“Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was the day to depart for the hunting festival. Today, they were heading to the Wilhelm Kingdom, not far from the Friede Empire.

Wilhelm and Friede were close, so the emperor willingly participated as the representative of the empire. It was a convenient move since there was no need to vacate the palace for long.

Kun and his confidante Cloé took the lead. Both were dressed in identical jet-black uniforms adorned with the emblem of the Friede imperial family in gold on their chests.

Due to the emperor’s absence, palace security became even stricter. The remaining members of the knights formed a procession, raising the flag of the palace. Soon, the cheers of the people echoed.

Shortly after, the emperor spurred his horse. The jet-black horse, urged on by the reins, began to gallop vigorously.

Cloé felt the wide embrace overlapping her back. Each time the rough wind swept over them, the man’s swift actions to hide Cloé in his arms became evident.

‘Protect your people. I am your person too.’

‘We love each other.’

Suddenly, after confirming each other’s feelings, their relationship became delicate. That day, the inability to precisely define each other’s feelings weighed heavily.

‘…I will protect. Without being swayed.’

Cloé’s monotonous response followed.

Regrettably, she couldn’t respond to the confession of love. The only vow she could make was not to become foolish anymore.

Since that day, the two became busy and couldn’t have a sincere conversation. Despite being busy and not having much chance, opening up a conversation that would take away his attention seemed pointless.

But, in reality, Cloé knew.

If only she had the courage, she could conclude it anytime.

If she attempted a conversation with determination, he would listen attentively, even with drowsy eyes.

‘What is there to be afraid of?’

The human heart is cunning. Perhaps that’s why Cloé didn’t even know that much. Wrapped in unknown emotions, she detested herself for being tossed around.

By the time the highest sun was setting, the knights arrived.

Although the Friede Empire and the Sahir Empire participated together, the tents that made up the camp were firmly divided. It was done to prepare for any unforeseen accidents, keeping each knight’s location unknown.

Kun and Cloé settled in the fifth tent, on the right side of the extended line.

Cloé, unpacking in the tent, was taken aback. A neatly folded handkerchief caught her eye at the top of the angular travel bag.

She cautiously picked up the handkerchief. It was firmly secured with a pin to prevent wrinkles, but there was not a single crease, as if to reward her efforts.

“Um…”
She approached Kun, who was already preparing to leave. The nocturnal creatures began their activities around sunset, so the knights also had to operate during the night.

“I prepared this for you, Kun…”

No matter how awkward it might be, proper courtesy had to be observed, and she had things to give.

Cloé, as if feeling embarrassed, quietly handed him a handkerchief.

The edges of the jet-black fabric, like his hair and uniform, were adorned with golden threads. In the center, as she intended, two flowers symmetrically intertwined.

Kun, looking at the red rose and the blue forget-me-not, smiled faintly.

“I received an unexpected gift. I don’t know how to express my grateful feelings.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I really do.”

As he gazed intently at the embroidery, he folded the handkerchief in half and asked a question.

“What’s your favorite flower among these two?”

Between the casually spoken question, Kun’s sincerity peeked through.

Was it the friend who opened her heart, or the emperor who helped her achieve her goal?

Every time, Cloé stumbled. Sometimes, she forcefully embellished things that she couldn’t answer for the sake of the other person’s feelings.

“It’s a rose.”

But now, she could answer.

Even though she couldn’t respond fully to a confession of love.

“They’re beautiful and fragrant, aren’t they?”

Now was the time for Cloé to gather courage.

“I like forget-me-nots.”

At that, he laughed brightly.

“It’s the same color as your eyes.”

As if saying he wanted to resemble her blue eyes, he even imitated the blue eyes in the handkerchief.

Kun tied the neatly folded handkerchief to his sword hilt. As it perfectly split in half, the rose on one side faced Cloé, and the forget-me-not on the other side faced Kun.

Beyond the tent, the sound of trumpets was heard. It signaled the gathering time.

“I have to go.”

“I wish you luck. Be careful, especially since it’s late at night. Don’t overexert yourself.”

“It’s a bit disappointing to just say that.”

“Really?”

“Since you’ve prepared a handkerchief like this, wouldn’t it be better to observe proper courtesy until the end?”

Soon, Cloé understood the meaning behind his words.

A stroke of luck was essential for a knight leaving for a campaign.

“And, it’s natural for lovers.”

A suggestive whisper tickled Cloé’s ear.