The visitors who came to celebrate Caitelâs birthday from all over the land started to leave one after another.
This happened every year, but it somehow felt different this year. Even guests from abroad began to turn back to their countries. All the guests with high status came to say goodbye and returned to their own land. The royal palace was always full of people, so it didnât matter if people would leave⦠but itâs easy to see now when I paid attention.
âI heard the envoys from Pretzia will be leaving soon.â
âReally?â
âThe situation is a bit different, but the guests from Viterbo are also leaving.â
Upon hearing Silviaâs word, I started wondering for no reason.
But⦠Why were they all leaving at once? Did they plan to go together or something?
Perhaps they were scurrying away since it would be winter in Agrigent soon. I just placed my head on my hand and looked down.
Elyneâs wedding was almost here too.
I was wondering why marriages among nobles always took so long to prepare. I heard this was actually done quite fast, so I guessed I was wrong. Of course, sheâs my maid, so I wanted to go congratulate her, but no matter how many times I begged, Caitel never approved.
I really wanted to go.
âPrincessâ¦â
Elyne came to me when she finished readying to leave.
I got a little emotional then. I was a princess, yet I couldnât even attend my own maidâs wedding. They said I couldnât travel that far for safety reasons. I couldnât beg dad anymore. Even Assisi and Ferdel kept me from asking my father to allow me to be in Elyneâs wedding.
Daddy said they should be married in the city if I wanted to attend. However, Eleneâs parents were too old, and they couldnât travel that far⦠I couldnât remain stubborn about it anymore. Eventually, their wedding would happen in the place where it was supposed to occur.
Elyne, who now was really quitting as my maid and returning to her home, called me. She wouldnât be my maid anymore⦠I tried to open my eyes wide because I felt like I would cry.
âHereâs my present. Donât be so clumsy, and have a happy marriage, alright?â
âYes, Iâll visit you often.â
Said Elyne, accepting my gift.
She said that, but I knew that wouldnât happen. That must be why this felt so painful. Elyne smiled as I looked at her wordlessly. Her smile touched my heart while still trying to be valiant.