Cal stood at the gate, holding a large leather scroll open in both hands as he carefully inspected the supplies being brought inside the castle walls.

“Hey, Benin. Don’t these blankets seem thinner than what we discussed?”

“N-Not at all, Sir Regerson. I personally selected only the thickest, finest ones. It would wound me if you failed to recognize that.”

“What are you talking about? Anyone can tell they’re thin just by touching them. Are you trying to deceive us?”

Cal ran his hands over every blanket stacked high in a cart, his brows knitting together in displeasure.

“They’re all thin. Take them back. I entrusted this to you, and this is how you try to cut corners? I specifically asked you to take special care, knowing that countless people would be traveling on a long journey.”

“Ah, Sir Regerson! It must be a m-mistake. This cannot be right… P-perhaps the carts were switched? I’ll correct it at once!”

Cal clicked his tongue as he stepped away from the cart, casting the merchant a look of clear dissatisfaction. If time permitted, he would have changed suppliers immediately. But the departure date loomed too near.

“D*mn fool. To dare deceive the Imperial Palace…”

He muttered under his breath, still visibly irritated as he turned to inspect another cart.

“Are the preparations proceeding well?”

At the sudden, familiar voice, Cal instantly composed his expression and turned.

“Ah, Your Majesty. You’ve arrived.”

Surveying the wide plaza crowded with goods and workers, Cal replied in a confident tone.

“Everything is proceeding smoothly. We should have ample time as well.”

Ahazan smiled in satisfaction.

“You’ve worked hard, as always.”

“It is nothing, Your Majesty.”

Noticing that the Emperor seemed to be in unusually good spirits, Cal quietly waited for what would come next. As expected, Ahazan continued in a lightened tone.

“Find me a horse. One that is gentle and intelligent.”

“A horse? The imperial stables have many already. Do you require something particular?”

“I’d prefer a purebred from Perseion.”

Cal let out a low whistle.

“And what would you use such a famed steed for?”

The Kingdom of Perseion selected only three horses each year from the finest bloodlines on the continent, naming them royal steeds. They did not sell their horses for money alone; they scrutinized the buyer’s character and social standing as well. Thus, even for nobles, let alone imperial royalty, becoming the master of a Perseion steed was no simple feat.

“Come to think of it, it’s nearly time for this year’s three steeds to find their masters.”

“In terms of horsemanship, Clodine may be at a disadvantage, but in power, she is second to none. There will be no difficulty in making her its owner.”

“Y-Your Majesty? You intend it as a gift for Her Majesty the Empress? But she is terribly afraid of horses.”

Cal glanced toward a large, sturdy carriage parked at one side of the plazat, he carriage prepared for the Empress during the upcoming imperial inspection tour. It had been specially commissioned by Ahazan at great expense, as Clodine did not ride.

Following Cal’s gaze, Ahazan cast a brief look at the splendid carriage and gave a faint laugh.

“She won’t be afraid anymore.”

Cal could not fathom what the Emperor was thinking, but he nodded dutifully.

“Then I will dispatch someone to the Perseion palace at once. Time is short if we are to receive the horse before departure.”

Without answering, Ahazan gave Cal’s shoulder a light pat and lifted his golden eyes toward the bright blue sky.

Though the Empire did not have sharply divided seasons, subtle changes in temperature marked the passing of time. Lately, the air had grown warmer. It would not be wrong to say that another season had just slipped by.

“The day we leave the Imperial Palace draws near.”

“Does Her Majesty know?”

“Not yet.”

Cal’s question carried quiet concern. Ahazan’s voice grew heavier in reply.

“I intend to tell her soon.”

A peaceful afternoon.

Within Ahazan’s golden gaze, reflecting the blue sky above, a hint of green seemed to crumble.

***

As the sun began to set, crimson light poured through the white glass of the grand greenhouse.

Seated at an opulent tea table laden with delicacies, Clodine found herself in the company of Grand Duke Yuri von Lernando and Duke Ashton Haimos. The greenhouse overflowed with vibrant plants whose sweet fragrance filled the air so richly that the pastries before them appeared almost decorative.

“The Imperial Palace resembles a vast and beautiful labyrinth, no matter how much one explores, there is no end to the marvels within.”

Clodine met Yuri’s gaze and exchanged a faint smile.

“Personally, I cannot help but feel regret. If only I might remain here a little longer and explore not just the palace itself but the imperial capital within and beyond its walls, I believe it would bring me great joy.”

