Time passed, and Ninym’s routine life in the forest mansion continued. Wein spent his days reading quietly, and she helped care for him and the household.
Ninym often wondered about her future. The current arrangement was made possible only because of Wein’s kindness. It couldn’t last forever. She pondered what to do while carrying out her usual duties, and sometimes she scoured the library when she had permission. No amount of consideration or research provided an answer, though.
Still, Ninym’s efforts weren’t entirely wasted. She learned quite a lot about Wein.
His Highness isn’t very particular.
Before, she’d thought he was incomprehensible. It was rude to think of him as such, yet she couldn’t help but consider him an enigma wrapped in an enigma.
However, that opinion was coming undone. Ninym couldn’t say she had Wein completely solved, but she did grasp one aspect of his character—he wasn’t picky about much.
He couldn’t care less when it comes to his food or clothing.
Anyone with eyes could see Wein was a noble. It was no exaggeration to say he was of the most aristocratic bloodline in the nation. Yet he always accepted Ninym’s mediocre efforts. She even secretly reduced and then doubled his meal size as a test. Wein always ate whatever he was given, never commenting on it. She was wise enough not to go past five times the usual amount, but she didn’t need to. Ninym understood that his disinterest in such matters was simply his character.
I don’t get the sense this is self-imposed poverty.
Wein’s behavior didn’t suggest high-minded temperance. Rather, he merely seemed to lack interest, awareness, and desire. He wasn’t indifferent to everything, of course. For one, Wein loved to read, yet even that, he appeared to do dispassionately. It was somehow otherworldly. One could’ve mistaken him for an illusion.
You could even say he’s…strange?
From mysterious to strange. It was debatable whether this was a step forward or backward in regard to his character. Any assessment was liable to change again as Ninym’s days with the boy continued.
I know I need to think about what I want to do once this is over, but…
If possible, Ninym thought she’d like to remain with her savior the prince a while longer.
✦ ✦ ✦
A fire broke out in the mansion several days later.
“Ninym’s taking the day off?”
“Yes. I understand this is a critical time, but she is mentally exhausted and asks that you allow her to rest.”
Levan had come to Wein’s office to inform him that his ever-present aide was indisposed.
“I see… Well, that makes sense. I’m always asking a lot of her.” Wein nodded despite his bitter expression. He had previously collapsed because of overwork and didn’t want her to suffer the same fate.
“I appreciate your consideration, Prince Wein,” Levan said with a reverent bow. “Worry not. Today I shall act as Your Highness’s aide in Ninym’s stead.”
“I’m counting on you, Levan. This next meeting with Caldmellia is the final curtain.”
The director had been in Natra for some time already, and after several rounds of negotiation, the end was nigh.
“Forgive my forwardness, but how will you answer Lady Caldmellia’s proposal?”
Would Natra join the West or the Empire?
The vassals had already discussed this at length. They naturally played a part in Natra’s future, but the gap between them and their sovereign had grown in recent days. The vassals intended to undermine his authority and take matters into their own hands. Surprisingly, Wein himself was far from displeased and actually supported this.
However, the vassals failed to come to a consensus. Although one would assume Wein had the final word, he’d deferred, yet his officials’ skittishness over this momentous decision that promised to change Natra forever became a roadblock. It was a sad state of affairs. Regardless, Wein regained authority to finish the business with Caldmellia.
“Right, right. Well, my policies haven’t changed. I’m going to accept her offer. For now anyway.”
“…But ultimately join the Empire.”
“You got it. I’ve already said this to Ninym, but my bet is on the Empire in this East-West showdown. Until then, Natra needs to play its cards right while staying on their good side.”
Wein knew both the Empire and the West were formidable, yet he boldly declared he’d pull their strings. Such a harebrained idea would be absurd if it had come from anyone else. But in Wein’s case, it sounded crazy enough to work. He could absolutely pull it off.
“…”
“What is it, Levan?”
“It’s nothing… We should head to the meeting room.”
Wein nodded and stood from his chair.
I wonder if the meeting has already started…
Ninym’s eyes darted around the room as she fidgeted nervously in her seat. Thoughts of Wein filled her mind. She’d usually be at his side, but Levan had taken her place today since she felt under the weather.
In truth, her condition wasn’t too severe. Although recent events had indeed left her weary, Ninym could still function. She wouldn’t normally leave Wein for something like this.
This had come about per Levan’s request after he asked to speak with Wein alone as head of the Flahm and attend the meeting with Caldmellia. He took over Ninym’s duties for the day after she claimed to feel unwell, so now she had no choice but to lie around.
✦ ✦ ✦
