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Chapter 67: Date
🕑 Added 2024-04-11 19:04:23 +0000 UTC"Revenge," I affirmed.
"Revenge? Is it personal, then? But why? Your profile didn't mention anything of the sort. I assumed you'd be interested in information regarding Duke Luca and the incident involving your maid from a year ago. I even prepared a quest for it but held off on posting it, waiting for your signal. And now, you're seeking details from Elderan? Have you ever been there?"
"Do you really think I've traveled to other countries?" I retorted, settling into my chair within the dorm, gazing at the luminous moon outside while pondering. How much did the reaper truly know about me?
"From what we've gathered, you haven't ventured beyond our borders. Your background painted a picture of a kind yet intimidating girl, often seen in the company of your grandfather and mother, roaming the areas around the capital until that critical moment."
"Your information aligns with reality. Ensure the commission is posted. I'll be waiting for it." I confirmed his deductions. Indeed, I had never ventured outside of this country.
"Alright, your points will be deducted, leaving you with 334 points. Before I proceed with your request, could you specify your inquiry? Seeking 'any' information on monster tamers might yield results you're already familiar with, like the need for a spawner and magical tools."
"I'm interested in the identities and backgrounds of those capable of monster taming. If the numbers are substantial, I'd like to know about the institutions in Elderan that endorse such practices. Ideally, the information should date back at least four years." Honestly, I was somewhat speculating with these specifics. Reflecting on my past, I was nine when my grandfather passed. Now, being over twelve, the events in question would have occurred three to four years ago, if not longer.
"Four years? I'm curious if Elderan even had monster tamers that long ago. You should know, the concept of monster tamers is likely more recent."
"If there's any lead, however small, I'll take it," I responded simply.
"You know something, don't you?"
"I'll exercise my right to remain silent on that. If you're so curious, it'll cost you a thousand points to find out," I said with a smirk.
"That's practically the same as telling us to drop it. No one's going to pay that much."
"It's not crucial information, just something personal."
"Alright, I'll get your request posted, starting at 500 points. I'll just need to confirm with my manager."
"Thank you, R25B."
"You're welcome. And hey, if there's anything you're willing to disclose, it would really help tailor the search to your needs."
"I'll bear that in mind," I sighed, ending the call. A sense of peace washed over me, knowing I was honoring my promise to Eli within.
The next morning brought a semblance of joy for many, reveling in the peace treaty Prince Heracles and Ludwin had discussed at the entrance ceremony. Yet, the king's announcement about my impending marriage to Ludwin was not forgotten.
"Greetings, Lady Elidranthia," Safira greeted as she joined Alicia and me in the cafeteria for lunch. Around us, whispers started to swirl, each word a sharp sting. Were they speaking loudly on purpose?
"Look, she's to join the royal lineage."
"That intimidating girl? I'd much prefer Lady Claire."
"Perhaps the king chose her for her magical prowess. She's merely fortunate. After all, Prince Heracles and Claire are the likely heirs."
"Hush! Imagine if Ludwin ascends to a position akin to Prime Minister Johan. Angering her would be unwise."
"Lady Eli, pay them no mind. They're simply envious," Alicia reassured me with a smile.
"Eli!" Prince Ludwin approached, omitting any form of title in his address.
"Greetings, Prince Ludwin. How may I assist you?" I inquired, yet he appeared somewhat displeased.
"There's no need for formalities between us. Just Ludwin will do. We're engaged, after all," he said, his smile suggesting he was at ease with our engagement.
"It would feel improper to address you so casually so soon, Prince Ludwin. Please, allow me some time..." I hesitated. The idea of becoming close to this prideful prince was unsettling. My aim was to remain detached from the nobility, especially considering that closeness to them could potentially lead me down a perilous path with Claire.
"I understand. You seem more reserved than you were two years ago, but I'll give you the time you need. It must have been overwhelming to transition from being the second daughter of a count to entering the royal circle. Anyway, I came to invite you on a date. Heracles and Claire recommended a flower viewing. Would you join me?" His grin was infectious.
Despite my reservations, I found myself unable to decline. "O-okay," I conceded.
"Great! My guards will escort you this weekend. I look forward to it."
"Until then, Prince Ludwin," I replied with a polite smile, while behind me, a whirlwind of excitement brewed among the onlookers. Alicia and Safira clasped their hands together, thrilled at the prospect of their friend navigating romantic waters.
"How thrilling! Prince Ludwin is so considerate, asking our Elidranthia out despite their social standings!"
"A secret rendezvous! A tryst! How romantic! Oh, how I envy you."
A tryst implies a secretive, romantic encounter, Safira. This, however, is akin to a public spectacle, a royal parade. There's no room for romantic endeavors here; it's purely a political gesture.
