“It’s the first time you’ve ever been so childish in my presence,” Olivia remarked.
“I’m sorry,” Krone apologized. “But could we stay like this for just a little while longer? That’s all I ask.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. We can be here for as long as you wish, Krone. I shall be by your side as long as you desire it.” Olivia’s tone was serene and gentle, her floral scent soothing Krone’s mind.
“When we met at that social gathering all those years ago, I would’ve never thought that I’d be allowed to become so closely acquainted with you.”
“Ever since then, you have been nothing but the most splendid young lady. I still remember how you were a touch nervous that day.”
“Oh dear, please don’t remind me. Back then, I truly believed that I was able to act perfectly, I’ll have you know.”
“Hee hee. You were so very adorable.”
As the two reminisced about the past, Krone was convinced. She didn’t want to let this peace slip out of her hands either.
“I’ve always wanted to act spoiled with you, Princess Olivia,” Krone murmured.
“My, oh my,” Olivia replied. “You can act spoiled with me whenever you wish. You may continue to visit my room whenever you wish.”
“Thank you. That makes me so happy to hear,” Krone replied.
Her voice grew smaller for she knew that there were no guarantees about her future. Would she be able to indulge in this luxury ever again? She once again strongly felt that she never wanted to release this palace of tranquility from her grasp and she muttered under her breath.
“I just...absolutely don’t want to lose you,” she whispered.
“Pardon? Did you say something?” Olivia asked.
“Ah, I just said that I should be careful so that I wouldn’t act spoiled every day.”
Had Krone stayed a few seconds longer, she feared that she’d never be able to let the princess go. And so, the advisor lied as she drew back from Olivia.
“Are you satisfied already?” Olivia asked.
“Not at all,” Krone replied. “But if I stay any longer, I won’t be able to leave your side, so I must control myself.”
“Oh, don’t say that. If you keep saying such adorable things, I’ll be tempted to grow my roots and tie you down so that you’ll never be able to leave.”
“Hee hee. Then I’d be spoiled to no end.” Krone elegantly curtsied. “Unfortunately, I must return to work. Thank you so much for allowing me to spend time with you despite my sudden visit.”
“I don’t mind at all. You may come back anytime you wish.”
The two ladies smiled at each other, and Krone left the room. Once the advisor left and stepped into the corridor, she frowned. She cupped the leather bag in her pocket and faced the ground.
“Even more color has left her face,” she murmured.
Even though the princess had put on a brave face, she was clearly paler than before. Krone hadn’t said a word of it, but she also noticed that Olivia’s body was becoming cool to the touch. The young advisor didn’t need it spelled out for her; she knew that it was because Olivia was unconsciously connected with Ein in some way. In other words, things hadn’t rounded the corner just yet.
“No...” Krone murmured.
She hugged herself and trembled faintly—they were headed for the worst-case scenario, just as she’d imagined. Then suddenly, Martha spotted the young lady and hastily approached her.
“Lady Krone!” Martha cried. “I’ve been told that we’ve just received word back from Heim!”
Krone steadied her breathing and slapped her cheeks, hoping to switch gears. Having heard that Silverd was also making his way to the audience room, she swiftly left to join him.