She readjusted her expression and made her way over to us. Though she was playing her reckless character and trying to pull Lord Simeon away from me again, she most likely wouldn’t have done so had I truly been ill. Even though she’d learned that I was only motion sick, guilt still flashed through her eyes as she stole glances back at me. I detected no trace of joy at her rival in love being weakened. It was increasingly obvious that this act of hers wasn’t real—she really had no romantic feelings for Lord Simeon, so what were her reasons for doing all this?
Lord Simeon flatly refused her. “I’m terribly sorry, but I’m going to take my leave here. I’ll leave you in the care of my subordinates and the master of this manor.”
He pointedly pulled away from her and came over to my side. When the princess winced at his cold reaction, Mr. Meyer voiced his complaints from behind her. “How dare you ignore your duty of protecting Her Highness in favor of your personal companion! Can you not differentiate between work and private affairs? What are you even here for?”
“I have not forgotten my responsibilities. I am able to protect the princess without having to cater to her.”
“Impudence!”
Oh my. Lord Simeon really doesn’t hold back anymore.
He knew that the princess wasn’t being genuine, but he still seemed displeased that she hadn’t explained anything. He didn’t sigh at Mr. Meyer’s scolding and instead shot back icily. “I believe it would be more rude of me to step in as her guard when she has her own to begin with. The proper formation should be the Visselian troops protecting her directly, with Lagrange’s as the outer ring.”
“But Her Highness is asking for you!”
Princess Mira stepped in to mediate. “That’s enough, Mr. Meyer. Please don’t cause a scene.”
The man didn’t relent. “Vissel’s honor will be questioned if we back down after they slight us! These are the times we should raise our voices in protest!”
“We don’t have to go that far. Lieutenant, that’s enough. Please, go with your wife.”
Mr. Meyer huffed and laughed scornfully. “The wife knows her place even less than the husband does. Lagrange is in the middle of escorting another kingdom’s delegation, yet she invited herself along. It’s shocking. She couldn’t possibly be trying to compete with our princess, could she? It’s impressive that you aren’t embarrassed when you look like that. Does jealousy make you avoid mirrors?”
Oh... Oh! That’s a good line. I might be able to use it somewhere. But I don’t have the energy to write it down right now...
A coat of anger began to wrap around Lord Simeon’s body. I tugged at his sleeve as I fought with my nausea, attempting to tell him not to fight.
The dour mood seeped into the rest of our party as well. Our knights glared at Mr. Meyer, while the Visselians turned disparaging glares back at us. The atmosphere made it clear that we wouldn’t get along, and that made me panic.
Lagrange and Vissel already had a less-than-friendly relationship. Our shared past was still fresh in people’s minds, so if anything were to occur between us, we’d immediately be at odds. The princess was visiting for that very reason, trying to mend said relationship. Lagrange had done its best to treat her well, but if a fight were to break out here, it would all have been for naught... And it would be my fault—over something so ridiculous too. Being apologetic wouldn’t be nearly enough to make up for it.
Princess Mira’s expression had also clouded over. She’d tried to stop Mr. Meyer, yet he’d refused to listen and was in fact intentionally ignoring her pleas. Did he not realize that he was being rude himself?
The princess, troubled, looked over to Mr. Mace for help. So she relies on her secretary more than her waiting maid. Unfortunately, he’ll probably get ignored even if he tries to step in.
Right as Prince Severin began to move, unable to stand back and watch anymore, I put my hand out to stop him. “Please, wait.”
The situation would worsen significantly if our own royalty were to get involved. Things would be solved much faster if I were to simply pull back. Just as Mr. Meyer had said, Lord Simeon should prioritize his mission, not his family.
But right before I could call out, a melty voice sliced the tense air between Lord Simeon and Mr. Meyer.
“Vice Captain, before anything else, I think we should first get your wife some rest.” A man who’d gotten off one of the carriages near the end of the entourage came forward. “I’ll have Eva take her to her room. I’m sure she’d like to change and lay down, so she’d be more comfortable with a woman escort, don’t you think?”
