“Your Majesties. What’s going on?” Christine inquired curiously. She was standing next to Jeanette inside the audience chamber.
That morning, Jeanette had received a sudden summons to the castle. When she arrived, she found Christine and Dr. Jaquilla were present too. While the three of them exchanged confused glances with each other, the king and queen smiled.
“Sorry to call you over so suddenly,” Eric said. “Actually, we’d like to discuss the ball from the other day. You all saw for yourselves, didn’t you? Tia danced during it.”
Realizing his intention, Christine nodded and spoke up supportively.
“Yes—she was so lovely! Her dance was perfect. I was worried that when she opened her mouth, she might utter something selfi—ahem, I mean, tomboyish, but her words were perfectly refined and ladylike! I was so relieved.”
The king nodded happily.
“We never thought we’d see the day when Tia danced like that either. I thought she looked like a national treasure that I’d love to show off everywhere.”
“I can’t believe my little girl has already grown into such a fine young lady...” the queen added, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“It’s all thanks to your treatment, Dr. Jaquilla,” Eric pointed out.
“No, no. It was thanks to Her Highness’s own efforts,” the physician replied humbly.
Jeanette smiled as she listened to the conversation. Their Majesties still had no idea that she had taught their daughter karate. Both Meltia and Jaquilla had hidden it well. Of course, all the credit would be given solely to the doctor, but Jeanette didn’t mind. All she wanted was to have Claus back.
“She really enjoyed herself, and said she’d like to attend more balls,” Eric went on.
“That’s great to hear. We need to show her more of the outside world,” Christine responded.
“True... It’s what she wants as well, so I’d like to give her more chances to go to parties. Don’t you agree?” the king asked, addressing his wife.
Still misty-eyed, she nodded.
“Yes. It’s time to let her move on from being my adorable little Tia... It’s my duty as her mother.”
It looked like the ball had changed not just Meltia’s mind, but the queen’s too. She was no longer worried sick about her daughter—she had started to trust in her.
Her Majesty looks so happy. I’m glad! Jeanette thought.
That was when Christine decided to take the opportunity to ask something.
“There’s one other thing... Isn’t it time to let Count Guivarch return home at last?”
Their Majesties’ breaths hitched at that. They looked at each other and then nodded.
“I also wanted to address this matter,” Eric admitted. “We’ve detained him here long enough; I think it’s time to let him go.”
Jeanette gasped when she heard the words she’d been waiting for. Christine’s face lit up too. She grinned at Jeanette.
“Isn’t that great?!”
“Yes! But...why so suddenly?” Jeanette asked the king. He smiled, though it looked a little pained.
“It was Tia’s decision. She told me yesterday to let Count Guivarch go home already.”
“Tia said that?” Christine asked with disbelief. “What in the world changed her mind?”
“We don’t really know... But she did proudly declare that a proper young lady shouldn’t forcibly detain the man she loves.”
“Oh my,” the duchess murmured, her mouth hanging open.
“You must be thinking she has no right to say that, hmm?” the queen asked Jeanette with an elegant laugh.
“Not at all!” Jeanette protested.
The queen gazed at her and continued speaking in a kind tone of voice.
“It’s all right. We really did cause you two so much trouble... This was the first time Tia expressed interest in a man—no, in another person. That’s why we were so elated. Baroness Roussel, I’m sorry that you got wrapped up in our selfishness. I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
The woman lowered her head. Panicked, Jeanette quickly waved her hands.
“Please, there’s no need! This was a very valuable experience for me!”
It was true. She had started visiting the palace because Claus had been under house arrest, but it all turned into an amazing learning experience for her. She looked at Their Majesties with a large, cheerful grin, and that seemed to reassure them.
“Then let’s return him right away,” the king decided. “Someone bring the count here!”
Some servants scurried out of the chamber at his order. A short while later, they returned with a breathless Claus in tow.
“Lord Claus!” Jeanette exclaimed. The day is finally here!
She had been waiting all this time for the day when she could hug him once more without anyone getting in the way. The day when Claus would finally return to her side.
“Jeanette!”
Like magnets, the two of them rushed at each other and embraced. Claus held Jeanette tightly, and she could feel his hot breath in her ear as he whispered.
“Let’s get married as soon as we’re back.”
She could feel the resonance of his voice and his warmth.
“We’ll become a married couple, and nobody will be able to tear us apart again. Let’s have a quiet ceremony with just our family. Once that’s settled, we can have a bigger celebration.”
“Right! I was thinking the same thing!” Jeanette responded, holding her arms around Claus just as tightly.
In reality, she knew that no matter what kind of legal agreements they made, the powers that be could easily separate them if they really wanted to. History was full of cases where married couples had been forced apart. However...
It doesn’t matter what happens next—I’m going to become Countess Guivarch. And whatever hardships strike us, I’m going to counterattack! After all, those are going to be rewards too!
Jeanette lifted her head and looked into Claus’s eyes. His violet irises stared back at her wistfully.
“Lord Claus, I want to marry you. From now on, I want to live as your wife!” she said, revealing her true desire.
Claus smiled at her.
“Yes. We’re going to be married.”