Chapter 3
『To the devout knight, Sir Dante,
I received the birthday gift you sent. A butterfly brooch adorned with lapis lazuli—the craftsmanship is truly beautiful and splendid.
Just like the blanket you sent as a return gift for the four-leaf clover, I was a bit surprised to learn you’re someone who can choose such gifts. It seems time isn’t entirely fleeting after all.
It’s already been over four months since you became the deputy commander of the knights.
I heard about your exploits through the delegation that visited recently. I was startled to hear of the conflict with the Felton Kingdom, but I never doubted you would bring news of victory.
Oh, I also heard that an unprecedented snowfall blanketed Lorensia. When I was younger, all I could think about was going out to play with you and our other friends, but now my first thought is how inconvenient it must be for carriages. I suppose that means I’ve grown older, too.
I can just imagine you out there, clearing snow from the temple courtyard alongside the other knights. I can already see them begging you to go inside while you stubbornly hold a broom.
Being too approachable as a superior can make things hard for your subordinates, so it might be wise to act a little restrained, even if you pretend to give in reluctantly. This is advice from an old friend, so take it lightly.
By the way, I noticed your latest letter didn’t mention much about your recent activities. You could at least boast a little about what’s happened since returning from the battlefield. You’re already humble enough, so there’s no need to be too reserved.
In any case, to celebrate your victory, I’m enclosing a book I recently enjoyed reading, though it’s hardly a proper return gift. I hope it brings you a pleasant reading season.
Looking forward to the coming spring, Fay Lorensia』
『To Sir Dante, whose birthday is approaching,
It’s been a while, Sir Dante. It feels like it’s been some time since I last picked up a pen to write to you.
First, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend Lord Giulio’s wedding. Though I couldn’t be there in person, my heart is with you all.
I hope Vivian isn’t too upset. I was looking forward to catching up with you and reminiscing, so it’s truly unfortunate.
The enclosed item is an early birthday gift. I remember the belt you use to secure your sword was quite worn, so I hope you’ll find this useful.
Just to ease any worries, I should mention that while I’ve had some matters to deal with, they’re more or less being resolved. I hope to write with a lighter heart next time.
Looking forward to your reply, Fay Venzel』
『To the July knight, Sir Dante,
By the time this letter reaches you, it must be the height of summer there.
I received your last reply. I’m glad you liked the belt I sent. It’s such a pity I couldn’t see you wearing it in person.
You said you were fine, but do you know? When you’re upset about something, you say you’re fine, but your responses are just a touch slower. And your handwriting tends to get a little crooked, too.
Of course, I won’t tell you the details. Isn’t it nice for me to have at least one secret about you?
As for me, I’m doing well, so there’s no need to worry. Venzel’s summer is beautiful, too. So please, make sure to prioritize your own well-being above all else.
Oh, I forgot to mention in my last letter.
Dante Igniel, I sincerely congratulate you on your twenty-fifth birthday. May the divine blessings be with you always.
From your eternal friend, Fay』
『To the steadfast Sir Dante,
Did you know? As I write this letter, it’s snowing outside my window.
It’s a bit cold, but breathing in the crisp air feels like it’s clearing the heaviness in my chest.
On snowy days like this, I used to run out to the fields with you and play all day. People called us wild colts, but I sometimes miss those times.
I have to apologize, though it’s a bit delicate. I think I’ve lost the butterfly brooch you gave me. I questioned the maids and retraced my steps, but I haven’t found it yet.
It must have been a gift you chose with care, and I regret not keeping it safe. Still, I plan to look for it again when I return. Maybe I tucked it away in a secret spot and forgot.
How are you doing these days? I recall you wrote last year and the year before that your routine hasn’t changed much, and I hope those steady days continue for you this year, too.
This winter is quite cold, but if you endure it, spring will come again. Please take care and stay healthy.
To my dear knight, Fay』
* * *
Bright daylight.
The trees rooted in the royal garden stretched their bare branches toward the gray sky. Snow that had piled on the roof of the pathway connecting the castle buildings fell to the ground with a soft thud.
Dante strode across that very outdoor pathway linking the castle’s structures. His steps were precise, his posture upright, and his face, clad in a crisp, white uniform, was frighteningly stern.
Holding a piece of paper in his right hand, he walked at a steady pace, neither fast nor slow, until he stopped upon seeing a man approaching from the opposite direction.
