Chapter 41 - The Secret Garden and the Saint
I toured the academy grounds with His Highness, following his lead as he showed me the sights. The dining hall, the Library, the Archive, and the magic training hall—these were all places I knew well, yet they felt different under his guidance.
The Library was a particularly impressive structure, standing as an independent building separate from the classrooms. Its vastness was breathtaking, with walls three stories high completely lined with books.
I used to spend so much time here.
A sudden warmth spread through my chest at the nostalgia, and I fell into a quiet reverie. His Highness seemed to interpret my silence as a sign that I liked the place. "You'll have plenty of opportunities to visit from now on," he said with a gentle smile. "You should take your time and explore it properly later."
"Are you tired?"
As we reached our final stop, the rooftop garden, His Highness peered into my face with concern. I shook my head and assured him I was fine, but he insisted I sit on a nearby bench. I obeyed, and he took a seat beside me.
"The wind blows right through this rooftop garden. It feels wonderful. I've loved this spot since I first enrolled."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It's a hidden gem with very few people. It's perfect for when I'm tired or just want to be alone."
I never knew that.
During my previous life at the academy, I rarely had the chance to meet His Highness despite being his fiancée, as all our formal tea parties were held at the royal palace. We were in different years, I wasn't part of the student council, and our paths seldom crossed by chance. For someone constantly under the public eye, this solitary sanctuary must have been precious.
The garden sat atop the research building, a place students rarely frequented. Most preferred the rose gardens or the central courtyard, so few ever bothered to make the trek up here. It truly was a secret hideaway.
I wondered if it was really alright for him to share such a place with me.
"Wasn't this your secret spot?"
"It was. Even Cyril doesn't know this is where I come to slack off."
"I can't quite imagine you slacking off, Your Highness."
He let out a light laugh. "I'm only human, Rachel. Sometimes I need to be alone," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement as he looked at me.
It made sense. He was always so composed, handling his duties with perfect efficiency. But of course he would get tired. Of course he would crave solitude. The pressure of being the crown prince, constantly watched and burdened by expectations, must be immense. This garden was his secret escape.
"That's why I want you to use this place too, Rachel. Whenever you want to be alone or feel exhausted."
"Are you sure?"
"Anyone is allowed to use it. Besides, if I happen to come here for a break and find you, I'd be happy."
"Pardon?"
"...I thought if I recommended it to you, you might actually come."
"Is that really alright?"
"Of course. I'll admit, I have the ulterior motive of wanting a place where we can spend time together."
His Highness gazed at me with a serene smile. I felt the corners of my mouth lift naturally at his words. He was sharing his favorite place with me, letting me see a side of him I never knew. The thought filled me with a quiet joy.
Suddenly, his expression shifted. He frowned, his gaze fixed on a single point. I followed his line of sight to see the door to the rooftop garden opening.
"Ernest..."
My cousin, Ernest, stepped out onto the roof. He seemed to be talking to someone behind him, but the door cast a shadow that hid his companion from view.
"Is he with someone?"
"Ah, you can't see from where you're sitting, Rachel."
"No. I can see Ernest, but..."
"Don't worry about it." His Highness gave a slight, wry smile and stood up. "It'll be a hassle if they spot us. Let's head out through the other door."
A hassle?
I wondered what could be so troublesome about meeting Ernest. I thought they had been close since childhood as future aide candidates. I tilted my head in confusion but stood up nonetheless, following His Highness toward the exit.
"Your Highness!"
A lovely, bell-like voice called out from behind us. I instinctively turned around to see a girl with fluffy pink hair hurrying toward us.
Wait, that's—!
I stole a glance at His Highness and saw his face instantly shift into his usual, obligatory social smile. The speed of the transformation startled me. While I was distracted by his reaction, the female student stopped in front of him, a bright, adorable grin on her face. "I'm so happy to see you!"
Ernest followed behind her and stopped to face me.
"Rachel, it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're looking well."
"Yes, I'm sorry for worrying you, Ernest."
"No, I'm just happy you're back at the academy. My father—your uncle—asked me to look after you."
"Oh, Father is so fussy."
"Let me know if you ever need anything."
Ernest had the lean, toned physique of someone training to be a knight. He leaned down slightly to meet my eyes and gave my head a light pat. When I protested that I wasn't a child anymore, he let out a hearty laugh. He was like a reliable older brother who looked after everyone, though my father often described him as being "just like his father—all muscle and no brains."
"Even if you are cousins, is it really appropriate to be patting her head?"
A sharp, cold voice cut through the warm atmosphere like a sudden frost.
"Your Highness, my apologies. It was... just an impulse."
"An impulse? Do you do it so often that it's become a habit?"
"No, no! Just a holdover from when we were children."
"I see. Well, she's not a child anymore, so there's no need for that, is there?"
His Highness smiled more brilliantly than usual as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. Ernest blinked in surprise, his mouth hanging open slightly. "So it's just like Cyril said..." he muttered under his breath.
Did he just mention Cyril? I wonder what Cyril told him.
I noticed a small hand tugging at Ernest's sleeve. Realizing he had been ignoring his companion, Ernest hurriedly turned to the girl beside him.
"Sorry! We got caught up in our own conversation. Your Highness, you know her, right? This is my cousin. She transferred into the second year today, the same as you, Rachel."
As Ernest introduced me, the girl took a step forward and clasped her hands in front of her chest.
"Um, it's nice to meet you... right?"
Our eyes met as she tilted her head, her fluffy pink hair swaying. Since I was tall for a woman and she was quite petite, she had to look up at me with wide, upturned eyes. Her timid posture reminded me of a small, frightened animal.
My heart hammered against my ribs at this encounter. It had happened much sooner than I expected.
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Regarding Ernest: I previously described him as being two years older than Rachel, but I have changed it so he is only one year older.