Dress Shop
"Dad, why are we here?", Eleanor looked at Charles and saw how many ladies swarmed over the place. There is no doubt that Charles' face is such a rare gem.
"I wonder what Gil is doing right now", Eleanor opened a topic. "He better stay at home and not get near you more often as he needs to", Charles gave a scary face.
This guy is just 33 years old. He didn't seem to age that much.
"Duke Charles, we have these new designs coming from the market. Does Lady Eleanor like them?", the shop owner cowered as soon as she sees the lady. She must have suffered the lady's sharp tongue whenever she comes by to give critique. "It's a great design, Dad. I would prefer if there would be fewer ribbons and laces", Eleanor smiled. "That was surprising", the shop owner covered her mouth. "You may speak", Charles knew she was about to say something. "Lady Eleanor had always wanted to have more ruffles and ribbon. I thought these dresses will suit your taste", she bowed her head.
"I kind of...outgrown that design. It's a great one, anyways", Eleanor commented. They purchased some dresses. "Dad, should we have matching clothe?", Eleanor suggested. Charles just nodded and gave in to the lady's request.
"Thanks to the young lady, we were able to have more customers. If she hadn't given her honest comments regarding our dress. We might be in a slump now", the dress owner smiled at Eleanor.
Restaurant
Charles looked around. He seems to be thinking of something. "Dad, you're quite popular with the women in the street. I bet you're a lady killer before", Eleanor chuckled. "I haven't yet killed a woman", Charles said with a straight face. Eleanor facepalmed. "I mean. Never mind", Eleanor pouted. "I got dumped by your mother. If not because of the Emperor helping me out, she wouldn't be my wife and you might not have existed", Charles narrated.
"I haven't asked anything about Mom. They said she died young", Eleanor recalled. "Your mother was just 20 when she died. Her family has a hereditary illness that causes them to die earlier than late 20s. That's why there aren't many members left with the House of Iris", Charles stabbed his steak. "I'm sorry to hear that", Eleanor also started to dig in her food. Charles patted Eleanor's head. "But looking at you, I know you can pass through 70 or even age 100", Charles gave a smile. "I heard that they trained you how to use the sword. I can't wait to have a sparring with you", Charles had a smirk on his face. "My arms might fly away along with my sword", Eleanor sighed. She wasn't allowed to carry a sword around the Crown Prince's. They haven't yet forgotten about the rumor.
The band at the restaurant started to play some music. "Dad, shall we go for a dance?", Eleanor invited.
Charles, mind having another dance? It'll tire you out until you break your marriage proposal.
"You are just like her", Charles took her daughter's hand and led her towards the open space. "Actually, this is the first place where I took your mother to have dinner. She was so picky with food but she liked it here. She complained a lot and was so difficult to please", Charles started to recall some memories. "Why did you marry her then?", Eleanor was curious. Knowing Charles, he could have married any of the late Emperor's daughters. "Because I love her", Charles gave a bright smile. Eleanor felt like melting.
"Speaking about marriage, how about Uncle Oliver? Isn't he planning to start a family? It's so annoying whenever he uses the house as a lodge area or something like that", Eleanor pouted. "Oliver had sworn his life for the Emperor. Even if he gets married, he'll be out of their house most of the time", Charles sighed. "Didn't you swear your life to the Emperor as well?", Eleanor tilted her head. "He is one of the Frontier Knights. He's commonly sent out to expand the territory", Charles explained. "But he's on a very long vacation!!!", Eleanor complained. "You have to be thankful for that. If he'll be on the battlefield, it means we're waging war against some nation", Charles flicked the lady's forehead. "The last battle that happened was 10 years ago. This generation hasn't seen the terror of war. I hope you'd get past your life without seeing one", Charles gave a weak smile.
Palace
Pavilion
Keanne reads some books required by the Chancellor. He leaned against the walls overlooking the lake. Soon, he will be given a House to manage. It will be the first time that he will establish a House branching from the Royal Family. "So, you're going to stay here instead of the library", Aileen walked towards him carrying an umbrella. "Lady Aileen, what brought you here?", Keanne closed the book and sat properly. "Just taking a walk. The Chancellor gave me some break", Aileen explained. "Father. You call him father", Keanne chuckled.
"We are in the Palace. It is proper to call him that way", Aileen explained. "You should call him whatever you want. I haven't read any rules that say you shouldn't call him Father. Plus, you are fortunate to say that confidently", Keanne stretched his limbs. Aileen felt guilty. Even if Keanne wants to call the Emperor his father, he has reservations because he's not the only son. "I will take note of that", Aileen bowed.
"Lady Aileen, do you want to dip your feet in the lake?", Keanne asked while removing his shoes. Aileen removed it as well. Keanne was startled by her action. "I never thought you would be bothered with such trivial matters", Keanne laughed and dipped his feet in the lake. He had his feet hanging below the pavilion floor. "It's not a trivial matter", Aileen said under her breath. She sat beside Keanne and dipped her feet. "Soon, I will become a Duke. I haven't thought of that", Keanne opened. "Is that so? I know you will become a good one", Aileen commented. "If it's coming from you, then I think I will trust those words", Keanne shrugged. "If it's coming from me?", Aileen repeated. "You're the kind of person who won't say empty words. I have known you for a long time anyways", Keanne sighed. "Then, I should practice calling you, Your Grace. It seems that you're earning a lot of points", Keanne looked at the lake and marveled at its reflection in the sky.
House of Varian
The night has arrived. Charles went to his room to rest. He'll be bothered by Keanne again tomorrow morning.
Hallway
"You're back, milady", Gilbert met her in the hallways. "Gil, I wish you could have tagged along but father will chop you into pieces", Eleanor sighed. Gilbert sweat-dropped. "Are you busy, milady? I wish to show you something", Gilbert asked. "I want to see it. Whatever Gilbert shows is very interesting", Eleanor happily followed Gilbert. They ended at the roof.
Rooftop
Gilbert held the lady's hand tightly. There is a telescope set up. "Wow! You already have this kind of telescope?!", Eleanor exclaimed since it was her first time to see one so close. "There will be a comet today. It is said to come every after 20 years. I would like to watch it with you", Gilbert said. "I'm so fortunate to be invited", Eleanor sat down and waited for Gilbert to fix it.
"Gil, during the banquet, I heard that you are from a prominent family. I wonder what's the reason why you're staying with us", Eleanor opened. "Plus, I heard that your father is also dying and you need to take over the house", Eleanor added. The man flinched and felt like disappearing. "I don't want to go back in that house. All I ever remember are the harsh childhood that I have. Also, I don't want to leave Lady Eleanor", Gilbert gave a weak smile.
"But...you... are being called back. Aren't you happy that you will inherit the Dukedom?", Eleanor looked at him and saw a bitter expression. "Let's not talk about that, Milady. I would only feel that you don't want me to stay", Gilbert sighed.
Chapter end.