“When you become an adult, about five years from now, you must return to the capital, no matter what. Regardless of any achievements, or whether or not you meet elves.”

“I swear.”

I answered immediately.

“You will be under the same restrictions as the academy entrance pledge. If you are not in the capital on that day, your head will explode.”

“I will definitely return.”

“If you act against my will before that, or if you do anything harmful to the empire after returning, the duke here will be held responsible as he vouched.”

The duke nodded calmly, as opposed to my own sudden loss for words.

“Of course.”

“Taking the head of a loyal and long-time friend of the empire is not something I desire.”

“Let’s see…” He touched his chin, pretending to think. Soon, he smiled faintly.

“Stripping him of his title and position should suffice, right?”

“Yes.”

Contrary to the expressionless duke, those around him were more shocked. I, too, gasped in surprise.

The emperor smirked.

“It would be an unimaginable disgrace for the Duke’s family, which helped found the empire, to become commoners in your generation. You wouldn’t even be able to face your ancestors.”

“That will not happen. I believe in Khalia.”

“Boring.”

The emperor’s face hardened quickly. He waved his hand and spoke to me.

“Then, let it be so. We will adjust the details gradually. Now, try to do as you wish.”

“…Thank you, Your Majesty.”

I quickly stood up from my chair and bowed deeply. As I kept my head lowered, I heard the emperor muttering from a distance.

“To make such a stoic man go to these lengths, she must have some talent. I acknowledge that.”

I remained bowed, unable to say anything. The sound of something dragging on the floor indicated the emperor was standing up.

“That’s enough for today. Everyone, you may disperse.”

“Glory to the Empire. May you enjoy prosperity, Your Majesty.”

The sound of chairs scraping the floor was loud as the nobles left the meeting room while whispering to each other.

I felt them glance at me as they passed by, but I stood still, enduring their gazes.

The emotions in those stares were different from before.

The most noticeable was neither malice nor goodwill, but deep curiosity. Realizing this sent shivers down my spine.

My dishonorable reputation, the opinions people had about me, were changing.

The transformation that even the emperor’s orb and crown couldn’t achieve might be starting right now, at this moment…

Soon, the surroundings quieted. Someone who had approached me put a hand on my shoulder and helped me up.

“Stand up.”

It was Duke Desmiere. He looked at me with the same calm expression.

Seeing that almost broke my resolve. No. Lately, I had been excessively weak. I couldn’t become more pathetic here.

I pressed my palm hard enough for my nails to dig into my skin.

A few people approached behind the duke.

“Next time, come visit the east, young lady. Felicia insists on inviting you,”

Marquis Oakley winked as he passed by. Following him, the eastern nobles nodded and greeted me with gestures as they left.

Finally, the hall was quiet again. It seemed only the duke and I were left. I stammered as I began to speak.

“Your, Your Grace.”

I needed to say something. Thanks, gratitude for his help, an apology for putting him at risk, a promise to return.

“Let’s go.”

But the duke stopped me. His hand on my shoulder turned me around, and he briefly tightened his grip before letting go.

In an instant, tears overflowed, running uncontrollably like a broken dam.

His hand atop my head brushed firmly once.

I walked unsteadily, supported by him. When we reached the exit, I looked up and clearly recognized the person before me despite my blurred vision.

“…Your Highness.”

Claude spoke.

“Excuse me, Duke. May I borrow Miss Estelle for a moment?”

“You should ask her.”

The duke looked at me. I quickly wiped my tears and nodded.

“I’m fine.”

He looked at me a bit longer. This time, I could clearly see the concern in his eyes. I reassured him once more.

“Really. I have something to discuss with His Highness.”

After a brief consideration, he said,

“I will wait in the carriage. Finish your conversation and come.”

“But I can’t keep a busy person waiting. Please go ahead. I will follow shortly.”

“It’s fine, take your time.”

He said and greeted Claude before leaving.

Claude approached as I hurriedly wiped my tear-streaked face.

“Here.”

He handed me something. It was a familiar handkerchief. Plain ivory, unlike something a prince would carry.

Despite the tense situation, a small laugh escaped me.

“Thank you. No… thanks.”

I took it and wiped my face. While doing so, he stood there silently. I spoke awkwardly.

“I’ll return it after washing.”

“Just keep it. It’s better that way.”

When I looked up, his smile was gentle. Hesitating, I held it tight.

“…Thank you.”

“Shall we move?”

He extended his arm.

I followed him out of the meeting room.

* * *

The noon sky was bright but somewhat overcast. Light rain clouds were approaching from afar.

Having spent some days there, Claude’s palace felt familiar. We entered the guest room where I had stayed while recuperating.

“I have something to discuss with Miss Estelle, so don’t disturb us until I call.”

He instructed the attendants, who obediently left, ensuring no one was in the corridor.

When the door closed, it was just the two of us. A breeze blew in through the open window occasionally.

He walked slowly into the room where I stood.

A nervous shiver ran through me. When he got closer, I unconsciously held my breath.

“Sit.”

But Claude just walked past me. His scent brushed my nose. Soft, yet somehow heightening my senses.

Thud. He closed the window behind me.

As he sat in the armchair in the center of the room, he crossed his legs and faced me.

How should I start? Fear tied my tongue.

The rain clouds were not only in the sky. Fragments of unknown emotions floated on his face.

I called his name with a heavy heart.

“Claude.”

“You’re leaving the academy.”

He muttered quietly and smiled.

“I should congratulate you.”

“Listen to me.”

“I am listening.”

He tilted his head and waited for my next words.

After hesitating several times, I finally spoke.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay with you.”

He was silent. I added quickly.

“But I think this is necessary.”

“…”

“If I stay here, I won’t grow. I won’t get better. I would just be frustrated, unable to reach a higher level with just Undine. Six years, trapped in one place.”

Thinking of a future where I wouldn’t have been allowed to leave the academy made my vision dark.

I hung my head. The truth spilled out.

“I can’t waste time like that.”

“But we would be together.”

I snapped my head up. His voice was calm. He wasn’t looking at me.

“Not just me, but also the people of the duke’s household, including Reedmore and Felicia. And new people who might recognize and approach you as your reputation improves.”

Claude smiled softly. His gaze seemed fixed on something distant.

“We would attend classes together, eat, and stroll. Sometimes we would sneak out of the academy, freely wandering the alleys. During festivals, we could join the crowds, watch plays, acrobatics, and fireworks. Or roam night markets, buying lots of food.”

My heart ached. A dull pain throbbed in my chest. My breath grew shallow.

Claude’s voice softened.

“We would see each other grow. Our heights increasing, limbs lengthening, voices changing and maturing.”

His gaze wandered dreamily.

“You would be beautiful every moment, I’m sure.”

His drifting eyes met mine. The smile vanished from his lips.

“But now that’s no longer possible.”

“I am powerless!”

I shouted, gasping. I poured out the words buried inside.

“Claude, in that dungeon, I thought I would go mad. I had to watch Reedmore and Felicia close their eyes, unable to do anything. Even you almost died! If it weren’t for you, we would’ve all died. I couldn’t save us alone. I, I, I… I can’t stand it. I have to become stronger! Strong enough to avenge, to protect myself, to protect you all!”

“Calm down.”

The emotions were overwhelming. My body heated up, my hands and feet trembled like leaves.

At that moment, Claude leaned over and took my hand.a