“But, this way, Alicia will be cold. Let’s go in. You know, I’ll let you meet a lot of good people.”

“Good… People?”

“Yeah, Alicia’s definitely going to be surprised. Especially the Duke. Oh, right, what about the other stuff?”

Rieta glanced at his simple luggage.

Perhaps it was a bag containing his clothes and some necessary items.

“Your luggage is now going through some procedures on the wall princess”

“Procedures—?”

“They promised me that they would go through a common-sense inspection without compromising your reputation. We agreed it would be brought to the mansion right after, so you’ll be able to get it soon.”

“I see, you must have had a hard time bringing it all the way here.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you right away.”

“No! The Empire has its own procedures. They won’t let anyone in easily from other countries. Anyway, let’s go inside.”

Rieta pulled on Alicia’s arm, the same way she had done back in the Kingdom. Very friendly.

“Okay, I’ll do what you want Princess but please don’t rush. I’m afraid you’ll fall.”

“Oh my, what are you talking about? So embarrassing. Noel’s listening.”

Rieta quickly explained the situation to Noel in the Imperial language.

“That happened when I was three or four years old. So you can’t misunderstand, and think that I fall down often by myself, okay?”

“….Well, Princess.”

The incredible look on Noel’s face brought forward a very important detail they had forgotten.

“You two were so excited to talk in the Kingdom language that I didn’t understand a thing.”

“Oh… Right. I’m so sorry. It’s cold. Let’s go in, Noel.”

While Rieta smiled awkwardly and went inside, Noel remained a little longer on the porch hit by the cold wind.

He had something to think about.

“When you were ‘three or four years old’?”

So Rieta had been hanging around with that kid since then? Until now?

“What is this?”

***

For some reason, Noel was shaken.

He thought he was definitely Rieta’s best friend.

‘What—’

He shook his head quickly, clearing his thoughts.

What kind of best friend?!

How long have they known each other? Rieta Liz was just—.

……

He didn’t know.

She wasn’t a guest, at least.

*******

Alicia also met and greeted the Duke and Darrell. After that, he visited the mansion and had lunch together with Rieta and Noel.

During all this time, Rieta never once left Alicia’s side. There were so many things she wanted to say to him. Since they had been apart for a long time, she had many stories to tell him.

“Yes, it was hard to take off the glue, but in the end, I did a great job on the test. I’m very grateful to Noel.”

“I’m glad to hear that you seem to be doing well here. I can rest easy.”

“Yes, I’m fine. Then……”

Rieta fell silent.

They had known each other for a long time, but she was still cautious.

“How is my father?”

She finally asked the most pressing question, one too private to be asked in front of the Duke’s family.

“That’s…”

“You don’t have to force yourself to compliment him or lie.”

Wasn’t it obvious that his father brought in a new wife despite his great debts?

“I’m just… I’m worried about everyone, since my father easily upsets everyone.”

“First of all, I’ve heard that His Highness has been in quite a good mood lately.”

“Well, I guess so.”

Rieta frowned slightly.

Her father had a short period of excitement after every new marriage.

Really, he was a frivolous and unpleasant father.

“Yes, no one is angry because of the unnecessary disturbance.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, and you know—”

She fiddled with her hands.

Alicia, understanding immediately, quickly informed her.

“Of course, the two princes are doing well.”

“Can they eat well?”

“Well, even you know, those two…”

“I know, they’re afraid of my father. That’s why they can’t even say anything.”

However, it was also sad that they could only eat well because they did not even stand in their father’s eyes.

Even though Rieta knew there was no other way.

“…I miss them.”

She murmured in a small voice.