Chapter 58

"By the way, that civil servant from Anheim. She comes to the library almost every day, doesn't she?"

In the crowded cafeteria at noon, Wendy, who was having lunch with me, spoke as if she had just remembered something. Nodding in agreement, I tore off a bite-sized piece of the fluffy white bread and generously spread blueberry jam on it. The bread turned a beautiful shade of purple. Carefully, I brought it to my mouth without spilling, and the remaining fruit was delicious.

"She said her senior told her to come and see because the collection is amazing, but it seems she really likes it, which is nice," Wendy said.

"Yes. I heard she was talking about religious studies with the director yesterday. The director was in a good mood."

It seems that Johann, who had been lost at that time, now visits the library whenever he has free time. I haven't seen a day go by without spotting him there, always carrying a pile of books in both hands. He has become quite familiar with the staff, and the director, in particular, looks forward to their conversations.

I took a sip of water from my goblet and took a moment to rest before looking down at the table again.

Today, I have white bread with blueberry jam. It was so delicious that I want to ask Dorothea to make it at home. Dorothea's jam is delicious, so I'm sure she can make a great blueberry jam too. There's also grilled chicken, cream of vegetable soup, and chocolate mousse for dessert.

When I put a piece of the sliced chicken in my mouth, the refreshing scent of lemon filled my mouth. The chicken's flavor and the butter sauce go well together. It seems lemon was used in the sauce, making it light and not too heavy.

"Still... I didn't expect the delegation's stay to be extended."

Seeing Wendy sigh deeply, I could only give a wry smile.

The delegation's stay was supposed to end three days ago. It was planned for two weeks.

But who would have thought it would be extended? And not at the request of Anheim, but by the Queen Mother. She apparently wants them to attend a party she is planning soon.

I heard the Queen Mother adores her relative, the princess, and wants to spend more time with her. Once the princess is married, it will be hard to see her often.

"But it's good. Einhard can be relieved of his guard duty."

"Yes, it's thanks to everyone's consideration. The captain must have been very busy, right?"

"Einhard was already overburdened. I felt guilty for being so late in requesting it."

"Hehe, that's a relief."

Yes, Noah is finally off guard duty.

He is assigned to a different task and is out of the city during the day. The princess's request to guard her at night when he returns to the capital has been declined because it would interfere with his next day's duties.

I haven't seen Noah either, but I learned this from a letter.

Thinking about the letter that arrived last night and the single rose that came with it, my heart felt warm. Since the day after we met in the infirmary, I've been receiving letters almost every day. Each one comes with a flower to keep me from worrying. I'm filled with happiness by his thoughtfulness.

"Actually, they wanted to give Einhard a break... but they thought the princess would follow him around, so it was a last resort."

"Yes. ...I heard that when we managed to meet thanks to everyone's help, he considered taking a break due to an injury. But the Crown Prince advised him that if he did, he might be confined to the princess's side for 'recovery.'"

"Oh... I heard the princess has a strong... not just a little, but a very strong possessive streak. She wants to keep her favorites close and treasure them."

"That's... Noah isn't an object."

I've never met her, but my impression is terrible.

Noah is handsome and wonderful, but it's not just his looks. Missing the light-hearted banter with Noah at the teahouse, I let out a small sigh.

Hearing my words, Wendy's expression clouded with concern.

Her pink eyes were filled with worry, so I smiled to reassure her.

"Don't make that face, Wendy. I'll be fine."

"Really? You tend to overexert yourself and keep things to yourself, which worries me."

Her words hit home, and I could only give a wry smile.

Wendy knew I had been feeling down and frustrated. My attempts to avoid worrying her had only made her more concerned.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. Yes, I was a bit... down before. But I'm really fine now. After all, even if the stay is extended, Noah isn't here with me."

"Is that because you were able to see Einhard?"

Her gentle, smiling voice almost made me choke on the bread I had just put in my mouth. I managed to swallow and took a sip of water. Seeing me take a breath, Wendy smiled, making me feel uncomfortable, so I focused on spreading jam on my bread.

"Maybe, yes."

"Hehe, if you're smiling, Einhard must be relieved too. But next time, please share your feelings with me, okay?"

"Yes, I will. ...Wendy, thank you always."

"You're welcome. You're my best friend, after all."

Her warm words made my eyes well up. I tried to hide it by eating more bread, but I must have put too much jam on it.

The blurriness in my vision was probably due to the strong tartness of the jam.

I'm full now, and I should work hard this afternoon.

Still, the chocolate mousse was delicious, and I want to have that chocolate cake with the candy decorations again.

With such a relaxed mood, I returned to the library, but the crowd and commotion were intense.

Approaching to see what was happening, it seemed the attention was focused on the counter area.

I had work to do, so I couldn't avoid it. As I walked closer, I saw the Princess of Anheim. Her pale blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the window. Her porcelain skin and deep blue, gem-like eyes were beautiful.

Behind her were the Crown Prince and Captain Radine, both looking extremely tired. Wendy and I exchanged glances.