Chapter 16 – Reunion

When Lenoa suddenly stopped moving, Kairan was quite taken aback.  

‘If she was truly scared, I was planning to let her down immediately.’  

Contrary to his expectations, her body had gone limp. Moreover, upon a closer look, she had even closed her eyes, as if calmly enjoying the moment.  

Kairan paused the swing briefly, holding Lenoa’s waist with one arm and the swing’s right rope with the other. Her waist was so slender that one arm was more than enough to encircle it.  

Even as he adjusted their position and the swing began to move faster than before, Lenoa remained still. Kairan, who had wanted to see her flustered and adorable reaction, found himself instead feeling unsettled.  

A short while later, Kairan stopped the swing once more, gently wrapped his arms around her waist, and lowered her to the ground. He then stood up and extended his hand, offering to escort her.  

“I can walk on my own.”  

“Then allow me to walk with you, at least partway.”  

Lenoa, making an effort to appear resolute, strode ahead briskly. Kairan quickly caught up to her in a single stride. Although her expression was sullen, she didn’t bother to stop him.  

“Did you enjoy the swing?”  

“…Yes.”  

“Seems like you liked it because I was holding you.”  

Lenoa pouted her lips but couldn’t deny it. After all, being held in his arms had brought back memories she hadn’t revisited in a long time.  

“…It reminded me of my parents. When I was little, they used to hold me like that and push the swing.”  

“…”  

“It’s been a while since I’ve thought about my family. It felt nice.”  

Lenoa glanced sideways at Kairan and murmured softly.  

Though his sudden appearance and the way he had held her on the swing had startled her, it had also vividly brought to life the cherished memories of her parents, who now rested in the heavens.  

‘I wonder if they’re doing well now.’  

Lost in thought, Lenoa was startled when Kairan suddenly placed his hand around her waist. She froze mid-step, and he leaned in to whisper gently.  

“I, too, am like family to you, Your Majesty. My dearest Queen Lenoa.”  

“…”  

Lenoa, more flustered by his demeanor than his words, found herself speechless. Before she knew it, her face was burning.  

“L-Let’s just go.”  

She gently removed his arm and headed toward the Queen’s Palace.  

Kairan chuckled softly and removed his coat, draping it over her shoulders. Although it was early summer, the evening had grown somewhat chilly.  

Lenoa’s gaze instinctively turned toward him. This was already the second time he had done this. Though it wasn’t the first, it was still an embarrassing gesture, especially coming from Kairan.  

Still, she couldn’t say she disliked it since it was an act of consideration. She quietly clutched the coat with her hands. Walking like this made her feel as though she had done something wrong.  

“…”  

The silence as they walked together was more distracting than the coat itself. Since Kairan didn’t seem inclined to speak, Lenoa finally broke the silence.  

“Um, the color…”  

“Pardon?”  

“The color… I mean, black really suits you.”  

Though the words were directed at Kairan, Lenoa avoided meeting his eyes.  

Even though it was an impromptu comment, it was true that black suited Kairan. The coat draped over her shoulders was a deep black, and so were his shirt and trousers.  

Despite having lived with him for three years, Lenoa had rarely seen him wear lighter colors. At most, he occasionally wore red, matching the color of his hair.  

Though it was meant as a compliment, Kairan’s expression darkened suddenly, as if mirroring the color of his clothes.  

Seeing his silence, Lenoa began to feel guilty, wondering if she had misspoken. She forced a smile and tried to change the subject.  

“Ah, um, what color do you think suits me? You know, for the debutante ball.”  

It was a question redirected to herself. Depending on Kairan’s answer, she might even choose her debutante dress in that color. Perhaps that would lighten his mood.  

Finally, Kairan looked directly at her and replied, 

“Your Majesty, you look good in any color… but if I had to choose, it would be white. It pairs well with my black.”  

He seemed to have regained his composure, even letting out a faint chuckle. This time, it was Lenoa who felt unsettled.  

As Kairan said, white and black complemented each other. Both of them thought the same. But if Kairan represented black and Lenoa white, then considering the debutante ball, it felt like…  

‘It’s like we’re bride and groom.’  

Even without looking in a mirror, she could feel her face turning red. She wished for a cold breeze to blow and quickly brought up a “public topic.”  

“By the way, how is the preparation for the debutante going?”  

“I found it tedious just attending, so hosting it is even worse.”  

“I feel the same. Organizing it as the host is a hassle. But still, the old records have been helpful.”  

Having grown accustomed to preparing national events, Lenoa had managed to find debutante-related materials in the royal library, as well as in her late parents’ office and study. These records detailed everything from the guest list to food and music, and she had been thrilled upon discovering them.  

She felt grateful to her parents and ancestors, who had prepared not only for debutante balls but also for many other state events.  

Using the records as a guide, she sent invitations to musicians, officials, and madams who had attended previous debutantes, with the help of her maids. Not long after, she received enthusiastic replies of acceptance.  

She even visited knights and soldiers personally, asking them to strengthen security more than usual. They readily agreed, smiling warmly in a way she hadn’t seen in their written replies.  

