Chapter 15

Five days later, the spring festival was underway. The estate as well as the city was bustling with excitement. Everyone was partaking in the preparations to make this year's festival a success. However, the mistress would often be seen prancing about the city without a care in the world. I only just found out that this was supposed to be her responsibility. Though I can't complain, for I would much rather work with the princess.

"Fati, pass the box to me. The duke summons you to his study."

"Yes, your highness."

Duke Kartier had returned just in time for the festivities. We were all surprised by his sudden appearance. Either way, I was happy. Though he seems to have lost a lot of weight. I wonder what sort of work kept him in the capital for so long.

"Fati has arrived, your grace." announced the maid.

"Let her in."

As I walked through the doors, I could tell something was amiss. His countenance was as pale as a blank sheet of paper, and he was sweating profusely. He looked uncomfortable in his seat.

"You may leave, Damian."

"As you wish, your grace."

"I present my sincere greeting to the master." I said with a bow.

"I told you not to call me that when we're alone, princess." He grumbled.

"Then…your grace?"

"No!" 

"Ah! Duke Kartier…"

"That's right. You mustn't ever forget who you truly are. Despite your current circumstances, you are still Princess Charlotte-Rose Fatima Vicksburg D'Ecchelon." 

An abrupt cough interrupted his words and following that was blood coming out of his mouth and nose. He held a thick towel over his face to prevent his paperwork from being sullied. I was so terrified that I began to panic and weep. However, after a short while, his cough ceased, and he returned to normal. It was the most horrifying sight I had ever seen.

"Duke Kartier, what in the world was that?" I asked frantically, while leaning over his desk.

"Her highness is still a crybaby, I see." He responded with a chuckle.

"How have you been holding up, my dear? I heard you went through quite an ordeal after my departure. I sincerely apologize on behalf of my wife and daughter."

"That is not important right now, Duke Kartier. How long has this been happening?"

"I'm dying, princess." He said with a deep sigh as he leaned back in his chair.

His sudden declaration made all the hair on my body stand upright as fear began to settle in. His breathing was short and shallow. There was also a certain smell coming from him that I did not notice before until now.

"What balderdash are you spouting, Duke Kartier? How could you say something like that so casually? Is death a joke to you?"

The duke and I developed a rather special relationship in the year that we spent together. He took care to teach me all that he knew about Alkaraz, as well as his own family. He mentored me, cared for me, and every so often, he felt like a father to me. But now…

"Take a look, Princess!" he said excitedly while sliding a small portrait in front of me.

"Her name is Tafaelle Sutlin, Tafa for short. That is my daughter who was born just recently. The woman holding her is my first love and my current mistress."

"W-what?"

He had a mistress?!

++++++

"Hey! You, over there! Your name is Amie, correct?"

"Yes, your highness."

"I can't find Fati anywhere. Have you seen her?"

"She was called to his grace's study a little while ago."

Goodness, I nearly screamed when he called my name so suddenly. Honestly, I don't get why the other maids fawn over him every single day. All I could feel was fear. I even considered running away.

"Amie, quit dawdling and get a move on! We must get everything to the wagon promptly." 

"Coming, Miss Edith!"

+++++

"Your highness, I'm all better now, see?"

"The physician said I am completely healed, and I can even take part in the spring festival. Isn't that marvelous news?"

Since I can clearly hear her sobbing and sniffling, that means she is somewhere in the vicinity. However, I am having trouble picking up her precise location because of Florette's useless babbling. My head is throbbing.

"Your highness? Are you listening to me?" she asked as she suddenly appeared in front of me.

I halted in my steps while offering her an icy glare as a clear warning that I did not want to be bothered. Yet she simply giggled and continued to follow me, prattling on about meaningless things. I could deal with her as I did last time, however I do not wish to hear Emilia's relentless nagging.

"Whatever the reason might have been, you went too far, brother!"

"Leave me alone, Emilia. I'm tired."

"Unbelievable! Here I thought that one year in temporary exile would have softened you, but good God, I was gravely mistaken!You are still the same idiot!"

"What did you just say?"

She has a way of crawling under my skin the moment she opens her mouth. It took everything I had not to throw something at her at that moment. That sharp tongue of hers…

"Anyway, you owe lady Florette an apology, Zen. It's the least you could do after pulling something so dangerous."

"Are you quite done spouting your nonsense, Princess Emilia? If so, get out!"

"Hey! I'm not finished yet! Kazein, open the door you idiot crown prince!"

Even after I kicked her out of the room, she kept kicking the door while shouting insults at me until the knights eventually dragged her away. If only those who hailed her as the most graceful flower of the crown could witness her in such a state. I must admit, that'd have been most amusing.

"Zen! Lady Florette! There you two are. I have been looking everywhere for you."

Emilia! Perfect timing.

"Greetings Princess. His highness and I were taking a short stroll before heading to the festival and…"

[Keep her busy while I escape.]

Emilia and I have developed a way to communicate with our gazes ever since we were children. Over the years, we honed that skill to where it is almost as if we live inside each other's mind.

[Do not tell me what to do.]

This has become useful many times. Particularly at social gatherings. 

[Are you serious?]

[I am still upset with you.]

[I don't have time for that right now, Emilia. Just distract her and we'll talk later.]

[Ugh! Fine! You will owe me for this one.]

This capricious princess, honestly…

++++++

"Fati. There you are."