Chapter 38

The courtyard, where the light from the building did not reach, was dark and very quiet.

However, the path that Fil chose was paved with bricks and stones, making it very easy to walk.

Therefore, I didn't have to pay so much attention to my feet.

When I had a little more leeway, my eyes turned to the surroundings.

Walking with the huge central building where the ball was being held at my back, I could see a tall tower on my right. It must be the East Wing, where the military and others are located.

And there was also a building in the direction we were heading.

It was probably the North Wing, where His Majesty the King resides.

"…This courtyard is also very beautiful during the day."

I realized I was walking side by side with Fil.

Still holding the children in both arms, Fil smiled at me.

"Tomorrow, it would be good to take a leisurely look around before you leave."

It was Fil's usual words.

But he had a different expression.

"The North Wing is quite nice. It's old, so there are many narrow stairs, and the areas that haven't been renovated are unpopular with women. However, the room you and the others will stay in is probably in a newer section, so it should have large windows and be bright. In the morning, you should be able to see the courtyard."

Fil continued speaking, always looking straight ahead.

"The downside is that it's close to the children's room. If you don't want to be endlessly dragged into their games, it's better to escape somewhere early."

I glanced back.

Lord Albes was walking a little distance away.

When our eyes met, he gave a wry smile and quickly looked away.

"Perhaps the children's mother might want to meet you. Lord Albes was also fond of them, and he might not be able to send them back to the territory tomorrow. …I'm sorry."

I looked up at Fil.

Fil was still looking ahead, and instead, the twins looked at me solemnly.

The twins, who looked exactly alike, were beautiful children.

Fil, carrying the twins in both arms, felt more familiar to me than a prince dressed up.

"Fil"

When I called his name, Fil's eyes wavered slightly.

"Can I ask for your real name?"

"…Maybe it's too late, but isn't it better not to know?"

Fil, stubbornly looking ahead, smiled faintly.

But his face was pale, and his eyes were not smiling at all.

I looked up at his face and sighed.

"Even if you don't tell me, I'll end up asking Lord Albes. So I want to hear it from you."

"…I don't want to say it."

"Fil! I'm the daughter of a viscount too. I know I'm quite ignorant because I've been holed up in the territory, but I'm not completely clueless! I know a lot of things!"

When I raised my voice, Fil finally looked at me.

"Your elder brother is Lord Rosfield. Rida is Lady Ridalia, and Al is Lord Alrode. Right?"

"Right!"

"Ah, Rida, shh!"

Rida said happily, and Al hurriedly warned her.

They covered their mouths and became quiet again.

"Fil, tell me your name."

"…You already know, don't you?"

"That's why I want you to say it yourself. …I'm Lucia Laguren, the younger sister of Viscount Laguren. What about you?"

When I said this, Fil stopped walking.

I also stopped.

Lord Albes passed by us, walked a little further, and stopped at a distance.

The women accompanying the children seemed a bit hesitant but quietly passed by after receiving a look from Lord Albes.

The knights guarding us stopped a little distance away.

"Please tell me your name."

I said it again.

The twins, looking at each other, struggled to get down from Fil's arms.

But Fil tightened his grip to stop them.

Bowing his head as if clinging to the warmth of the children, he then slowly raised his face. All the emotions had drained from his deep blue eyes, and he looked straight at me.

"…My name is Filode. The second prince of the late King Clauden, and the younger brother of the current King Rosfield. I am the third in line to the throne."

It was a very clear and beautiful pronunciation.

It was the expected words.

But I felt a shock as if I had been pierced by a blade.

Despite being well-prepared, my legs began to tremble, and I couldn't speak. My face must have been tense.

Fil, or rather, Prince Filode, smiled gently and turned to look at Lord Albes.

"Albes. I'll go ahead."

"…Understood."

Lord Albes answered briefly.

Prince Filode was no longer looking at me.

He walked at his normal pace, not the speed at which I could easily follow in the dark. In no time, the sight of him carrying the children faded and disappeared.

"Lucia"

Lord Albes called out to me, who was standing still and unable to move.

"Lucia. …Are you okay?"

Yes, I'm fine.

I wanted to say that, but no sound came out.

Lord Albes looked at me and slowly pulled me into his arms.

"Lucia. I'm sorry. …I didn't mean to make you cry."

Lord Albes's large hand gently stroked my head.

Feeling the comforting touch, I leaned my face into his shoulder and realized I was crying.