Mistakes in such events would surely lead to criticism in future gatherings, but with this level of preparation, at least no one could claim it was inferior to previous ones.  

As they neared the grand gates of the Queen’s Palace, Lenoa took off the coat and handed it back to Kairan.  

Though he offered to escort her to the third floor, she declined. Walking together any further would only draw more attention, especially since she had already encountered at least five astonished courtiers on their way here.  

“The restricted access order has one week left.”  

Lenoa distanced herself from Kairan and hurried to the third floor. Fortunately, she didn’t sense him following her.  

Once she reached her room and closed the door, she felt a pang of regret, wondering if she had been too harsh. But her worries were short-lived as Betier entered the room.  

“Lady Lenoa, a letter has arrived. It’s from Viscountess Elwen.”  

“What? Really?”  

Her restless feelings vanished instantly as she quickly snatched the letter from Betier’s hands.  

It was a letter from her nanny, who hadn’t visited since the incident with Harpe fainting. Lenoa had been worried, wondering if the nanny was upset.  

Sitting at the table, she used a paper knife to open the envelope and began reading the letter.  

The letter mainly discussed Harpe. Fortunately, he had regained consciousness shortly after Lenoa’s party returned, and thanks to sedatives and adequate rest, he had fully recovered.  

The letter even mentioned that he was now cheerfully practicing swordsmanship with his father as if nothing had happened.  

‘Thank goodness.’  

The more Lenoa read, the more relieved she felt. But her eyes widened at the final lines of the letter.  

The day after Harpe regained consciousness, the Elwen couple had asked him about the cause of his fainting. He had explained that he was startled because someone resembled a person he had known before his adoption. However, he clarified that it was merely a resemblance and apologized for causing concern.  

The most surprising part was the postscript—a request from both the nanny and Harpe.  

‘What? Why? Even if it’s not true, nothing good will come of this.’

Lenoa felt a sense of unease at such an unexpected request.  

Of course, the couple wouldn’t have immediately agreed to their son’s plea, but if they had firmly opposed it, they wouldn’t have included it in the letter. It seemed that the couple had reluctantly given in to the request, which was why they had added it as a postscript addressed to Lenoa.  

Lenoa had been keeping an eye on Harpe. His handsome appearance and gentle smile had captivated her to the point where she had even asked to shake hands with him. If he were to enter the palace, she would undoubtedly be delighted. He could become a ray of light in her arduous life as Queen.  

The idea of him wanting to enter the palace was fine. But why, of all times, now?  

Lenoa stared intently at the letter before folding it neatly and placing it back into the envelope. She handed it to Betier and asked her to keep it safe. She decided to reply later.  

After changing into a fresh outfit and returning to her office, Lenoa reviewed the participant list for the debutante ball. Harpe had originally been scheduled to attend the debutante, but the letter stated that he would not be participating due to concerns following his fainting incident.  

She had wondered why his name was missing from the list, feeling both puzzled and worried. Even if he had recovered, attending the debutante would inevitably mean encountering Kairan, which could potentially lead to more trouble. In that sense, it was a relief.  

‘I hope it really was just a misunderstanding.’  

Hoping that they truly didn’t know each other, Lenoa took the opportunity to review the participant list once again.  

“Huh?” 

She had only skimmed the participant list a couple of times amidst preparations for sound, food, and the event’s host. Now, spotting a familiar family and name, a faint smile appeared on Lenoa’s lips.  

Ariel Luia, the eldest daughter of the Luia Barony. The Luia Baronial House had been a staunch supporter of Lenoa’s succession. Though the support of a barony, which had little to boast of compared to other noble families, might not seem significant, it had always held special meaning for Lenoa.  

She already knew Ariel, who was three years younger than her.  

When Kairan entered the palace and Lenoa’s father began introducing her to high society and pro-royalist noble families to solidify her succession, Lenoa had frequently accompanied him. Thanks to her parents, who were known as wise rulers, her support base was formidable. The countless visits had made it hard to remember everyone, but she remembered the daughter of the Luia family.  

When her father and the Luia Baron and Baroness introduced Lenoa and Ariel to each other, Ariel had immediately called her “sister” with a blooming smile upon learning that Lenoa was three years older. The Baron and Baroness scolded her for the informal address, but Lenoa, hearing the term for the first time, had been so elated that she assured them it was fine.  

While the adults conversed in the reception room, Ariel had enthusiastically shown Lenoa around the estate and played with her.  

At the time, Lenoa was still grieving the loss of her mother, who had passed away just a few months prior. Yet Ariel had helped her forget that sorrow, playing with her as if they were carefree children. For this, Lenoa had always felt deeply grateful.  

This year, Ariel was making her debut as an adult, which was relatively early for a young lady of a baronial house. The Luia family, having supported Lenoa’s ascension, had gained prestige and received support from various nobles and their subjects.  

Thinking of Ariel made the arduous preparations for the debutante ball feel worthwhile. Though the debutante was a formal occasion, and Ariel wouldn’t be able to call her “sister” as she had in the past, Lenoa secretly hoped there would be a private moment where Ariel could address her that way again. The thought made her heart flutter.  

Five days later, the day of the debutante ball arrived.