“Yes. Huh? About what?” Kael asked, as he uncrossed his arms. He’d been too preoccupied with his own thoughts for the words Wellen had lightly spat out to register with him.

“About what you just said,” Wellen repeated. He wasn’t fazed by Kael’s odd behavior, as he’d experienced it before. Although it seldomly occurred, the crown prince would occasionally mutter fragments of his thoughts when he was pondering deeply over matters. It was a behavior the crown prince only displayed before those he deeply trusted, so Wellen was happy, though he didn’t show it.

“What did I say?”

“You said you wanted to see her, so I will take care of it.”

“Did I say that out loud?” Kael remarked, surprised.

“If I ever had a huge secret, I’d never tell Your Highness! I wouldn’t be able to.”

“Well, a secret is meant to be kept to yourself anyway. The moment you tell it to others, it’s no longer a secret. That’s stupid.”

Wellen bristled from the harsh truth Kael coldly spat. He shuffled through the pile of papers in his hand, as he considered whether he’d be allowed to smack the prince’s flawless face with his trembling fists. Taking a breath to calm himself, Wellen said, “These are the priorities…”

“I don’t want to continue keeping her there,” Kael interrupted.

“I wished you could’ve told me this earlier when you were still on break. I’ll arrange for a meeting as soon as you have a moment to spare, so could you at least please start by addressing the work that’s piled up,” Wellen sighed.

Oddly amused by how Wellen carelessly spread the paperwork on the desk, a tiny grin broke out onto Kael’s face. Wellen ignored the crown prince’s bemusement, and proceeded to focus on the job at hand. Even though there was a packed agenda and they worked at a hectic speed, Wellen once again proved his excellence, completing his duties without missing a single detail.

When there was finally time for a breather, Wellen stepped outside to get some cool air. Addressing one of the attendants, Wellen asked, “Where’s Mrs. Grendel? I heard she’s returned from visiting her hometown.”

“Oh, the head maid? She was here a little while ago. Did you need her?”

“I have some business in Atrichen. Since men are forbidden from entering, it’s quicker to have her assist.”

“A-Atrichen?”

“His Highness has expressed an interest in meeting with Irene M. Voltern, who is currently residing in Atrichen. Oh, should I mention that he specifically requested her? Anyway, when he has free time… Eh? Where’d you go?”

While Wellen was immersed in his thoughts as he tried to recall the next vacancy in the crown prince’s schedule, he’d failed to notice the wide-eyed servant joyfully run off in search of the head maid. “Is the servant new? How unprofessional,” Wellen muttered, as he shook his head and clicked his tongue in disapproval. He couldn’t possibly have imagined this brief interaction with the attendant would result in a grave misunderstanding.

* * *

At the same time the seed of misunderstanding had been planted, Irene was despondently staring out the window of her room. Since their arrival at the imperial palace a week before, she hadn’t left her room once. When she noticed that it was snowing, she stretched her hand out through the window.

“Lady, please try having some of these,” Marie pleaded.

“I’m not hungry.” Though she barely ate these days, Irene didn’t feel the least bit hungry. She imagined that her body, which used to be constantly on the move, was having difficulty adjusting to this new life, so she didn’t force herself to eat.

“But…” Marie sighed. She was worried that her lady would faint, and didn’t know what to do. “Lady, tomorrow I’ll ask the kitchen staff to cook some Theorin dishes…”

Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by steady knocking on the door. Irene let out a sigh of relief. Though she was slightly apologetic towards Marie, she felt that the untimely interruption had saved her.