Rishe first visited Coyolles in her first life as a merchant. Even Coyolles had a summer, however short, and it was in that season that she arrived.
On the night of a terrible thunderstorm, she and Tully reached the lakeside town of Coyolles Castle, almost getting stranded on the way. Their overcoats were practically useless in the downpour. Only after being guided to a back door and handed some towels by a maid were they finally able to relax.
"Ha ha ha ha! People warned me about the rain, but I never expected it to be that bad!" Tully burst into laughter, slicking back his drenched hair.
"This is why I said you didn't have to come with me, Rishe. I was the one who decided to push forward with our business to avoid delay. You should've just stayed at the inn with the others."
"There are more important things to think about, Mr. Tully! If it rains so much in the summer, don't you think we could sell raincoats? They'd be thinner and lighter than winter coats, and the designs could be brighter and cooler too!"
"That's a great suggestion, but do you even care what you look like right now? You did your hair up all nice, but you were so preoccupied with protecting the merchandise that your hairdo and your dress got demolished."
"Well, drying off a person is easy—one just needs a towel."
"Ha ha!" Tully laughed, his eyes fixed on Rishe.
"I'm impressed you kept up with me, newbie. My regular customer here will really appreciate your determination."
"Your regular customer? Ugh, I really can't be in the castle looking like this, can I? We made the delivery on time, so I'll just go…"
Before Rishe could finish, Tully smirked and sketched a bow.
"It's been too long, Your Highness."
Following his lead, Rishe quickly dipped into a deep curtsy.
Your Highness? Does he mean…?
Footsteps approached, halting just before reaching them.
"Long time no see, Tully. Sorry to rush you here in this weather."
"I'm just grateful for the opportunity to see you. That said, I hope you'll pardon our unseemly appearances."
"It was my father the king who requested delivery as quickly as possible. I'll have a change of clothes and some hot water ready for you right away. And who is this?"
"She works for me," Tully said. "Her name is Weitzner."
"I'll have to offer my respects."
Had a member of the royal family really come all the way here—to the back entrance—just to meet a simple merchant?
"I'm honored to make your acquaintance. My name is Rishe Irmgard Weitzner." Rishe introduced herself, her head still bowed.
Drops of water fell from her hair, wetting the floor. The next thing she knew, the prince knelt on that wet floor without a moment's hesitation.
"I am Kyle Morgan Cleverly. I wish to extend my most heartfelt welcome."
"P-pardon me, Your Highness?!" Rishe almost screamed.
Was this Coyolles's culture of men showing intense respect to women?
That was Rishe's first thought, but she quickly learned the truth.
"Coming here in the rain while protecting your horses and carriage must have been difficult. Not to mention the perilous sea journey before that. This country has few valuable resources; only with the support of merchants like you are our citizens allowed to live such blessed lives."
The prince, with eyes like water, stared right at Rishe.
"I extend to you my utmost respect and gratitude."
That was their first meeting. Kyle was royalty, but he had a great deal of respect for people from all walks of life—his servants, the knights who protected him, the citizens of his country, old people, and even children far younger than him. Rishe hadn't just witnessed this in her life as a merchant either.
When Rishe was an apothecary, he'd dragged his sickly body to the port to meet her.
"So, you're Hakurei's student. Her letters (Master) told me you have a promising career ahead of you."
In her life as an alchemist, he hadn't dismissed their practice as suspicious like the rest of the world. Instead, he earnestly listened as Rishe and Michel had told him their ambitions.
"I never imagined Michel would take on a student." He'd said then.
"I know the sort of mischief he gets up to. Still, I'm overjoyed to have such talented alchemists in my humble country. I beseech you, please share your wisdom with us."
Kyle always sat down and conversed with people at eye level, doing his best to understand their positions. Kyle was never arrogant, fulfilling his duties as a ruler to the best of his abilities.
She'd probably spent the most time with him in her life as an alchemist. After Rishe met Michel and became his student, the two of them sailed to Coyolles.
There, they'd studied a variety of subjects under Kyle's tutelage—the prince was, incidentally, in charge of his nation's academic policies. Even his scolding was fond; he spoke to them like a guardian would.
"Michel, don't you remember what I just told you the other day? Yet you still haven't cleaned this room?"
One day, Kyle sat Michel down on the couch, standing in front of him with his arms crossed as if Michel wasn't his elder.
"The other scholars are complaining about you. One of them said you came in covered in blood and then shut yourself in your room. He was terrified. What in the world were you studying this time? You completely sullied the carpet!"
Michel frowned and turned to Rishe, who was sitting next to him. "What did I do, Rishe? I don't remember. Did that really happen?"
"You don't remember, Professor? You said you helped with the birth of a calf and got a research specimen in exchange."
Michel's face lit up. "Ahh, that!"
Kyle stared Michel down, a complicated look on his face.
"That's not all. You spend days in your lab and don't return to your quarters. You left uneaten food out, and now the place smells like rotten eggs."
"Ah ha ha. The weather's been so good lately."