Hagen was satisfied with how the first weeks after the wedding on Kleingoldlinden proceeded. The Archduke lived up to his responsibilities and duties without much complaint or distractions despite still being just recently wed. It might be the combination of Princess Yumiko's positive influence and her own admirable dutifulness along with the urgent matters of the current state of affairs of their country. Hagen was surprised that they worked through the documents and piles of paperwork diligently. He hadn't seen Benedikt being so ambitious with this rather tedious obligation ever before.
At the same time the new Lord and Lady of the Kleingoldlinden estate were already dearly beloved by all the employees. Especially being so deeply involved within both the allemanian and yashimian culture was something that everyone enjoyed. Along with Takane-san a few other employees from the Kirishima family had decided to stay by their Lady's side here in Allemania so that the island was inevitably a mix of both cultures.
Everyone was open-minded and Hagen was assured that even after a few years together it would never cease to be a new experience for the staff here. It was constant teaching, showing and learning from each other and the exchange had brought a lot of joy within the employee's work life. However the most enjoyable aspect of Kleingoldlinden was witnessing the newly wedded couple. Benedikt diligently worked until it was time to pick his wife up for their shared meals and he was always never even a second too late. Occasionally he had to sail over to Hohengoldlinden to attend some things in person, but he never missed out on a meal.
Their relationship was surprisingly close and trusted right away and their playfulness with each other gave the whole place a comfortable feeling. The employees all especially adored their new Princess. Not a day has gone by where she would prove again to everyone how serious and yet kindhearted she took up her new role. Her curiosity and rather unusual personal approach matched with the respect and values of the Hohengoldlinden family.
It wasn't expected for her to treat the staff with the same regard as the main family. However she exceeded every single expectation and won over the hearts with ease.
Hagen also admired her and was relieved about their shared happiness that was contagious. On this small island both Benedikt and Yumiko were building their own little paradise and Hagen was glad to be a part of that.
With a peppy swing Benedikt closed the file in front of him and put it on the pile of other completed materials. "It is time!" He stood up from his desk and approached the door faster than Hagen was anticipating it. The smile on his face was still as big as on the first day. Hagen quickly opened the door for the blonde and followed him outside.
Benedikt never hid or downplayed any of his emotions towards Yumiko in front of others and even now he was rushing through the halls of the house with energetic steps. The employees who met him on the way already knew that he was about to pick up his cherished wife and would politely make way for him. Despite his fast pace he would still never miss out on greeting each employee by their name while passing them.
Hagen also politely nodded at them as he followed their excited Prince to the Princess' office room. He heard them giggle as they passed them and couldn't hold back a grin himself.
In moments like these Benedikt looked like a young boy who was on his way to see the greatest treasure of mankind. And without a doubt, this might even be the case.
Hagen couldn't believe the change the Prince went through after the marriage. Benedikt was just as nonchalant and free-spirited when the marriage was announced. Upon meeting Yumiko he turned into a worrywart who was unusually insecure and self conscious. After the wedding he then transformed into this loving and caring husband who adored his wife in an idolatrous way.
Of course Hagen knew that these qualities were always a part of him, but to see them come out so naturally with Yumiko was a positive surprise.
In the beginning Hagen had the impression that Yumiko's adoration was more easy to read, but now it was undoubtedly Benedikt who openly and explicitly carried her on the palm of his hands.
He was glad to see him being so fulfilled after the marriage. It could have turned out so much differently as well and even then, in the worst case scenario that he wasn't so enchanted by his arranged partner, he would have still given his best.
So it was a relief that his closest friend was able to enjoy the marriage with the partner his parents chose.
Benedikt reached the wooden door of Yumiko's office and knocked twice.
The door was opened from Takane-san and revealed the lovely office space inside. Benedikt had it follow a traditional yashimian style with a lot of wood elements and huge windows facing the inner garden.
The natural light from outside flooded the minimalist interior, making it bright and comforting.
Yumiko sat neatly on the bamboo floor at her low table and looked up with a smile.
Benedikt routinely took off his shoes in front of the door and stepped inside. Hagen remained outside, awaiting the couple.
