The snow in Masoullac had melted entirely that day. The wind was still blowing cold, but the weather was already warm overall. If the sky continues to be bright, it won't be long before Mariette has her first blooming flower heralding the arrival of spring.
I hope the flowers have bloomed a lot before the party starts. I need a lot for hall decoration, Mariette thought as she crossed the Palace grounds.
"Good morning, Viscountess Tierney," Count Lavaud greeted.
"Good morning, My Lord," Mariette replied. "Today, you are early."
"His Majesty the King also requests a reception and a parade for Sir Anatole. I, Duke Valent, and His Majesty are still arguing about that," confided Cound Lavaud. "The expedition's failure seems sketchy because its ultimate goal was hidden from the public. But it might raise suspicion among the people if we don't welcome it."
Mariette nodded in understanding. She could suddenly imagine King Vallotton and Duke Valent arguing with their respective stubbornnesses. King Vallotton wanted a welcome and Duke Valent wanted no one.
"You must be having a hard time with both of them," said Mariette, trying to convey her sympathy.
Count Lavaud laughed resignedly. "Please help if they haven't come to an agreement by tomorrow, My Lady."
"Of course, Count Lavaud. You can pass it on to me whenever you want."
They then split up in one of the halls. Count Lavaud went towards the king's study, while Mariette immediately turned onto the passage leading to the Prince's Palace where the twins lived.
Mariette's footsteps moved automatically because she had memorized it. She wouldn't run into any trouble even if her mind was on other things at the moment.
[Dear,
Viscountess Mariette Tierney
I entrust this letter to His Majesty the King. I hope that you will be in the Royal Palace by the time this letter arrives.
Along with this letter, I would like to express my deepest apologies. With a heavy heart, I must inform you that I have not found a wizard. This is purely due to my fault and delay. The last witch I heard of died of an illness just a week after my arrival. We only had time to talk a little.
We'll discuss what I was talking about with the wizard. There are many things I want to speak to you.
Again, sorry for my failure. But I'm sure we can still find out something from my brief conversation with the wizard.
We'll see each other soon after this. Please wait for me.
Regards,
Anatole Valent]
The letter is relatively short and concise, considering that this is Anatole's first letter in his expedition. From what Mariette had heard from Count Lavaud, Anatole had also just sent letters to King Vallotton and Duke Valent. Even then, the contents were only the report of his expedition.
Again Mariette could imagine the two old men fuming. Of course, it was because Anatole had just given the news after a long time.
"Wow! Wow! Wait!"
The panic-sounding voice snapped Mariette out of her reverie. He saw Elroy trying to catch up with the parchment sheets carried by the wind.
Mariette followed after the parchment and managed to catch it before the parchment flew any further.
"Vis-Viscountess Tierney! Thank you!" said Elroy as he received the parchment from her.
"You must have tripped over those steps over there, right? My apologies, it was my fault as the person in charge of the Palace. The steps will be repaired in a moment," said Mariette.
"No, no. You don't need to apologize. It's my fault for being careless," said Elroy quickly. He smiled broadly then. "Even though I've been here for more than two weeks, we have only met now."
"That time I saw you from a distance."
"What? I do not know."
They started walking together towards the Prince's Palace. Mariette was quite surprised that Elroy knew of this passage.
Perhaps feeling cared for, Elroy glanced at Mariette. The smile still stretched on his lips.
"Is there something on your mind?" he asked.
"I am surprised to see you here. This is a way of passage that few people know about," said Mariette.
"I was told by His Highness Prince Louie. He said there were many passageways everywhere in the Palace. I just heard something like that. I thought the Palace only had a secret escape route."
"You sound familiar with His Highness."
"Yeah, His Highness is beyond expectations..."
Mariette glanced at Elroy, who was continuing to talk at length. Usually Mariette didn't like hearing people talk, but for Elroy… it was different. His voice wasn't as deep and cold as girls typically like. Elroy's voice sounded more like a morning bird: upbeat, fun, and excited.
"Her Highness Princess Louisa is just as excited as Prince Louie. To be honest, I was a bit worried about the attitude of the two of them. Ha ha ha. Especially Princess Louisa. Ah, are they able to blend in among the nobility well?"
"You speak as if you had never seen them socialize among the nobility, Sir Elroy. No need to worry too much."
Elroy let out a long breath. "Nonetheless. Since I'm His Highness' tutor now, I'm worried."
"They have their own etiquette tutor. I also believe His Majesty the King will not impose etiquette on you," said Mariette soothingly. "You worry so easily about other people, including me."
"Is my attention burdening you?" he asked. His face looks like a sad puppy.
Mariette became aware that this man beside her had so many expressions. "Absolutely not," he replied later.
From a sad puppy, Elroy turned into a happy puppy. "Then please accept my attention well," said Elroy.
"Yes. Thank you."
Inwardly Mariette thought, would this man be okay if he was being too nice like this? Or was a normal human with a beating heart basically good like Elroy?