Chapter 23 - An Incognito Outing
"Tell me, Sarah. Do I really look alright in this?"
"You look wonderful, My Lady. You look exactly like the daughter of a merchant family... mostly. There is a slight air of a noble in disguise, but it should pass."
I looked into the full-length mirror. I was wearing a simple navy blue dress with a cream-colored scarf wrapped around my neck, my hair tied back with a matching cream ribbon. This dress was a gift from His Highness.
The reason for this attire was a letter I had received from him a few days ago. In it, he wrote: Before you leave for the territory, why don't we go incognito to that eatery I mentioned? In other words, he had asked me out.
With my departure only a week away, my parents had agreed that a short outing would be good practice before the long carriage journey. In my past life, despite living in the capital for so long, I had never even considered visiting the commoner districts. I lived in an environment where merchants and designers brought everything I needed directly to the estate. I had been foolish enough to wonder why a noble like myself would ever set foot where commoners lived.
But the stories Sarah and the others told of the city sounded so vibrant and exciting. I had been nervous and excited since yesterday, so much so that I couldn't sleep. I had stayed up late playing with Kuro and reading.
My heart was racing even now. I wondered what the city would be like.
As I stood lost in thought before the mirror, Kuro slid up against my legs. "What is it? Do you want to come too?" I knelt down to look at him. Kuro circled around me once, then walked over to his bed, let out a massive yawn, and curled up.
"Right. There might be people in the city who can see spirits. It's better if you stay here."
Kuro really did seem to understand human speech. Just the other day, when I muttered that Theodore-sama would be arriving soon, he had started pacing by the door. Now, his ears flicked as he adjusted his position, closed his eyes, and prepared to nap.
A knock sounded at the door, and Paul announced that the Crown Prince had arrived.
Alright, let's go.
I headed to the hall with Sarah. There stood His Highness, but his usual golden hair had been changed to brown, and he was dressed in a worn shirt and vest. The shirt, which might have once been white, was now a dingy brownish-grey, and his leather boots were scuffed in several places.
It was incredible. His entire aura had changed just through his clothes and hair color. And yet, the face peeking out from behind his slightly long bangs was still strikingly handsome, and his posture still radiated nobility. I tilted my head, wondering if someone like him could really walk through the city without standing out.
"Ah, Rachel. You look lovely. If a girl like you were in town, every man in the city would be lining up to propose."
"Please... you exaggerate."
His Highness's eyes widened when he saw me, then softened into a truly joyful smile. His words made my cheeks flush.
"Your Highness, what did you do to your hair?"
"It's a wig. Golden hair stands out too much. When I go into the city, I wear this and pretend to be an apprentice to a blacksmith I know."
"My! I had no idea you did such things."
"If people knew I was royalty, they would keep their distance. To truly see how the people live, one must blend in."
"I see..."
He had mentioned going incognito occasionally. Unlike me, he was clearly used to this.
"By the way, for today, shall we say I'm a blacksmith's apprentice who finally managed to convince the daughter of a well-to-do merchant to go on a first date?"
"A... a date?"
"Of course. It's certainly a date to me."
His Highness offered a meltingly sweet smile and held out his hand. "Shall we?" I hesitantly placed my hand in his, and he gave it a firm squeeze as he escorted me to the carriage.
♢
Inside the carriage, we sat across from each other. Beside His Highness sat a knight with navy hair, also dressed as a merchant. He was apparently the guard for today's outing. There were others following us, but His Highness assured me they would remain out of sight.
The carriage was much smaller and humbler than the usual royal ones. "I'm sorry," he had said before we boarded. "We can't stand out, so it might not be very comfortable." However, the seats were padded well enough that I didn't mind.
More than that, I couldn't stop my heart from pounding with anticipation. Since the curtains were tightly closed, I found myself fidgeting, wishing I could see the world outside. His Highness let out a small chuckle at my behavior.
"Oh, that reminds me. You mustn't call me 'Your Highness' in the city."
"That's true. What should I call you then?"
"Louis."
Call the Prince by his name without an honorific? No, no, no.
My face turned bright red, and I shook my head vigorously. But he just sat there, smiling at my reaction.
"Come on, practice. Practice."
"I... well..."
"Go ahead."
"Lu..."
"Yes, yes."
"Lu... Louis...-sama."
He blinked, staring at me for a moment, then gave a bashful smile. "I see." But then he added, "Though, a blacksmith's apprentice being called '-sama' is a bit strange."
I knew he was right. It was to prevent his identity from being discovered and to avoid causing a scene that would make it harder for the hidden knights to protect us. But it was still embarrassing. Calling him by his name felt so irreverent.
"You won't say it, then? Well, there's no rush."
"I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine. Actually, call me Luke today. That's the name I use in the city."
"What? Your Highness! You tricked me!"
"Haha! Sorry, sorry. I just couldn't pass up the chance to hear you say my name."
He laughed heartily at my indignant, blushing face. My anger eventually gave way to amusement, and I found myself giggling behind my hand.
It was a wonderful time. Trading quips and laughing together... I had never imagined I could share such moments with him. I wished it could last forever.
Contrary to my wishes, the carriage began to slow down and eventually came to a halt.
"Ah, we're here. The place I want to take you is right at the entrance of the shopping district, so you won't have to walk far."
His words snapped me back to reality. What was I thinking? I was the one who decided to return to the territory. I pushed down the sinking feeling in my heart and forced a bright smile.
"Yes, please lead the way."
"Leave it to me."
His Highness stepped out as the guard opened the door and offered me his hand. I took it and stepped down from the carriage.
My eyes were immediately met with a street overflowing with people, stalls, and shops. The laughter of children and the bustling hum of the crowd filled the air, and the sheer life of the city made my chest swell.
"So this is..."
"Yes. It's lively, isn't it? Everyone is so full of energy."
I looked up at him. His blue eyes were narrowed with a warm, appreciative light.
"Shall we?"
"Yes."