Chapter 72
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Chapter 72
Upon seeing Vivian arrive alone, he swallowed hard.
Though he was Lahedis's most trusted confidant, facing the Master's prospective romantic interest (?) was undeniably nerve-wracking.
"I came alone today. Lahedis had some business to attend to."
"Ah, I see. But what brings you here?"
"I wanted to ask about the request you helped with before. Since then, I haven't heard anything."
"Ah, that's...."
Hector swallowed nervously and tried to piece together the situation.
Tracking Dias Hessen's movements and Lahedis pursuing him—that had been last night.
Whatever had transpired between Lahedis and Dias Hessen, there must have been good reason for not informing Vivian of it yet.
"My apologies. My father hasn't sent any particular updates yet...."
At those words, Vivian's eyes dimmed with melancholy.
Seeing her expression, Hector grew flustered and began to sweat nervously.
"I-I'm doing my best to find out. You should hear something soon."
Reading Hector's anxious demeanor, Vivian exhaled softly and nodded.
"I'd really appreciate it."
In truth, Vivian had anticipated this.
Had there been news of Dias Hessen, the Guild would have contacted her first by now, but they hadn't.
Still, hearing confirmation that there was no news drained her spirits regardless.
But in that moment, she recalled the tender voice she'd heard last night.
[Father will definitely come back.]
Thinking of Lahedis's reassuring words, her negative emotions surprisingly began to settle.
And simultaneously, the absence of his constant presence beside her felt acutely profound.
Of course, remembering yesterday's embarrassing display made her feel self-conscious, but still....
'I hope he comes back soon.'
When he does, I need to thank him.
As she thought this, the items in the Antique Shop suddenly caught her eye.
Hector, observing her expression carefully, was about to hesitantly offer to get her some tea when Vivian spoke first.
"You know, Hector, I want to give Lahedis a gift to thank him for something. Do you have any good ideas?"
"W-well, I haven't been in contact for ten years, so I'm not sure...."
"But you two are friends, aren't you? You're the only man around my age that I know."
Please, help me!
Vivian's honey-colored eyes shone with pitiful earnestness.
Hector swallowed hard at the difficult request. Simultaneously, his hands began to tremble slightly.
'The Master's romance rests in my hands...!'
Bearing this weighty responsibility, Hector pondered seriously for a moment before suddenly recalling something.
"W-well then, how about this?"
* * *
After receiving Hector's advice and purchasing a satisfying gift, I left the Antique Shop with a light step.
"Hehe, I'm sure Lahedis will like it too?"
A small gift box the size of my palm was clutched in my hand.
I gazed at the gift box with satisfaction, but Blackie, who had been perched quietly on my shoulder, suddenly opened his mouth wide.
"Maaaa."
After a decade spent with Blackie, I recognized the sound immediately.
He was trying to eat the gift box.
"No, you don't!"
I quickly shoved the box into my pocket before disaster could strike.
"This is a gift I'm supposed to give to someone."
Blackie then trembled and voiced his displeasure.
I stroked him gently to soothe his frustration.
"I'll buy you something delicious instead. How's that?"
After striking a dramatic bargain with Blackie on my own terms, I left the alley and emerged into the Town Square.
As always, the Town Square was filled with street vendors.
Cotton candy, ice cream, pastries, and more.
'A sparrow can't pass by a mill without stopping!'
If Lahedis had been here, he would have scolded me with "That's why you're not growing taller," but today he wasn't around—a perfect opportunity.
My mouth watered instantly.
"Since Blackie was trying to devour the Captain's gift, I have no choice but to eat something myself. Right, Blackie?"
Blackie seemed to regard me with suspicion as I made excuses to the absent Lahedis.
But I ignored his skeptical gaze and headed toward the crepe vendor.
However, I encountered an unexpected face in front of the crepe stand.
A blonde woman wearing a deep hood....
"Oh, Hilde?"
"...What?"
* * *
We each bought a crepe and sat down on a nearby bench.
"But isn't this your work time? What brings you out alone?"
"The new recruits who just came in—they seem to be struggling to adapt quickly, probably because I've been going around with them."
"Isn't that just the adjustment period? Still, they all seem eager to try their best."
The Imperial Princess took a bite of her crepe and shook her head firmly.
"They're relying too much on others. They need to struggle a bit. Once there's no supervisor to coddle them, they'll adapt naturally."
What followed was a lament: "Vivian, you did your work well. These new recruits these days..."
Remembering how the Imperial Princess used to grab me by the collar not long ago, I could only offer an awkward smile.
'The Imperial Princess has already become a grumpy old-timer after the new recruits arrived....'
Yet I knew that if any problems arose with the recruits, she'd be the first to rush to their aid, so her words sounded more like a joke.
"By the way, Vivian. You said you're returning to the Prime Minister's Office soon, right?"
"Yes. I should go back. The new Guard recruits have arrived, and they all seem to be adapting well enough now."
"Ah, I'll miss you when you're gone.... How much longer did you say you'd be at the Guard?"
"Until the end of this week."
"Then you'll be taking a break from your Aide duties during next week's Hunting Festival?"
Starting the following week after my duties at the Guard Post concluded, I was scheduled to return to my role as the Marquis's Aide.
Since the Hunting Festival was an imperial event in which all nobility participated, the Marquis would set aside his work for that day alone to attend the festivities.
Therefore, for someone like me who was not nobility, that day amounted to a precious holiday.
"Presumably?"
At my response, I watched one corner of the Imperial Princess's mouth rise with meaningful intent.
'For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this....'
And that premonition proved accurate.
"You're coming to the Hunting Festival too."
"...I beg your pardon?"
"The Guard Post must protect the Empire's people safely. Isn't that right?"
"But at that time, I won't be a member of the Guard Post...?"
"Ah-ah. This is an order from the Imperial Princess."
The Imperial Princess cut off my objection, rose from her seat, and drove the point home.
"Then, I'll send you an invitation."
"Wait, just a moment...!"
Ignoring my call, she hummed a cheerful tune as she walked away, her retreating figure resembling that of a devil itself....
* * *
Though I was startled by the Imperial Princess's sudden command, my steps as I returned to the Duke's Residence felt light.
'By now, Lahedis must have returned as well, surely?'
Gifts excited not only the recipient but also the giver at the thought of bringing joy to the other person.
But as I returned to the Duke's Residence with my heart racing, I encountered news as sudden as a bolt from the blue.
"Lahedis sent word that his business has been delayed, and he will be away for several days."
"Several... days?"
"I don't know exactly how long it will take...."
"Is it perhaps something troubling?"
"I doubt it comes to that."
The Butler reassured me so I wouldn't worry.
"In any case, someone else will escort you for the time being, so don't fret too much."
"Thank you for your concern."
"Then I'll arrange for dinner. Come down slowly."
"Yes."
I offered a small smile and made my way to my room.
'Well, I can always give the gift later.'
Though I thought this, my hand could not stop fidgeting with the small gift box in my pocket.
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