Reichardt
“THAT’S ALL RIGHT WITH YOU, isn’t it, Miss Philia? Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll be worried, but even so…”
“It’s fine. This is our special trip, so we’ll pick up where we left off. I appreciate your concern.”
“I see. I’m relieved to hear that. On that note, you’ll have to excuse me. I’m going to prepare to dispatch the investigation team.”
I stroked the gem on the bracelet, bringing our correspondence to an end.
Once again, an unexpected complication had made itself known. The only silver lining was that the couple wasn’t in danger this time.
“Well, then,” I said to myself, “let’s begin preparations.”
Ever since Philia had come to our country as a saint, we’d become overly reliant on her, albeit inadvertently. Of course, her dedication was priceless to us, and we couldn’t have been more grateful for her professionalism.
“Truthfully, I’m relieved that Miss Philia is pursuing her own happiness.”
Osvalt must have worked his magic on her.
He was doing for Philia what I wished I could have done for Elizabeth. That was why I was so keen to see their honeymoon conclude without a hitch.
“Dispatch five experts in archeology and about twenty of our knights.”
“Understood! I will make arrangements immediately!”
The commander of the Knights of Parnacorta, Philip Delon, responded to my instructions in his usual high spirits. By now, the happy couple were probably on their way to his grandfather’s dojo.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to join them, Your Highness?”
“No, it’s fine. This case doesn’t warrant the presence of a commander.”
“Very well. I understand!”
“Not yet, at least. If this turns out to be too much for the investigation team to handle, I’ll put you into action.”
I seemed to have gotten into the habit of catastrophizing. Surely this case wouldn’t be that serious, no matter how I looked at it. Still, it was better safe than sorry.
Osvalt always used to say, “No outcome is a good outcome.” Though I didn’t always agree with his brazen attitude, I decided to follow his example in this case.
“Roger that! I’ll form an investigation team and send it over immediately!”
With this clear response, Philip gave me a neat bow and exited my office.
It was already pitch-black outside, but my workday wasn’t over yet.
“Prince Reichardt. Your visitor from Bolmern, Saint Grace, and her butler, Sir Arnold, are here to greet you.”
“Grace? Please send her in.”
Osvalt had told me that Miss Grace had come to Parnacorta to take on Miss Philia’s job. Though eccentric, she reminded me a little of Elizabeth.
The door opened, and Miss Grace and her butler, Arnold, stepped inside.
“Excuse me for dropping in on you, Prince Reichardt. Thank you very much for inviting me to the royal palace.”
Like a true daughter of the Mattilas family, Miss Grace greeted me with impeccable etiquette and all the proper manners.
“Think nothing of it. I appreciate you making the effort to come to our country. I must treat you with the courtesy you deserve.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m the one who turned up unannounced. I apologize for putting you in this awkward scenario. I’m humbled that you invited me here anyhow.”
“Aha ha. I’ve had a lot on my plate today, but I’m sure I can find some time for you tomorrow. How does tea sound?”
Now that she’d come all the way here, I couldn’t just send her packing. I’d assigned the task of forming an investigation committee to Philip, so I was sure I could find an opening in my schedule.
“I would love to. It’ll make for a wonderful story to tell my sisters when I get back.”
“Certainly. I look forward to it.”
After agreeing to the tea party, Grace left the office.
I was a lost cause. I’d promised myself to look toward the future, and yet here I was, reminded of Elizabeth yet again.