Chapter 14

Maybe because of that, Minuelle went home even faster than she had the past four days.

With a sharply twisted expression, Esadien turned to look at Theodore.

“Theo.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

Theodore was happily devouring the mango Minuelle hadn’t even touched.

Come to think of it, mangoes were Minuelle’s favorite, yet she had left hers untouched. It was definitely because of Theodore’s teasing.

“It’s been a while. How about a spar?”

“Pardon?”

Startled, Theodore swallowed the last piece of mango and began to sneak out of his seat, ready to escape.

Though their skills were evenly matched, Esadien had a surprisingly tenacious nature. Once a match began, he wouldn’t stop until it was decided, and anyone who sparred with him ended up completely worn out.

“Ah, I just got back home after a long time. Please show some mercy.”

“Quiet.”

Esadien dragged Theodore off to the training grounds without mercy.

In the end, Theodore could only return home after becoming a raccoon himself—with bruises under both eyes.

On the sixth day.

“……”

The attendant carefully cleaned the table while cautiously watching Esadien’s mood.

Sitting in a seat facing the window, Esadien’s mind was just as twisted as the long leg he had elegantly crossed.

“Um… Your Highness, shall I send someone to the Karnian estate?”

“For what reason?”

“Well, Lady Minuelle didn’t come today…”

“She probably has things to do. It’s not like she’s a servant I hired—does she need to report to the Prince’s palace every single day?”

His tone was even colder than usual. Judging it best to leave things alone, the attendant quietly stepped back.

Esadien didn’t even notice the servant leave. He continued staring out the window as it faded into shades of violet, his expression hardening further.

‘I knew it.’

The love people talk about… it’s nothing you can truly trust. It vanishes faster than a fish out of water.

He had learned that painful lesson by watching his mother. And yet, without realizing it, he’d placed hope in someone again.

He roughly rubbed his face.

“I won’t run away from someone I love. I’ll take responsibility.”

He’d let himself believe those words—swept away in the moment.

“But there won’t be a second time.”

Esadien murmured, as if comforting himself.

* * *

But the next day, Esadien, unusually for him, woke up late and lay dazed on the sofa.

‘So in the end…’

He had failed to stop thinking about Minuelle. Maybe that’s why he had no motivation to do anything—he hadn’t even brushed his hair and was wearing nothing but a shirt.

“Your Highness, the Crown Princess has invited you to lunch…”

“Tell her I’m not feeling well and can’t attend.”

Everything felt like a hassle, so he even turned down his sister’s invitation.

His head throbbed from the poor sleep, and he absently traced the chandelier on the ceiling with his eyes when suddenly he heard the rhythmic clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels from outside.

“…!”

There was only one person who could ride a carriage this deep into the palace.

As if his earlier listlessness had been a lie, Esadien sprang to his feet and strode to the window.

“Minuelle?”

Sure enough, outside was a carriage bearing the Karnian ducal crest.

“Your Highness!”

There’s an unspoken rule in the imperial palace: no running unless it’s urgent.

So when the attendant came in at a fast walk, it was clear something had stirred him. Even his hurried gestures betrayed his excitement.

“Lady Minuelle has arrived! But, um…”

“But?”

“She brought… something big with her.”

Esadien blinked. Oddly enough, the attendants seemed more excited than he was. And something big?

“Your Highness, I missed you!”

Minuelle’s cheerful greeting resolved the mystery.

Behind her came an attendant carrying a large cylindrical bundle.

What is that? As everyone looked on with anticipation, Minuelle gave her attendant a cue, and the wrapping came off.

“Tada!”

A round of awe echoed through the room.

“A tapestry!”

“What exquisite craftsmanship!”

While the attendants gushed, Esadien absentmindedly echoed their words.

“…A tapestry?”

“I made it myself for you, Your Highness!”

Minuelle beamed proudly. If someone poked her side, she might just go “ahem!” from pride.

Only then did Esadien’s eyes truly take in the tapestry. Colored threads, woven tightly together, formed a large image—of Esadien himself, standing by the sea.

“You… made this… yourself?”

He could picture her sitting all day at the loom. Her back must have ached.

Her body’s so fragile…

But unaware of his inner turmoil, Minuelle cheerfully explained:

“It’s my only real talent! Since you gave me the cotton puff, I wanted to return the favor!”

Esadien’s sea-blue eyes, which had been tracing the tapestry, shifted to the girl smiling so proudly before him.

Meeting his wordless gaze, Minuelle’s smile turned a bit bashful.

“Th-the puff exploded, but it’s still in my heart!”

He should’ve reassured her that he didn’t blame her for that… but Esadien couldn’t bring himself to speak.

‘This feeling…’

How was he supposed to put it into words?

While he hesitated, the attendants—still amazed—swiftly rolled up the tapestry and asked,

“Your Highness, should we hang this on your bedroom wall?”

‘Should I even be accepting this?’ They were talking about putting it in the most private place imaginable…

But Minuelle looked up at him with sparkling eyes. Defeated by that gaze, Esadien finally gave a tiny nod.

