When they came to the duke’s residence, they traveled uncomfortably in the same carriage, but the return journey was very comfortable. It was spacious, and, most importantly, there was someone attending to her needs.

However, Etienne, leaning halfway against the soft cushion, didn’t have a very bright expression.

“Do you feel upset that we couldn’t travel together?”

In response to the butler’s question, Etienne looked out the window and replied wearily.

“We are traveling together. Side by side…”

“I thought you might be disappointed because we couldn’t ride the same carriage.”

“It’s narrow and uncomfortable. Just have a lot on my mind.”

Etienne waved her hand as if to say she didn’t need to worry about it. As mentioned at the party yesterday, Nick and Solara, as well as Jovon and Alex, did not depart together.

With the carriage Etienne was in at the center, Prince Leharht’s six-horse carriage was moving ahead, and Fernando followed behind.

Fernando had insisted on riding in the same carriage as Etienne after she refused, and now he was sticking close.

Etienne’s rejection of Fernando was not for any other reason; she just needed some time alone.

“I can see the future. It’s only been about five years, but it’s enough time for Prince Leharht and me. The problem is that I don’t remember everything that happened in detail over those five years.”

If I stay still, things will flow as I know. So, if I can move accordingly, there are many advantages to be gained.
However, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t have detailed information about things I hadn’t experienced myself, only heard about.

So, just like when I came to see the Mitri tree this time, I couldn’t predict what would happen.

“I shouldn’t completely change the course.”

Knowing about the prince’s death from a fall would make it easier to defend. Leharht had said that the family was more important than his life, but ensuring he didn’t die was the best way to protect the family.

However, when Leharht decided to go see the Mitri tree, he involved Etienne. He was gradually changing the situation, and I was worried that the future I knew might be completely altered.

“No, it’s not just Prince Leharht.”

Even with Baron Pigman’s ownerless item, a new owner appeared just because of the wind I set in motion.

“What should I do from now on?”

Etienne buried her face between her knees. It had only been a short time since she returned at the age of sixteen, but it was the first time she felt so lost.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep. As Etienne blinked her eyes and sat up, the blanket that had kept her warm slid down.

“Butler?”

There was no one in the carriage with her. Looking around the quiet carriage as if she were alone, Etienne brushed away the fallen hair.

“What time is it now?”
It was hard to gauge the time as the outside grew dark, as if the sun had set. Etienne was looking for a clock.

Knock, someone rapped on the carriage. Startled by the sound, Etienne turned to the side. Seeing the completely closed curtain, Etienne slowly reached out and lifted it slightly.

Clavicle and a long, straight neck partially revealed behind the clothes. As she pulled the curtain a bit more, the chin appeared, and soon after, attractive lips came into view.

Perhaps because the person outside seemed a bit stern, not smiling, Etienne’s hand paused for a moment.

Should she open the curtain further? As if sensing such thoughts, the lips, which had been tightly closed for a while, curved.

Strangely, with just that small smile, the heavy atmosphere that had been felt until just now completely disappeared.

As Etienne pulled back the curtain, blue eyes twinkled as if waiting.

Leharht gestured to open the window as he pointed to it, his lips curled.

She didn’t know if he was making a sound but she couldn’t hear it, or if he wasn’t making a sound at all. She just saw him gesturing to open the window, so Etienne opened it.

As Leharht leaned on the window frame, the distance between them narrowed. As Etienne hesitated whether to move backward, Leharht spoke.

“You’ve been in the carriage the whole time without coming out. Aren’t you bored?”

“I wasn’t bored.”
Rather, that time was pleasant. It was perfect for organizing the complex thoughts inside. Moreover, the small vibrations from the carriage helped distract her thoughts.

“Oh, really? Then, I’ll just say I was the only one bored.”

“What’s going on?”

“I came because I was bored, but also because I have something to ask.”

As Leharht spoke, shaking his head, there was a playful feeling somewhere. The atmosphere that flowed from that expressionless face I saw a little while ago seemed like a complete misconception.

“It’s about Solar and Nick.”

“Yes.”

Surprised by the unexpected names, Etienne waited silently for the next words.

“Was it originally their destined fate?”

Ah, he was curious about that. Etienne nodded in response.