With jet-black hair, red eyes, and a languid smile, the man spotted Dante and greeted him warmly.
“Well, if it isn’t Sir Dante.”
Fabian Lorensia, the first prince of the Lorensia Kingdom and the future king. Also Fay’s older brother. Dante bowed respectfully to him.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness Fabian.”
“Indeed. What brings a man who should be at the temple here?”
“I came to see you, Your Highness.”
“Me?”
Fabian asked, puzzled, and Dante replied immediately.
“It’s not something to discuss here.”
“Then let’s head to my office.”
Dante followed quietly as Fabian led the way.
Once inside the office, Fabian pointed to a sofa as he closed the door silently behind Dante.
“Have a seat.”
“I’m fine.”
“Still as stiff as ever. So, what’s the matter?”
“Has anything happened regarding Princess Fay?”
Fabian’s eyebrow twitched slightly, a sign of irritation, but Dante remained steadfast.
“What’s that supposed to mean, out of the blue?”
“I recently had the honor of receiving a letter from Her Highness with her regards. However, upon reading it, I felt that her handwriting and tone were quite different from usual.”
Dante handed the crumpled piece of paper to Fabian. Instead of taking it, Fabian scrutinized Dante from head to toe.
Even under the weight of that piercing gaze, Dante remained unfazed, politely holding out the letter like a statue waiting patiently.
With a click of his tongue, Fabian took the paper, his lips curling into a smirk.
“Aren’t you a bit too invested in a married woman?”
“I’m merely concerned as an old friend and loyal subject. As you said, she’s not someone a mere vassal like me can casually visit.”
With that, Dante quietly watched as Fabian read the letter. But Fabian’s reaction was underwhelming.
“I don’t see what’s different about it. Seems to me you’re worrying too much.”
“Even if it’s excessive, such concern isn’t a bad thing, I believe.”
“Tell me exactly what you want.”
“You should send someone to investigate what’s going on. If, by any chance, something serious has happened.”
“Are you aware that your words could be seen as a diplomatic breach?”
Dante responded with silence. Meeting his calm, steady gaze, Fabian let out a short laugh.
And in the next moment, the crumpled letter fell to the floor with a thud. Fabian spoke indifferently to Dante, who couldn’t tear his eyes away from the letter despite his expressionless face.
“As you know, I’m a busy man. I don’t have the luxury to fuss over a sister who’s married off to a faraway land.”
“But—”
“She’s already a married woman. Do you know what that means? It means our interference could easily be taken as offensive by their royal court.”
“…”
“Such reckless assumptions could stir trouble in an otherwise stable relationship. But what would you know, swinging a sword all your life?”
Dante gazed silently at Fabian, who waved his hand dismissively, and let out an inward sigh.
As expected, it’s no use.
“Anything else to say?”
“No, Your Highness.”
From long experience, Dante knew pressing further would yield no answers.
Even if their relationship wasn’t close, this was about his only sister.
Dante bowed, picked up the letter, and left the office without looking back. He exited the castle and returned straight to the marquis’s estate.
The moment he entered his room, Dante unbuckled his sword and flung it to the floor. The clanging sound echoed loudly, as if reflecting his agitation.
Rationally, Fabian was right. A single letter wasn’t enough to raise suspicion. On the surface, it seemed like an ordinary message of well-being.
Yet a strange premonition nagged at him, scratching at his nerves. Having wielded a sword for so long, Dante trusted his instincts, and they had rarely led him astray.
He walked to the window and flung it open, letting the cold wind hit his face. As the letter mentioned, the chilly sensation seemed to clear his tangled thoughts.
After staring out the window for a while, Dante closed it and sat at his desk. He pulled out a piece of cream-colored paper, picked up a quill, and began to write.
『To the esteemed Princess Fay,
It’s been a while since I last wrote to you. I hope you’ve been well.
Thanks to your concern, I’m still living my usual, uneventful routine. If I had to name something different, perhaps it’s that I’ve become the kind of superior who leaves snow-shoveling in the courtyard to my subordinates.
Don’t worry too much about the lost item. It wasn’t that expensive, and I can always get you another if you need it. I’m more concerned that you might harm yourself looking for it.
This may just be my imagination, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s something more you’d like to tell me.
Do you remember the game we used to play as children? If you do, I’d be grateful if you could reply according to the rules we set back then.
Your loyal knight, Dante Igniel』
