The Royal Palace is vast, so always stay by my side. And tomorrow, you should wear even more splendid clothes than you are now.”

Anne nodded.

“I will.”

“And Anne, how about sending someone to the field hospital?”

Evelyn seemed to be considering Anne’s concern for Kyle. Anne, appreciating Evelyn’s thoughtfulness, smiled slightly and answered.

“Even though it’s not the frontline, it might still be dangerous. I’ll write a letter to Kyle asking why he left the hospital.”

“Alright. Go in and rest.”

As Anne headed back to her room, she thought.

She had received two official letters.

But there was still one more.

As soon as Anne entered her room, she opened the drawer and checked the note given by the bluebird again.

– The marionette is Dane.

Anne, unable to guess what this meant, folded the note back and put it in the drawer.