THE autumn uniform is a relatively thick garment worn in layers because the wind starts to blow frequently. Even though the sun was already overhead, it still didn't feel warm because there were a lot of clouds covering it.
Overcast, cool but sometimes cold, and the sun that slowly greets is the right atmosphere to linger in bed with a blanket covering a full cup of warm drink; At a glance, it describes the feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation that all humans desire.
At some point in the palace, the leaves from the chestnut trees slowly began to brown; the maple and oak trees seen from the emperor's study also conveyed a similar feel. Gradations of brown, red, and yellow give off new hues of green in summer.
According to Leocadio's account, chrysanthemums, the markers of autumn, have bloomed along the capital's streets and palace gardens. Plus, the smell of baking bread, freshly brewed coffee, and people on foot filled every corner of the money.
"That said, this is the perfect time to rest and relax. His Majesty should also enjoy it."
Two things that are always the same and never change from the human saying that summer and autumn are the right time to take a walk or spend time together. He suggested that I should enjoy it too.
However, sitting at my desk with piles of files is my way of enjoying each passing season. After all, the changing of the seasons is a repetitive thing. For 820 years of life, nothing different from today or autumn days hundreds of years back.
"The carriage is ready, Your Majesty."
Wearing a white autumn uniform with golden yellow ornaments, I stepped out of the emperor's palace towards the horse carriage parked in front of the entrance.
The carriage is white with the coat of arms of the Adenium Empire on the left and right, drawn by two white horses who also wear the royal coat of arms. No matter what season it is, my work has never diminished.
After some annoying problems, a new issue is back to greet; the threat of a petunia food crisis. Village repairs are still underway while winter is not far away. Availability of food and its distribution must be completed as soon as possible before the weather gets colder.
That time when I came back from the battlefield, it was the end of summer. Even though it's called summer, it rains sometimes. Then, in some areas of Adenium, it rains continuously due to erratic weather. Therefore, problems like this would inevitably occur after a crop failure.
Because the three villages on the western border had recovered and had not suffered much loss, some of the harvests can be distributed to Petunia. Thus, the region would be fine during the fall into winter.
Petunias will not go hungry during the fall and will have enough food for the winter. Although temporarily, the empire did not receive the crops of Anemone Village, Forsythia Village, and Burnet Village.
Even though everything went smoothly in the written report, I still had to personally observe—at least once in a while—the process of building the Petunia underground water reservoir and, at the same time, check the yields of the three villages on the western border.
Therefore, I was riding a horse-drawn carriage leaving the palace early in the morning. Riding a horse would save a lot more time than riding a carriage, but consider something; like it or not, I have to give in because he can be very troublesome.
"We have arrived, Your Majesty."
Duke Costello's residence is white and navy blue and has many greenery rooms; it consists of various flower gardens, herbal medicinal gardens, and family forests. Although known as the producer of knights from generation to generation, the family also born the great doctors of the empire.
Costello's daughters, who couldn't become knights, nor boys who weren't gifted with martial arts, could have another option of living life carefree.
Nevertheless, Costello's image as a family of imperial knights still carries the influence and burden of the name "family." Things that constantly happen in any family from the past until now.
Hamon opened the carriage door. Once set foot on the ground, one thing that kept me transfixed for a few seconds: the aura of Duke Costello's residence felt very much different from the palace.
Even though the weather today was freezing and windy, the house still looked strangely warm. If you look at the architecture and buildings, it was similar to one of the pavilions in the palace. However, there is still a difference that is felt.
"I pay my respects to the Adenium Star." Duke Costello and the houseworkers bowed respectfully. "Welcome to the Costello residence."
I nodded.
"In that case, please follow me, Your Majesty."
Duke Costello walked one step to the side. Even though I came suddenly without notice at dawn, the man was already prepared and neatly dressed. I did order him to go with me to Petunia; even so, I still did not expect that he was in full uniform.
"Since Your Highness came early in the morning, the Princess must still be asleep."
I don't care about what he said because my arrival this morning was an arbitrary decision.
However, when my sight caught something moving from there, my steps stopped. Elora ran at full speed; still wearing a nightgown; barefoot; while his maid followed behind, holding a thick blanket.
From where I stood, I could hear Elora screaming for Papa and the maids calling for her not to run.
When her tiny body crashed into mine, and her little hands wrapped tightly around my thighs, the muscles that had been depressed suddenly tightened. I could not move a single limb; for a few seconds, my mind went blank.
***
"Papa!"
After dashing into the living room of Duke Costello's residence, she immediately hugged my legs while showing a row of teeth as he smiled broadly. The green netra looked at me enthusiastically as soon as she lifted her face.
This morning, her dress was white and night blue, which didn't dominate. The ribbon and boots are also white. Similar to the characteristics of the Costello family crest.
"It's been a week already, so the Princess misses Your Highness a lot." Duke Costello said kindly.
"Really! El misses Papa!"
I exhaled and turned to look at Duke Costello, letting the little girl still hug my feet. "Elora will return to the palace today."
"In that case, I will prepare it." Then, he raised a hand; gave Butler a code that he immediately understood. "I felt a bit uneasy because of Your Highness' order to go to Petunia. However, now I am very relieved that Your Highness has personally come to pick up the Princess."
The waiter came with a three-tiered push table. With careful movements, she set plates filled with snacks and sweets on the table; then, the last two cups of tea and a glass of white milk were placed in front of Elora.
When the waiter finished taking out everything arranged on the push table, Elora let go of the hug, got up, and climbed over the couch to sit next to me.
The waiter, who had yet to move, swiftly gave a glass of milk he had been waiting for. She abandoned her intention to leave after seeing Elora climb onto the couch.
"Thanks, Penny."
The woman named Penny smiled, bowed respectfully then moved with the push table she brought.
I watched the scene without taking my eyes off and could only fold my arms over my belly; I didn't say anything, just kept looking at her, who was now holding the glass using both hands. "I just stopped by chance." Then I turned to take the teacup on the table, "After here, I'll go straight away."
"Where are you going?" Then he said again, "El wants to come."
"It's not a place that just anyone can go to," I said after placing the teacup on the table. "Only adults can join."
Instead of giving up, she even rolled his eyes; looked at me expectantly, pursed lips; and hands clasped together. Around her face seemed to appear colorful chrysanthemum flowers.
I didn't know he was making an angry or murderous threatening expression right now. But when she got a closer face, at that time, I was sure that she was launching an attack.[]