I had only been standing in the palace courtyard for a few moments when Sir Osvalt returned.
“Sorry for making you wait.”
“It’s no trouble. You took hardly any time at all. Should I avoid asking what that was about?”
“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.” Sir Osvalt appeared somewhat preoccupied. “Can it wait until another time?”
I should have seen this answer coming. Prince Reichardt wouldn’t have spoken to him in private without good reason.
“I understand.”
He laughed. “You’re very cooperative today.”
“I trust that you’ll share it with me when the time is right. You wouldn’t ask me to wait otherwise.”
Reading between the lines, I understood that it was too early for him to share what he’d learned. He’d come to me if he needed my help.
“Yes, I will. I promise.” Sir Osvalt nodded, making firm eye contact. His assertion reassured me, so I said nothing more.
“Anyway,” he continued, “getting back to our meeting with His Majesty… You were quite relaxed. I should have known it’d be a breeze for you.”
“Not at all. Despite all my preparation, I was still nervous. I just tried my utmost not to let it show, since I’d already insisted I was fine.”
Sir Osvalt laughed so hard he clutched his stomach. “Really? It’s so funny to learn that.”
“P-please don’t laugh, Sir Osvalt. You’re embarrassing me.” For some reason, my cheeks were starting to burn.
I’d planned to assume a bolder attitude at the meeting, but His Majesty’s surprisingly open-hearted demeanor actually made me more anxious than I would otherwise have been.
Nonetheless, I appreciated His Majesty’s kindness.
“I didn’t expect him to care so much about our trip,” I remarked.
“My father—I mean, His Majesty—is like that.” Sir Osvalt’s eyes narrowed. “As a king, he’s always been strict with me and my brother, but when he takes on his fatherly role, there’s no one as loving as him.”
“Sir Osvalt…”
My husband must have inherited his kindness from His Majesty. I was certain of it.
“I’m glad you gave my brother that magic communicator. Now, we can embark on our honeymoon free of worries.”
“Yes, that’s true. Prince Reichardt seemed unsure whether to accept Grace’s offer, so I hope we’ve put his mind at rest.”
At the wedding, Grace had insisted that she should act as my substitute while I was away, and Prince Reichardt had considered her offer. We had only been able to visit places like Gyptia and Dalbert because Mammon’s teleportation gate made it possible to travel in the blink of an eye. Under normal circumstances, Parnacorta’s saint voyaging to a faraway land would be cause for concern.
A domestic tour was different, though. I could come straight home if necessary, so as long as we had a means of keeping in touch, everything ought to be fine.
“I got the sense that Lady Grace would impose herself on Parnacorta whether we liked it or not. She might even show up on the day of our departure.”
“Ha ha, don’t be absurd. Grace is Count Mattilas’s daughter. He would never allow it.”
“Heh… I was only kidding around. Anyway, are you ready to go home?”
Sir Osvalt escorted me into a horse-drawn carriage. Slowly, it carried us to our new abode.
“Lady Philia! Your new mansion is magnificent! Its beauty almost brought me to tears!”
There was silence. Sir Osvalt and I exchanged looks of astonishment. Grace gave us a bright, beaming smile.
To my disbelief, Sir Osvalt’s joke had manifested in reality.
“Sigh… I told you Sir Osvalt and Lady Philia would be taken aback, didn’t I, Grace? I do apologize. Madam Grace wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
The Mattilas family’s butler, Arnold, appeared from behind her. He politely lowered his head, his expression noticeably troubled.
“We’re a little surprised,” I said quickly, “but there’s no need to worry. Thank you for coming, Grace.”
“Sure, it’s okay,” Sir Osvalt added. “We’re happy to see you.”
“Lady Philia! Prince Osvalt!” Grace, having seemingly snapped back to reality, bowed again. “I’m sorry for turning up out of the blue. When I heard you two were heading off on your honeymoon, I simply couldn’t stay away!”
“I appreciate your concern. But did Count Mattilas give his permission for you to come here?”
“Of course!” Grace’s eyes sparkled. “In fact, he couldn’t have been more encouraging. He said that as your apprentice, it’s my duty to help you out in times of need!”
On reflection, that did align with the impression I’d formed of Grace’s father. Count Mattilas and his eldest daughter, Emily, both had a strong sense of duty.
“Madam Grace,” said Arnold, “you’re getting worked up.”
“Am I? I-I apologize profusely. Er, Philia… Am I a nuisance?”
“No, not at all. I’m pleased that you’re here, Grace.”
“R-really? That’s such a relief!” Grace’s downcast and dejected expression lightened up.
Grace felt like a little sister to me. More precisely, she had an endearing charm about her that reminded me of Mia.
✦ ✦ ✦
“In that case, I’ll stand in for you while you are—”
Sir Osvalt interrupted. “It’s okay. You can sit this one out.”
“Prince Osvalt? Are you telling me that you don’t need someone to take over the saint’s role?”
He answered with a nod. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Sir Osvalt was right. We couldn’t accept her offer.
“I’m sorry to have to turn you down after you travelled all the way here, but the kingdom of Parnacorta has a reputation to maintain. I’m glad that you’re so eager to help, but I can’t allow you to take on the duties of our saint.”
“I-I see. I understand. I’ll respect your decision, Prince Osvalt.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.”
“Don’t be silly.” Grace flashed Sir Osvalt a smile. “It was inconsiderate of me to stop by unannounced. You have nothing to apologize for.”
I was genuinely happy to see Grace. I would have loved to see her grow and improve her skills in Parnacorta.
Arnold, who’d been listening to our conversation, turned to Grace. “What next, Madam Grace? Shall we visit Lady Elizabeth’s grave before we return to Bolmern?”
It was sensible of Arnold to suggest she head home. After all, we were going away for our honeymoon.
“No, I don’t plan on doing that yet.” Grace snubbed Arnold’s suggestion with a somber gaze. “I can’t go home until I’ve seen that these two have returned safely.”
Her butler’s eyes widened. “What?”
“If anything were to happen during your happy honeymoon, I have to be the one to run to your aid. Not because I’m a saint, but because it’s what I want to do.”
Arnold scratched his head, looking disappointed. “That’s a very selfish notion to state so shamelessly.”
Sir Osvalt shrugged. “Fine. There’s no use in arguing. I’ll ask my brother to let you stay in the palace as a guest. I can’t imagine him objecting.”
“Prince Osvalt? Th-that’s much too kind. I’m sure I could find an inn to stay at.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I owe your family so much. It would be indefensible not to give the Mattilas saint the respect she deserves. All you’ll have to do is keep my brother company.”
Sir Osvalt gave Grace a cheerful smile. I knew Prince Reichardt would make Grace feel very welcome.
“V-very well. Thank you for tolerating my selfish behavior, Prince Osvalt.”
“Selfish? Your behavior doesn’t seem very selfish to me. I just hope you have a relaxing stay, right, Philia?”
“Exactly. I’m happy that you’re here, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of your training for the first time in so long.”
“Lady Philia! I… I…”
For reasons beyond my comprehension, Grace had begun to tear up.
Somehow, the atmosphere at the mansion had grown even brighter. I couldn’t help but smile. One year ago, I never could have pictured how vibrant my life would become.