He knew his lord was handsome, but when he made an effort to dress up, he overflowed with dignity.
“Even as a man, I’d fall for you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Dietrian chuckled lightly.
“What about the knights?”
“They are waiting outside.”
“Are our preparations…”
“Almost complete. A few are struggling with their formal clothes though.”
Dietrian nodded his head.
“You can help the knights, I can handle the rest on my own.”
“Understood.”
It was unthinkable for a king like Dietrian to dress up alone, but there was no choice since they were short-handed.
Unlike Dietrian, the knights of the Principality, who were not used to wearing even regular uniforms, were unfamiliar with formal attire.
This was due to the Principality’s royal policy emphasizing the autonomy of the knight order, which was a hindrance on a day like today.
“This clothing is weird? Why can’t I fit my leg in?”
“Did you gain weight?”
“Really? Huh? Is this clothing making a sound?”
Upon discovering a colleague struggling to properly put on his tailored trousers and nearly ripping them, Yulken was startled and ran over.
“Hold still! That’s not the right hole! You’re going to tear them!”
Dietrian, who had just unbuttoned his sleeve, calmly closed the door. With a thud, the noisy voices suddenly subsided.
Left alone, Dietrian took a trembling breath and leaned his head against the door.
He couldn’t show his emotions while Yulken was around, but since last night, his nerves were on edge.
He was worried about her being alone in the Western Villa.
‘I’m going mad.’
In the end, he couldn’t see her yesterday. As soon as night fell, he had planned to find her, reveal his identity, and persuade her to leave for the Principality with him.
But as soon as the evening came, paladins surrounded the detached villa. They claimed to be there for escorting, but it was clearly surveillance.
‘The national marriage is not far off.’
Judging from the circumstances, they seemed to be planning to stay until Dietrian leaves the Empire.
“Damn it.”
The interference from the Empire, which he would usually take for granted, was extremely unpleasant.
There were only a few days left to leave the Empire, and he had lost a precious day.
Dietrian had to use all his strength to control his anger.
‘I should have left a letter after all.’
He regretted leaving just the remains behind. He didn’t want to do anything that might even slightly surprise her. He hadn’t anticipated regretting that decision so much.
He barely managed to suppress his emotions and stepped outside. A long silver-haired man standing in front of the paladins approached him. The man put his hand to his chest and bowed his head.
“I am Ahwin, responsible for escorting you to the sacred palace. I humbly serve as the third wing to protect the Holy Maiden.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Then, let’s go.”
Ahwin and Dietrian began to walk side by side.
Following the two men were the Principality’s knights in their ceremonial attire, surrounded by the paladins.
The black formal wear of the Principality contrasted with the white uniforms of the paladins, creating a strange image.
“I heard that you met the Holy Maiden at the shrine a while ago. She seemed to blame herself a lot for what happened that day.”
Ahwin said to Dietrian.
“She said she was busy punishing a sinner that day and couldn’t show proper manners. She also pushed for today’s meeting because of that.”
Dietrian, who had paused for a moment, nodded his head.
“She doesn’t have to worry about that. Our country is always grateful for the Empire’s grace.”
His voice was calm.
Without realizing it, Ahwin studied Dietrian’s expression.
There was no sign of disturbance on his handsome face. Ahwin found this fascinating.
‘What great self-control.’
Considering what the Holy Maiden did, it wouldn’t be strange for him to draw his sword and rush to the sacred palace.
‘And yet, he doesn’t show any resentment.’
Ahwin thought of Dietrian’s age. Twenty-three. An age when he could easily be swayed by youthful vigor.
‘He possesses the qualities of a great king.’
Thinking this, Ahwin laughed bitterly.
‘Am I comparing the Holy Maiden and the Prince right now?’
Two days ago, after having a seizure, Josephina trembled in anxiety all night.
The purple symbol she created fought against the black energy until the sun rose.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the black fog disappeared around dawn. However, Josephina’s condition still seemed unstable. This was because she firmly believed that the dragon had interfered with her work.
[I need to see the Prince myself. If the dragon has returned, he must know something. I have to confirm it with my own eyes.]
Forced by Josephina’s insistence, he had to arrange today’s meeting. Ahwin let out a faint sigh.
‘Will she return to her original state when the delegation leaves?’
Although he didn’t believe the talk about the dragon returning, it was clear that the existence of the Prince was provoking Josephina.
So, to block any unforeseen variables, Ahwin made arrangements with the delegation.
He positioned the paladins around the detached villa and warned the priest who agitated Dietrian to apologize properly.
It might not help much, but the goal was to endure three days without any incidents.
“This is the Sacred Palace where the Holy Maiden resides.”
Suddenly, the view in front of them expanded, revealing a wide garden.
