By Zephyria 
The Empress shouted angrily.
“Alexis!”
“Do you want to hear another scolding from His Majesty?”
The Empress tightly pressed her lips together. Ever since she had slapped Cecile last time, she had been told by the Emperor to refrain from punishment.
“Enough already. No matter how much you lock the door, Your Majesty’s voice echoes throughout the palace. How could I not come?”
“Since when did you start caring about Cecile’s matters!”
“Now I think I will.”
Alexis straightened his slouched upper body. He gestured with his chin towards the still dazed Cecile.
“You, come with me.”
At his command, the hands that had been holding Cecile fell away. Cecile moved in a daze, trying to ignore the Empress, who was trembling with indignation, and quickly exited the chapel.
The greenhouse, which always maintained a warm temperature, had a high transparent ceiling that allowed the bright sunlight from outside to pour in.
Large leafy plants created a cool shade, and rare flowers emitted a fragrant scent. It looked like a giant jewel box. This was the glasshouse that the imperial palace proudly boasted.
Listening to the refreshing sound of water from a small waterfall and a pond, along with the intricately carved fountain, one would naturally feel a sense of tranquility.
However, tranquility was the last thing on Cecile’s mind. In a space deep within the greenhouse, sitting at a tea table alone with Alexis was unbearable.
A peaceful silence lingered in the greenhouse. After a long time spent in silence, Alexis finally spoke.
“You look surprisingly fine.”
His tone was casual, but it felt like a bolt of lightning to Cecile. She glanced up at Alexis’s face. He seemed… quite angry.
“Did I… make some mistake yesterday, Your Majesty?”
“Seems you don’t remember?”
“…….”
Seeing the corner of his mouth twisted upward, her heart sank. Cecile wrinkled her nose, trying to recall the memories of last night. Something should come to mind.
In the end, she could only rub her face and let out a sigh.
“Whatever it was, I’m sorry. And thank you for bringing me back yesterday. You didn’t have to go through that trouble.”
“I can’t tell if you’re being sincere or sarcastic.”
“…Thank you.”
Cecile bowed her head obediently. Only then did Alexis retract his cold smile and comfortably cross his legs.
“Drink that. You look like you’re about to collapse just from looking at your face.”
“…What is this?”
She had been curious about the teacup placed in front of her since earlier. The thick green liquid looked like water pulled from a swamp.
“It’s a hangover remedy.”
“…Is it safe to drink?”
“I learned various folk remedies while I was in the Black Forest. Fortunately, there are useful herbs in the greenhouse. It should be much more effective than the remedies the palace provides, so give it a try.”
Cecile picked up the teacup with a reluctant expression. Just smelling the aroma that wafted into her nose made her feel nauseous.
She bit her lip and glanced around. The scrutinizing gaze directed at her was so intense that it felt like it would follow her until she finished the drink.
In the end, pretending to give in, she brought the cup to her lips. The liquid that flowed into her mouth was as strange in taste as it looked.
As Cecile grimaced and forced herself to swallow the hangover remedy, Alexis snickered in disbelief.
“You told me not to eat anything given by others, yet you’re drinking this without a care.”
Ptooey!!
Cecile spat out the hangover remedy she had just swallowed. The green liquid burst forth like a fountain, soaking the white tablecloth and even staining Alexis’s clothes.
Tsk, Alexis clicked his tongue lightly and shook off the tea that had splashed up to his elbows.
“You’re really something.”
“I-I’m sorry, cough. No, that’s not it.”
Cecile coughed lightly before finally calming her breath. Her eyes, wide with shock, stared at Alexis.
“Did I say something like that to you, Your Majesty?”
“If you don’t remember, that’s fine.”
“What nonsense did I say?”
“Try to recall it yourself.”
If that were possible, she would have done it long ago. Cecile sighed and rubbed her wet lips. Whatever it was, it seemed she had not been in her right mind last night.
“Why did you go to the social club?”
“…….”
The questioning came. Cecile was sure that Alexis had seen her at Count Alfonso’s mansion. Rather than awkwardly trying to deceive him when she couldn’t even remember, she chose to answer honestly.
“I went to meet some good people.”
“…….”
“If I stay cooped up in the palace, I hardly get a chance to meet anyone. I needed someone my age to talk to comfortably.”
“And did you meet them?”
His tone was light, but his piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through her. Cecile swallowed the bitter taste left in her mouth and replied calmly.
“I know you’re looking for a chief advisor, Your Majesty. I think you should meet Tristan Dyke. He’s a sensible and intelligent person. He will surely be a great help to you.”
“I was just thinking of doing that.”
