It’s his holiday

"You came back fast." Blair was somewhat surprised to see Raul that afternoon. He had just accompanied Catalina to play for a bit so her stepmother wouldn't be lonely, and Raul immediately greeted him. "Even though it's only the fifth day."

Raul bowed politely. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't expect Duchess Dulcia to find me so quickly," he said earnestly. "According to your orders, I immediately returned as soon as I was found out."

Blair gestured for Raul to follow. "They are fine?"

"As far as I've observed, they seem to be getting along and enjoying their holiday well." Raul paused, looking doubtful. "They went fishing in the river."

Blair automatically laughed at that. "They enjoyed their honeymoon then," he said amusedly. "How did Duchess Selah react when she saw you?"

"She looked angry, chased me, then attacked me," said Raul. "That was my first time… fighting Duchess Dulcia."

"What do you think?"

"She is strong."

"Yes, and that's why the two of them are confident not to bring Sir Azel or Sir Zen with them."

They reached Prince Palace. Several officials who were on jobs greeted them, and Blair greeted them warmly. Every now and then, someone would stop him, asking when it was Blair's turn to get married.

Honestly, Blair was starting to get sick of hearing about it.

There's a lot of bad talk going around right now, especially because his ex-fiancee married his own brother. They said Blair's position could be dangerous if Selah became pregnant after this. The worst, of course, is the possibility of a coup from Aeneas.

Of course, Blair tried to take everything in stride. He had already spoken to Aeneas. His brother is unlikely to carry out a coup.

[But Selah Dulcia might just do it. For the sake of protecting that mine he loved so much…]

"Today, another application letter arrived, Your Highness," said his palace butler as soon as Blair arrived in his room.

"Just put it in there as usual," Blair said nonchalantly. "When will they realize the queen's position isn't a joke?"

The butler and Raul exchanged glances.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty. Not all applications that come just play. There must be another woman who deserves to be your partner," said his butler.

"I've met and spoken to the senders of these letters before," Blair said, tapping his finger on the pile of applications that had just arrived. "No one has even come close to Duchess Selah."

His butler's expression says, "Then why did you break up with her?"

Blair smiled thinly. "Well, it's also my fault for not paying enough attention to her that she glanced at another guy," he admits.

"It's safe to say that Duchess Dulcia is a great woman—thanks to Lord Archibald's upbringing and the late Lady Helena's strict upbringing. I also understand if there are cracks in your relationship with Her Grace, considering she is a tough woman," said the butler. He smiled at Blair. "Nevertheless, Your Highness, that is no reason for you not to look for a new partner."

"Okay," Blair sighed resignedly. "I will, so please pester me some more."

"Thank you for understanding this old man, Your Highness," said the butler happily. "I'll excuse myself then."

Raul watched the butler leave in silence, then turned to Blair.

As if knowing what was on Raul's mind, Blair said, "With her childlike and reckless ways, Lady Evanthe is not fit to be queen."

"If I may argue, I also think so, Master," said Raul.

"You don't need to worry about a woman like Lady Evanthe, Raul. I can get rid of it easily whenever I want."

"Okay, Your Highness."

Suddenly there was a quick knock on Blair's door. Raul automatically opened it and his butler was there.

Blair immediately stood up from his seat because he felt a bad omen.

"His Majesty's state has declined drastically!"

***

"How can you get sick when we're on our honeymoon like this, Selah?"

"I don't plan to get sick, Your Highness."

Aeneas poured honey ginger tea into Selah's cup and told her to drink it. "I thought you were strong, though. But when you get a cold in the river, you get a fever like this."

"I told you I don't plan to get sick," Selah said, annoyed.

Aeneas chuckled. He rubbed his wife's head, then kissed her forehead. "Well, judging by your strength, it should be cured by tomorrow. Today you rest in the room," he said.

Selah nodded, then lay down comfortably.

Aeneas accompanied her until Selah fell into a deep sleep. After seeing that her breathing was even and calm, Aeneas kissed her forehead again and left her to rest.

Selah fever is definitely not caused by playing in the water. It must be because last night she came out in light clothes.

Until now, Selah has not told what or who disturbed them last night. Aeneas guess it must be Blair's sent. That's why Selah is so nervous. He's so sorry for her, even though she should take it easy on this holiday.

"Must have gone," muttered Aeneas as he watched the forecourt of his small villa. Everything seemed under control, no sign of intruders or anything else.

Aeneas wonders what the spies will report to Blair...

Because if his calculations were correct, Blair's spy should have made it to Mesina just as King Tristan fell. At that point, Blair will be more worried about their father than what Aeneas and Selah are doing in Lièvremont.

"Oh, Your Highness," said an old maid on duty. "How is Her Ladyship doing?"

Aeneas smiled at the old servant. "My wife says she isn't feeling well and has a slight fever," he told her.

"Oh, my. Should I call the doctor? After all, it's your honeymoon.…"

"No need. My wife wouldn't like that. She said that he was just a normal fever. I've given her honey ginger tea and she's resting now."

"If that's what Your Highness wants, that's okay. Then I will make a thick soup that is easy to digest this afternoon. I wish Her Ladyship a speedy recovery."

"Thank you for the prayers, madame. I hope so too."

The old servant immediately prepared lunch for them. Aeneas, who has nothing else to do, chooses to go horse riding.

It's his holiday, and someone he hates is celebrating his death.

Of course, Aeneas should celebrate with joy.