~Chapter 11~
Edward, the Crown Prince, came back to the room with a slightly irritated look on his face.
“You should eat. Would you like to go down to the dining hall?”
After talking with the head butler, he asked calmly, as if nothing had happened.
Seeing his reaction, Leah decided not to ask about the maids the Empress had sent—maids she hadn’t even seen yet.
If I need to know, he’ll tell me himself.
So… he’s basically saying not to ask right now, huh?
“Would it be okay if we just eat something simple here?”
Leah asked casually, going along with him.
“Yes, that’s fine. Is there anything you’d like?”
“It’s morning, so something light would be nice.”
Edward nodded and called the head butler.
Not long after he left, maids and attendants entered the room, pushing trays.
A fresh white linen cloth was laid over the tea table, and bright yellow freesias added a cheerful touch that made the food look even more appetizing.
Polished silverware—shiny enough to reflect faces—was set out neatly and silently.
Leah clicked her tongue in amazement at how smooth and skilled their movements were.
Even though she’d said “simple,” the meal laid out was still quite a lot.
“Please eat, Crown Princess.”
Edward spoke with a gentle, amused tone, clearly finding her cute as she stared wide-eyed, distracted by the food and the servants’ movements.
Leah snapped back to herself, nodded once, and looked at Edward.
Smiling, he gestured with his eyes toward the main plate in front of her.
Only after Leah picked up her utensils did Edward begin to eat as well.
Edward cut into the grilled white fish on his plate and was about to bring it to his mouth.
At that moment, a thought flashed through Leah’s mind.
“Wait, Your Highness.”
Her sudden voice made his hand pause.
“Um… could I try that?”
“…”
Edward lowered his hand and looked at her quietly, as if trying to read her intentions.
“Well… it just looks tastier than mine…”
Leah smiled innocently, as if she meant nothing by it.
“…Then, would you like to switch plates?”
“No, just a bite first…”
“…”
“…Are you offended?”
Even with all her shameless courage, Leah felt she’d gone too far, and her voice softened.
Edward thought for a moment, then placed the piece of fish he’d cut onto her plate.
He calmly waited for her to taste it.
Leah carefully rolled the fish around in her mouth, testing the flavor.
Nothing felt strange, so she swallowed and focused on how her body felt.
It’s just… tasty.
“So? Would you like to switch with me?”
Seeing the satisfied look on her face, Edward asked gently.
“No, it’s fine. Yours is too much for me.”
“…”
“Enjoy your meal, Your Highness.”
With a bright smile and a small nod, Leah finally relaxed and started eating properly.
After watching her for a moment, Edward began his meal as well.
“I’ll show you around the Riverse Palace this afternoon.”
Edward spoke once Leah stopped eating.
“This afternoon? Don’t you have a schedule today?”
“I took three days of leave. With you.”
“Leave?”
Leah had been bracing herself for a hectic imperial life, so this was the best news she could hear.
“You must not have had much rest since leaving the Kingdom of Trans, so I thought it’d be good for you to rest.”
“Oh…”
Leah was impressed once again by his thoughtfulness.
“I’ll also teach you a few basic things you should know while we rest.”
“Then for three days, I get to stay by your side the whole time?”
She clapped her hands and smiled brightly, unable to hide her joy.
Perfect. I needed time to sort out my thoughts anyway.
Edward wasn’t sure how to react to her open excitement.
After quickly handling urgent paperwork in the office connected to the bedroom, Edward returned to the room.
Leah, who had been drinking tea while waiting for him, quickly set her cup down and jumped to her feet with a happy expression.
“Are you done with work?”
Edward paused for a moment. The idea that someone was waiting for him in his room still felt unfamiliar.
Leah hurried over to him.
Each step made her silver hair and yellow ribbon sway softly.
“Yes… with the urgent things.”
“Then are we going out now?”
Seeing the hopeful sparkle in her eyes, Edward smiled faintly.
“Is it okay to go out right away?”
“Of course!”
She nodded several times, full of energy.
Smiling at her childlike enthusiasm, he opened the door and led her outside.
The Riverse Palace was massive, fitting for the Crown Prince’s residence.
The interior was entirely finished in clean white marble, with pillars and railings plated in gold, giving it an elegant atmosphere. The high ceiling was decorated with dozens of crystal chandeliers, adding even more splendor.
Besides the areas used by the Crown Prince and Princess, there were eight bedrooms with attached sitting rooms, and more than twice that number of guest rooms.
Including the servants’ quarters, it was best to give up on trying to see every room.
“On the first floor, there’s a banquet hall, a concert hall, an art gallery, and reception rooms for guests.”
“So banquets are held here too?”
“They used to be, but not for a while.”
“I see.”
Leah nodded lightly.
“If you wish, I can have a banquet prepared.”
If it hasn’t been held for a while, there must be a reason.
“I’m still not familiar with the Empire’s culture. Once I’m used to it enough not to embarrass you, I’ll ask then.”
“You don’t need to worry about that. Just tell me whenever.”
Edward looked like he’d grant her anything, so Leah smiled and nodded, then started walking again.
She turned her head in every direction, taking in the scale of the palace. Just glancing around made her feel drained.
I was so busy I didn’t even realize I was living in such a huge palace…
“Unless there are special guests, the second floor isn’t used by others. If you find a room you like, you can use it as your personal room.”
“So this huge space is used by just you and me?”
“Compared to the royal palace of Trans, it’s probably not that big.”
“Oh… I guess that’s true… haha.”
Leah looked away and laughed awkwardly.
The royal palace of Trans was just as large, but aside from borrowed memories, she’d only stayed there about a week, so she never really felt its scale.
Edward brushed it off with a light laugh and continued the tour.
According to him, only a limited number of servants were allowed on the second floor.
They must be strict about security. It is where the Crown Prince lives.
Leah couldn’t understand how someone like the Crown Prince could be assassinated in a place like this.
Then… maybe it didn’t happen here… but outside?
Edward kept the tour light so she wouldn’t get tired, then brought her back to the room to rest.
Leah sat on the edge of the bed, feeling annoyed at how quickly she got tired.
“Please rest.”
“And you?”
She looked up at Edward with sleepy eyes.
“I’ll go read for a bit in the office.”
“Then… I’ll go too—”
“Crown Princess.”
Edward gently placed a hand on her shoulder and called to her softly, stopping her.
Leah had no choice but to stay seated.
Edward bent one knee and lowered himself. Leah’s gaze naturally followed him downward.
He moved his hand from her shoulder and placed both hands on either side of where she sat, bracketing her.
“I’ll be right next door.”
He spoke slowly and kindly, meeting her eyes, like reassuring an anxious child.
Leah couldn’t look away.
His golden eyes were deep, calm… and warm.
