Chapter 42 (2/2)

“What is it? Did you quarrel again…?”

The boy, who said something with an annoying voice, slowly shut up. His blue eyes were fixed on the lion crest. Even when Sir Seymour, who was remaining silent, watched me closely, I let out a long sigh. I put down the light green stationery that I was reading, and picked up the imperial letter. I took a big breath and read it written in the gorgeous handwriting unique to the imperial family.

According to the luxurious white paper, the crown prince would leave the capital for inspection of the border areas early next week, and on his way back, he would be visiting the estate of the Monique family, so I had to be fully ready for his upcoming visit.

In the late afternoon, the cool breeze blew as I headed to the outer castle with Carsein, two royal guards and the staff at the estate to welcome the crown prince.

Although the horses here were not as good as mine in the capital, I stroked its smooth mane and turned its head. Today, the sky was so blue.

My father’s estate was large enough to match that of a duke’s estate. As it served as the last defense protecting the road leading to the capital, it had double walls that could be seen from anywhere in the border areas. The sturdy walls and defense weapons surrounding the outer castle among other things were the pride of the Monique estate.

There were crowds already gathered near the castle gate early in the morning to see the crown prince. The relationship between the imperial imperial family and my family was famous enough to be known by all the imperial citizens, so the people in our estate were generally very loyal to the empire. For them, the crown prince and the royal guards’ visit was a must-see spectacle.

Was it because so many people came out? I felt many of them casting curious glances at me. I looked at them for a moment and slowly turned my head. As I came here to greet the crown prince, I couldn’t respond to them now.

After a lot of time passed, I heard several horses’ hooves coming toward me. It seemed that he arrived finally.

“I, Aristia La Monique, am honored to greet the Crown Prince, the Little Sun of the empire. It is an honor for you to visit my shabby estate.”

“It’s been awhile. How have you been?”

“I was doing well thanks to your grace. How are you, Your Majesty?”

“Oh, yes. Thanks for your consideration. ”

As if he was conscious of people around him, he smiled at me a bit instead of showing his usual cold expression. Suddenly, my eyes met his eyes. I stiffened at his cold blue eyes that were so unlike his kind attitude, but I got on my horse, trying to pretend to stay calm.

“May the empire last eternally!”

When someone spoke loudly from behind, there were shouts here and there. He waved to the people lined up.

‘Wow!’ I was almost deafened because of the thunderous cheers.

“Haven’t we met in half a year?”

“Pardon? Ah yes, Your Majesty.” I replied in surprise.

Looking at me quietly, he looked to the left and said, “Long time, no see, Carsein Lars.”

“It’s nice to see you here, Your Majesty. How are you doing?”

“So-so. Hmm, how goes the practice?”

“I’m doing my best, though I have yet to improve my skills.”

“I see. I have high expectations for you.”

“I’m flattered, Your Majesty. I will do my best to meet your expectations. ”

Nodding to Carsein with appreciation, he turned his eyes.

He saw the thick wall of the castle of my estate in the distance. The soldiers on standby saluted him and opened the gate. While he was lost in thought, heading to the gate, he said, “Did you say that the Monique estate was the last defense protecting the road leading to the capital?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm, that’s why the defense around here is very tight. And you seem to have managed your weapons well. ”

“I’m flattered, Your Majesty. We’re just trying our best to carry out our duty. You’re almost there. You see the mansion over there.”

It was a beautiful mansion that they arrived across the wide open boulevard. Unlike my mansion in the capital, the outer walls of the mansion were built with bricks and covered with ivy. The green leaves, tinted red by the autumn sun, were fluttering in the wind. Along the wall everyone lined up and bowed to the crown prince politely.