By Zephyria 
“Do you remember that? You know, the play that was popular last year.”
I had done well to think of an excuse in advance in case someone asked why I wanted to go to Duke Graham’s territory so much. I naturally started talking about it.
The Grand Duke’s territory, located in the mid-southern part of the empire and having a climate and terrain that were completely different from the capital, was originally famous as a tourist destination, but if the purpose was simply tourism, there was a high probability that I would go to a place closer than the Grand Duke’s territory. Therefore, I needed a reason why my desired destination had to be Duke Graham’s territory without any other alternatives.
Of course, even if I gave this reason, it wouldn’t be a basis for getting rid of Andrew, so I hadn’t bothered to mention it in front of the Count.
“The play that was popular last year?”
“Dartmouth, I mean. Your Highness must have heard of it?”
Dartmouth, which dealt with the issue of succession to the throne between brothers, was a blockbuster that no aristocrat had missed. The fact that it dealt with an event that had actually happened about two hundred years ago must have hit the tastes of the esteemed aristocrats.
“Ah. Was that why?”
“Yes, yes! I’ve read the story several times as a novel, so I didn’t think it would be interesting, but it’s different when you see it on stage!”
Dartmouth was originally an independent kingdom that maintained a decent status, even if it wasn’t quite an empire. However, due to a succession dispute between brothers that occurred over two hundred years ago, it was utterly ruined. A collateral line of the dynasty, barely maintaining its lineage, inherited the family and decided to incorporate into the empire. That was the origin of the Grand Duke Graham family and the Grand Duchy.
“I really want to visit ‘Shadow Castle’! And ‘Wailing Cliff’ and ‘Doomsday Stele’ too!”
I deliberately sparkled my eyes and spoke quickly in an excited tone. The slight displeasure that had been on the Crown Prince’s face had long since disappeared.
“Once I enter the Imperial Palace, I won’t even be able to dream of traveling outside the capital anymore…”
As I murmured regretfully, the Crown Prince agreed, saying that was true.
“But I hear the Count doesn’t seem to be outright opposed. You can go with the Young Count.”
“Ugh, that’s a bit…”
“What’s the problem?”
“You know, Allen and I. We’re not exactly on friendly terms.”
Since Andrew was involved from the very first meeting between him and me, he would understand quickly.
“Just being in the same mansion makes me feel suffocated, and traveling with that brother? No way. Absolutely no way.”
The Crown Prince hummed softly, as if contemplating for a moment. My heart was already pounding with anticipation.
“Alright. If the future Empress can’t even fulfill such a small wish, I won’t be able to stand as her husband.”
“…! Does that mean…”
“I’ll definitely get permission from the Count, so you just prepare to enjoy your trip.”
“Your Highness!”
“It won’t be long. You must return to the capital before the next Cycle arrives. Understood?”
“Yes, of course! Of course!”
Now that the Crown Prince had made up his mind, the blocked road to travel was as good as completely open. There were at least two months left until the next Cycle. Even after excluding the travel time, there was still at least a month. The plan to gently coax Carlisle Graham was something I had been deeply researching for a year.
“Oh, my. Are you that happy? You seem even more delighted than when you received the Blue Diamond necklace.”
“Hehe… That can’t be.”
The Crown Prince, who kissed my ear as I giggled, soon left to see the Count.
It was already past midnight when he left. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve slept so comfortably with my legs stretched out.
“…Hey. Are you watching?”
Lying on the soft bedding, my mouth strangely tingled.
“I’m doing really well even without you.”
The unspectacular view showed no signs of adapting even after a year. Well, I had been seeing the system’s nagging for over ten years in absolute accumulated time, even though I kept repeating the same time period… It’s only natural that I wouldn’t adapt in just a year.
“But…”
So, it’s no wonder I feel so empty.
“I don’t mean anything by it, so don’t misunderstand.”
Even if you are the owner of the cruel hand that threw me into this terrible repetition.
“When are you coming back? You’re still watching me, right?”
The feeling of longing and loneliness as I look at the empty space. It’s definitely not a strange thing.
“…”
I really wanted to believe that. I decided to swallow the words ‘I miss you’ that I didn’t want to admit. It was my last bit of pride.
“Young Master. Are you feeling better?”