"I could hear you from afar already. You shan't run inside the house, Your Royal Highness," Yumiko scolded him while still smiling.
"I can't help it, please forgive me." Benedikt smirked and gave her his hand to get up.
"It isn't good etiquette." Yumiko took his hand, it was part of their routine.
"It was really important," the blonde led them to the door where he first helped his wife put on her shoes and then slipped back into his own. Takane-san followed them outside as well. They exchanged the usual polite bow.
"What was so important that you had to run inside the house?" The couple walked calmly to the dining hall where their lunch awaited them.
"Seeing you." Benedikt said it so nonchalantly as if it was self-explanatory. His cheeky playfulness got worse after the marriage and was too much even for Hagen so he tried to not let his friend's charming trait get to him.
Hagen glanced at Takane-san who walked beside him and saw her unassuming expression, but he knew that she was always taken aback by his directness. Apparently it wasn't so common to be this open about affection, especially in the higher ranks. Properness and etiquette were important to represent the nobility of one's birth status.
Yumiko didn't seem to be bothered by her husband's frank behaviour. Though she would still blush by his wholesome and straightforward nature. It was a lovely sight to see them both.
"Oh my, how can you say something so boldly." Yumiko shook her head.
Benedikt shrugged his shoulders and looked at her. His smile was still wide even from the side.
"Because it is the truth."
Yumiko turned to him, smiling as well. "I'm happy to see you too."
Hagen saw how Benedikt took Yumiko's hand from holding his arm and kissed the back of it. From the corners of his eyes he could also see Takane-san discreetly turning her head slightly to the side admiring the windows they passed.
He grinned.
As they reached the sliding doors to the dining hall the employees standing there greeted them.
The dining hall was a mixture of both an allemanian and yashimian interior. High ceilings, large windows, wooden elements and gold accents. Both elegant and neat.
The sunlight came inside the room at just the perfect angle to brighten it up without being too strong.
Hagen had always enjoyed the approach of the Hohengoldlinden family regarding their design choices. Some other residences and estates he had visited from other royalties were sometimes oversaturated with pomp and splendour, different fabrics everywhere, dark and dim.
Returning to the duchy was always a joy.
Even coming to Kleingoldlinden from the main estate had already become an enjoyable route.
He felt at home just like most of the other employees and both Benedikt and Yumiko.
It gave the impression as if they all were supposed to be here, as if everything finally fell into its designated place.
The shared meals were a delight for the entire staff of the house. The lighthearted, joyous conversations between Benedikt and Yumiko were earnest and genuine.
As they got to know each other better, the employees also all got more familiar with them.
"I will have to go to the main island afterwards. Your brother generously offered to join me for today's training session with our soldiers."
Hagen stood by the window behind Benedikt who sat at the table and was able to look at Yumiko sitting on the other side.
At first Benedikt wanted to sit beside her, but she refused his appeal as it wasn't proper and unnecessary when it was only them at the table. So instead he opted for the seat by the window so that his wife was pleasantly illuminated by the incoming sunlight in order to have an undisturbed view of her.
"That is kind of him. Please send him my best regards."
"You could also join me instead and tell him that yourself." Benedikt's tone was encouraging and hopeful. Although he enjoyed the on-hand training with the soldiers and sailors, he still preferred to be closer to Yumiko or having her with him at all times.
"What about my work?" Yumiko tilted her head.
"You could bring that along if you really want to finish it. You could also enjoy some time with your family, we could join them for dinner and come back here later in the evening." The blonde Prince in front of Hagen made an earnest suggestion and sounded very optimistic.
Yumiko thought about it for a moment.
"That is a great suggestion. There are some things that I would like to discuss with Linda."
"Then it is settled! Hagen, please have my brother and the Kirishimas informed about our visit and that we will stay for dinner as well." Benedikt turned around and smiled brightly at him. He was undoubtedly pleased with the outcome.
"Very well, Your Royal Highness." Hagen bowed down, confirming the acceptance of his new task. He nodded to one of the butlers in the room to take his place by the Prince at the table and left the dining hall to prepare the message.
