TMLST C4

Chapter 4. A Tedious, Time-Limited Life (4)

“Are you all right?”

At Aaron’s quiet question, Lotte—who had been gazing out the window—turned her eyes toward him.

“We’ve only just departed. Why are you worrying so much already?”

Her crimson eyes, glinting under the sunlight, held a hint of curiosity. Realizing his concern had been unnecessary, Aaron gave a faint smile and shook his head. Lotte was far stronger than he often gave her credit for.

“It has been a while since Your Highness last went out, so I merely wished to confirm.”

“I am fine, so do not concern yourself.”

The corners of Lotte’s eyes softened as a gentle smile formed on her lips. It was the same benevolent expression he had always seen from his sovereign—the one he was meant to protect and follow. To Aaron, Lotte was akin to a deity.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

With that, silence settled inside the carriage. It was a familiar quiet between the two.

“We have arrived, Your Highness.”

At Aaron’s voice, Lotte slowly opened her eyes. Having crossed the bridge that connected the border, they had reached the imperial palace—far more magnificent than the royal castle of Veronica.

The Lier Empire was known for cultivating a wide variety of flowers, and its flower teas were especially famous. As if to prove it, even more kinds of flowers than those seen lining the imperial streets surrounded the palace grounds. The sheer scale made it clear why it was called an empire.

The sky, which had been faintly blue as though the sun were just about to rise, was now bright with the sun high overhead. Nearly half a day had passed; it seemed that after a brief exchange of conversation, evening would soon follow.

“It feels as though every season in the Lier Empire is spring.”

After staring out the window for a long while, Lotte let out a quiet laugh.

“To think it’s a neighboring country, and yet the atmosphere is so different. Should we plant some flowers as well?”

“I prefer the scenery of the Kingdom of Veronica.”

At Aaron’s firm reply, Lotte’s eyes widened.

“You must be the only one who enjoys such a bleak atmosphere, Sir Aaron.”

The royal castle of Veronica, composed solely of black, red, and gold—the kingdom’s symbolic colors—felt more solemn than splendid. Though there was a separate garden, Lotte found herself wondering if it might be better to plant more flowers around the castle.

As they approached the main building of the imperial palace, it felt as though they were looking upon a castle nestled within a forest. The white structure adorned with gold, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers, was breathtaking enough to leave anyone speechless.

“Doesn’t Zakar take good care of flowers?”

Despite Aaron’s firm interruption, Lotte persistently continued the topic. Zakar, the vice-captain of the First Division of Veronica’s knights and Aaron’s most trusted subordinate, was someone Lotte also trusted. Given his versatility, she wondered if entrusting him with such a task might yield unexpectedly satisfying results.

“He only tends a small garden, and even then, he grows just one type of flower. It would be better to leave such matters to a gardener.”

“I was only asking.”

Aaron’s tone made it clear that leaving it to Zakar was not a good idea. Lotte waved her hand dismissively, thinking he need not be so serious. She knew Zakar already handled a great deal of work, but human greed knew no end.

Once the carriage came to a complete stop, Aaron stepped down first and offered his hand. Lotte took it and followed.

“Thank you for your long journey. Your Majesty, King of the Kingdom of Veronica, if you would follow me, I shall escort you to His Majesty. Sir Aaron, please follow the head maid.”

Greeted by a neatly groomed butler with graying hair and the head maid, the two entered the imperial palace. The interior was just as radiant as the exterior.

Lotte headed toward the central staircase, while Aaron made his way down the corridor to the right. He had noticed a few maids near the central hall and stairs, yet the deeper he walked inside, the less presence he felt.

The place the head maid led him to was a detached annex connected to the main building. For some reason, it felt unsettling.

To Aaron—who had watched Lotte since her days as a princess—it was difficult to understand why an imperial princess would reside not in the main palace, but in a rear annex. It was only natural for her chambers to be among the best locations with ample sunlight, second only to the Emperor and Empress.

Perhaps the empire was simply different from the kingdom, he thought, brushing off his doubts.

“We have arrived.”

