[Physis' POV]
The week passed by quickly, and before I knew it, it was time for us to head to Ortaire.
Adilun looked quite excited as if she was looking forward to visiting my hometown.
Seeing Adilun so happy brought a smile to my own face too, and we both set off toward the teleportation gate with beaming expressions.
"Coming to think of it, the Count and Countess might be surprised to see me."
"They'll definitely be surprised."
Undoubtedly, they would be overjoyed to see Adilun. I could already imagine their reaction.
"Is Lord Huian doing well?"
"Brother, He is probably… …busy with work."
"He isn't spending money on gambling, is he?"
Could it be that the previous National Foundation Day left such a strong impression about him on Adilun? It appeared that Adilun had formed the perception of her older brother as a gambler.
I pondered if his portrayal during National Foundation Day had made such a lasting impact. In Adilun's mind, he seemed to be firmly associated with the image of a gambler.
"Fortunately not. With the money he earned at that time, he bought gifts for people in our family."
"That's a relief."
She said that and took my hand.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
This time, only three of us were heading to Ortaire: Adilun, me, and Mina to help Adilun. Since it was a vacation trip, we didn't require a large group.
"Well then, have a wonderful trip, Adilun."
"Yes, Father."
After bidding farewell to the people of Rodenov, Adilun took hold of my hand, and together we crossed the teleportation gate. Naturally, Mina accompanied us as well.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, and upon opening them, I could sense a change in the surrounding atmosphere. Instead of the cold and biting wind ...A gentle warmth caressed us.
Adilun also seemed to feel the change as well.
"It's definitely warmer than Rodenov."
"Come to think of it, it's your first time in Ortaire, Adilun?"
\"Yes, it's fascinating. During National Foundation Day, I was in a carriage and didn't notice the climate change, so I couldn't really feel it... but now I can definitely sense it. It's a bit hot."
"In that case, please give me your robe to carry. I'll hold onto it since Mina already has her hands full."
"Ah, thank you, Physis."
Adilun looked at me and smiled brightly.
"Welcome, Second Master, and… …Princess Rodenov… … uh?"
The knight guarding the teleportation gate looked surprised and stared at Adilun.
"Yes. Ahm... Where is my father?"
Although we expected this reaction, it was still unpleasant to have even a knight from a respected family gazing at Adilun like that. With a slightly uncomfortable expression, I addressed the knight.
"Ah, yes. I apologize. The Count is currently awaiting the arrival of the Second Young Master and Princess Rodenov in the hall of Ortaire Castle."
"I see. Let's go, Adilun."
"Yes, Physis."
"Oh, and there's no need for separate guidance. After all, this is also my home."
"Understood, Young Master."
"Then, Miss, I'll be unpacking in your room first."
"Thank you, Mina. Knight, if it's not too much trouble, could you take her to the butler? He just needs to inform her about the room I'll be staying in."
"I understand, Princess. Let's go, Miss Mina."
"Thank you, Sir."
While Mina and the knight headed toward the butler, Adilun and I made our way to the hall of the castle. The castle wasn't too far from the location of the teleportation gate, so we reached it quickly.
As we entered through the castle gate, I caught sight of my father, mother, and older brother.
While my family members were happy to see me, they were shocked when they saw Adilun next to me.
"Oh my goodness."
"Princess Rodenov… …right?"
"Yes, it's been a while. Count Ortaire, Countess, and Lord Huian, thank you for inviting me to Ortaire."
Adilun greeted my family with an elegant demeanor. When she raised her head again, a smile appeared on her face.
.
.
.
.
The place where the storm of surprise had just passed was now filled with my father and mother's nagging.
"If something like this happens, shouldn't you have contacted us first, Physis?"
"I'm sorry. I couldn't contact you because I was busy with the northern social gathering. And I also forgot because Adilun had just shed her scales."
"Well, regardless. Lady Rodenov, congratulations once again. You must have gone through a lot... I'm truly relieved."
"Thank you, madam."
After that, they exchanged various updates and stories with each other... and eventually, my mother called Adilun aside.
"Well then, Princess Rodenov, would you like to talk with me for a minute? Let's have a cup of tea while we're at it."