"My dear, there is nothing I could advise you on. You are doing formidable already," Archduchess Linda laughed and put down her cup of tea upon hearing Princess Yumiko's inquiry.
The women sat together in the bright tea room surrounded by fresh flowers and light colours.
Takane stood by the wall behind her Lady, ever so ready to be of help and support.
"Oh, is that so?" Princess Yumiko tilted her head and leaned back into the chair.
"Do not worry, it's only been a few weeks, but you have already managed to work through all of the documents." Archduchess Linda smiled fondly at the younger woman. "You will be a fantastic Lady of the house."
Princess Yumiko bowed down politely. "Thank you so much. Your kind words are truly encouraging."
"How is living on Kleingoldlinden?"
"It is wonderful. Everyday is a bliss, I feel very honoured to be able to live such a lavish life."
In Takane's mind she approved of her Princess' words firmly. It was indeed an honour and each day Takane felt grateful for the comfortable life that her precious Lady was offered after her marriage. The gruesome truth of other possibilities was unthinkable, so she was more than happy to see Princess Yumiko being able to live in a beautiful house, dearly beloved by everyone and also adored by her husband. Though, his adoration would at times be rather bold. She was still trying to get used to his open and free-spirited character.
"You don't have to feel honoured. That is just the life that you have deserved. Everyone should be able to live happily." Archduchess Linda's tone was very warm and Takane could feel the genuine friendliness and empathy. In her eyes the blonde, tall woman was sensible and smart. She was always calm, friendly, yet never shallow or two-faced. As the future Archduchess of the Hohengoldlinden name she had already proven her abilities. Her husband also very much adored her and respected her opinion as an equal. Takane wasn't used to this liberal attitude, but liked the overall freedom and possibilities that arose from such a perspective.
"It would be better if everyone had the chance to live that way," Princess Yumiko spoke in a more quiet voice. Certainly, that privilege isn't possible for every single person. However, through hard work and ambition it was doable.
"That's why we have to do our best to achieve that for the people living here in Hohengoldlinden," Archduchess Linda smiled and her tone was encouraging.
"Yes, indeed. It is our duty to enable the people here a happy life." Princess Yumiko nodded and Takane could sense the ambition that she must have felt now.
Knock knock.
"Come in." Archduchess Linda stood up.
The wooden door was opened and a maid stepped in, holding a small silver tray. "A letter has arrived for both the Archduchess Linda and Princess Yumiko."
Upon hearing that Princess Yumiko also stood up.
The maid bowed down and handed over the letter to the blonde Archduchess.
"It is from the Elector of Sachson. I shall read it out loud." They both sat down again.
As far as Takane had memorised, the Sachson family reigned over the eastern part of Allemania, heavily focusing on agriculture and trade fairs. They were wealthy and had good economical relationships with the neighbouring countries in the east.
"Dearest Archduchess Linda von Hohengoldlinden and dearest Princess Yumiko von Hohengoldlinden, I hope this humble letter finds you in good health. I wanted to celebrate the joyous occasion of the recent wedding by inviting you for a weekend in the Sachson estate in three weeks. We shall enjoy some local delicacies and our freshest spring harvest."
Takane observed Archduchess Linda's expression to the letter closely.
She frowned her brows just faintly, while her eyes followed along the words written on the paper.
"It is going to be a big social gathering if she invited us." Her tone was thoughtful. "It would be your first appearance as the Princess."
"Wouldn't that be a good opportunity? I was thinking of holding a tea party for that anyways. However, this would be an even better chance to be introduced to the high society of Allemania, isn't it?" Princess Yumiko smiled at the Archduchess who looked at her with a slightly concerned expression.
"You are right. Though, we have to consider several factors. Travelling there would take us around a week with a horse carriage and the party is planned for three weeks. We shall discuss that matter in more detail with the rest of the family." Archduchess Linda's face softened up and she smiled again.
The blonde Prince rushed past Hagen as he finished the training. "Hurry, we have to return quickly!"
Hagen sighed with a smile on his lips. His lovestruck friend was beyond help. However, he couldn't complain since he met the expectations more than well and the recent training already showed good progress with their soldiers.
