Chapter 25
* * *
The time has finally arrived to depart for the Empire.
The sky was clear and the sun was pleasant.
As early as the morning, the duke’s residence was a hive of activity, and Claire was bustling about her room for a different reason.
“Miss, did you forget anything?”
A helpless Hanna implored.
“No.”
“Then, are you worried about the emperor?”
“Eh?”
Claire elevated her eyebrows in shock.
While in the Empire, one never knows when they will be discovered.
“Oh, that’s no problem. I will be traveling in a distinct carriage and will not have to confront him until I reach the Empire.”
“Then, why are you so anxious?”
“Because of Tos.”
Tos had not been seen since the last time he disappeared after biting a creature in front of her.
“I have no idea where Tos is. I’m departing soon.”
“Do not fret. He will pursue you. Last time, he located you from the palace to here.”
“However, things are different this time. The Empire is extremely distant. I’ve heard it takes more than two weeks.”
Claire was concerned that Tos’s small legs would prevent him from following her.
“Tos is intelligent; he will definitely find you.”
“But still.”
While Hanna was discussing Tos, Richard entered through the opened door.
“Alicia, are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“The emperor has finally arrived.”
“I’ll go down now.”
Claire eliminated her anxious expression and straightened her dress. Then, as a noble lady, she stood tall and walked outside.
Outside the entrance, magnificently armed imperial soldiers were arrayed. They all appeared superior and confident. The armor, polished to a gleaming sheen, gleamed in the sunlight.
In front of them stood the emperor.
A black uniform with golden fringe flawlessly concealed his robust physique. Over his broad shoulders, a vibrant red cape was draped. The manner in which he stood with one hand on the hilt of his sword exuded an aura of invulnerability.
He appeared to be a savior sent to rescue Cinderella.
A prince in disguise.
The shimmering silver disguise increased his mystique.
“Lady.”
He reversed course.
His smooth lips elevated slightly.
Eiden approached her with large strides and halted in front of her.
The turquoise eyes behind the mask regarded her with a piercing gaze, as if they could see into her essence.
“Your Majesty, it is an honor to see you once again.”
“…”
“…Your Majesty?”
Just as she became unnerved by his mute stare, he removed his leather gloves and extended his hand.
Claire placed her hand gently on top of his. His lips descended slowly and touched the back of her hand. The entire procedure was so sluggish that it resembled slow motion, as if to impress.
Eiden didn’t take his eyes off her as he kissed the back of her hand.
“I don’t know how to repay your kindness for coming here in person.”
“It’s meant for the Lady.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Lady Alicia. I am Count Elliot Schneider.”
At that moment, a man who had been standing behind the emperor introduced himself.
He appeared to be a few years older than the emperor and was a gorgeous, melancholy man.
“As I have heard, you are truly beautiful.”
Elliot’s irises were folded together and he smiled slightly.
“Thank you.”
Claire began to clumsily bow her head, but then hesitated.
As a result of Eiden, who was still holding her hand, crumpling his visage.
“Your Majesty, kindly release the Lady’s hand. Aren’t you uncomfortable?”
“I’m uneasy because of your impudent speech.”
“I merely praised the Lady.”
Claire was somewhat astonished.
Elliot’s attitude toward the emperor was natural and uninhibited.
“Your Majesty, our voyage lies ahead of us. All aboard the carriage!”
Richard spoke up from the sidelines.
“Why does you have such a face?”
However, Eiden deftly disregarded Richard’s suggestion and questioned Claire.
“Eh?”
Claire, perplexed by his scrutinizing gaze, responded.
What is the problem?
Nothing seemed to be wrong?
She did not intend to board the carriage, and she did not understand why he was acting in this manner.
“People are presently awaiting. Let’s quickly board the carriage…”
“Is it because of the puppy?”
“…”
She never anticipated hearing that from Eiden.
“Are you upset due to that cretin?”
“H-how do you know that?”
“It’s plastered all over your face.”
He drew a circle with his finger in front of her visage.
Claire was extremely agitated. It was astonishing that he read her expression, but it was even more remarkable that he correctly identified her concerns. She had not mentioned Tos in any way.
“Puppy?”
Richard frowned and turned his attention to Claire. Claire felt his questioning gaze, but she was unable to answer.
“Alicia, what’s His Majesty talking about?”
Richard exhorted her in a commanding tone.
“There is no need for concern.”
Eiden continued his conversation with her while neglecting Richard.
“Wolves should not be treated carelessly. Unless the Lady is oblivious to its capabilities.”
“Do you know very well, Your Majesty?”
“Because I’m the emperor who knows everything…”
Elliot coughed quietly from the side at his remarks.
Did he feel ridiculous? Claire cast a quick gaze at Elliot, who was punching his mouth with his fist.
“You need not be concerned about that aspect.”
As if to say, ‘Don’t look at that guy,’ Eiden touched her chin in a casual manner.
“Alicia.”
