Five years have passed. Estelle has now built the largest troupe in the entertainment industry named 'Destiny' which consists of talented artists that she has specially chosen and trained. Lo and behold, Karina is the face of her troupe.
Due to high demand of her artists to perform in various occassions, this brings prosperity to the Eastern Empire since Estelle deposited 40% of the troupe's earnings to the Empire's Treasury.
Estelle and Nicolaus secretly meet seven days in a month. The first two days is to discuss the secret plans of Nicolaus to punish some of the corrupt nobles of the Empire through the social skills and connections of Estelle. The remaining five days is where Estelle receives special combat training in the palace underground.
They are now comfortable with each other's presence that they can talk and spend leisure time whereever they decided to but mostly if it is leisure time they just spend their time in the library playing cards.
During Estelle's stay in the palace, she must wear the silver mask and a white robe to hide her identity. She can only remove the mask if she is alone with Nicolaus. Because of this, they got comfortable with each other and even got their backs with each other if they encounter problems.
Meanwhile, Karina has found her true love from Duke Charles Alain Rohan who is a big fan of hers.
Today, Estelle received an invitation from Nicolaus for their secret meeting. It is a dinner invitation that he always sent to her once a month.
"How is your vacation in Wroham?"
Nicolaus asked since he arranged Estelle's first vacation in Wroham, one of the most expensive cities in the Eastern Empire due to its beautiful sceneries and advanced civilization.
"It is so amazing! I have never seen such clear ocean in my entire life! The flower garden is also beautiful. It has different species and their colors are so vivid. Also the food they served to me is the best of the best"
Estelle excitedly replied that even Nicolaus felt like he is getting excited to see once more the places that she have been to.
"I see. I am glad you enjoyed a lot"
He calmly said and drink his wine while smiling.
"Of course, it is my first vacation after 5 years of restless days and nights", she happily replied.
"In my next vacation, you should also come! It will be fun", she added.
"Did you forget? I also see what you see and hear what your hear"
He replied as he pointed his right eye and tapped his right ear while slightly smiling.
"But it will be more fun if you come... you are cooped up in this place doing all those paperworks... can't you really come next time? You sometimes visit my troupe with that silver mask...", she complained while pouting.
"I will try but I cannot promise"
He replied trying to tease her to see more of her expressions and to give her also a surprise since her scheduled next vacation will be on her birthday.
"I understand... no one should know that we know each other and it is quite risky... I am sorry for being selfish for awhile", she said while looking disappointed.
Nicolaus always secretly celebrated her birthday for the last four years with just the two of them. Estelle does not really want to celebrate it but he insisted.
"You do not need to apologize"
He said and lightly flicked the forehead of Estelle.
"I said I will try. That does not mean that I completely rejected your offer", he added and smiled.
"You sly man"
She replied and gobbled the large piece of meat from her fork.
"Slow it down"
He said and adored again the cuteness of Estelle.
After their dinner, they went to the garden for a walk. As usual, Estelle put her silver mask and white robe on. The beautiful white peonies that shines brightly at the moonlight makes the scenery looks magical and peaceful. Estelle liked it because of how peaceful it is.
"Your Majesty, here"
She said handed out a small box.
"What is this for?"
Nicolaus asked as he accepts it. Estelle did not answer him and just waited for him to open it.
It is an anklet made of silver and rubies. Estelle get the anklet and kneeled down to put it in Nicolaus' right ankle. He panicked so he too kneeled down.
"This is not extravagant but this thing has healing powers"
She happily said after she secured the anklet on his left ankle.
"It's my first present so please always wear it, Your Majesty", she added.
"Why?"
He seriously asked and this was misunderstood by Estelle. She thought that she have become so confident that their relationship is that of a close friend but it turns out that Nicolaus does not see her as a close friend.
"Eh? Um... I am sorry Your Majesty if--"
"Don't apologize. I am asking why did you give this to me?"
"Um... I just saw it during my stay in Wroham and it reminded me of your hair and eyes and... I know you are strong but I just want to make sure that you are always safe..."
Estelle nervously replied and she got more nervous when Nicolaus did not react nor say something. She was about to remove the anklet but he stopped him.
Nicolaus reached his hand to her silver mask and gently removed it.
"Forgive me later"
He said and he pulled her to him and pressed his lips into her that made her shocked. He devoured her lips before he let go of her.
Estelle was about to stand and run away after what happened but Nicolaus pulled her again and hugged her.
"L-Let go!"
She said trying to escape from his broad shoulders and strong arms.
"I tried to control myself and hide this feelings of mine for you. To protect you... I must do it but your every word and action made me this crazy for you. You do not need to reciprocate this feelings I have for you but I am begging you to please do not leave my side. That is all I am asking for..."
He said while some of his words trembled since he is nervous and afraid that Estelle will leave him for the rest of his life.
Estelle knows that Nicolaus is a fearless-emotionless man and hearing his trembling voice begging her to stay made her heart softens and made her think of the feelings she have for him.
She reminisce those times when Nicolaus always do anything to rescue and protect her from all dangers even if it endangers his life. She also remembered her leisure time with him where they play cards in the library and talking about useless things and sometimes about themselves. When she remembered all of those times, she always felt comfort and happiness.
"Your Majesty... what if I have the same feelings as you?"
She asked and Nicolaus gently let go of her from his tight hug. He looked so stunned. This is the first time that Estelle saw the shocked expression of him and she thought that she wanted to see more of his expressions. This made her realized that she too have the same feelings with Nicolaus.
"W-What do you mean?", he asked.
"When you kissed me... I did not dislike it rather it made my heart beat so fast. I think I am also in love with you, Your Majesty", she nervously replied.