This was Lord Nigel, who was accompanying us for some reason. The ambassador of Easdale should’ve had no reason to partake in this journey, yet here he was, with Arthur and Ms. Eva in tow as always.
Lord Nigel and Prince Severin chided Lord Simeon with their eyes, and he in turn sighed and looked down at me. I smiled at him to let him know I was fine.
“Lady Eva?” I could feel the fatigue creeping up. “Sorry to bother you, but I would appreciate the assistance.”
“Yes, ma’am.” This secretary, who was tall and wore men’s clothing, walked briskly to my side.
I bid farewell to everyone then took the lead to the entrance of our lodgings.
As I passed Princess Mira, she whispered to me, “I’m sorry...”
I turned around, but she wouldn’t meet my eyes. She’d turned her back to me so she could give orders to Mr. Meyer and Mr. Mace.
Once I was in the room that had been prepared for me, I had Lady Eva help me remove my dress and corset. I’d left my belongings in the carriage and had no energy to retrieve them, so I just crawled into bed in my undergarments.
“I’m sorry for all the trouble.” I mumbled.
“Please, don’t worry about it. Would you like me to call for a doctor?”
“No, it’s not that serious... I’m sure I’ll be fine after a good rest.”
The servants of the manor brought a wash basin for me, just in case. I prayed I wouldn’t have to use it.
I sent them and Lady Eva away, deciding that I wouldn’t need to be cared for. The anguish lasted for a while, but I eventually fell asleep, possibly passing out. Once I was awake again, it was completely dark outside the window. My stomach and head, which had hurt so much before, were now refreshed. As I lay under the covers, I made sure my body was in working order, then relaxed and let the tension out of my limbs.
The room was dimly lit—there was only a small flame in the lamp. Sitting up, I reached my hand over to the bedside table, which held not only my glasses, the lamp, and the wash basin, but also a small tray that hadn’t been present before I’d fallen asleep. Something covered with a napkin rested upon it. Pulling the napkin away, I found a light meal on a plate, just as I’d expected. Ham and vegetables had been sandwiched between soft bread.
Am I able to eat again? Hmm... Yes. I’m starving, in fact.
I put my glasses on and gratefully got to work on the food. A glass and a pitcher were also on the tray—the pitcher was filled with cold tea. Citrus had evidently been squeezed into it, making the tea ever so slightly bittersweet. The refreshing taste made me sigh, satisfied. I enjoyed the bread thoroughly and finished my meal in no time.
I wonder what time it is? Has everyone finished supper yet?
I wanted to give my thanks for the food, but I’d have to put my dress back on. I’ll have to call someone for help... But that’ll be bothersome...
My travel bag was sitting near the bed, having been brought in while I was asleep. I could wear clothing that I can put on by myself... But that would also be bothersome.
As I worried over what to do, a quiet knock came at the door. I hurriedly wrapped myself in the bed covers and responded.
Lord Simeon was the one to come through the door. Seeing how I was dressed, he entered and shut the door behind him, then walked over. “How are you feeling?”
“I’ve calmed down significantly. I’m sorry for causing so much trouble.”
His expression relaxed when he saw the empty plate on the table. “Was the food enough? I didn’t know if you could eat, so I asked them to prepare only a light meal. I can ask for more if you’re still hungry.”
“Ah, so you were the one who brought it in. Thank you very much. I’m not particularly full, but it’s nighttime, so I think I’ll refrain from eating any more.”
He sat down by my side, pulled off his gloves, and rubbed my cheek. I leaned into his kind warmth.
“Starting tomorrow, you’re not allowed to write in the carriage. You’re forbidden from bringing your pen and paper as well.”
“Urgh...” As kind as his voice was, his words were strict. But of course, he was completely correct. I couldn’t exactly argue against him when I’d ended up in today’s state. “Understood. I’m sorry.”