"Dearest brother-in-law, you shall hurry too! Dinner is awaiting us!" Benedikt waved to Koshaku Ichinobe who followed him at a normal pace.
As Hagen walked behind them Koshaku Ichinobe turned around. "His enthusiasm is almost frightening." The elegant man smirked at Hagen and he nodded with a smile.
Benedikt carried his optimism and adoration for Yumiko openly around like an accessory. Though, he was able to control that better while being outside of Kleingoldlinden. It was still very explicit.
The Kirishimas seemed to have gotten used to that already. It was certainly better for the husband of their daughter to be this infatuated with her than cold and unloving.
In a way it was endearing.
Hagen helped Benedikt to get ready for the dinner. "Did you receive any news?"
The brunette brushed the dark jacket. "Apparently an invitation was sent from the Elector of Sachson."
"From the Sachsons?" Benedikt combed his hair neatly to the sides, but gave up upon seeing the fruitless effort. So his wavy blonde hair framed his face in a somewhat intentional way. For a family dinner it was appropriate enough. "It's going to be Yumiko's first official debut."
He sounded a bit concerned.
"She must have calculated the timing well."
Hagen nodded. Usually, the members of the high society would await the debut of a new member with her own invitation to a gathering after the first two months after the wedding.
That way the bride was allowed to get used to her new duties and could show her capabilities by inviting the prestigious people over.
Invitations from other royalties for the same occasion weren't unusual, however still very rare and even rarer from someone from a lower standing.
The house of Sachson along with the Halstein family however, were probably the only other royalties beside the Emperor himself to be able to make such a bold invitation to the Hohengoldlindens. The Sachsons were wealthy, almost the same as the Hohengoldlindens and had great connections to the countries in the east. They were a valuable partner and ally.
Nonetheless, the invitation was still bold and could be seen as demeaning. At the same time it could also be understood as welcoming and considerate. With the intention to make it easier for someone like Yumiko, who came from a foreign country, to be introduced to their circles.
Benedikt looked at himself in the mirror and nodded. "We will probably discuss this matter during dinner."
"Certainly, Your Royal Highness." Hagen stepped away and opened the door.
"The invitation was rather unexpected." Archduchess Linda addressed the obvious topic of tonight while the main course was being served.
Hagen observed the large dining table from standing by the windows behind Benedikt.
Seeing the two families together has become a familiar sight to him. The atmosphere was comfortable and warm.
"Certainly, we should see it as a very courageous and considerate thing from the Elector." Archduchess Ann-Sophie nodded.
"It would be Yumiko's official debut. Doing that somewhere else but here could be seen as inappropriate." Benedikt looked beside him where his wife was sitting.
"It isn't inappropriate when the intention was to be considerate towards Yumiko." Archduchess Ann-Sophie glanced over to her youngest son with a faint scolding tone.
"That is true, even regardless of the intention, I should feel grateful for the invitation." Yumiko now spoke up, looking up. "It is unfortunate that I couldn't prepare for such an event before the Elector of Sachson sent out her own invitations. But I want to learn from that experience, I shall have an even greater social gathering afterwards." Her tone was hopeful.
Benedikt was still looking at her, not hiding the concern on his face. "It isn't unfortunate. The wedding hasn't even been that long ago."
"That is a very mature viewpoint on this situation." Koshaku Akiko, who sat next to Yumiko, smiled at her. "We shall make the best out of it and learn from that."
Hagen could see that Koshaku Akiko was looking at Benedikt when she said that.
He slightly nodded and sat back straight in his chair.
"Then we shall make the necessary preparations for the journey." Archduchess Linda smiled at everyone.
And with that the question of attending the gathering was settled.
Hagen already began making a list of all the things he had to do for the event in his mind.
He glanced at Benedikt's back and wondered what went through his head now. He could understand his concern and possible worries. However things like that were a matter of the female members of the family to handle. At the end of the day Benedikt didn't have a say in it.
It was his duty now to support his wife as best as possible for her official debut in the high society of Allemania.