# 42
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Episode 42
How much time has passed?
After a long time had passed, the Commander of the Imperial Prince's Guard was finally able to enter the Duke's office.
The servants of the Duke's family carried many gift boxes and placed them behind the captain of the guard.
“I offer my greetings to the distinguished Duke of Aberre.”
Viscount Levenel bent down at the perfect angle, raising his arm to his chest.
He may not be known for his skill, but his attitude of respect for etiquette was on par with the knights of Aber.
Kyle's eyebrows frowned as he watched this.
“What brings you?”
'Yesterday we talked about everything there is to discuss.'
When Cales asked in a provocative tone, the nervous Levinel took a deep breath and presented a box.
"What is this?"
“The Imperial Princess has ordered me to deliver it to Your Eminence. It is a knight doll handmade and embroidered by the princess’s seamstress.”
Cayce's eyebrows rose at a more oblique angle than before.
It was a nice gift from the little princess.
“Why this gift?”
“She was originally preparing it for the Crown Prince, but His Majesty the Emperor thought it was more suitable for you and suggested giving it to you.”
Kyles' forehead wrinkled.
Levinel's lips dried up from the tension, and he felt suffocated through no fault of his own.
“What next?”
“The Crown Prince ordered me to convey to you that he tried hard to prevent this.”
“Huh.”
Kyles let out a short sigh.
That was a more frightening sigh.
Levinel quickly offered something else.
“This is from the Crown Prince to deliver to you.”
Caelus received the letter and unsealed it with an expressionless face.
『Don't care too much about His Majesty the Emperor's heart. It seems to hold a little hope since you haven't chosen a bride yet.
Recently, as his health has deteriorated, his judgment appears to have become clouded. Punishing and imprisoning his children seems to be exhausting him as well. He suffers from nightmares and does not sleep well.
So, Kyles, your plan won't work. I know your loyalty to my safety and the future of the Empire, but as a son, I cannot allow a guilty person to be removed.
If we are patient and insist on enduring, the real spring will come. I ask you this as a son, not as an imperial prince.』
After reading the letter, Caelus heaved another short sigh.
Should he say it's pathetic? Or does he praise his deep sincerity?
“Viscount Phileur Levenel.”
When Caelus called out the name of the Commander of the Full Guard, Levinel tensed and straightened his stance.
“Does your judgment match the prince’s judgment?”
“I learned that knights have one opinion with their master.”
Kyles laughed mockingly.
'If Belen learns this.'
Of course, these were also words addressed to Caelus by Gallion.
“Well, no way. Tell him I'll find another plan and visit him.”
“Yes, sir, I will.”
The Guard Commander breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the relatively easy answer.
Kyles looked at the scene with dissatisfaction, then clasped his hands and propped his chin.
“But, Viscount.”
At the sudden call, Levinel raised his eyes to Caelus with a surprised face.
“You haven't said yet what these boxes are?”
Caelus gestured with his eyes to the luggage behind Levinel, expressing his feelings frankly.
Levinel smiled sheepishly when he caught Cayce's look.
“Ah, this is what the Crown Prince ordered to deliver to help the Duke’s family.”
“For Ruelia?”
“Yes, exactly, it is a gift for your assistant’s sister.”
Kyle's forehead narrowed even more.
The Guard Commander's lips dried again under the look of doubt.
“He said that good medicinal herbs had arrived at the palace and would be useful to her, as he had heard that she was ill, and there had been an earlier matter of gratitude.”
“A matter of gratitude?”
“Yes, the day he visited your ladyship and your ladyship, he said he had lost a cufflink. That girl found it.”
“Really? Well, leave it here. I’ll hand it over to Ruelia.”
“He ordered me to deliver her directly to help, can’t I see her?”
Caelus unclenched his clasped hands.
Then he got up from his seat.
“Well, I don't know when you'll come…”
Avoid mentioning that she will come tomorrow morning.
“Then, I will wait.”
“Good, that's fine. How about we train together while you wait?”
Caelus approached the Guard Commander and patted him on the shoulder with a cold smile.
A duel with the Duke of Abert, the greatest knight in the empire, would be a great honor.
But the commander of the Imperial Prince's guard swallowed hard.
'Caelus only disobeys orders when it comes to Ruelia, so don't worry and go.'
Levinel felt that he had fallen into the exception that the prince had spoken of.
* * *
“Hello, Madam Countess.”
Melissa greeted the Countess in a friendly tone.
Ruelia looked around as she pretended to greet the Countess.
'The knights are guarding the place tightly.'
Aber's knights were hiding nearby, ready to appear and help the sisters in any danger.
This could not have escaped the Countess.
Countess Bellona cast an indignant look around for a moment.
Then she turned her gaze to Ruelia with the eyes of a noble and generous lady.
“Ruelia, you’re not angry with me yet, are you?”
Ruelia understood the reason for the Countess's visit.
Ruelia has yet to answer her call.
She was busy answering other invitations she had received first.
She couldn't find words for a letter full of gossip about her current master, especially since it came with advice from the temple.
Even now, the priest was behind the countess, staring at her with a fierce look.
'Who knows if that priest is the imposter mentioned in the diary?'
After insulting her at the party, he may have given some strange advice out of revenge.
Ruelia suppressed her frown and answered the countess.
“Sorry, I was busy and didn't have time to reply.”
“I've heard rumors of high society. You're getting more invitations than you can handle, aren't they?”
“Yes, but I'm not part of high society.”
Suddenly, Countess Bellona's eyes lit up. Then she held Ruelia's hand excitedly as she had done before.
Ruelia remembered the scratch on her hand, so her shoulders trembled without withdrawing her hand.
“I can be your guide to adapting to high society.”
Ruelia's temple trembled.
What is this behavior?
She is not noble, but she does not need a mentor, as she is not at an age where she needs a guardian.
“Thanks, but no need. I have no intention of joining high society.”
Ruelia clenched her teeth and pulled her hand forcefully.
Countess Bellona looked remorseful as she lost Ruelia's hand.
“Ellie, are you okay?”
When Ruelia massaged her wrist, Melissa anxiously approached and asked her.
But Countess Bellona's look changed when she saw the two sisters. It wasn't directed at Ruelia.
"Melissa, you're still beautiful. Do you have a fiancé?"
Is she trying to take advantage of Melissa after her failure with Ruelia?
Ruelia turned to Melissa anxiously.
“If you don’t have one, what if I introduce you to someone suitable? I will make you live without financial worries.”
The Countess is not good at choosing things, but she is a natural merchant, who never accepts loss.
In other words, this offer might carry a price, perhaps a second wife for a wealthy old gentleman.
Ruelia shook her head carefully so as not to notice.
Since the two sisters are understanding, Melissa will definitely understand.
“Thank you for your offer.”
Indeed, their hearts are in agreement.
Ruelia smiled secretly.
“But I love someone else.”
But her smile froze from shock.