“Lord Phillip, here are some documents I’d like you to look over.”
“All right. Give me a moment.”
“Thank you.”
I’d been working at the palace since morning, as usual, when I received some documents from the son of an earl, who also happened to be an old classmate of mine. As I looked through the papers, I heard him open his mouth.
“Speaking of which, I met Lady Viola yesterday.”
“You met Viola?”
“Yes, at House Ranaman’s soiree. I often see her at gatherings these days.”
“I see...”
Thanks to all the work on my plate, I hadn’t been able to meet with her or even communicate with her via letters. But I was relieved to hear that she was doing well. After I returned the documents I looked over, he lowered his head and returned to his seat.
Lately, Viola’s been going out of her way to participate in social gatherings. She used to hate participating in those kinds of events, but I heard from Rex that the reason she’s starting to change is for my benefit.
Back when she pretended to have amnesia, I legitimately believed that I could handle everything myself and she didn’t have to lift a finger. All I needed from Viola was her presence at my side. That was all I ever asked for. However, her wanting to work hard for me and House Lawrenson made me happier than simply having Viola next to me. My chest filled with warmth every time I thought of how she was doing her best to live up to her future position as Duchess Lawrenson, and I loved her even more than I already did.
“I want to see you, Viola...”
Every time I thought of her, I wanted to meet her. I decided that I’d write a letter to her later and cleaned up the mountains of papers on my desk. Then, a light knocking sound rang through the room.
Before any of us could say anything, the door opened and I heard light footsteps rushing toward me. I didn’t even have to look up to know who was standing in front of me.
“Phillip, let’s eat some snacks together! I received some delicious chocolates!”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll eat some later.”
“All right, I understand. Then I’ll just sit right here for now.”
Princess Adele smiled after she said that and then she plopped herself down on the chair right next to me. She always listened to the adults around her and could read the room better than any other five-year-old I knew.
“Make sure you don’t dirty the documents with your snacks,” I said.
“Sheesh. Please don’t treat me like a child.”
“Aren’t you a child though? You’re five years old.”
“Hmm, I suppose you’re right,” Princess Adele said, looking convinced of my argument.
After spending the past few weeks with her, I learned that not only was Princess Adele still very young, she was also a little bit of an airhead.
“Phillip, can we eat dinner together today as well?”
“I’m sorry, but I thought I’d go home earlier than usual today.”
“I see...”
Princess Adele looked down at the ground sadly. Seeing her like that made me start to feel a little guilty. Apparently, Princess Adele was the apple of Emperor Samarind’s eye, which made sense considering she was his youngest child. The king even told us not to do or say anything that would put Princess Adele in a bad mood.
Even though I wasn’t a friendly person at all, the princess often came to visit me whenever she had free time, but all she would do was watch me work with a cheery look on her face. It was impressive that she hadn’t gotten bored of it yet. I could even feel myself finding her more and more adorable the more I saw her.
“And then, Luna was like...”
I was listening to the princess talk while nodding and working, but a knock sounded out again. This time, the door only opened after someone called for the person to come in. The person who entered was Princess Luna.
“Adele, I knew I’d find you here. Phillip’s busy, so don’t do anything that’ll add onto his workload.”
“Okaaay.”
After Princess Luna lightly scolded Princess Adele, she turned to look at me.
“Oh, that reminds me. Hey, Phillip, I’m sorry to impose, but could you go to tonight’s soiree with me?”
“Do you remember what you yourself said a minute ago?”
“And that’s precisely why I said ‘I’m sorry to impose.’ I was suddenly told that I had to participate in this one.”
Princess Luna didn’t look like she was sorry at all. She took a small piece of chocolate from Princess Adele and popped it into her mouth. Apparently, she would feel a lot better going to tonight’s soiree if I was with her because we were close to each other in age.
“Actually, I’ve already gotten permission from your king so don’t worry about work.”
“Luna, that’s so unfair! How come you’re the only one who gets to participate in a party with Phillip?!”
“Because by the time the party starts, good children like you should already be in bed. Maybe once you’re older, you can attend one with him.”
“Okay... Tell me a bedtime story before you go.”
“Yes, of course. Adele, you’re such a good girl.”
Nothing about this made me less worried at all. Even though I was the one who had to go to the party, I didn’t get a say in it either. It looked like it’d be midnight by the time I could get home. I didn’t know how many times I’d sighed already, but I was about to add another one to the tally when a cheery voice rang out.
“Princess Luna, am I not enough for you?”
Rex strolled, a brilliantly blinding smile on his face and several documents in one hand.
Thank goodness, Rex. You saved me.
However, despite my relief, Princess Luna immediately shook her head.
“I don’t want to go with you, Rex. You’re really shady.”
“That’s mean. There’s no man more honest than me in this entire kingdom.”
“Besides, do you even realize how many women were staring at me the last time I went to a ball with you? All right, Phillip, you better start dolling yourself up in a few.”
“Fine...”
Not even Rex could help me out of this mess, and so it was decided that I’d be going to the soiree. However, one of the jobs that the king gave me was to support the princess in social gatherings. I might be able to worm out of this in the future, but I had to go at least once.
“I’m looking forward to going to the party with you,” Princess Luna said before she, along with Princess Adele, left the meeting room.
“Must be tough to be so popular with the ladies. Sorry that I couldn’t be of more help,” Rex said.
“It’s fine. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied. “I’m going to die soon if I don’t get to see Viola...”
I want to see her face. I want to see her and talk to her. If I could be greedy, then I want to hug her. I wonder what she’s doing right now? I hope she’s thinking about me, even if only a little.
My feelings for her filled my chest as I continued to think about her.
“I’ll try to organize the schedule and workload so that you’ll have some time off again soon,” Rex said.
“Thank you.”
“Now then, back to the grind.”
I nodded at Rex’s words and then went back to work, at least until I had to begin preparing for the soiree.