Chapter 25
If Estelle and Theo achieved something noteworthy, the Imperial Family would grant Estelle a title directly. In the end, however, what came back wasn’t a title.
That was also why I had asked to see Theo instead of Estelle. A commoner could not set foot inside the Imperial Palace.
Damian seemed to realize that as well. He reminded me again.
“Only Sir Theodore is permitted.”
“I know.”
I deliberately pouted, pretending to sulk, aware of both Damian’s and the maid’s gazes. Damian played along with my little act.
“Even if you look at me like that, it can’t be anyone else. I’ll inform His Majesty that it’ll be Sir Theodore.”
“Thank you.”
I quickly bowed in gratitude, and Damian smiled. But of course, he didn’t know the real reason why I wanted to meet Theo — it wasn’t actually about Theo himself.
A few days ago, I’d met Father at the palace.
“Estelle brought some desserts. I couldn’t meet her, but I tasted what she made. And Theo said he wanted to see you.”
The reason was obvious. Estelle was planning to send me a letter through Theo.
If the diary truly turned out to be related to the Magic Empire, then I needed to look into all things connected to magic.
Maybe I myself was related to magic somehow. If so, perhaps I could use magic, too.
‘Then…’
I looked quietly at Damian sitting across from me. Not a single drop of tea had disappeared from his cup. He sat still before a cold teacup that no longer even steamed.
I spoke up.
“Damian.”
“Yes, Lady Rosalyn?”
“This might sound strange, but…”
He raised an eyebrow curiously. I leaned closer and whispered.
“Has His Majesty decided on a honeymoon destination yet?”
During our second official ceremony in the plaza, His Majesty had said he’d send us away for four weeks to the provinces — under the pretense of an inspection tour.
“…Honeymoon?”
Damian thought for a moment.
“I haven’t heard anything specific yet. Did you have a place in mind?”
Of course I did. I glanced sideways at the maid. She was pretending not to listen but was clearly eavesdropping with her ears perked.
Since we’d have to report our destination to the Emperor anyway, it wouldn’t hurt to say it aloud. If I gave a harmless, innocent reason, maybe he’d approve without suspicion.
I nodded.
“How about the borderlands near the Land of Death?”
They said all things related to magic were found there.
Of course, the diary might just turn out to be ordinary, but if we were going anyway, the outskirts of that place would be best. There were other things I wanted to do besides look for magic.
Damian widened his eyes slightly, surprised, then frowned.
“Why would you want to go there? It’s dangerous…”
His voice dropped so low only I could hear it. I lifted my fingers to my chin thoughtfully.
This was also a chance to make Damian owe me a favor.
“I’ve grown interested in relics that are said to come only from there.”
Then I mouthed silently, without sound —
Treasure hunter.
He quickly caught on and whispered back.
“Even if we go, there’s no guarantee we’ll find him.”
“You should at least try, shouldn’t you? Didn’t you say you disliked this life?”
“But going somewhere you wish to go seems more…”
“It’s true I’m interested in relics — and yes, I’m tired of this life.”
That alone wouldn’t be enough. I decided to appeal to his sense of duty as Crown Prince.
“And I want to be prepared to protect our people.”
When I made a determined expression, Damian smiled faintly. It was a small smile, but that meant success. After a short pause, he said aloud:
“I’ve served in that region before. I could guide you myself.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ve only ever heard of it in legends — I’d love to see it in person.”
I replied brightly, almost childishly. Our eyes met.
He seemed to ask silently if I was really sure. Our Crown Prince is so cautious.
I met his gaze head-on, lifted my cup, and poured fresh tea from the pot. Then I smiled again.
* * *
The Emperor readily granted permission for us to visit the borderlands of the Land of Death. If the rumors I’d heard were true, it was a place where we could die easily — but apparently, the Emperor didn’t care whether Damian lived or died.
At this point, I couldn’t help wondering if Father had been sacrificed in order to overthrow the current Emperor.
