Chapter 15
Arthur seemed determined to prevent Leon from attending the party, avoiding once again the ridicule Leon might face because of his heterochromatic eyes.
Unlike Arthur, Leon was just a child, and it would be easy for him to make excuses, like being unwell or tired from traveling long distances. Arthur probably didn’t want to risk hurting the boy by strictly following the Emperor’s orders.
If that was his intention, it wasn’t impossible to cooperate. Understanding this, Grace bent down to meet Leon’s eyes and spoke gently:
“It’s not that, Leon. It’s just that you’re still too young.”
“…Too young?”
“Yes. You’re still a child, so you need to sleep at night. But the party His Majesty invited us to will last until very late.”
“It goes on that late?”
“Yes. That’s why His Majesty didn’t invite you. Children your age can become weak if they stay up too late.”
“…But… I still want to go…”
Grace’s explanation softened Leon’s frown. He seemed to understand, but the longing in his eyes remained. Just as Grace prepared to persuade him further, Sir Oliver appeared beside them and scooped Leon up into his arms.
“Stop pouting, Prince Leon. Wouldn’t it trouble the Duke and Duchess if you insisted?”
“…But… I’m worried.”
“I understand your desire to stay close to them. You see, they will only attend the party briefly and return to the castle immediately. Right?”
“…Really?”
Persuaded by Sir Oliver’s calm reasoning, Leon’s long eyelashes fluttered as he spoke to Grace. Smiling warmly, Grace approached him and replied:
“Exactly. We’ll just make a brief appearance at the party and come right back.”
“…You’ll return right away, no matter what? Even if someone asks you to go with them, you won’t follow?”
He frowned deeply as he fretted. Grace found his earnest worry adorable and couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
Seeing Leon’s pout, she reached out her pinky finger and gently wrapped his around hers.
“Alright, Leon. Don’t worry. I promise. I won’t follow anyone, no matter what.”
“Yes. Don’t worry. I will stay by your side, so you have nothing to fear.”
As Grace lightly shook her finger in promise, Arthur suddenly spoke:
“Very well.”
Leon stared silently at Arthur’s heterochromatic eyes—the same as his own—then hesitantly asked:
“…You’re promising?”
“Yes. I swear on my honor.”
Relieved, Leon nodded with a calm expression. Arthur lightly tousled Leon’s hair and gestured toward Grace, standing at his side.
“Then let’s go to the carriage, Madam. We’ve lingered too long.”
“Oh, yes.”
“Take care!”
“Of course! We’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Grace waved to Leon and followed Arthur to the carriage. She allowed him to open the door and help her inside, then settled onto the soft seat, arranging her dress comfortably. Arthur waited until she was seated before climbing in himself.
The coachman closed the door, leaving only the two of them inside. Silence settled awkwardly.
Grace glanced at Arthur, who was staring intently out the slightly open window, then turned away. The quiet was uncomfortable, but neither knew how to break it. She busied herself by examining the embossed pattern inside the carriage.
“…Madam.”
Startled, Grace looked up at him.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“…Wh-What for?”
“For agreeing with what I suggested earlier.”
“…Ah.”
Taken aback by his sudden gratitude, Grace felt a small thrill. She avoided his piercing gaze and shyly said:
“There’s no need to thank me. I think I understand, at least a little, why you did it.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Their conversation ended there. Silence returned, and Arthur’s gaze drifted back to the slightly open window.
After a while, the carriage began to move. Grace opened the window slightly and watched Felix Castle recede, then glanced at Arthur.
He appeared to have dozed off, arms crossed, eyes closed.
‘…Is he asleep?’
Though she hadn’t expected a lively conversation during the ride, she felt a strange pang of disappointment seeing him sleep. Perhaps drowsiness was contagious, because Grace soon yawned herself.
‘Well, it’s probably better to just rest quietly until we arrive.’
She curled up comfortably, and sleep soon overtook her.
The carriage sped along a forested road.
In the lead carriage, Grace’s even breathing suggested she had fallen into a deep sleep. Arthur opened his eyes slightly.
She was curled on the seat, head tilted awkwardly to keep her hair intact, looking uncomfortable. He frowned slightly, deciding he should adjust her posture.
Quietly, careful not to wake her, he sat beside her and gently positioned her head to rest on the seat’s headrest.
“…!”
Unexpectedly, Grace’s head tipped over, landing on Arthur’s shoulder.
Arthur’s heart skipped a beat, but he dared not move. Even the slightest sound or movement could wake her, and her neck might hurt if left improperly supported.
He wondered whether he should wake her, but looking at her peaceful face, he sighed softly and relaxed his shoulders. He would simply stay put.
Clatter, clatter—.
The smooth ride jolted, causing Grace to bounce slightly in her seat.
She awoke slowly, blinking in confusion, listening to the sounds outside.
“Please show your invitations.”
“Here they are.”
“Oh! Duke and Duchess Felix! The guests of honor have arrived. Shall we guide you to the hall?”
“They must be tired from traveling a long distance. Please wait a moment.”
“Of course.”
Grace realized the carriage had already arrived at the palace. She rubbed her eyes and opened them fully.
“Have you awoken, Madam?”
“Eek!”
Arthur’s low voice was right beside her. She turned her head instinctively and squealed. Somehow, her head was resting on his shoulder.
“Wh-What… how did this happen?”
“You were sleeping soundly. Did you not rest well last night?”
“No, no… not exactly… Oh my! My dress!”
Grace panicked, noticing a white powder mark on Arthur’s navy uniform from where her dress had brushed. She frantically tapped his shoulder:
“I-I’m s-sorry! Oh no! On your uniform! What do we do?”
“It’s fine. The cloak will cover it.”
“No, it’s not fine! …Oh, maybe if I wet it, it’ll come off?”
“It’s truly fine. But your makeup is smeared as well.”
Arthur gently restrained Grace’s frantic hands and lifted his hand to her cheek. Surprised, she shrank back, and he quickly withdrew it, clearing his throat.
“…I’ll call Sally immediately.”
“…Ah, thank you.”
Grace touched her cheek, still embarrassed from her smeared makeup. Arthur opened the carriage door and called outside:
“Roberts! Are you there?”
“Yes, Duke.”
“Send Sally here at once.”
“Understood.”
Soon, hurried footsteps approached. The carriage door swung open, and Sally entered, smiling brightly.
“Madam! Was your journey comfortable…? Oh my! Your makeup is ruined!”
“Ah, yes. Sorry, Sally.”
“How did this happen?”
“…Huh? How… I wonder?”
Seeing Grace’s smeared makeup, Sally fussed, retrieving a powder box from her bag. Grace averted her eyes, and Sally quickly helped fix her makeup. Grace felt relieved, though her cheeks still burned with embarrassment.