“Huh? Ah, yeah. I’m fine, I’m fine. I took medicine.”
When I woke up after a good sleep, Nicole’s tearful eyes were the first thing I saw. Nicole said that I must have been in such bad condition that I didn’t even have dinner and kept sleeping, and that he kept wanting to come but Andrew told him not to go near the room, so he was just anxious, he dejectedly confessed.
“I’m really an incompetent and useless servant… I didn’t even notice that Young Master’s condition was so bad until right before…”
“It’s not like that. My Cycle suddenly came. I took a suppressant and slept well, so I’m fine now.”
“Huh? Cycle, so suddenly? It was getting close to the period, but there were still a few days left, right?”
“I know. I was surprised too. Nanny was very worried too, right?”
“Of course! He’s still boiling soup in a pot in the kitchen right now, isn’t he? Young Master, you’re in big trouble. His worries won’t end until you eat all of that.”
“That’s a big problem.”
It’s a big problem, but why am I laughing so much? Only after seeing my expression, which had no worries, did Nicole get rid of all his remaining worries. With Nicole’s help, I took a refreshing shower and changed my clothes. After finishing Mrs. Seymour’s special soup that came up at the perfect timing, the fatigue that I didn’t even know I had seemed to melt away.
“Noah Hamilton. The Count is calling you to his office.”
The head butler knocked on my door just before lunchtime. Nicole, who didn’t know that the Crown Prince had visited yesterday or that the Crown Prince had promised to take responsibility and persuade the Count, only tilted his head and guessed that he was going to have lunch together.
I, who had a hunch that was too certain, got up lightly. Since I had already obtained permission, I could have a leisurely lunch with my father and pack my travel bags from the afternoon. I couldn’t help but hum.
“I think I’ll have lunch with Father. You don’t have to prepare anything separately.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“You don’t have to come with me, so you don’t have to follow me. Oh, can you find some winter clothes in advance?”
“Winter clothes in this season?”
“Yeah. I think I’ll need them soon.”
Is it because he’s short, or because of the lively freckles scattered across his face? Nicole, who doesn’t seem to be much older than me, still looked doubtful, but nodded that he understood.
My steps danced as I followed the head butler to the office.
“Father!”
After arriving in front of the office, I burst open the door before the head butler could even announce my arrival. I saw Andrew frowning as if he was displeased, but who cares. I smiled brightly and called out to my father, and my father responded with a smiling face without any unpleasantness.
“That fellow. Seeing how happy he is, he seems to have guessed why I called him?”
“Hmm, was it that obvious?”
“As a mere Count, how can I refuse the orders of a precious person?”
My father pulled my hand and stroked it with his fingers.
Originally, he was quite a blunt person compared to the affectionate and sociable Countess, but now that my marriage was half-decided, he seemed to have mixed feelings in many ways. Since last year, his expressions have become much softer.
“When did our youngest grow up so much? He even knows how to disobey his father.”
Unlike his verbal expressions, he didn’t seem very angry. However, there was a sentimental tone mixed with subtle disappointment. He must have been unfamiliar with the Crown Prince’s Pheromone, which the commoner servants wouldn’t have noticed, emanating from my body.
“Alright. His Highness said he would accompany you on the way, so I can’t help but allow it, but you must be careful, very careful.”
“I will. You don’t have to worry.”
Hmm. I thought he would have suppressed me with authority, but he added such conditions to persuade me, which is unexpected. Anyway, the Crown Prince, who is busy handling state affairs in place of the Emperor and constantly confronting Duke Grachio, will have limitations just by accompanying me on the way, so it doesn’t matter much. As long as I can move freely within the Graham territory.
“Let’s stop talking about heavy things here and eat something delicious. I couldn’t eat properly last night, so I’m starving, Father.”
“Alright. Let’s do that. What does our youngest want to eat?”
“Steak! The one that Father cuts for me!”
I deliberately acted like a child, as if I was being spoiled, and the disappointment that had appeared on the Count’s face softened. The wrinkled palm stroking my head was so warm that tears welled up in my eyes. Ah, it was truly because of this faint warmth. Even though I was betrayed every time, I couldn’t let go of the slightest lingering feelings and expectations.
“My beloved Noah, our youngest.”
I really wanted to become Noah Hamilton. Without any worries. Just Noah, who receives only their love.