—About a year and a half ago…

“Look, Sister! It’s blooming so wonderfully!”

“…Indeed.”

Charlotte was accompanying Juliet for a stroll through a garden of the royal castle. She gave a nonchalant reply as Juliet excitedly brought her face to the flowers, taking in their fragrance.

The flowers blooming in the garden at that time of year were so pungent, Charlotte didn’t even need to lean closer to smell them.

“This flower closely resembles Her Royal Highness Juliet’s hair.”

“Oh my, really?”

Quentin was also there with the two of siblings.

Not long earlier, Charlotte and Quentin were working in the office. Suddenly, Juliet came to visit and made them accompany her.

“You two need a break! Let’s go on a stroll!”

Charlotte would’ve declined if she could, but Quentin accepted Juliet’s invitation without even asking her opinion. Although even if he had asked, refusing wasn’t an option. The outcome would have still been the same.

Merely thinking about the unfinished work made her head throb. She would definitely have to pull an all-nighter.

Charlotte found everything troublesome, but the man and woman in front of her had a different perspective. The two, who were happily admiring the flowers, truly looked the part of an engaged couple.

“Going for a walk?”

“Father!”

When she turned around at the voice, she saw Frederick walking towards them. He wasn’t alone. A dignified man was with him.

“It’s been a long time, Your Royal Highness the Crown Princess, Your Royal Highness the Second Princess.”

The gentleman bowed. Due to age, his hair was dominantly white, while his skin was wrinkly. Nevertheless, an air of command, dignity, and refinement could be deeply felt from him.

The Marquis of Allport, Dexter Allport. During the chaos that ensued after the rebellion, he showed his adeptness by rebuilding his ruined territory in just a few years, earning him Frederick’s respect. He frequently went around his territory, engaging with the people of the fief and forming strong bonds with them. Thus, he became a deeply respected lord.

“It sure is!”

“It’s been a long time, Marquis.”

After Charlotte and Juliet responded, Quentin also bowed his head.

“Father, come and look!”

“It resembles Julie’s hair.”

Immediately, Juliet took Frederick’s hand, leading him to the flowers. A peaceful world was created between the three of them, including Quentin. It was a world so full of joy, no one would dare to interrupt it for fear that it might be destroyed.

A few steps to the side, Charlotte stood watching, making no attempt to join in. Dexter approached her with a smile on his weathered countenance.

“Congratulations are in order, Your Highness. I heard you received a perfect score in all on your exams upon entering your second year.”

“Thank you.”

She didn’t feel any joy—it was a line she was tired of hearing.

A princess should rightfully set an example for everyone, so there was nothing praiseworthy about her results, hence Frederick never said, ‘well done’ or the like to her.

However, if she made a mistake, she’d be scolded. Otherwise, nothing. That’s it. Rather than joy or sorrow, all she felt was exhaustion.

“Were you having an audience with His Majesty?”

“There was no such thing. I was merely expressing my opinions as a feudal lord.”

“No need to be humble. It is undeniably a fact that His Majesty holds you in esteem. The Prime Minister will be jealous.”

“Why would he? Prime Minister Sargent is more than capable of fulfilling his role. Haha.”

Dexter laughed. He seemed to be enjoying himself, admiring the excellence of the generation after him.

“Indeed. I think he has a good understanding of His Majesty—both in public and private affairs.”

“Someday, Her Highness will also be supporting her father and the kingdom. Right now, you’re at the age where you still want to enjoy yourself, and that’s all right.”

The gentle tone seeped into her ears.

His reassuring voice; his supportive and praising words were all meaningless to Charlotte. They only served to make her uncomfortable.

She soon realized Dexter’s intentions.

Effort had been made to prevent any information from leaking, but in truth, after enrolling into the academy, Charlotte had been increasingly unable to keep up with her duties as the crown princess. She hadn’t been exposed because she always managed to make up for it later. Furthermore, her identity had been completely hidden for fear of aggravating the public’s dissatisfaction and anxiety. Very few bureaucrats were aware of her situation.

Therefore, Dexter must’ve heard that story from none other than Frederick himself. He made that statement in an effort to subtly motivate Charlotte without making her feel bad about herself.

When others blamed Charlotte, asking why she couldn’t do it, Dexter tried a different approach.

Regardless, just like others, he concluded that Charlotte was cutting corners—that she had entered a rebellious period of some sort.

It never occurred to them that her delays in work had nothing to do with Charlotte’s motivation.

“Just as His Majesty has Her Highness, Her Highness will also have an heir with the son of the Marquis of Sargent. Your sister and father will also be there for you. You won’t have to shoulder everything alone.”

“…That’s right.”

How nice would it be if she could laugh and agree? However, Charlotte remained expressionless as she muttered her reply.

◇◇◇

Charlotte, who was peering out the window from the corridor of the royal castle, heard footsteps and turned to look in that direction.

Soon, she met the eyes of a familiar old man she hadn’t seen for a year and a half.

“Why, if it isn’t Lord Dexter.”

“Have you been well, Your Highness?”

As always, Dexter showed a splendid, firm bow, one unaffected by his age. However, he had more wrinkles and was thinner compared to when she last saw him.

“Did you come all the way to the royal capital to attend the meeting?”

“Traveling takes a toll on my old body. I only arrived about a week ago, but the fatigue still refuses to leave me.”

“Well, that must be because you spent three days in the carriage. Shall I summon the court physician? He should be able to prescribe effective medicine.”

“I appreciate your kindness, but this is a matter of age, so it can’t be helped.” Dexter spoke, smiling wryly.

At the age of 64, Dexter was still active in managing his territory. However, due to his declining physical ability, he was getting sick more often, so he spent most of his time in his territory. As a result, he seldom visited the royal capital. When the attendance of the Allport family was required in the royal castle, he usually sent his son.

Only a year and a half later, when his health was stable and there was to be a meeting regarding the Marquis of Allport, did he step foot in the royal capital.

“Your Highness, has your complexion improved?”

Suddenly, Charlotte froze.

“Well, I don’t think that it was bad before… No, it’s probably just my imagination.”

Dexter observed Charlotte for a while, before smiling softly and said, “I apologize for being impolite.”

When not even the maids noticed…

Thanks to her date with Ethelbert, she was able to get 6 hours of sleep for the first time in a while as she had less work to do. Charlotte herself felt that she was feeling a little better, but her complexion shouldn’t show that much fatigue.

Although Dexter concluded that it was a misunderstanding, he noticed the slight change that the maids who took care of her hadn’t.

Perhaps it was because they didn’t have many opportunities to meet face-to-face. Was it the same principle as to how he seemed to have noticeably aged within only a year and a half?

“You have keen eyes.”

“…? Pardon me, what?”

Dexter asked, her murmur failing to reach him properly as words.

“Nothing.”

It must be a coincidence.

The perk of living a long life.

Life experiences had honed both his mind and instincts, allowing him to notice small details—the exact reason why he was admired.

“Since our destination is the same, would you mind if I come with you to the conference room?”

“Of course not.”

“Thank you. Being the escort of the future Her Majesty the Queen is a great pleasure for an elderly man with only a short life ahead of him.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

Her exasperated sigh was met with Dexter’s elegant laughter.

---

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