"Ah, yes."
Apparently, the women had their own stories to tell.
"Oh well! Let me take you somewhere..."
My older brother suddenly grabbed my arm and started taking me somewhere.
"Well? what's going on?"
"It's nothing… … How is your relationship with Princess Rodenov these days?"
"It's good. We've definitely become closer than before. Perhaps, unless I make a big mistake, Adilun won't treat me like she used to."
"...Really? Well, that's a relief. But you, go to your room right now and take care of the letters that have piled up there."
"Letters?"
"Yeah. I couldn't just burn them, so I left them there... After National Foundation Day and the great duel, a huge amount of letters came to you from all over the place. It seems like they didn't know that you were staying in Rodenov for a while... Get rid of them somehow, whether by burning or tearing them."
"Ah, I see."
"Get rid of it quickly. If Princess Rodenov finds out about that… … Something scary might happen."
"I know that much!"
After answering that, I ran straight to my room.
***
[Adilun's POV]
The place where I was led to by the Countess of Ortaire was a peaceful-looking garden. Various colored flowers were combined to create a beautiful scenery, and a small table was placed among them.
The garden seemed to rival even a winter garden, and I couldn't help but express my admiration.
"Amazing."
"Oh my, really? Thank you so much. This is a garden that I personally took care of. I didn't use any magic or other difficult methods, I did it all by hand."
"It's truly impressive. Taking care of a garden personally must be quite challenging..."
"Since it's something I genuinely enjoy, it's not a problem. Anyway, let's have a seat."
"Ah, yes. Madam. May I ask why you called me separately?"
"To tell you the truth, I have always wanted to thank you."
"… … Yes?"
"Our once unruly second son began to change, all thanks to you, Princess. At first, no one believed it. I was no exception, considering all the disturbances my second son caused in the past 20 years. But then, he suddenly started changing."
The Countess recalled the past with rather vague eyes.
"It was probably when he fell off his horse."
"He fell off his horse?"
"Yes. After that incident, he started behaving as if he had undergone a transformation. And did the princess know that he abruptly went to Rodenov to offer his apologies?"
"Yes… …"
I knew all too well. Physis was on the brink of death back then.
"Anyway, after that, that child genuinely began to change. His violent and aggressive tendencies vanished, and he willingly assisted the servants... It reached a point where I questioned if he was truly my son."
"Is that so..."
"Yes, and you know what's even more intriguing? Afterward, I spoke with Physis privately. I asked him if I could trust in his change... And you know what he said?"
"What did he say?"
"He said that earning trust wouldn't be easy, so he would demonstrate it through his actions. And he credited you for bringing about that change. So, thank you, Princess Rodenov. No, Adilun. Thanks to you, my son has transformed."
At her words, I lowered my head in shame. Actually, I didn't do anything.
Still, to hear that he changed because of me,, I felt an unexplained sense of joy.
"...It's too much. I, too, have undergone significant changes thanks to Physis."
"Ah, Adilune"
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, please go ahead."
"What do you think of Physis?"
To the Countess' question that followed, I… …I had no choice but to lower my head and blush.
"Oh, I see. That's a relief. Even though there are so many people who are engaged but have their hearts elsewhere... It's really fortunate. Please take care of our Physis."
"… …Yes."
"Ah, then, first of all, we should stop the princesses who are aiming for that child right now, shouldn't we?"
"Pardon? Are there princesses pursuing him?"
"Oh dear, I forgot to mention this. In Physis' room... there are letters from various princesses across the empire. Not to boast, but is Physis usually considered attractive? And with the significant role he played during National Foundation Day... Other princesses must be interested. It's best to address that matter swiftly to ensure Physis doesn't entertain any other thoughts."
"… …Yes."
Without realizing it, my expression had turned tense, and the Countess remarked upon seeing me like that.
"Oh my, you're overflowing with energy. Go quickly. We can talk more later. You'll stay in Ortaire for a while, right?"
"Yes, I plan to stay for as long as possible. Thank you, madam."
"See you later, then"
"Yes."
With those words, I turned and made my way directly to Physis' room.