Love for a long time

Elroy didn't know why, but after having dinner with Louisa that day, Louie looked down. The Prince, who is usually excited and cheerful, is more silent. Ferdinand's ability to joke around didn't make Louie just smile.

"I know that anything outside the Palace is worth nothing for what you have. But later we will buy you souvenirs. So cheer up, Your Highness!" said Ferdinand as he said goodbye to go out.

Louie tried to smile. "As long as it's not random food on the side of the road, I'll gladly accept it."

"Then we shall go first, Your Highness. Enjoy the banquet," said Elroy.

That day was Anatole's return home. Even though it was only celebrated in a small way, the Palace still cleaned up that day. Several royal officials were invited and the Palace's knights were pacing back and forth in an air of importance. It was true that now was not the right time for lowly knights like Elroy and Ferdinand to be needed.

But Elroy and Ferdinand both agreed to welcome the knight and his small entourage at the front gate. The two of them would infiltrate the commoners who had also gathered.

From afar, the sound of cheers and chants of Anatole's name was heard. Elroy could see Anatole's troops mounted on gallant horses.

Then, there he was, the economic hero who succeeded in opening sea trade routes.

Even when he's tired and has an expressionless face like that, Elroy looks handsome.

"In all my life as a man, this is the first time I have been able to acknowledge another man's good looks," Ferdinand said to Anatole. "How can someone who looks messy and hasn't bathed look so handsome?!"

Elroy watched Anatole pass in front of him. They were far apart, and many people were still crowding in front of him. Surprisingly, they can still meet eyes.

Elroy automatically elbowed Ferdinand.

Could he have heard what Ferdinand said just now? thought Elroy panicked. No way, right?

***

Elroy and Ferdinand's first outing after arriving in Masoullac that day they spent touring. The center of town was quite lively, considering the arrival of Anatole's troupe earlier, but the rest was pretty standard. They go to the shopping center, don't buy anything (because it's not yet payday), and try to go to the main square. Just before lunch, they went to the bar for lunch.

The bar was still the same as Elroy remembered. The interior, menus, and aroma are still distinctive. Ferdinand was excited to start ordering all of the menus.

"Don't get drunk. It wouldn't be funny if we returned to the Palace drunk," Elroy warned.

"Yes, yes. I know," said Ferdinand casually, then ordered a beer and nuts as a substitute. "Anyway, while we're both outside the Palace, let's discuss your love interest. How could you like Viscountess Tierney?!"

Okay. Elroy had not expected this conversation to come. Since then, Ferdinand has never discussed Mariette. Elroy thought Ferdinand would not mind.

"Should we talk about it?" groaned Elroy.

"Come on, buddy. Why not? You were rejected earlier because Her Ladyship was betrothed to Sir Anatole? Ha ha ha!" laughed Ferdinand.

Elroy kicked Ferdinand hard in the leg. "I haven't been rejected yet!" Their order came. He immediately grabbed his beer. "Viscountess Tierney said she would wait for me."

"Oh, really?" Ferdinand smiled broadly. "Then?"

"There's no then." Elroy let out a long breath. "You know what kind of woman Viscountess Tierney is, right? She didn't refuse and let me do anything for her. But how is it? That just makes me worried."

"Uh-huh. You're afraid that when Her Ladyship said yes, the answer would just come out of her mouth. Not from the heart."

Precisely.

Elroy was happy to love Mariette. But what about her herself? Having no heart, does that woman actually love him and want to be loved? What if Mariette did it out of pity or out of necessity?

Such one-way love will not last long. Elroy's feelings for Mariette were running wild right now. But if you don't reply for a long time... It could be that this feeling will disappear.

"Can I stand it?"

Ferdinand shrugged his shoulders. "There are people who can love for a long time," he said. "Maybe that person is you."

"Well, I'm not sure I can."

"No. I mean, just being able to like Viscountess Tierney takes big feelings, you know. And you can do it. Maybe your doubts will disappear later." Ferdinand smiled mischievously. "Or, you'll find out you really like her after Sir Anatole marries her. Ha ha ha!"

Elroy kicked Ferdinand in the leg again. His friend was still laughing. Several people glanced at him.

"Don't be loud!" This time Elroy stepped on Ferdinand's toe. "We–you–should stop talking about the people in the Palace. Don't you know that Sir Anatole gave me a sharp look when you said he was handsome?"

Ferdinand waved his hand. "It's just your feelings," he said casually. "It was very crowded. How could he possibly hear it?"

Who knows. Elroy had no doubt that Anatole had been looking at him.

It feels so scary. Goosebumps. Elroy didn't want to meet the man's eyes again. His aura felt like his first brother only.

"Oh, right. What do you think we should bring for His Highness? He looks so gloomy. How about we buy some fireworks? He will definitely like it. We can light it tonight with Princess Louisa. You can bring Viscountess Tierney too. Now, doesn't that sound romantic?"

Elroy looked at his friend in disbelief, then shook his head. Do they really want to burn down the Palace?