"Henrie?" Runa's voice brought him back from his thoughts. They had arrived at the town square.
Stepping out of the carriage, Henrie extended his hand to assist Runa, providing her with steady support as she descended. "Shall we visit Mrs. Lo today?"
"Would you like to explore other dressmakers?" Henrie offered his arm to Runa, and she graciously accepted. Their servants followed closely behind.
"No, I am quite content with Mrs. Lo's work. Besides, Thea seems to have already formed a connection with her," Runa replied, glancing back at her personal maid who was waving excitedly.
This was yet another aspect that impressed Henrie about Runa. Despite her status, she easily formed friendships with people of any standing. Most individuals would surround themselves with those who could benefit them in some way.
However, Runa treated Thea with kindness, a rare sight in this society. It was reminiscent of the tolerant nature found in Harnisse, a small town known for its acceptance.
Henrie made a mental note to explore Harnisse further, as it could serve as a starting point for spreading tolerance and understanding among different religions.
When they arrived at Mrs. Lo's shop, she was already waiting for them and welcomed them with grand gestures. "My Lady, I will ensure the spotlight shines on you once again. I heard that you're preparing for Katja's debutante ball?" Mrs. Lo exclaimed.
"Yes, Mrs. Lo," Yohana replied.
"Mrs. Lo, what do you think about coordinating colors for the couple? If Her Ladyship and His Highness wear similar outfits, wouldn't it send a clear message to the world that the crown prince is hers?" Thea squeezed her way to Mrs. Lo's side.
Once she reached her, Thea gestured as if painting an invisible rainbow in front of Henrie and Runa. "Her Ladyship is incredibly beautiful. Any man would fall for her. And His Highness is so handsome that women will be drawn to him. This is problematic, Mrs. Lo."
"Problematic?" Mrs. Lo couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind Thea's words.
"Yes, it's highly problematic. We must remind the world that Her Ladyship belongs to the crown prince of Reichwein. And His Highness also belongs to her," Thea concluded, catching her breath after speaking so quickly.
Henrie's smile blossomed. "I wholeheartedly agree with that suggestion. I will have my outfit made here as well. Let it be known to anyone who lays eyes on us that we are bound to each other. Since our faces will be concealed, they won't be able to see who we truly are."
Runa tilted her head to catch a glimpse of Henrie's face, as he towered over her. "Why won't they see our faces?"
"Oh, haven't I mentioned it before? Katja's debutante ball is a masquerade party. We will all be wearing masks to conceal our identities."
***
They decided to wear matching royal blue silk. "I take back my previous statement about your fashion taste. You have excellent taste!" Runa complimented Henrie, seemingly satisfied with the dress design he chose for her.
He also ordered matching masks from Mrs. Lo to coordinate with their outfits.
Leaving Mrs. Lo's shop, they went to buy jewelry. Once again, Henrie selected the perfect set of sapphire earrings and necklace to adorn Runa's beautiful face, complementing her dress.
As they strolled through the town square, Runa suddenly stopped and crouched down in front of a little girl carrying flowers. "Flowers, madam," she offered.
The little girl, about eight years old, was barefoot and dressed in tattered linen, which was dirty and full of holes. The luxurious tulips in her hands provided a stark contrast.
"How much does it cost if I want to buy everything?" Runa kindly asked.
The girl fidgeted and scratched her skin, appearing distracted. Perhaps she had a skin disease or was simply feeling cold. However, Runa didn't seem to mind. Speaking closely to the girl, Runa rubbed her arms to provide warmth. As the sky changed color and the air grew colder, Runa removed her scarf and tied it around the girl's neck.
"Two hundred Kroners, Madam," the girl replied. Tulips didn't grow in Reichwein; they imported the highly coveted flowers from Neufurt, a neighboring kingdom. That's why tulips were expensive.
"That is quite expensive. Let me see if I have that much with me," Runa commented and asked Thea to check her purse. But Thea shook her head, offering only fifty Kroners.
Touched by Runa's goodwill, Henrie provided the remaining amount from his own pocket and gave it to the girl. "We'll take the tulips. Thank you," he said.
With a bouquet of tulips in her hands, Runa buried her face in them and deeply inhaled their aroma. "Do you like tulips that much?" Henrie asked. He would order a boatload of tulips for her if that were the case.
But Runa simply laughed and, while looking Henrie in the eye, she said, "It smells like grass."
Slightly confused, Henrie asked, "So, do you like grass?"
Runa shook her head. "Not really. I just find it unfortunate to see small children out on the street, working. I know how hard it is to live on the street all by themselves. Maybe they even have to support their parents or siblings."
It was a rather odd statement from the former princess, who had been living a sheltered life. Henrie contemplated whether or not to ask about Runa's odd statement.
Finally, he decided to inquire, "What do you mean, Runa? You've been living in the palace."
Runa appeared surprised by the question. She turned away from Henrie and replied, "I can only imagine how difficult it must be for them. I misspoke."
Henrie sensed that there was more to Runa's words than she was letting on, but he respected her privacy and hoped that she would open up to him when she was ready.
After a few hours, Henrie grew concerned that Runa might be feeling tired from their activities. "Should we return to the palace now? You still have time to rest before dinner," he suggested.
Instead of giving a direct answer, Runa took hold of his sleeve and pointed to the sky, which was now illuminated with vibrant fireworks. "Can we stay a while longer?" she asked.
Henrie smiled warmly, happy to spend more time with Runa no matter the activity or location. As long as Runa was enjoying herself, he would gladly accompany her.
He found it fascinating to learn more about Runa, discovering her preferences Occasionally, he would also get a glimpse of her train of thoughts.
Standing in the town square, he wondered if Runa, like other young women, enjoyed the grandeur of fireworks.
However, he soon realized that Runa's focus wasn't on the sky but on the reactions of the people around them. She observed the gasps, the sparkle in their eyes, and how everyone came to a halt to admire the magnificent display.
Once again, Henrie found himself mistaken. He chuckled and asked, "The fireworks are illuminating the sky, why are you captivated by the spectators instead?"
"Hm?" Runa didn't divert her gaze from the enchanted crowd in the town square. "I don't find the fireworks themselves entertaining. It's the joy on people's faces that I find amusing. Can't you see?"
Henrie followed Runa's gaze and observed the smiles and awe-stricken expressions of the onlookers. "They look genuinely happy," he noted.
Runa nodded in agreement. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if people could find happiness in simple things like this? Life is challenging, and sometimes, when faced with survival, they struggle to appreciate the little joys. Yet, I believe it's these little things that make the hardships more bearable."
Perhaps it was the way the fireworks painted vibrant colors on Runa's face. Perhaps it was the joyous atmosphere enveloping them that gave him the courage. Perhaps it was the way happiness spread easily among the crowd. Henrie found himself gently slipping his fingers between Runa's and leaned closer to her face.