Upon seeing this, Richard summoned Claire in a stern voice. He was displeased that Claire was discussing a topic with the emperor that he did not comprehend.
“Ah, brother.”
Claire hesitated, unsure of how much she should say about Tos. Thankfully, Eiden filled in for her.
“You may disregard it, Sir Richard. It is a private matter between myself and the Lady.”
Eiden extended his arm and grasped Richard’s rigid shoulder firmly.
Richard’s visage contorted violently.
“Well, shall we get on the carriage now?”
A stately and large carriage bearing the imperial crest approached in response to Eiden’s motion.
Each horse hauling the carriage was adorned with white feathers and moved impeccably.
Elliot, who had been gazing alternately at Eiden and Richard with an odd expression, opened the carriage door and waited.
“Lady.”
Eiden extended his hand towards Claire. Then he flicked his fingertips as if to inquire as to why she was not grabbing it immediately.
Claire regarded his hand with confusion before observing the carriage.
This appears to be an invitation to board that conveyance… The ostentatious imperial carriage, however, is reserved for the emperor. Why does she believe she should board that carriage?
“Your Majesty, please board the conveyance immediately. If you depart before us, we will follow.”
Richard said.
“The Lady will ride in the same carriage with me.”
What! No way!
Claire barely contained a shriek that was on the verge of erupting. She then quickly glanced at Elliot, who was waiting at the door while it was open.
Elliot avoided her gaze on purpose.
There is unquestionably a plan here!
“Brother.”
Claire requested assistance from Richard.
Richard closed his mouth without uttering a sound.
Eventually.
“Your Majesty, I do not believe that is proper.”
Right, well done. Claire internalized her support for Richard. It was risky to be confined in a carriage with the emperor alone.
“Is it not?”
At that instant, Eiden’s voice grew menacing.
* * *
Even if they were traveling with the emperor, she believed it was evident that they would each travel to the Empire in their own carriage.
But she never expected to share a conveyance with the emperor alone.
This must be avoided at all costs. If something went awry, she could potentially reveal her identity.
Moreover, if she were confined with the emperor, her heart would explode from tension.
Fortunately, while Claire was at a loss, Richard politely declined the proposal.
“Your Majesty, I do not believe that is proper.”
Then in an instant, Eiden’s expression hardened. Richard spoke hastily out of astonishment.
“Don’t misjudge. It is impolite to travel in the same carriage as Your Majesty.”
“I permit it.”
“Your Majesty.”
“Sir Richard, you are the one who is acting improperly.”
“…”
“Do you oppose it because the Lady riding in the same carriage as me might interfere with your plan to kill me?”
Eiden’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“How could you say such a thing! Certainly not!”
Richard exclaimed with utter astonishment.
Eiden turned his cold gaze to Claire.
“Not at all!”
Claire shook her head firmly.
It was a tense circumstance.
She feared that if she did not board the imperial conveyance with the emperor, she would be imprisoned immediately.
“Alicia, get on the carriage with His Majesty.”
Finally, Richard retreated while maintaining his silence.
Claire cast a forlorn look at Richard. How could she manage the emperor by herself? She kept a calm expression on her face and took the hand that Eiden extended to her.
Then, a relaxed expression emerged on his face. He then grasped her quivering hand tightly.
Elliot, who had been observing them, gazed upward and exhaled.
“Your Majesty, please wait just a moment.”
Before boarding the conveyance, Claire paused.
One of Eiden’s brows raised.
“I’d like to say goodbye to my mother.”
Claire turned in her seat.
Mrs. Stanton and the head maid were standing by the front door. It appeared that the emperor’s side had obscured the view of the remaining servants.
“Alright.”
Eiden graciously permitted it.
Claire approached Mrs. Stanton and gave her a warm embrace.
Mrs. Stanton hesitantly returned the embrace with stiff arms.
“Farewell, mother. Please be careful until our next meeting.”
“Oh, Alicia. I will always pray for your health and happiness.”
As if they were parting for the last time, they shed tears and repeatedly kissed each other on the cheeks.
“Behave correctly. If the Emperor finds out, I will cut off the sponsorship for your beloved monastery.”
Before releasing Claire, Mrs. Stanton hugged her tightly and murmured in her ear.
“Ouch.”
It was so aggressive that her ribs felt as though they would crack.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
After her response, she was ultimately freed.
Mrs. Stanton, who had allowed her to leave, wiped her eyes with a handkerchief to simulate crying.
“Mrs. Haley.”
Claire was standing before the head maid.
The eyes of the normally strict and solemn maid were red.
“Miss… Alicia.”
She felt as though the true ‘Alicia’ was leaving for the Empire.
Claire’s heart was warmed by the maid’s sincere weeping, despite the fact that she was Alicia’s double.
“Thank you very much for everything.”
Claire whispered to the housekeeper as she embraced her.
“No need to apologize. Please use caution.”
“You, too, Mrs. Haley.”