A trace of regret lingered on Ashton’s bright smile. The crimson glow of sunset brushed against his soft brown hair, lending his features a brilliance more striking than usual. He was naturally pleasant to behold, but when he smiled, it felt as though even grudges that did not exist might melt away.

At Ashton’s somewhat overt remark, Clodine once again met Yuri’s gaze. This time, something unspoken passed quietly between them.

“How long do you intend to remain here?”

Ashton narrowed his eyes slightly, drawing his brows together.

“Hmm… I informed His Majesty that I would stay for about half a month. That leaves perhaps three days now.”

“You have come from far away. Half a month does seem short.”

“I believed it sufficient, as I came merely to congratulate His Majesty on the imperial wedding. But I did not expect touring the Empire to be so fascinating. Moreover, your astronomers are astonishingly learned.”

“Since ancient times, the imperial family has devoted great effort to cultivating scholars, It seems that those efforts are bearing fruit in this generation.”

“Indeed, I happened to converse with them several times. Research on the stars, work still in progress in the Harrison Empire, appears to have been completed here long ago. I was astounded by the sheer volume of related materials. The archives are so vast that I could not possibly review them all in a few days. As a scholar, it pains me to leave them behind.”

By now, Ashton’s desire to remain longer in the Van Helsing Empire was unmistakable. He possessed the refinement and composure of high society, able to cloak a powerful wish in graceful words.

Yuri, too, seemed to perceive Ashton’s intentions. He turned his steady gaze toward Clodine. It was a silent reminder that, in this setting, the authority to decide Ashton’s stay rested with her.

Wearing a gentle smile, Clodine addressed Ashton.

“If you wish, you may remain longer and pursue your research here. I shall inform His Majesty that I have granted permission.”

Startled, Ashton waved his hands hurriedly.

“N-No, that would not do. There are many distinguished guests; I alone cannot enjoy such special treatment. I have already received more than I deserve, merely on account of an old connection.”

He seemed to refer to the fact that the Empire had granted him an entire palace annex and even arranged for the Empress and Yuri to personally host him, treatment far from ordinary. It appeared that he felt a quiet burden from such generosity.

“If you say such things, His Majesty will be hurt, when we were young, did not Duke Haimos welcome us with even greater sincerity?”

“But my circumstances… are very different now.”

Ashton smiled as he spoke, yet the expression seemed faintly sorrowful compared to before. Perhaps thoughts of his fallen duchy and deceased parents had crossed his mind. Clodine regretted bringing up the past.

Just as she was about to add a word of apology, Yuri stepped in to persuade him.

“Please, Duke Haimos, follow Her Majesty’s wishes. Remain here comfortably and share your valuable knowledge with our astronomers. It would benefit us greatly. In fact, many scholars come for short-term study in just this way. There is no need to feel burdened.”

“I wonder if that would truly be acceptable… I have not discussed such matters with His Majesty.”

“His Majesty will surely grant permission gladly. Do not worry, Duke Haimos.”

Clodine lifted her teacup, as though gently commanding him to set aside his concerns.

“Stay as long as you wish. For the time being, no other guests are expected at the Imperial Palace.”

She took a sip.

An exquisite fragrance filled her mouth, sweet as blossoms, yet with a subtle, spicy finish reminiscent of cinnamon. It was an unusual tea.

Observing Ashton’s still-hesitant expression, Clodine extended her cup slightly.

“This tea has a most distinctive aroma. Please, do try it.”

At her thoughtful gesture, an invitation to let the matter rest and simply enjoy the tea, Ashton’s hesitation vanished almost at once.

“Then, since you all insist, I shall remain with gratitude and complete my research before returning.”

Yet something had changed.

His voice, now lowered, carried a boldness and confidence that had not been there moments ago. The Ashton who had spoken humbly just before seemed almost like another person.

Yuri, however, appeared oblivious to the shift, smiling easily as he savored his tea.

Clodine, catching Ashton’s peculiar, intent gaze, and the faintly inscrutable smile that accompanied it, felt her brow lift unconsciously.

‘What is this?’

But only for a moment.

Soon, Ashton resumed light conversation with Yuri, and there was nothing unnatural in his manner. Perhaps she had been overly sensitive.

Letting the thought pass, Clodine took another sip of the uniquely fragrant tea.