Chapter 16

"Did something happen?"

"No…" she mumbled.

Whenever I find her in such a pitiful state, there is always this strange feeling rising in my chest. It makes me want to eliminate whatever is causing her distress. I have never felt this way about anyone before. Is this perhaps because she called me her friend the other day? When she said those words, my heart skipped several beats. I thought I was going to die at that moment. What a dangerous little girl she is.

"Sir Nate?" she suddenly called.

"Yes?"

"Are slaves allowed to join in the festivities?" she asked with her head slumped.

"No. However, the assistants can. And since you are one, your presence is a requirement at this…"

Why is she so down in the dumps? I don't see any markings on her, so she could not have gotten flogged. 

"Are you upset because of Dimitriu, again? You said you were completely over him. Was that a lie?"

For reasons unknown to me, I am suddenly getting angry at the simple fact that her dejected mood could be related to Dimitriu.

"That's not it!" she shouted.

If I press any further, this conversation might turn into an argument. Her tone alone was a clear sign that she was upset about something. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to placate her for now until she feels better.

"Here, I bought you something." I said as I placed a large rectangular box in her arms.

"What is it?"

When she finally lifted her head, there was sorrow in her eyes. As if she just lost something precious to her and is quietly mourning its absence. Should I be worried?

"It's a surprise. Go wash yourself up. Be sure to wear everything that's in that box. Alright? I shall await you at the side gate."

"Okay." she responded indifferently.

Why am I doing this? I can't even recognize myself anymore when I am near her. It's not like me to go this far for someone I barely know, let alone a slave. However, there is something rather intriguing about her. She strangely makes me want to protect her, care for her, and…

"Umm…Sir Nate?"

Good heavens! That startled me. That was rather quick. How did she manage to get ready in such a short time?

"Why are you hiding behind the gate, Fati?"

"You see… I um…P-please don't laugh…okay?"

Why is she so nervous? Did I pick the wrong size? I bought everything based on memory alone, so it is highly possible that they may not fit.

"I won't laugh, so you can come out with ease."

She stepped out of the gate, wearing a simple yet elegant pink and white dress, along with its matching shoes. She did her hair in a single braid and tied a pink ribbon at its tail, making it look neat. Fati was almost unrecognizable. I nearly fell off my horse from staring too intensely.

Everything fit so perfectly, as though each piece was made with her in mind.

"H-how do I look, Sir Nate? Please give your honest opinion."she asked nervously.

"Your hair…is so long." I replied in a daze.

"Ah, yes. I have not cut it ever since I was born. Is my long hair a problem? I can tuck it if…"

"Wait, no. It's perfect! I-I mean it's fine, so do not worry. Long hair is actually…" 

What is wrong with me?

My face and ears were hot while I stood there prattling about hair. However, seeing her face beaming as she giggled at my absurd behavior, I'd say it's all worth it. 

While escorting her on my horse, we engaged in a light yet pleasant conversation which made the trip seem rather short.

Upon her arrival, she had immediate chores assigned to her, which made her busy until the events began. I kept looking for ways to steal her away, but Emilia kept intercepting my every attempt.

++++++

Something is strange about the way he treats that girl. I have been observing them for the past few weeks and it seems to me that…

"Your highness, the young master has arrived."

"Oh! Darling! You are finally here. Which means the contests can finally begin. The other judges have already arrived and are waiting for us on the podium."

"Apologies for my tardiness. I hope I did not cause you any inconvenience."

"Not at all, my love. I am very glad that you could make it. You look as dashing as ever."

"As do you, my beautiful flower."

Goodness, what has gotten into him? My heart fluttered yet again.

"This way, your highness, my Lord." instructed one of our guards as they guided us to the stand.

"It's the princess! She is as beautiful as the rumors portrayed her."

The crowd rose into clamor as they marveled at the Princess' beauty as she was being escorted by her fiancé. They looked so happy together, which made my heart feel somewhat heavy. I thought I had gotten over him already, yet it seems I have a long way to go.

"Who is the girl next to that table over there? I have never seen her before."

The subject of their gossip has now shifted to me.

"She must be one of her highness' handmaidens."

A handmaiden huh?

"No, I heard she was a slave."

"Oh! Then, could she be a palace slave?"

I went from being a handmaiden to being a slave in mere seconds. Gossip is indeed a formidable foe. It seems these ladies would say anything just for the sake of conversation.

"The rumors must be true, then. The slaves in the capital are treated much kinder than the ones here."

"Are you openly criticizing the Kartier duchy now?"

"Have you seen their slaves?"

"I ran into one the other day and she was as filthy as an abandoned rag. She was a child too."

"Oh, my!"

The entire town was embellished with a multitude of bright colors. The facades of every merchant stall and building were adorned with floral decorations. Children were joyfully scampering around, playing with their friends. Young lads and maidens were secretly holding each other's hand while strolling across the roads. Even the sun appeared to be having a blast up there, yet these ladies chose to blabber their venomous gossip. I am already in a bad mood, and this is making it worse.

Their clamor suddenly became more intense as an imposing presence climbed the stage. My divinity mark was suddenly tingling. Therefore, I had to maintain my composure now more than ever. A single mistake here could mean the end for me.

"We salute your imperial highness the crown prince!"