"Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to avoid hostilities with the other nobles."
Melisa thanked them sincerely because without Alexius and Alister, she might have had to deal with Amelia and provoked the anger of the nobles who had not fully believed in the good intentions of the Kingdom of Cyrille.
"You don't need to thank me, Melisa. I only did what I could to protect your honor. You are the future crown princess. Any noble should not look down on you no matter what."
Alexius spoke calmly to inform Melisa of her position. The man was silent for a moment before looking at Melisa earnestly.
"You are free to do whatever it takes to protect yourself. I will help you. At least, that's what I can do as your future husband."
It would be a lie if Melisa wasn't surprised after hearing Alexius' second words. With their relationship status, Melisa thought she would never be cared for by the man, no matter what. Yet here was Alexius now, giving the greatest support to a girl like her.
"I think I can rest easy leaving Melisa in the Sigmund Kingdom now."
Melisa's attention returned to Lady Violet after the woman had watched everything in silence since Alexius and Alister's appearance. Lady Violet smiled sincerely, then took Melisa's hand in relief.
"You have a good future husband, Melisa. I'm happy for you."
Melisa knew that Lady Violet had misunderstood because of Alexius' words and actions today, but she had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding. Making everyone think that she and Alexios were a loving couple was Melisa's goal. Melisa smiled, then nodded without saying anything.
"Your Highness, I apologize for causing a commotion earlier. As one of the representatives of the Kingdom of Cyrille, I'm truly ashamed that I couldn't resolve the matter pleasingly."
After Lady Violet, it was Sir John's turn to speak to Alexius with an apologetic voice. Sir John was someone who raised to protect the Cyrille Royal Family. Because of that, he was more easily angered when someone offended the people he served.
Fortunately, Alexius seemed understanding. The man nodded, "I know you're just trying to defend your master's honor," he replied in consolation. Alexius' words managed to make Sir John also give Melisa an approving look. Thanks to Alexius' actions and words, Lady Violet and Sir John finally felt they could return to their kingdoms with peace of mind.
***
Since the kingdom of Sigmund was not completely free of war, the feast of Alexius' maturity did not last too long in the royal palace. Soon, all the representatives from the other kingdoms must return to their respective kingdoms, including Lady Violet and Sir John. Melisa stared at them both, as if she wanted to carve their faces back into her memory.
"Then I'll go first, Melisa."
Despite Lady Violet's reluctance to separate from Melisa, she still had to come back that day to look at her face before she hugged her for the last time.
"Take good care of yourself, Melisa."
"I'll do it."
Melisa hugged Lady Violet then, reply her with a confident voice. With a heavy heart, Lady Violet rides her carriage after that. Now, what's left is Sir John, who paid bow to Melisa before turning to look at Teresa, who could see their farewell this time.
"Teresa, I entrust the safety of Her Highness to you."
"I understand."
Teresa answered confidently, and it made Sir John's heart much calmer than ever before. Sir John took a ride into the same carriage after that. When the carriage that carried them began to move, Melisa finally realized that she would return separate from the Kingdom of Cyrille with their departure.
Melisa had time to feel empty and lost when she saw the signs of the disappearance of her closest friends. However, she hurried to wipe out her sadness by thinking about something else.
"Teresa, I'm going to the crown prince's palace."
"Would you talk about His Highness' help at the time of the last party?"
Teresa has heard everything from Sir John during their stay in the Kingdom of Cyrille, so she can guess what Melisa wants to do this time.
"Yes. Since the party, I haven't been able to thank His Highness for the help, even after the party is over."
While Lady Violet and Sir John lived in the Kingdom of Sigmund, they received the most privileged treatment, even receiving precious gifts from Alexius.
"All right, Your Highness. May your meeting go well."
Teresa can only pray for Melisa then lead her only until Melisa rides her own carriage to go to the crown prince's palace. Now, Melisa no longer needs to ask Alexius for permission to meet the man. Therefore, nothing stopped him when Melisa came to the royal palace without notice.
"His Royal Highness is currently in his study. You can follow me to meet him."
As usual, someone took Melisa when she arrived and took her to the place where Alexius was. Although Alexius didn't want to change his decision to merely consider Melisa the shield of his secret relationship, the man never rejected Melisa's arrival again, even in his busiest time.
KNOCK KNOCK!
"Your Highness, Princess Melisa came to meet you."
"Let her in."
From inside the room, Alexius answered with a slightly dull voice. When Melisa saw the pile of papers and books around Alexius's study, she finally realized that Alexeius was really busy that day.
"Is there anything I can do, Princess?"
Although Alexius was very busy, he still set himself up to unfocus the pile of paper in front of him just so he could focus on Melisa. Melisa unconsciously acted shy when she noticed Alister gesture. But Melisa tried to stay calm before stating her intention of coming this time.
"I just want to thank you for your help at the last party, as well as your help after the party is over. Thanks to you, my family can see that I live well in the royal palace."
Melisa sincerely expressed her gratitude, but she was confused when she saw Alexius suddenly seemed uncomfortable. The man looked like a man who felt guilty, before he finally told Melisa his truth.