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“RIDDHE!”
Alicia, who excused herself from the audience hall as soon as she could after the appointment ceremony, called out. The young man, who was conversing with Clovis and Robert, turned around, surprise on his face.
“Your Highness! I was just asking Cromwell if I may have an audience with you.”
“I thought that might be the case, so here I am,” Alicia teased with a mischievous smile, but Riddhe’s expression remained serious as he bowed his head.
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude to Your Highness for the chance to see the incident to its conclusion. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”
“I didn’t give you anything. You’re the right person for the task, and you’ll have to thank yourself for that.”
Before her trip to Erdal, Alicia had raised the idea of stationing Riddhe there to the young man. He’d been shocked at first but agreed resolutely.
Now, with Empress Elizabeth and Alicia having joined forces, the plan was coming to fruition.
And not a moment too soon.
Alicia clasped her hands before her heart.
Six years ago, Erdal had chosen not to conduct any investigations to find out who had colluded with Loid. She’d informed Riddhe about this in the Sutherland mansion back then, and she vividly remembered the anger, regret, and resignation that had flashed across his face. She understood his feelings because she’d experienced them as well.
Now, they could finally make progress from the frustration they’d felt. Once the truth was uncovered and the mastermind found, her pact with the messenger of the stars and wish to save Heilland’s future would be fulfilled.
“Please leave the Sheraford branch to us, though Commissioner Dreyfus will be especially sad when you’re so far away. The advisory office will provide support any way we can,” Clovis said.
“And I’ve also heard that Riddhe boy’s cousin will be appointed as acting branch chief,” Robert added.
“Yeah. He’s been supporting me all this while, so he should be fine, but I’m counting on you, Cromwell,” Riddhe said. “If anything happens to the Sheraford branch in my absence, I’m gonna sue the advisory office.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Clovis said with a smile. Alicia also took the chance to pipe up.
“Promise me just one thing, Riddhe. Make sure you come back safely. You mustn’t lose your life there.”
“Your Highness…”
“Her Majesty Elizabeth may be our ally now,” Alicia continued, “but our enemy is also an important political figure in Erdal. You’ll need to infiltrate their ranks to uncover more, so please don’t forget that this is a dangerous role.”
“You’re as sweet and kind as ever, Your Highness,” Riddhe said with an easy shrug and grin, then placed his hand on his chest. “I’ll definitely come back. We Sutherlands always keep our promises, so relax and watch as your loyal subject, Riddhe Sutherland, works his magic. Besides, Your Highness is surrounded by many other talented and loyal subjects. Please make use of them to bring glory to Heilland.”
“Wow. Our prideful Riddhe boy has grown into a splendid young man. I’m so proud but also a little sad,” Robert sighed, shaking his head before his eyes took on a mischievous glint. “But it’s too bad that you have to leave so soon. The Star Festival is just around the corner. You’ll miss that passionate, romantic night and the best chance to confess your feelings to the one you love.”
“Wha— Hey! Idiot!!!!!” Riddhe exploded.
“Huh? Riddhe has a special someone? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Alicia whined.
“Wh-What are you saying, Y-Y-Your Highness?!”
“Someone told me that lovers who exchange promises and share a kiss on the night of the Star Festival will be bound in love for eternity, or something like that,” Robert said teasingly. “I wonder, who was the lovestruck guy who shared his hopes with me just the other day?”
“Wait, Robert!! Damn you!!”
Riddhe’s voice rose as he pulled at his red hair, his shouts echoing down the hallways of the usually quiet Egdiel Castle. Passing officials and knights stopped and stared.
His face was scarlet in contrast to Robert’s calm one, but Alicia’s mind was already somewhere far away.
A kiss shared on the night of the Star Festival for eternal love…
Alicia’s eyes naturally sought out Clovis, only to find him smiling at her.
“Is something the matter, Your Highness?” he asked.
“Oh? No, it’s nothing,” she whispered, lowering her head to hide her burning face.
“Please be prepared. I won’t run away from you any longer.”
Alicia’s heart beat fast as she remembered the passion in Clovis’s eyes as he held her face lovingly in his hands.
Only a few days had passed since she’d resolved her long-unrequited love and confessed to the man, but since they were still princess and adviser, they had to maintain that professional relationship in front of others.
That was why Clovis had yet to touch Alicia as a lover since they alighted from their carriage in Heilland.
Despite that, Alicia couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed every time she recalled what happened that day.
Clovis had held up well, calmly playing his role as adviser and treating her like a child again. It was frankly annoying.
Besides, it’s probably impossible for us to find time to be alone together on the night of the Star Festival… Alicia sighed, shoulders drooping.
As the Star Festival coincided with Heilland’s founding day, she’d have to spend the entire day attending ceremonies in the castle as its princess. Meanwhile, Clovis would be busy running around all day, overseeing the proceedings as part of his duties as an adviser. It could be possible, but highly unlikely, that they’d find time to meet in secret.
Disappointed, Alicia raised her eyes to see Clovis holding out a hand, a flawless and perfect smile on his handsome face.
“Let us go, Your Highness. We’ll miss our next schedule if we wait around watching these two argue.”
Alicia stared at her adviser’s white-gloved hand, then at his smile.
“…Yes, let’s go.”
“As you wish.”
What she wished was to wipe the smug look off her lover’s face, but unfortunately, she had no idea how to do that. In the end, she had to take Clovis’s hand, his gentle smile only aggravating her more.
Why am I the only one feeling so vulnerable?
Grumbling to herself, Alicia left the hallway.