Chapter 85 - 85
"This place is usually managed by my older brother and his wife. If there's anything you don't understand or need, you can tell me or leave a message for them."
"Thank you for everything. I'll be in your care."
"It's my pleasure. This will be your guest room. Please feel free to use it as you like."
Upon arriving at the Milicier manor, I was first introduced to the second son of the Milicier family and his wife, who managed the estate. They were a gentle couple who thanked us for the long journey and suggested a welcoming dinner for the following evening, as we must be tired today. I was grateful for the chance to rest and thanked them for their consideration. Leonie-sama then gave me a brief tour of the house, ending at a luxurious guest room. From its size and the view of the garden, I could tell they had prepared the best room in the house for me.
"Thank you for preparing such a wonderful room."
"The entire Milicier family is happy if your heart can find rest here."
Leonie-sama bowed with a cool smile, her hand over her heart. She looked like a true young lord, possessing an air of nobility and charm as if roses were in full bloom around her. "Well then, until later," she said with a beautiful smile, turning on her heel. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back.
"Is something the matter?"
"I was so excited to have you in our home that I completely forgot something important."
Leonie-sama wore her usual composed smile as I tilted my head in confusion. She walked over to the room's closet and opened the doors. Several dresses and one-piece outfits were already hanging neatly inside.
"Oh, these dresses? The ones I brought shouldn't have been unpacked yet..."
"These are part of the delivery from His Highness. By the way, there are other gifts and a letter on that shelf as well."
"His Highness... for me?"
Hearing they were from him, I took the clothes in my hands one by one. The walking outfits looked simple but were made of sturdy fabric. They fastened with buttons or ribbons up to the neck but seemed easy to move in. The dresses, like the one he gave me for my debutante ball, were covered with lace up to the neck and wrists. Looking closely, there was a consistency to all of them. They were simple, yet the fine lace and embroidery were meticulously crafted, giving them an air of elegance. There were colors I didn't usually choose, but strangely, they suited my skin and hair perfectly—perhaps even better than the things I chose for myself.
And one more thing. This was just a possibility, but perhaps His Highness preferred styles that didn't show much skin. After all, every dress here was quite modest. If that were the case... before time was rewound, I had often worn dresses with open shoulders, arms, and necklines as others suggested. Back then, His Highness would smile and praise me out of social etiquette, but it must have been different from his actual preference. Thinking about how self-centered I had been made me feel ashamed of my past self. I felt Leonie-sama's gaze beside me and turned to find her expression slightly twitching—a rare sight for her.
"...Is this 'marking'? As if the necklace wasn't enough, he wants you to wear things he gave you even while you're away."
"Eh? Marking?"
"No, nothing. I just realized how much you are loved by His Highness."
"Please..."
"Haha, you're quite adorable when you're blushing. But I wonder what face His Highness would make if he knew you showed that expression to me? That sounds like it would be fun to see."
To others, it seemed clear that His Highness cared for me. It was embarrassing, but it also made me very happy. As I covered my reddening cheeks with my hands, Leonie-sama narrowed her eyes playfully. "Would you like to look at them a bit longer?" she asked. When I nodded, she reopened the closet doors she had started to close. With a smile in response to my thanks, she walked to the door and bowed.
"I'll call for you at dinner time, then."
"Yes, thank you."
After she left, I looked over the gifts from His Highness once more. I hadn't realized he had sent so many things besides the necklace. Perhaps I should have prepared a gift for him as well. That way, he might have had something to remind him of me, just as I had these. Among the gifts were also precious items like mana stones for concealment or for delivering a temporary electric shock—things that required careful handling. These were likely meant to help me deal with any dangerous situations during the journey. I hoped I wouldn't have to use them, but having them was reassuring.
And above all, his letter. He wrote of his concern for my safety and his prayers for the success of my journey. Furthermore, he wrote: My heart is always with you. So, don't push yourself too hard. Since this is a rare opportunity, see many things, eat well, and experience everything you can. Then, I want you to tell me about those experiences in your own words.
Until I read this letter, my shoulders had indeed been tense. I had been straining myself, thinking I had to find at least one clue to regain my mana. His Highness must have seen right through my state of mind. That was why he told me to enjoy the experiences only this land could offer. It was true that uncovering the mystery of why time rewound and my lost mana was important—that was why I came here. But it was also true that I wanted to broaden my own horizons. I mustn't forget that. Since my parents and His Highness had sent me off, I would have many experiences and do things I couldn't do in the capital.
I felt a surge of gratitude toward His Highness for giving me the chance to look forward again. Finally, I carefully traced the characters written by his hand.
Rachel, I am waiting for your return. From the man who yearns for you more than anyone.
I touched each word as if it were a treasure. What kind of expression did he have when he wrote this? What was he feeling? Just imagining him made my affection overflow. Holding the letter to my chest, I walked to the window and looked toward where the royal palace would be—though it was far out of sight—feeling a tightening in my chest. He couldn't hear me, but I spoke anyway.
"Your Highness, I adore you as well."
The small whisper vanished into the air, unheard by anyone.
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