Time sped by, and the day of the outing quickly approached. True to my expectations, Prince Ludwin didn't come to fetch me personally. Instead, he entrusted the task to Gladius, who greeted me with a grin and a wave as he dismounted his horse to accompany me to the carriage.
"I must apologize, but Lady Elidranthia's attendants won't be joining us just yet. My deepest apologies for this inconvenience," he informed us.
"Oh, certainly! We wouldn't dream of subjecting Prince Ludwin to our mundane chatter!" Alicia replied, her bow steeped in courtesy. Her smile was broad, buoyed by the thought of my date with the prince. She gave me a conspiratorial wink, silently urging me to share all the details with her later.
While excitement bubbled within them, I felt a sense of dread at the prospect of this carriage ride to meet Prince Ludwin, yet it was an obligation I couldn't evade. The journey began at a leisurely pace, leaving the familiar sights of the Nobles' District behind. I sought comfort in the familiar weight of my daggers and karambit, clutching the handle of the blade to calm my nerves as we advanced toward the castle.
Arriving at the royal gardens, I was greeted by the sight of vibrant Red Lilies and Blue Roses, a vision of regal beauty. Prince Ludwin awaited me there, clad in his royal finery, his presence emanating a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Gladius dismounted and stood aside, allowing the prince to approach and lead me from the carriage.
"Sorry, have you been waiting long?" I blurted out, immediately recognizing the folly of my question—after all, he was the one who had sent for me.
"No, I could wait for you eternally, Lady Elidranthia," he offered a sweet smile. Mine, in contrast, was strained, finding his line uncomfortably saccharine. Had such phrases been a hit in otome games back on Earth?
"So, what's our destination?"
"Please, follow me. We're headed to the Althemer Empire's Garden, reserved exclusively for royalty. I've planned a tea party for us in the gazebo."
He mentioned the garden was strictly for royal enjoyment, yet the presence of numerous maids and butlers puzzled me. Was this space truly for our benefit, or were we merely a source of amusement for them? They seemed to watch us with eager anticipation as they served tea and laid out cakes in the gazebo.
"Is there something specific you'd like to discuss, Prince Ludwin?"
"Indeed not, milady. I wouldn't dare burden such a distinguished guest with political matters. Instead, let's converse about the lighter subjects of flowers and fashion. A minister recently gifted me a unique item from a specialty store..." Ludwin then continued without pause.
Despite his striking looks, his choice of topic quickly dampened my interest. He talks gibberish, like how Bellis Perennis's white and golden colors adorned my clothes. Then he pointed toward some flower called iris. Then he spoke of its history, how it got planted here, etc. Nevertheless, I maintained my smile, aware of the many servants and aristocrats observing us. A few nobles even passed by the garden, stealing glances before nodding approvingly.
"Does our conversation not entertain you, Lady Eli?"
I glanced around at the surrounding staff.
"Lady Eli?"
"Prince Ludwin, may I speak candidly? Keep your voice down, if you will. I have to ask, was this arrangement not of your choosing? Your topics don't seem reflective of the Ludwin I've come to know."
"...Eli..." Ludwin appeared startled before suddenly covering his mouth, unable to suppress his laughter. "Pftt. Hahahaha!!!"
"Why are you laughing?"
"Ahaha, I'm sorry, Eli. It's just that your reaction was too amusing. But let me be clear: no, I wasn't coerced into this. Actually, it was I who sought advice from the maids and butlers on how to please you for our date. I had a hunch you might not enjoy this, but after hearing that Heracles and Claire had a tea party here just two days ago, I thought it might be a good idea to follow suit!" He explained, his previously charming smile reverting to the smugness I recognized.
So, he was clueless about courting and sought guidance from the enamored Claire and Heracles. Had there been an actual scene of them enjoying a tea party? I recalled passages about their declarations of love from the web novels; perhaps it took place in this gazebo.
"My plan seems to have misfired. Clearly, discussing flowers and fashion isn't to your fancy."
"Was your intention really to spend the entire day talking about such things? Here, in this gazebo?" I inquired, a sense of dread washing over me as I surveyed our surroundings. It felt as though I were trapped in a beautifully embellished golden cage.
"Well, that was the plan for the morning, followed by lunch, and then spectating some sports, like horse riding or knights' bouts."
"Just observing…" My gaze drifted away.
"Yes."
"I'm going home," I declared, standing abruptly, no longer willing to endure this charade. The dress was restrictive enough without having to sit idly like a display piece all day.
"Wait, please. I'm truly sorry. Don't go. I apologize if this wasn't to your liking. If we could talk a bit more, what would you prefer to do?"
"Then, let's head to the city!" I countered, offering Ludwin a challenging smirk.
