Under the bright sunlight, an unusually dark and distinctly noticeable shadow quickly passed by. The black shadow, wandering around cautiously, confirmed the absence of anyone by surveying the surroundings and stealthily infiltrated the stable. Without hesitation, Princess Ioventi approached her cherished steed, Luigi.

At the sudden appearance of an unknown black shadow, the horse startled, and neighed roughly.

“Hush. It’s me.”

Delia silently approached Luigi and gently patted his neck. The horse’s rough breath subsided with the familiar scent and touch. When signs of the horse calming down appeared, Delia leaned her forehead against Luigi’s and whispered as he relaxed.

“How have you been all this time?”

Affectionately inquiring about his well-being, she brushed his glossy mane. The distinct smell of the horse’s mane was subtly soothing Delia.

“I couldn’t move a muscle all this time because I stayed by Mother’s side.”

Delia expressed a slight pout while hurrying to prepare for the outing. Saddling Luigi and loosening the reins, she whispered to him, “Since we’ve sneaked out secretly, don’t make a fuss, Luigi.”

In response to Delia’s clear voice, mingled with excitement she couldn’t conceal, Luigi, who seemed to have sensed the situation, neighed more softly than before.

“Because we’re still sneaking out secretly, don’t make noise, Luigi.”

Delia’s clear voice, whispering to Luigi, carried an excitement that couldn’t be hidden. Although she wanted to stay quiet for her mother’s sake, there was something she didn’t want to miss. Moreover, her father had informed her that their engagement had received unanimous approval from the Council of Elders. It was practically confirmed officially. There were many things she wanted to ask when she met him: how they got approval, if there were any difficulties in adjusting, and how they would proceed with wedding preparations.

The suppressed excitement and anticipation naturally surfaced in her steps, leading the conversation.

“Let’s visit the workshop together for a while.”

The Picherun Workshop, supported by the royal family, was not far from the palace in Weseng. Noticing that her mother often visited, her father had relocated the workshop closer to the capital. It was a distance easily covered in about 30 minutes by carriage, and even shorter on horseback.

Calculating the time and leading the horse out of the stable, the moment Delia moved, she froze at the voice coming from behind.

“Where are you going?”

Her heart suddenly stopped at the abrupt call.

“Mom!”

A small cry for her mother escaped from Delia’s lips, sneaking away without her mother’s knowledge. Startled, Delia quickly turned around. After confirming the identity, she sighed in relief.

“Oh, Zher.”

As usual, Zher, wearing the immaculate uniform of the Ioventi Guard, called Delia over.

“Where are you going alone?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Taking a momentary pause, Delia stood up straight as if to embody the dignity of a princess. After taking a deep breath, she calmly responded, “I’m going to the Picherun Workshop.”

“The workshop?”
As usual, Zher, dressed impeccably in the Ioventi Guard’s conquering uniform, summoned Delia.

“Where are you going alone?”

“Oh, that?,” Delia, momentarily pausing, stood up straight, seemingly embodying the princess’s dignity.

Taking a moment to collect herself, she calmly responded, “I’m going to the Picherun Workshop.”

“The workshop?”

“Yes, I have something to confirm about a portrait.”

Zher’s eyes narrowed at Delia’s words that didn’t seem appropriate for the situation. At such times? The princess herself?

However, it was not his place to stop the princess’s footsteps.

Zher, exhaling carefully, spoke in a low voice, “I will accompany you. I’ll bring a horse, so please wait for a moment.”

As Zher turned to go get the horse, Delia desperately stopped him.

“No, it’s okay. You don’t have to come with me. I’ll go alone.”

“It’s still a precarious situation with the Imperial Army roaming around the capital. It might be dangerous to move alone.”

Delia’s face, solemn due to Zher’s worried words, softened.

With eyes shining bright, she smiled at Zher.

“So, it’s safe.”

As a subordinate of the commander, he would protect me. When I was captured as a prisoner, those who prevented me from attacking Delia to die were these soldiers. Those who held the blade to avoid touching Delia’s body. There was no danger where such Imperial soldiers were present.

“Princess, please.”

Gazing worriedly at Zher, she waved her hand gently.

“It’s okay. I used to go alone before.”

“But considering the situation, you should be careful.”

“What’s there to worry about when the princess of Ioventi walks on Ioventi’s land? Don’t worry and step back.”

Following Delia’s order, Zher hesitated for a moment and then stepped back.

She looked at the Ioventi Guard Commander Zher, who obediently followed her order with his blue eyes.

If it was Ioventi’s army, they would naturally follow her command.

Like Zher.

“It’s enough for me to go alone. Zher, stay here.”