“I’m fine. You really don’t have to worry so much. Do you not trust me?”
“Of course I’m worried, and it’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just...”
“What?”
“I feel uneasy unless I’m near you, and I don’t know why. If I can’t come to you, can you come to me instead?” he asked.
“Siegfried, I told you, I’m busy. There’s a mountain of work I need to finish. I don’t have time to come visit the capital.”
Some of the children had already been placed as servants in noble households. I’d even sent a group handpicked by Theodore to the Louboutin estate to monitor Gilles and the others. Gathering and reviewing their reports took time. More time than I had to spare.
“I need you to sign the documents regarding funding for the orphanage,” he said.
“You already prepared them?”
“Of course.”
It was one more thing on a long to-do list, but also one of the most important. Life in the estate was comfortable for the children, but they weren’t the only orphans in the city. Somewhere out there, other kids were still starving. There was nothing to deliberate.
“Understood. I’ll head out there tomorrow. Thank you, Siegfried.”
Just as I finished speaking, Lucas’s voice chimed in from the crow. “It’s time, Your Majesty.”
“Very well. Until tomorrow, Kreis.”
And with that, the crow flapped its wings and took off.
“Tomorrow, huh? Professor’s going to pout about it.”
Professor had gone on an overnight trip with Raiden and the children. They were training in the forest and learning how to mask their presence. Professor had said something about purifying his body at a sacred spot in the woods.
That morning, he’d clung to me before leaving and said, “Don’t go anywhere while I’m gone, okay?! And if you leave without me, I’m gonna be mad!” over and over. I had been planning on tackling this paperwork, so there hadn’t been any plans to leave the estate today or tomorrow anyway.
“He was excited to eat something good at the castle.”
I hadn’t expected Siegfried to draw up the documents so quickly. I’d promised to bring Professor along the next time I went to the castle, but the date was set now, so there was no changing it.
“I’ll just bring back something tasty for him.”
Professor really held grudges when it came to food. He’d sulk if I left him out, so I’d have to return with a mountain of treats to pacify him.
“I heard His Majesty’s been visiting you quite frequently lately, Lord Kreis.”
The rose garden in the palace courtyard was in full bloom. Risthea Kahrs—the king’s fiancée and our future queen—sipped her tea with an elegant smile.
“I’m very sorry to have caused His Majesty concern by leaving the Louboutin estate,” I said, bowing my head.
Word of Kreis’s departure had already spread among the nobles, including Risthea.
She laughed softly. “No, I didn’t mention it out of irritation. It’s just... I wonder if he’s not causing trouble for you?” She was a calm and gentle woman, truly worthy of standing beside Siegfried.
She had golden hair, striking sapphire eyes, and the graceful presence of someone raised from childhood to be Siegfried’s wife. She had a certain dignity to her that couldn’t be replicated in an ordinary upbringing.
“That’s not fair, Risthea. You make it sound like I’m bothering Kreis,” Siegfried interjected.
“Goodness, Your Majesty. It’s not proper for a monarch to say such things. It makes it hard for Lord Kreis to speak frankly.”
“N-No, I really don’t consider it a bother.”
Risthea giggled. “Hee hee, I was teasing. But Lord Kreis, His Majesty can be rather forceful at times. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind now and again, all right Kreis?”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You’re both so mean...”
Watching the two of them interact with such familiarity made me feel strangely calm. They suited each other perfectly—a vision of the kingdom’s bright future. I almost felt like an intruder just sitting here. Well, technically I was an intruder.
How had this even happened?
Originally, I’d only planned on signing the documents and then returning home immediately. I was hoping to get back before Professor returned.
But the king was busy. I’d shown up at the exact time he requested, only to be told the meeting was delayed and I’d have to wait. So I’d stepped into the courtyard to pass the time, and that was when I heard a voice behind me.
“Oh? Are you alone today?” It was Risthea. “If you have time, would you care for some tea with me?”
It felt too presumptuous to accept, but I couldn’t think of any reason to refuse. And before I knew it, here I was, sipping tea with her in the garden. A few moments later, Siegfried had appeared, looking breathless, and joined us.
“Lord Kreis, what will you do once your business with His Majesty is finished?” Risthea asked.
“There are a few things I’d like to pick up in the capital. After that, I’ll be returning to the estate.”
“Kreis, you came all this way. There’s no need to rush back,” Siegfried said.
“Your Majesty, Lord Kreis is a busy man. Don’t make things difficult for him. He came all this way to handle the affairs for the orphanage, didn’t he?” Risthea knew why I was here, just as I’d expected. “What you’re doing is truly admirable, Lord Kreis. I do hope His Majesty doesn’t end up hindering your efforts.”
Risthea wasn’t just beautiful, she was sharp too. She stood up to Siegfried when it was necessary.
That was exactly why I looked forward to their reign. And yet, something inside of me felt uncomfortable as the two of them smiled at each other.
I really am in the way...
I wanted to leave as soon as I could. Sitting between the king and the future queen made it impossible to relax. Yeah, that has to be it. What else would make me feel like this?
“Thanks for your concern, Lady Risthea. I’m currently overwhelmed with preparations for the orphanage, so if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go ahead and get those documents signed.”
My statement was directed at Siegfried, who immediately rose to his feet and said, “Very well, then. Come with me to my office.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I stood as well, and we gave our polite farewells to Risthea. She gave us a warm smile in return. “Let’s meet again soon.”
“These are the last documents that require your signature,” Siegfried said, watching over me as I signed the final page. This would allow construction on the orphanage to move forward at full speed.
“I’ll remain grateful for your support for the rest of my life, Your Majesty.”
“There’s no need for such formality. We’re alone, Kreis.”
“Still, this is an official matter.”
I glanced down at the papers. It was true that the kingdom was already investing in orphanage operations, but the terms outlined here were extraordinarily generous.