~Chapter 61~
Ruby quickly invited Ivan, Barker, and Sennis to Cardonia Territory. After receiving the invitations, they all set off for Cardonia in their carriages. Ivan chose to travel in a noble’s carriage instead of the royal carriage to avoid causing unnecessary commotion.
He read and reread the invitation he had received.
[Dear Prince Ivan,
Hello, Prince Ivan. This is Ruby Brooklyn.
(Excerpt)
I would like to invite you to Cardonia Territory this time.
(Excerpt)
I always thank you for your support. I will end here.
Ruby Brooklyn]
‘Always my strength…’ Ivan got caught on that one line and couldn’t take his eyes off the invitation. Even though it seemed like a simple formal thank you, it made him feel strangely proud.
The attendant noticed Ivan’s expression and quietly watched him with a smile.
Ivan, sensing the suspicious gaze, quickly tucked the invitation into his chest and raised his voice.
“What’s wrong? What’s the problem?”
“I didn’t say anything, Your Highness.”
“You were speaking with your eyes.”
“We’ve reached a point where we can communicate just through our eyes. I’m so moved.”
Ivan, frustrated with the playful servant, continued to growl.
“You’ve become too cheeky with me lately, haven’t you?”
“Oh, Your Highness, what reason would I have to be cheeky with you? Please forgive me,” the servant exaggeratedly bowed his head to the floor.
“Enough, get up. Don’t make me out to be a bad-tempered person.”
“Your grace is overwhelming.”
The servant stood up with a mischievous smile on his face.
“I was just confirming the invitation,” Ivan replied.
“Yes, it’s good to confirm things multiple times to be sure,” the servant said, still acting playful.
Ivan glared at him. The servant always teased him when it came to anything related to Ruby. Although he could scold him for being rude, he didn’t feel like it, since the servant had been with him since he was very young. Instead, he felt a little uncomfortable as if something had been exposed.
This time, instead of taking out the invitation again, Ivan stroked the top of his coat where the invitation was stored.
He knew that Cardonia Territory wasn’t too far, just about a day’s journey, but it felt like they were traveling farther, like they were heading to the northern regions. He wasn’t sure why, but the feeling of restlessness was growing inside him.
Ivan absentmindedly shook his leg, not noticing that he was fidgeting. He knew as royalty he shouldn’t act like this, but with the servant here, he didn’t feel as restrained.
“Your Highness, there’s no need to be so anxious. We’ll reach Cardonia in due time,” the servant said.
“I know,” Ivan replied, still looking out the window.
The bustling cityscape of the capital gradually faded, replaced by a countryside village with sparse homes. There seemed to be more fallow land than cultivated fields. Ruby had mentioned that the land here was barren, making it hard for crops to grow, which led to food shortages. Ivan now understood that her concerns were valid.
He thought that it would be a wonderful gesture for the lord of Cardonia to find a way to help the people by seeking alternative ways of living.
The more Ivan thought about it, the more he admired Ruby. He was curious to see how Cardonia Territory would change under her influence.
The carriage continued its journey, and after a full day of travel, they finally approached the Cardonia lord’s residence. However, as they neared the residence, a line of carriages blocked the road. The attendant stepped outside to check what was going on.
“I’ll find out what’s happening, Your Highness,” the attendant said.
Ivan opened the window to take a look. It seemed that a variety of noble carriages had lined up, possibly for inspection.
The attendant soon returned to the carriage.
“What’s going on?” Ivan asked.
“It seems there are many invited nobles, including Lord Barker and Lady Sennis. They’re waiting their turn to enter the lord’s residence, probably because they were invited to the tea party by Your Highness,” the attendant explained.
It seemed that Ruby hadn’t only invited the three of them.
“If it’s too much trouble for you, Your Highness, we can announce your arrival and enter first,” the attendant offered.
“No. I intentionally chose not to take the royal carriage, so we should wait our turn,” Ivan replied, though he felt frustrated.
He didn’t want to cause a commotion, but the long line of nobles waiting to enter the residence made him feel disappointed. If so many nobles had been invited, it seemed that Ruby’s invitation wasn’t as special as he had thought.
As Ivan’s turn came, the attendant handed the invitation and Ivan’s noble insignia to the guards. When the guards tried to announce his arrival, the attendant put a finger to his lips.
“Shh. His Highness doesn’t want to cause a scene in front of everyone,” the attendant said quietly.
“Understood. Thank you for your discretion. You may enter the lord’s residence and receive guidance,” the guards said as they allowed the carriage to pass.
Ivan stepped out of the carriage, trying to avoid drawing attention. However, a few nobles recognized him, and they began whispering among themselves.
Ivan entered the lobby, where Ruby was busy greeting the guests. As soon as she saw him, Ruby smiled brightly and approached him.
“Prince Ivan, you’ve arrived!” Ruby said, her face lighting up.
The sight of her smile made Ivan’s earlier feelings of discomfort fade away.
“You’re busy, I see,” Ivan said, observing how she was managing everything.
“Yes, I invited so many people this time,” Ruby replied.
“I’ll show you to your room,” she continued, leading him away from the busy scene.
“What about the others?” Ivan asked, looking around.
“Of course, we should greet you first, Your Highness. The others will be received by the staff here,” Ruby explained with a smile.
“I see,” Ivan said, understanding her reasoning.
Ruby led him to one of the best guest rooms in the Cardonia residence. She explained that it was the finest room available, though it couldn’t compare to the luxury of the royal palace.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ring the bell. A personal attendant will come to assist you,” Ruby said.
“Thank you,” Ivan replied, feeling more at ease.
Just then, Ruby asked, “Are Calix and Sasha here?”
Ruby’s expression turned awkward.
“Calix and Sasha are busy with their lessons, so they couldn’t come,” Ruby explained.
“I see,” Ivan said, though he seemed a bit disappointed that Ruby’s siblings weren’t around.
“Thank you for looking out for them,” Ruby added.
“It’s nothing. I was just curious,” Ivan responded with a smile, but his mind seemed elsewhere.
Ruby, after helping Ivan settle in, left to greet other guests.
After Ivan had bathed and was resting, someone knocked at the door.
“Your Highness, Lady Sennis and Lord Barker are here,” the servant said.
“Let them in,” Ivan replied.
The door opened, and both Sennis and Barker entered.
“Your Highness, I am Lady Sennis Brensel,” Sennis said, greeting him.
“I am Lord Barker Land,” Barker added, bowing respectfully.
“You don’t need to stand on ceremony,” Ivan said, waving off their formalities.
“You must be tired from your journey,” Sennis said, showing concern.
“Well, it took us the same amount of time to get here,” Ivan replied.
“Why are there so many carriages today?” Sennis asked, noticing the large gathering.
“It seems Ruby invited many people, including nobles and even commoners,” Barker explained.
Ivan, noticing the gathering of people, grew a bit uneasy. He wasn’t sure if there was some larger issue at play.
Sennis and Barker exchanged uneasy glances, as though debating whether or not to share something with Ivan.
“Didn’t Lady Ruby mention it to you?” Barker asked.
“I heard she plans to give me a tour of Cardonia tomorrow,” Ivan replied.
“It seems Lady Ruby is too busy with welcoming guests to explain much,” Barker said with a sigh.
“Perhaps, but we can explain the situation to you,” Sennis offered.
Barker looked at Ivan and said, “It seems that tomorrow, a festival will start in Cardonia Territory.”