The building before them resembled a small flower garden. The head maid glanced at Aaron once before knocking on the door.

“Your Highness, Sir Aaron has arrived.”

Not long after she finished speaking, the door swung open.

Soft pink hair interwoven with faint strands of gold created a dreamlike aura.

“Sir Aaron?”

The moment he met those wide, blue eyes, it felt as though time had stopped. Aaron stood there, staring blankly at Elia.

She was delicate and beautiful—like the very scenery of the Lier Empire given human form.

I hadn’t expected to meet Aaron this soon, so I was flustered—but eager to see him, I rushed over and threw the door open without even catching my breath.

The first thing I saw was his broad chest, adorned with layers of fabric. Slowly, I lifted my head.

His face… was even more beautiful than I had imagined.

Beneath his jet-black hair, his calm, amber-gold eyes filled my vision.

I hurriedly leaned against the door I was holding, but instead of supporting me, it gave way easily, and my body tilted forward.

I can’t embarrass myself on the very first day I meet my favorite!

After that panicked thought, what I felt wasn’t pain—but something firm catching me.

Opening my eyes, which I had shut without realizing, I found Aaron close—very close.

“Th-thank you.”

I had avoided falling, but my heart was racing so fast that my words came out stuttered.

My plan to appear elegant and refined…!

Before I could even make a good impression, I had already caused trouble at our first meeting.

A life that had once been dull and lifeless now seemed to gain vitality simply from encountering Aaron. Even after entering the world of the novel, my life had felt no different from reality—just as boring as ever. But Aaron was like a ray of light in all that.

Holding back tears that threatened to fall, I tried to stand properly—only to realize, belatedly, that Aaron’s hand was at my waist.

I just ate not long ago…

I quickly tensed my stomach, and at the same time, the arm wrapped around my waist tightened.

No, you don’t have to tense up too…

I truly felt like crying.

Thinking that getting out of this situation came first, I placed my hand on his shoulder and tried to stand—but strangely, my legs wouldn’t cooperate.

They had been perfectly fine just moments ago—why now?

As I struggled in confusion—

“Excuse me.”

With that single remark, my body was suddenly lifted into the air.

My downward view instantly shifted upward.

And then—

My eyes met Aaron’s, as he looked down at me.

“I will assist you to your seat.”

“Th-thank you…”

Contrary to my expectations, his voice was a deep, low tone. I had imagined something softer, but it didn’t matter at all—it was so good that my body instinctively tensed.

With gentle and careful movements, he helped me sit in a chair, then stepped back two paces. Placing his right hand over his left chest, he bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Aaron Albert, Captain of the First Knight Order of the Kingdom of Veronica. I greet Your Highness, the Imperial Princess.”

“Y-you don’t need to be so formal! Please, sit.”

My heart pounded wildly at his composed and disciplined demeanor—something I had never expected to be directed at me.

To actually see Aaron move and speak in real life…

In my otherwise miserable life, it felt like I had been granted bonus time—just enough to experience a bit of happiness.

Even if this was a time-limited life, I was glad to have possessed Elia.

My favorite is really right in front of me…!

Though calming my excitement was far from easy.

Sitting across from him with the tea table between us, I glanced down at the teacup placed before me.

Flower tea—something I had grown thoroughly tired of.

I personally preferred sweet fruit teas, but in the Lier Empire, fruit was considered sacred and was so expensive that even attempting to dry it for tea was unthinkable.

I could live recklessly, thinking “you only live once,” but since it wasn’t as if I had nothing to drink, I chose to give up such indulgences.

“This is the Empire’s pride—flower tea. Please, try it.”

I gave Aaron the warmest, gentlest smile I could manage. Since I had already shown him a flustered and unrefined side of myself, I needed to prove that I wasn’t usually like that.

I am a noble and elegant princess. A noble and elegant princess.

Repeating that to myself, I kept smiling—though it felt like my lips might cramp at any moment.

Aaron slowly lifted his cup and took a sip. My gaze followed his movement, settling on his long, strong fingers wrapped around the teacup.

His hand was so large that the cup looked small in comparison.

How could everything about him be so perfect?