“Then that’s a relief… Huh?”
She let out a foolish sound again. Unlike the flustered Cecile, Alexis gestured with his usual dignified posture. The attendants waiting at a distance noticed his intent and approached to replace the dirty teacup.
“I’ve told him to come to the palace soon. I plan to meet him in person and decide. I’m quite curious about what kind of person you would go so far as to bring me fine wine.”
“Please view him without any prejudice. I believe you will like him, Your Majesty.”
Alexis smiled and took a sip of the newly brought tea.
“A traitor shouldn’t have any qualities of one, right?”
He met her gaze with a meaningful look over the teacup. Indeed, Alexis was not an easy opponent. Cecile felt her breath tighten unknowingly, and her heart began to race.
* * *
Fortunately, peace returned afterward. Empress Elizabeth no longer sought out Cecile, and Alexis pretended not to know about the incident at the social club. Cecile was also shaking off her hangover and regaining her condition.
She participated in sword training for the first time in a while. After a few days off, her weak body protested painfully. Forcing her stiff body to work hard, Cecile soon became exhausted and collapsed. The sharp gaze of Commander Claude followed her like a tail.
“If you’re going to do it like this, I strongly recommend you quit. If you only come when you feel like it, will your swordsmanship improve?”
“Are you not tired of that nagging?”
Cecile clutched her sore ribs and finally caught her breath. Her entire body was drenched in sweat under the hot midday sun.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be coming every day from now on. You just focus on teaching me well so I can quickly go to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Claude gave a sullen expression as he bowed. He seemed to have no desire to talk any further and turned away abruptly.
Cecile also scoffed and turned her head. Rocco, who had been helping with the training, looked regretful as he gazed at Claude’s retreating figure. Today, his youthful face seemed particularly gloomy.
“Good work.”
“Ah, thank you for your hard work.”
As she stood up and brushed herself off, Rocco followed suit. The young man scratched his sweaty neck and hesitantly spoke.
“Um… Cecile.”
“What is it?”
“Would you like to wash up together in the changing room?”
Cecile stared at Rocco in surprise at the sudden request before turning her head away. Behind the training hall, there was a dormitory for squire trainees. They washed up, ate, and slept there, all in close quarters.
While it was one of the facilities of the palace and wouldn’t be in bad condition, it was absurd to suggest that to Cecile.
Just a short walk away was the splendid Peridot Palace, and there were plenty of attendants to serve her. Above all, royals do not undress carelessly in front of others.
“Are you serious?”
“…No. I just thought you might want to wash up quickly since it’s hot.”
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard today. You must be struggling with training too, huh?”
“…….”
“Go wash up quickly and get your head straight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Thinking he must be out of his mind from the heat, Cecile just laughed it off. She lightly ruffled Rocco’s hair, which looked more sullen than usual, and left.
As she shook off her sticky shirt clinging to her skin, she noticed a familiar face walking towards her. The other person recognized Cecile and quickened their pace.
Before long, Tristan reached her and politely bowed.
“Tristan Dyke, I greet the little star of the Empire.”
“It’s been a while, Tristan. You can just greet me casually in informal settings.”
Cecile waved her hand dismissively, feeling annoyed. Her voice had grown languid from exhaustion.
Tristan straightened his back and faced Cecile. Since it was their first meeting since the social club, his face was filled with a welcoming smile.
“I’m even more glad to see you in the palace.”
“Did you say you would start today? Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I will do my best to make the most of this opportunity.”
Alexis had a deep conversation with Tristan and appointed him as his chief advisor. As expected, Tristan Dyke was indeed a talent that Alexis would covet.
Tristan’s neatly dressed appearance revealed his determination. It was understandable that today was his first day as chief advisor, so he seemed to be putting on a formal front.
Having entered the palace before the eldest son of the Dyke family, he could have been excited, but true to his calm nature, he did not show off or reveal any excitement. This was the Tristan that Cecile knew, who was rather straightforward.
“By the way, why are you dressed like that, Cecile?”
“Oh, I’ve been learning swordsmanship lately. I’m just on my way back from training.”
“…….”
“…What are you looking at? Is there something wrong with my clothes?”
Tristan’s gaze was fixed at an awkward position just below Cecile’s face.
Underneath her sweaty neck, to be precise, on her chest covered by a white cloth.
The silk shirt was soaked with sweat, becoming semi-transparent. The fabric clung to her skin, clearly outlining her figure.
“Um, I think it would be good to check your attire…”
Tristan stammered, clearly flustered. He coughed and lowered his head, but his gaze continued to drift towards Cecile’s chest, regardless of his intentions.
What kind of man’s chest is that red?