Chapter 52

A few days had passed since the night at the Terriisu Teahouse. The week had changed, and the envoy from the Kingdom of Anheim had arrived.

That day, everyone was restless from morning, and well... I was one of them.

Even the Bloom Trading Company, which I thought had nothing to do with it, had been busy for a few days. Seeing my father and brother looking tired, I exchanged glances with my mother. It seemed that the order for the preparations to welcome the envoy was quite detailed. They had received orders from other countries before, but never to this extent. There must be some reason behind it.

That made me worry about Noah.

He had said he would be on guard duty... I hope he's okay. The "bad feeling" he mentioned flashed through my mind.

"Alicia, it seems they're here."

It was almost lunchtime.

I was about to return the cart with the books and take a break. Just as I was thinking that, Wendy came to me and said those words.

"The envoy, right? We don't have to go outside, do we?"

"Yes, the directors will go out to greet them. We're allowed to take our lunch break."

Looking from between the bookshelves to the counter, I saw the replacement librarian sitting there.

If so, it would be better to return the cart and head to the cafeteria early. As I was thinking that, I noticed some music playing.

Wendy also heard it, and we both tilted our heads.

It seemed to be coming from outside. When I approached the window, I saw people gathered on both sides of the road leading to the capital, and the directors and officials were outside to welcome the envoy. I could also see the knights lined up for security, but Noah wasn't among them.

The music was getting closer from the other end of the road.

A band appeared. Though small in scale, they played beautiful music and marched in unison.

"Could the envoy be musicians?"

"I don't think so. Alicia, look, isn't the princess behind them?"

Behind the band were soldiers waving the flag of the Kingdom of Anheim. There were also soldiers with spears, and the princess, as Wendy said, was walking protected by them.

Her light blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight. She smiled and waved, looking like a beautiful doll.

"She's so beautiful."

"Yes, very. I heard she's getting married, and this is her last public appearance in Anheim."

"That's right. I hope she has a wonderful memory."

Nodding to the information Wendy provided, I returned my gaze to the group.

Behind the princess were other women, and more people followed them in a line. It was quite a large envoy.

"Oh, it's already lunchtime. I forgot the bell didn't ring because of the envoy's arrival."

"I'll return the cart and you go ahead."

"Okay."

Looking at my watch, it was indeed a little past lunchtime. The beautiful music from the band was still playing outside but was slowly fading away.

I hurriedly returned the cart and headed to the cafeteria, where Wendy had already prepared my meal.

"Thank you, Wendy."

"Don't mention it. Come, let's eat quickly."

Today's menu was a roll with herb sauce, a white fish, a summer vegetable salad, and a pumpkin soup.

After offering a prayer, I picked up my spoon. I dipped it into the beautifully orange soup. When I brought it to my mouth, it was slightly sweet and very smooth. It was rich but had a clean aftertaste. It would be delicious with the bread.

"By the way, have you heard about the guard duty?"

Wendy asked while tearing the bread. I nodded and cut the grilled white fish. The skin was crispy when I cut into it.

"Yes, it will be busy for a while. The captain must be busy too, right?"

"The knights are also on guard duty, so the workload will increase."

"I hope nothing happens."

"Don't say it like that. Is something wrong?"

I blinked at her words, which were said with a chuckle.

Perhaps without realizing it, I had been filled with worry. I couldn't bring myself to eat the fish I had cut into bite-sized pieces and put down my cutlery.

"…Noah said he had a bad feeling. Maybe I'm just being dragged down by it."

"That's so... But it will be fine. It's a two-week mission, and they won't leave the capital."

"You're right. It's not like we won't see each other... Hehe, maybe I was just overthinking it."

As I said this, I nodded to myself.

Noah said he wouldn't be the only one on guard duty, and it was on a rotation basis, so he could rest. Even if it gets busy, we can still see each other. Yes, I was just overthinking it.

I picked up my goblet filled with water and brought it to my mouth. After drinking the cold water, I felt a bit calmer.

I picked up my cutlery again and brought the fish to my mouth. The basil aroma spread refreshingly, complementing the mild white fish. Yes, it was delicious.

The basil sauce seemed to have cheese mixed in, which added a rich flavor.

"Hey, speaking of which, how's the preparation going?"

Wendy changed the topic. I smiled more deeply, grateful for her consideration. The roll in my hand was shiny and beautifully browned. I tore it into small pieces and spoke.

"The dress design has finally been decided. My mother and Mrs. Einhardt helped choose it, and we managed to decide. But choosing the accessories to match it is proving difficult."

"Oh, the accessories should be purple, right?"

"That's... right... but"

Purple and gold. I wanted to wear Noah's colors, so the color of the accessories was already decided.

But when asked about it, I felt a bit embarrassed and stuffed the bread into my mouth.

Wendy laughed brightly at my reaction. It was the same as always, yet a bit different. Her smile seemed to embody happiness, and my heart felt lighter.

The anxiety that had been lingering in my mind disappeared somewhere.

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The story continues with the characters' interactions and the ongoing preparations for the princess's visit, reflecting the blend of excitement and concern in the town.