“Your Highness!”

I rounded the corner where she’d vanished. And then I ran into someone unexpected.

“Anette?”

At the hem of her lifted robe, I saw neatly tied silver hair.

“Mikael?”

It was not Violet, but Mikael.

“Why are you here?”

“I followed because I saw Princess Violet. Didn’t you see her?”

“Why would the princess be here? I’ve been here all along and didn’t see her.”

I looked around the alley again. It was empty.

“I was sure I saw her…”

“Maybe you mistook someone else in the darkness?”

“Maybe.”

After all, there was no reason for Violet to be here.

“But Mikael, why are you here?”

It was equally strange for Mikael to be in this commoners’ neighborhood.

Mikael was close friends with Kasian, but beyond that, I knew nothing.

“I have someone to meet.”

“Who?”

When I asked, Mikael shook his head lightly.

“It’s someone you don’t need to worry about. It’s complicated to explain due to clan matters.”

“Ah…”

I understood immediately.

Kasian had always been reticent about himself.

I hadn’t thought that would continue after we met, and it stung a bit.

“I’ll walk you out of the alley.”

“Sure.”

Mikael and I walked in silence through the alleyway. Awkwardness hovered, but no topic of conversation came to mind. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk.

‘I thought conversation would never run dry with Kasian.’

Reality proved different.

“Mikael.”

I finally found something to say.

“Yeah?”

“Do you have time this week? Let’s have dinner together.”

I remembered what Hertian had said earlier. I wanted to treat my closest friend well.

“Of course. I was worried I might not see you again before heading to the North.”

Mikael responded with a gentle smile.

“Alright. I’ll send an invitation for the exact date and time.”

“Sure. I’ll wait.”

The awkward atmosphere lifted instantly. I felt more at ease. Mikael must be making his own efforts.

“Look, there’s the Grand Duke.”

At the end of the alley, I saw Hertian looking for me. I waved frantically to catch his attention, and his gaze settled on us.

Mikael also stopped in his tracks. I looked up at him, who stood still.
“Anette. I have some remaining matters, so I’ll go ahead.”

“Huh?”

“See you later.”

Before she could even say goodbye, he suddenly disappeared into some alley. As she was watching the spot where he vanished like a mirage, Hertian approached swiftly.

“Have you found the princess?”

“No.”

“It seemed like there was someone next to you just now. Was it someone else?”

“It was Michael.”

Hertian instantly tightened his expression upon her muttered words.

“Michael Valosone, that guy…”

His words then became unintelligible.

(This is a time marker.)

The tearful reunion lasted for quite some time.

A whole basket was filled with handkerchiefs soaked with tears from the mother, father, and household servants.

Moreover, how messy the dresses had become.

Both were covered with tear and snot stains.

“Do we have another dress to change into?”

As I sniffled and asked, Mother grasped my hand.

“Your room and clothes are still the same. Change there.”

As Mother said, the room was no different from before I left. The bedding and vanity were all the same.

“It’s been more than a month since I went to the north. Why haven’t you cleaned up?”

“You should always have a place to rest when you come back. A place where you can sleep if tired and rest if worn out.”

Tears welled up in my eyes again.

I just changed my clothes, but they will become messy again.

“Don’t say such things…”

Mother caressed my cheek with her warm hand.

“Shall I nag you to my heart’s content for the first time in a while? Do you know how much I worried about your health?”

“Count Heidern is more than enough for that. I’ve heard enough to build up wax in my ears.”

Mother, who was surprised, chuckled.

“It’s comforting that Count Heidern has been taking good care of you.”

“Don’t say that. I barely take care of myself.”

Mother inspected my body and then nodded.

“Seeing you’ve gained weight, you must be eating and sleeping well.”

I do eat a lot.

Every day when I finish off the meat dishes, Hertian appears with dessert.

I was worried that I would lose my appetite in the north, but that was a needless concern.

Instead, I was discovering new flavors.

“Of course. I’m quite sturdy.”

To completely relieve Mother of her worries, I rolled up my dress sleeve and clenched my fist.

But Mother’s expression darkened upon seeing my thinnerthanexpected arm.

“Did you even eat? I mistook your swollen face.”

“I tend to gain more weight around my stomach than my arms or legs.”

When I awkwardly smiled and pulled my sleeve back down, Mother this time patted my belly. Her face became even more troubled.

“There’s a rumor that you and your husband are so happy, but no news?”

Mother asked, her eyes twinkling.

‘She’s expecting a grandchild.’

I’m sorry, Mother.

There will never be a child.

“Children aren’t born just because you want them. Be patient.”

“Your body is weak, so it would be difficult for you to have a child as you get older. It would be better to have one now.”

“I’m too busy with territorial matters and other responsibilities right now.”

I hinted that I wouldn’t be having a child right away as I recounted what had happened.

“You’ll get used to all that before the baby comes.”

Of course, Mother wasn’t convinced.

“I will help you with everything, so don’t worry.”

“Don’t do anything!”

“Ah. You never understand a mother’s heart.”

I had never known until then.

How desperately Mother wanted a grandchild.