I walked through the palace, pressing my dizzy head with one hand.

“Ugh, my head…”

While drinking alone is fine, the problem is when I end up drinking too much. One of my bad habits is that, without someone to stop me, I tend to drink endlessly on my own.

Still, I manage not to lose my composure entirely. If I had been drinking alone in my room, it wouldn’t have ended like this.

As I passed through the main gate, I walked slowly, and someone’s presence was felt ahead.

“Hmm? Isn’t it Lady Muselle?”

“……?”

I lifted my head, trying hard to see the other person’s face. It was too dark to see clearly.

He approached gradually.

“Oh, you’ve had quite a bit, haven’t you?”

“Oh, it’s Lord Rutz…”

Recognizing who he was, I, contrary to my thoughts, kept giggling.

“I’m not drunk. Really.”

“Yes. Usually, people who are drunk say that.”

“I’m serious…”

“Look at this. Even if you’re trying to sober up, your steps are unsteady.”

“Ugh…”

Eventually, I plopped down on a nearby bench.

“I guess it’s better to clear your head a bit before going. Prince, do you plan to show him the sight of you staggering around the palace?”

Lord Rutz laughed heartily.

Laughter kept bubbling up.

“That’s true. In many ways, I keep showing an ugly appearance. His Highness will be disappointed again…”

Lord Rutz looked at me quietly and then said casually.

“Did you get a scolding from His Highness?”

“Yes, a bit…”

I bowed my head deeply.

Lord Rutz sat down next to me. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke.

“Cheer up, Lady Muselle. Those who serve upper-class individuals can’t help it.”

“Hahaha, you’re right. Whom else can I blame? It’s my mistake…”

The cold winter night air touching my face felt refreshing. Under the dim light, white breath scattered.

“I’ll stay by your side until you sober up.”

“Thank you, Lord Rutz.”

Come to think of it, Lord Rutz is quite considerate. Just by not prying into what happened with Klaus, he shows that.

Usually, those who are overly sympathetic would say they’d comfort you and ask you to spill everything.

Even now, without asking anything, just being there is enough to be comforting.

Feeling a bit better, I struck up a conversation with him.

“But where were you going at this hour?”

“Naturally, I was heading to the training ground. I was planning to run a few laps.”

Running, a great exercise. Next time, instead of drinking alone, maybe I should go for a run.

Holding onto Lord Rutz too late might be troublesome. I should send him back now.

“Phew, thanks to you, my head has cleared up a bit. I’ll go back slowly now.”

“Can you walk alone?”

Lord Rutz looked at me with a worried expression, like he was releasing a child to the water’s edge.

“Don’t worry too much. My mind is perfectly fine, you know?”

“Umm, let’s go together for now. I can’t relax if I don’t.”

“Even though you were on your way to the training ground?”

“Walking is also physical training.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief. However, rather than getting into an argument here, I willingly responded, thinking that it would be more helpful to him if I quickly returned to my lodgings.

“Alright. Do as you wish.”

Still feeling a bit dizzy to walk quickly, I moved slowly. Rutz matched my pace and walked slowly alongside me.

During the walk, we didn’t engage in any particular conversation. I didn’t bring up anything, and Rutz didn’t intentionally start a conversation either. Sometimes, such silence is okay.

Finally, the dedicated entrance for the servants of the Prince’s Palace came into view. I turned to Rutz and said, “We’re here. Thank you for walking with me.”

“Don’t let your guard down just because there are only a few steps left. Be careful not to trip, Lady Muselle.”

“Haha, I got it.”

I waved my hand at him. Despite having a few drinks, I was still treated like a child. Well, whatever.

Thanks to Rutz, I arrived at my lodgings without falling even once. It was quite an unexpected benefit. I had received the protection of a royal guard, albeit by chance.

The next day, I woke up a bit earlier than usual. The sound of someone knocking on the door was the reason.

“Lady Muselle. It’s time to get up. Have you awakened?”

“……!”

I hastily got up. Why were they looking for me already when it was still early?

I approached the door quickly and just stuck my voice out.

“I just woke up. Did His Highness summon me?”

“Oh, yes. Please come to His Highness’s bedroom as soon as you are ready.”

“Understood!”

Having heard my response, the servant gradually moved away.

I immediately fell back from the door.

“Uh, ugh!”

Suddenly, my heart raced. Klaus’s behavior, different from usual, made my chest throb for no apparent reason.

Why was he calling me to the bedroom this early, rather than the office? I had a bad feeling about it, probably related to yesterday’s incident, but what else could he be talking about?