Chapter 29 – The Visit

Lenoa, who had inadvertently accepted the book, glanced at the title printed boldly on the cover: ‘Elika.’ It seemed to be both the title and the name of the female protagonist in the novel.  

“Your Grace, have you read this book?”  

“Ah, not yet… I heard you enjoy books, so I thought I’d bring it.”  

Kairan replied with an awkward smile, leaving Lenoa’s mind filled with questions.  

She assumed that Kairan might have “accidentally” read a romance novel once. After all, a classic like ‘Eros and Psyche’ was considered a must-read masterpiece for not only royalty and nobility but also commoners.  

To Lenoa, Kairan had always seemed like a rational and cold individual. Even if he appreciated literature, she could never imagine him showing any interest in the romance genre—not even in her wildest dreams.  

It wasn’t impossible for him to recommend a book, but why a romance novel, of all things? If it had been a book related to monarchy studies, she would have understood.  

Of course, he claimed not to have read the book in question, but the fact that Kairan had brought a romance novel all the way to her quarters was enough to make Lenoa chuckle at the thought.  

Her smile puzzled Kairan, who stood there, unable to decipher its meaning.  

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy reading it.”  

“When you finish… I’d like to hear your thoughts…”  

“Pardon?”  

“Your thoughts. Please share them with me. Then I’ll read it too.”  

Though they had only encountered each other briefly in the library, Kairan’s behavior was noticeably different from usual, leaving Lenoa feeling bewildered once again.  

Still, she was quietly grateful to Kairan for bringing her a book, especially since she hadn’t been able to borrow one earlier. Moreover, she had a vague understanding of his intentions.  

This book seemed to be a gesture of reconciliation. Gently, Lenoa took Kairan’s hand as if to accept his peace offering.  

“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”  

Kairan nodded his head no.  

If that’s all, why isn’t he leaving? 

Lenoa tilted her head in confusion.  

Her question was soon answered.  

“It’s almost time for dinner. Allow me to escort you.”  

As always, Kairan extended his hand toward Lenoa with a smile. Lenoa muttered an “Ah” as she took his hand and stood up.  

‘I thought he’d changed a little earlier, but in the end, he’s still the same.’  

Without realizing it, Lenoa smiled softly as she walked with Kairan toward the dining hall.  

***

A week had passed since the library incident.  

Between her usual state affairs, managing Duchess Grania’s trading company matters, assisting Kairan with his duties, and preparing for the Founding Festival, Lenoa had been overwhelmed with work.  

As a result, she hadn’t even read the first page of ‘Elika;. Despite her eagerness to finish her tasks quickly so she could read and discuss the book with him, it was impossible to find the time.  

‘Once today’s schedule is over, I’ll try to read at least a little.’  

Finally, several pressing matters were beginning to settle down.  

Duchess Grania’s request to import minerals had been handled by Kairan. Although Lenoa had given the final approval on the proposal, it was Kairan who had taken the initiative.  

The document, approved by both members of the royal family, was promptly delivered to the Benecian royal court through the delegation.  

What if they refuse? 

Lenoa had worried, but Benecia granted approval for the mineral imports without hesitation.  

Soon, Duchess Grania’s trading company would begin purchasing the minerals and return a portion of the profits to Celesta’s treasury.  

In addition to facilitating trade, this development had likely strengthened the bond between her and Kairan. She was relieved and delighted that things had gone so smoothly, wondering if her earlier concerns had been unnecessary.  

She recalled a report from the delegation.  

When they visited the Benecian royal palace to negotiate the trade, the Queen of Benecia personally received them, listened attentively, and swiftly granted formal approval.  

The King of Benecia had married the Queen about two months ago.  

‘Her name… was it Elena? She must now be Elena Benecia.’  

Elena Benecia. She was seven years older than Lenoa. In Benecia, the typical marriageable age was the mid-20s.  

‘Queen Elena must have her share of struggles, just like me.’  

Though they had never met, and she didn’t even know what Elena looked like, Lenoa felt a sense of camaraderie and admiration for her.  

What resonated with her more than the trade approval was the fact that Elena, like her, was a newly crowned female ruler. She hoped that this interaction would bring them closer and foster a harmonious relationship between Celesta and Benecia.  

Give and take—such was the way of the world. While Benecia had granted the export permit, they had yet to make any requests of Celesta.  

According to the delegation, Queen Elena had mentioned that she would send a royal edict in the future.  

‘I wonder what her request will be.’  

Setting aside her thoughts about Benecia, Lenoa turned her attention to the letter Betier had handed her from her former nanny, Viscountess Elwen.  

The letter mentioned that the nanny’s son was diligently learning the duties of a royal attendant. Given his exceptional diligence and competence, he might even begin serving earlier than expected.  

Recalling him brought a smile to Lenoa’s lips. For some reason, she felt a deep fondness for him.  

Though Queen Lenoa, the epitome of noblesse oblige, treated all her court members kindly and had formed close bonds with a few, she felt that she might develop an even deeper connection with him once he entered the palace.  

With a radiant smile, Lenoa moved on to the final letter. As she read it, her mouth gradually fell open.  

‘The Countess of Haim has given birth to a son!’  