A reasonable suspicion, honestly. Maybe the servant had been the scapegoat — and it was Father who had really poisoned the wine.
While those useless thoughts wandered through my mind, Theo arrived at the palace. I welcomed him comfortably in the reception room.
“Theo, it’s been a while since you’ve seen your sister, hasn’t it?”
“Stop teasing me…”
Through the open door, I could see a maid standing primly behind him. She naturally followed Theo into my room — without any attempt to hide her presence. It was almost amusing.
I seated Theo at the center table.
Even though I hadn’t invited her, the maid positioned herself not far away. Theo took an envelope from his pocket. It looked exactly like before, except this time it bore our family’s seal — probably for disguise.
“Estelle asked me to give you her regards.”
Finally. I accepted the envelope with a surge of emotion. The thin paper felt as though it might crumple under the slightest touch. I wanted to open it right away, but I restrained myself and placed it on the table instead.
“Thank you. This is from Estelle?”
“Yeah.”
Theo answered simply. Whether he was uncomfortable with the maid’s presence or just following Estelle’s instructions didn’t matter.
“No other news? Is Estelle settling in?”
“She’s fine. Still shy, but much better than on the first day.”
Theo spoke casually, glancing naturally around the room. The maid didn’t notice, but I saw his gaze linger just a moment longer on her.
“…You must be tired too, huh?”
He murmured. I shrugged — then stopped.
“‘Too’?”
I lowered my voice and asked, and Theo nodded.
“I met your husband before coming here.”
“Ah.”
No wonder he hadn’t objected when the maid followed him in. I nodded. Theo turned slightly to look out the window, where the sky was still painted blue.
“Are you really okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? His Highness treats me very well. The room is nice, the food’s delicious.”
I shrugged again, this time deliberately. Theo frowned slightly.
“I heard you already picked your honeymoon spot — and that you chose it yourself.”
“You heard from His Highness?”
“What were you thinking?”
“I’ve never been there before. And since I’ll be Crown Princess soon, shouldn’t I at least see with my own eyes what poses the greatest threat to our nation?”
Theo’s face darkened. He didn’t seem to doubt me — if anything, he believed me too easily.
“But… you went there a lot when you were little.”
“Hm?”
What was that supposed to mean? When I asked, Theo shook his head and sighed.
“I left a message with your husband. I should get going soon — the maid said she can’t stay long.”
He glanced subtly toward the maid. It wasn’t the right time for empty words like “I’ll miss you.”
“Next time, I’ll try to get permission to stay longer. Until then, stay healthy, okay?”
“You too. If anything happens, come to me. I’ll figure something out.”
Theo stood, and I watched him for a moment before rising as well and patting his back a few times.
He placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply.
“May the night be tamed and your light shine forever, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”
I nodded lightly.
“Thank you, Young Lord Moore. May you always stay sharp — the fang that protects the Empire.”
When Theo withdrew, the maid who’d been silently standing in the corner stepped forward. She extended her hand.
“What’s the meaning of this?”
“We must verify the contents of the letter.”
My brow furrowed automatically. I shook my head.
“Don’t you think it’s a personal matter?”
“Once you enter the Imperial Palace, Your Highness, nothing is personal.”
She showed no sign of backing down. I felt sweat gathering in my palm.
Estelle had said she was sending me a letter — but of course, she wouldn’t have written an actual one.
‘Good thing the letter opener is in my bedroom.’
What would happen if I opened it without using the letter knife? Would it be empty? What if I claimed there was no content and tried to discard it?
Trying to appear calm, I carefully broke the wax seal on the envelope. The maid stepped closer to see inside.
There was a neatly folded sheet of paper within.
‘So Estelle really did write a letter.’
Hopefully, it didn’t contain anything about the envelope itself. Still, seeing there was an actual letter soothed my nerves a bit. I unfolded it.