“…Do it.”

The moment he gave permission, a strange sound followed.

“Uuugh…”

Minuelle was clutching her chest, shoulders trembling.

‘Too cute!’

Esadien’s reaction was just like someone receiving a gift for the first time. The way his eyes shimmered with emotion—it was overwhelming.

‘Ugh, I want to hug him.’

Meanwhile, Esadien’s heart sank. He wondered if Minuelle had pushed herself too hard and was now unwell.

“Minuelle, I need to call a doctor—no, a priest, right now—”

But before he could act, Minuelle, unable to contain the overflowing affection in her heart, threw her arms around him and exclaimed,

“Your Highness, I like you!”

Esadien instinctively caught her in his arms—and gasped. With neither vest nor coat on, only a thin shirt between them, he could feel the soft press of her body.

Her sky-colored eyes trembled, fixed only on him.

‘Were her eyes always this beautiful?’

Yes, Minuelle’s eyes were beautiful. Like the sky at the break of dawn. He had always thought that whenever he looked at her up close. He had just been forcing himself to ignore it.

But not this time.

As if entranced, Esadien raised his hand and gently brushed the corner of her eye.

“Your Highness…”

Minuelle slowly closed her eyes, whether from ticklishness or nervousness. Even her eyelashes were a delicate pink, like flower petals.

His hand, which had touched the corner of her eye and her lashes with utmost care, now stroked her flushed cheek, traced her pale neck, and finally cradled the back of her head.

His face leaned in closer and closer.

‘My heart’s going to explode.’

Even with her eyes closed, Minuelle could feel it—his warm breath growing nearer, little by little.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

It was as if her entire body had become one giant heartbeat.

‘Is this it? Is this finally happening?’

Her first! Kiss! Ever!

Unable to bear the tension, Minuelle’s eyelashes fluttered. Even the delicate skin around her eyes had blushed.

Seeing all of it up close, Esadien’s lips curved into a soft smile.

‘Adorable.’

Just as that thought crossed his mind—his reason came crashing back.

‘What am I doing?’

As if snapping out of a trance, Esadien abruptly released her and straightened his back. His gaze wandered aimlessly to the amethyst decoration embedded in the wall.

The pounding in his chest, surely, was only from his own shame.

“Your Highness…?”

Minuelle opened her eyes with a sparkle when nothing followed.

It had definitely felt like a kiss was coming—but what the—Esadien was standing stiffly, and all he could muster was:

“…Step back.”

“Huh?”

“You’re too close. Step away.”

Minuelle’s mouth dropped open.

“That’s so mean!”

Just moments ago, the mood had been perfect!

“Hmph…”

Minuelle whimpered pitifully. It wasn’t fair. It really wasn’t fair.

She buried her face into Esadien’s chest again, but all she got in return was a sigh-laced voice.

“Minuelle.”

“I know.”

Still, his previously stiff voice had softened just a little, and that alone was enough to satisfy her. She slowly released the arms that had been wrapped around him.

Minuelle was a Karnian—someone who didn’t know the meaning of giving up. She scooted close and clung to Esadien, who had taken a seat on the long couch and opened a book. His face tensed again.

“Too much physical contact is… inappropriate.”

“Don’t saaay that.”

Not only did she link arms with him, but she also nestled her head onto his shoulder and looked up at him with pitiful eyes.

“Your Highness, I’m really, really tired. I stayed up all week.”

Esadien knew exactly why she had stayed up, and his sternness faded.  

The way she’d been rushing off like someone being chased lately… even the reason she hadn’t come yesterday—it all made sense now. He regretted not asking and misunderstanding her.

“You could have taken your time…”

“But my second sister’s wedding is coming up! I’m in charge of the preparations, so I’ll be busy.”

Minuelle’s voice was drowsy, tinged with fatigue.

“That’s why… I knew I wouldn’t be able to see you for a while, and I really wanted to give you the gift before then.”

He felt a faint ache where she had buried her face in his chest just a moment ago.

‘Not seeing… her?’

But Esadien dismissed that sensation as his imagination. Still, when Minuelle gently rubbed her head against his shoulder, he naturally leaned slightly toward her.

“Ah… this is nice…”

With a satisfied smile, Minuelle began rambling about how hard it had been to find thread that matched the color of his eyes.

But at some point, her chirpy voice slowed, grew fainter, and finally faded away completely. The weight of her head resting on his shoulder grew slightly heavier.

‘She really must’ve been exhausted.’

Someone who had worked so hard just for him, now fast asleep while leaning on him, radiating trust in every breath—  

Even Esadien, usually so emotionally reserved, couldn’t help but feel something stir in his chest.

‘She’s not in good health… If she sleeps like this, what if she wakes up feeling worse?’

Worried, he gently brushed aside the strands of hair that had fallen across her face with his large hand.

Then came the thought—’Should I carry her to the bed?’

That thought alone made him let out a quiet, dry laugh.