The letter contained news that Felice Haim, the Countess of Haim—a staunch supporter of Lenoa—had recently delivered a baby boy.  

In truth, Lenoa didn’t particularly like the Earl of Haim. His habitual remarks, which he had made since before Kairan’s arrival, were the reason.  

‘Once you ascend the throne, Your Majesty, you should promptly marry and delegate your duties.’  

Not only the Earl of Haim but also half of Lenoa’s supporters had said similar things.  

Lenoa detested such comments. Why would her proponents, who had pushed for her to become queen, say such things? Even Kairan’s faction had never made such remarks.  

They wanted a male king but didn’t want to give Kairan the crown, nor did they approve of Lenoa ruling as queen for her entire life.  

From her time as a princess to her current reign, Lenoa often felt that her throne was merely a placeholder to keep Kairan in check and prepare for the arrival of a royal consort.  

Determined to shatter their expectations, Lenoa resolved to fully claim her position as queen.  

In any case, while the Earl of Haim was a thorn in her side, the Countess was a good person.  

When Lenoa was still a princess, the Countess, who had married into the family, distinguished herself from her husband despite also being a supporter of Lenoa.  

Unlike her husband, who endlessly praised the idea of a royal consort, the Countess had often silenced him and held Lenoa’s hand tightly, encouraging her to become a great queen.  

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Countess was the sole reason why Lenoa couldn’t ignore the Haim family among her many supporters.  

And now, the Countess had given birth to a son. Lenoa had heard of her pregnancy through a letter months ago.  

Even her late father had sent a congratulatory gift to the Haim family upon hearing the news. The only reason he had gone to such lengths was because of Lenoa’s influence.  

‘Time truly flies.’  

Lenoa smiled warmly.  

The letter contained more than just the news of the birth.  

[Your Majesty, the Queen, it has been a while. Please visit the Haim estate someday to see our son.]

The letter mentioned that within two weeks, the Earl of Haim’s estate would formally invite her. Since her work was mostly wrapped up, Lenoa thought it would be alright to go.  

Lenoa had always loved babies and children. Without siblings of her own, even meeting a child for the first time made her feel affectionate.  

She adored Ariel, who was two years younger than her, as a lovable younger sister figure, so there was no doubt that she would feel even more affection for the Earl of Haim’s baby.  

Moreover, news of Queen Lenoa personally visiting the Earl of Haim’s estate to see the baby would undoubtedly have a positive impact on her supporters.  

However, a concern soon crossed her mind.  

‘Will His Grace approve?’  

It seemed likely that Kairan would either disallow the visit or insist on accompanying her.  

The Earl of Haim had long regarded Kairan as an “unwelcome guest of the royal family” and openly disliked him. While the Countess refrained from commenting, she did not stop her husband from expressing his views.  

Kairan, for his part, likely harbored resentment toward the Earl of Haim as well.  

In contrast, Viscount Elwen and his wife had already left the palace before Kairan’s arrival and supported Lenoa without much interest in politics.  

To them, the succession dispute was probably nothing more than a minor competition. This was why they had been able to welcome Kairan as warmly as Lenoa had when they first met him.  

If Kairan were to accompany her, unlike the Viscount Elwen couple, the Earl and Countess of Haim would undoubtedly find the situation uncomfortable.  

Although they might control their emotions to some extent in Lenoa’s presence, it could still end up being worse than if he hadn’t come at all.  

Still, Lenoa wanted to go, so she decided to at least discuss it with him.  

She pulled the bell cord to summon a maid other than Betier. She knew Betier had grown even more uneasy around Kairan after the tea-time incident.  

She asked the maid Sherry to deliver a message to Kairan. Sherry returned in less than five minutes with his response: approved.  

Lenoa quickly made her way to Kairan’s office and knocked on the door. Receiving permission almost immediately, she entered.  

Kairan, who was seated at his desk, looked unusually cheerful, resting his elbows on the table with a broad grin.  

Without questioning the reason for his smile, Lenoa got straight to the point.  

“May I visit the Earl of Haim’s estate tomorrow, just for a day?”  

Kairan’s expression darkened instantly.  

As expected. Lenoa waited silently for his response.  

With a sigh, Kairan finally spoke.  

“You wish to go alone, correct?”  

“…Yes, that’s right.”  

“Well, very well. You may go.”  

Lenoa inwardly celebrated the rare moment of obtaining his approval without resistance. Smiling brightly, she repeatedly expressed her gratitude, but Kairan’s voice soon interrupted her.  

“Lady Lenoa.”  

“Yes?”  

“Do you remember the day we’re supposed to visit the secondary palace?”  

“…Ah, June 24th.”  

When Kairan brought it up, Lenoa paused to think before giving her answer.  

Today was June 10th. The 24th was drawing closer.  

‘Now that I think about it, why that day?’  

The date had been chosen by Kairan.  

She wondered if there was something special about that day but quickly dismissed the thought. Since they had already decided to go, it didn’t matter.  

“Yes. Let’s have fun that day.”  

With a radiant smile, Lenoa left the office.  

Click.  

Kairan, who had watched her until she disappeared completely, let out a bitter smile. It was a smile distinctly different from Lenoa’s.  

“She still doesn’t know… what that day means.”