Behind the fountain encircled by the giant sculptures of nine wings, the white palace stood majestically.
Dietrian ascended the sparkling stairs bathed in sunlight alongside Ahwin. On both sides of the staircase, paladins adorned with blue belts stood in line.
Unlike Ahwin, they didn’t hide their hostility towards the delegation from the Empire. The fierce hostility made the delegation even more vigorous.
Yulken quickly gestured to his juniors to calm them down.
As the delegation entered the building, individuals dressed differently from the paladins greeted them. The ivy patterns drawn on their wide sleeves were familiar.
Ahwin spoke quietly.
“These are the priests of the Sacred Palace. They have gathered to meet His Majesty, the Prince.”
Priests, indeed.
Dietrian’s eyes widened slightly.
Although he did not show it on his face, his mouth dried up with tension.
Did she really come here?
Dietrian glanced at the priests lined up along the wall. It felt as if time was stretched out, each step seeming long.
With each face that slowly passed by, his heart sunk.
It’s not her.
Not that person either. Again, it was not her.
Again and again, she was nowhere to be found.
Having reached the large door at the end of the hallway, Ahwin asked the palace servant standing there,
“Notify the Holy Maiden that we have arrived.”
“Understood.”
The servant went inside. A moment later, when the door opened, Ahwin spoke to Dietrian.
“Your Majesty, please go in.”
Leaving Ahwin behind, Dietrian entered the room with a stern face. His insides boiled with dark fury as he stared at the luxurious carpet.
She was not there. Nowhere.
‘Why?’
He had heard that all the priests of the Sacred Palace were here. She was also a priest. She should have come here. But why hadn’t she?
‘Did she have a reason not to attend?’
For instance, perhaps her health was still poor.
Dietrian clenched his fists tightly. He felt like a beast had been let loose within him. He simply couldn’t control his emotions.
“Oh, Prince. We’ve been waiting for you.”
At the overly exaggerated greeting, Dietrian fleetingly raised his hardened gaze. Josephina came towards him with a broad smile.
“It must have been a difficult journey.”
“Not at all. Thanks to your consideration.”
Even while maintaining his courtesy, his insides were churning. He wanted to run out of the Sacred Palace right then and check on her at the Western Villa.
Dietrian took Josephina’s fingertips, lightly pressing his lips to the back of her hand. Out of the corner of his downcast gaze, a white dress hem came closer.
“My daughter is with me today as well.”
“It is an honor to meet her.”
Dietrian extended his hand without even lifting his head, his greeting devoid of sincerity. He simply didn’t have the capacity for it. His mind was filled with just one person.
At that moment, Dietrian noticed something strange.
The white hand gathered at the front of the dress was trembling slightly.
He hesitated for a moment, but quickly dismissed the concern, holding her hand tightly.
“It’s nice to meet you for the first time, Lady Leticia. Diet….”
As he was about to press his lips to her hand, Dietrian blinked. There was a very familiar accessory on her slender wrist.
A bracelet with a black gemstone.
Why was this here?
Before he could even comprehend the reason, he jerkily lifted his head.
He met green eyes. Dietrian stopped breathing. His heart seemed to stop.
She was right in front of him.
* * *
He had spent the entire night guarding her room, hoping earnestly.
He wanted to know the color of her eyes. He wanted to look into her eyes and ask her name.
He wanted to hear her voice, thank her, share memories about his brother. He wanted to laugh with her.
Even while separated from her, his hopes had only grown.
As his mind filled with her, Dietrian felt hopeless.
After all, in a few days, he was to marry another woman.
He even felt sorry for involving her because of his desires. So, he thought to just confirm her healthy condition and help her leave the empire.
Dietrian took her in without blinking.
Her dress now was definitely different from when they met in the West Palace. Instead of the old hood she wore then, she now looked gloriously mature as if to show off to someone.
A tiara adorned with hundreds of diamonds was pinned to her neatly twirled golden hair. The blue gem dangling from her ear was also exceptional in size and clarity.
Her white dress, revealing her delicate shoulders, shimmered as if sprinkled with light particles whenever it caught the light.
Thanks to the heavy makeup, her clear eye lines, long eyelashes, and tempting red lips were also captivating.
But Dietrian knew.
Regardless of the clothes she wore or the accessories she adorned, the woman in front of him was the one who tried to protect him.
Her kind features hidden under heavy makeup, trembling fingertips, and her slender figure that fit perfectly into his arms were evidence of that.
Dietrian let out a trembling breath.
Why on earth, are you here?
Why, in front of me like this?
No, the reason didn’t matter anymore. Because they met again. Because he was able to confirm her healthy appearance.
Just that was enough to make his heart swell with emotions.
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