Chapter 49: Morning Star (6)

Noel Estelia.

The only princess of the empire that dominates the current continent.

As someone occupying such a prominent position, it was unlikely that anyone within the empire would not know her name. But aside from that fact, anyone who had read "The Princess is Loved" would not be able to be unaware of her name.

<The Princess is loved>

Undoubtedly, the protagonist of this story was Elena Edelweiss, but the one who made this story possible was none other than Noel, herself.

The actual beginning of the novel started with Elena and Damian's breakup, but the cause that made that breakup possible was none other than the encounter between Elena and Noel.

When the clouds parted, the girl's golden hair, shining like freshly melted gold, glittered in the sunlight. Along with it, her unique and vibrant energy gave the illusion that the sun itself had descended to the earth.

Yes, the sun...

She was a girl who, both externally and internally, could be described as the sun.

As the sun illuminates its surroundings just by its presence. The same goes for humans. Sometimes among people, there were those who were like the sun that changes the atmosphere around them just by their existence. Noel was also one of those people.

Therefore, the meeting between Noel and Elena could truly be called fate.

Just as the sun gives light and grows flowers. To Elena, who was trapped in the darkness of Damian., Noel became her light.

Noel actively gave Elena the courage to break free from her passivity and rely on her own strength. And the courage Noel gave became a decisive factor in Elena's decision to break her engagement with Damian.

Indeed, if one didn't call their meeting fate, the beginning of everything, then what else one could call it?

For that reason, even though I was Damian now, as a reader of <The Princess is Loved>, Noel's appearance was something I was somehow happy about.

It was absurd to say that I hesitated about the appearance of a virtuous character just because they become the cause of Damian's breakup. I hadn't done anything worth reproach like the original Damian. If I had, I wouldn't have been able to stand before Joachim already.

It was certain that the story began with Elena and Noel's encounter, but that was only within the story of <The Princess is Loved.>

I became Damian, and Elena was no longer a flower trapped in darkness like in the novel. At this point, where everything I knew had been turned upside down, no one knew what effect the meeting between Noel and Elena would have.

Perhaps through this meeting, Elena and Noel could become mere passing acquaintances, or their relationship could become even closer than in the original work. However, I could at least be certain that their meeting would never lead to something negative. Given their personalities, there was nothing that could turn a plus into a minus.

Despite knowing that nothing bad would happen, my complexion wasn't so good. I was still staring blankly at her while letting out a sigh of exasperation.

'Everything is fine. Everything is fine...'

'Why did it have to happen today, of all days?'

Obviously, I said that I didn't know what could happen in a year, but it wasn't even a few minutes since I decided to take a break. At this point, it was not strange to think that someone with malicious intent was intentionally creating this situation.

It was just my own thoughts, but upon seeing Noel right in front of me, I felt a sense of deprivation as if she had taken away my time.

However, I couldn't find any fault in her. With an innocent smile on my face, I awkwardly greeted her and could do nothing but raised my hand in greeting.

***

We were walking in the corridor leading to the Isillia Pavilion.

Perhaps due to the nearby flower garden, the scent of flowers wafted through the open windows, and gently filled the corridor. Following the scent, Hailey, who was walking beside me, quickly turned her head to look out the window with a bewildered expression.

Outside the window, an array of fully bloomed flowers adorned the world.

It was the warm fragrance of a distant spring, far removed from the melancholy.

Because she hadn't had any responsibilities so far, it seemed that Hailey, who had already spent time in Sarham, was completely intoxicated by the scent of spring, which she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Miss, I think I somewhat understand why Master Damian seemed so pleased."

She was in such a good mood that she said something like that. I couldn't help but laugh softly in response to Hailey's words.

As soon as we arrived in Sarham, the sight of him getting off the carriage as if he had been waiting made him look like a long-awaited puppy returning home. He didn't have a tail, but it was easy to see from his expression how much he had been looking forward to returning home.

"Me too."

I responded positively to Hailey's words and, like her, I felt intoxicated by the fragrance of spring that wafted throughout the place.

It was not that I dislike Merohim's winter, but if I had to choose between the two, I would probably choose this place. In the Lordship of Kraus, the scent of spring was intertwined with his presence. Being here made me feel like I was with him no matter where I was, and that feeling was very strong.

In our intoxicated state, we had completely forgotten our original intention of going to the room and found ourselves stopping, gazing out the window, where the scent of spring permeated.

"Oh, Miss, look, a blue bird."

At the tip of Hailey's outstretched finger, I saw a blue bird flapping its wings and soaring toward the sky. With its feathers shining in a particularly vibrant blue, its presence stood out even in the colorful world.

Hailey continued to watch the blue bird flying around us with an expression of wonder, but I smiled knowingly because I knew its true identity.

Perhaps, by now, this scene would have caught the eyes of my master as well.

She probably didn't expect me to leave Merohim, so I think she'll contact me soon. In that case, even if she wants to come in person while I'm in Sarham, she won't be able to. Maybe she'll try to communicate through letters or videos?

I was not sure what method she would choose, but I should at least prepare some words in advance for a response.

As we continued to gaze out the window, even though we hadn't reached the room yet, we began to feel as if we were already stretched out in the room. Observing the blue bird had been pushed to the back. The gentle breeze of spring kept tickling my eyes.

Fortunately, before Hailey's eyelids completely closed, the bird flew out of sight, and we were able to return to reality.

I spoke to Hailey, who still had her eyes half-closed.

"I think we should go back to our room and get some rest."

"Hehe... It's strange, but ever since coming here, I keep feeling sleepy."

The composed appearance of the quiet castle also had some influence on creating this situation. Today, it seemed that the servants were less active. So far, the only person I had encountered after entering the castle was Paul, whom I met when I first entered the castle.

Given that the time he spends with Alphonse was unlikely to be just one or two hours, it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend the day lying in bed, enjoying the warm sunlight of Sarham.

Just as I was thinking that, footsteps could be heard in the distance.

- Tap. Tap. Tap...

The sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor.

Hailey seemed to have woken up from the sound, as her eyes, which were flickering until a moment ago, suddenly opened wide. I, too, felt a drowsiness that had been enveloping my whole body slowly dissipating as the sound of footsteps drew closer.

However, it wasn't my own conscious decision, like Hailey, to anticipate someone's arrival.

It was my body reacting to the approaching force that stood in stark contrast to the divine power within me.

In other words, it meant that someone with divine power was coming toward this place right now. As far as I knew, among those residing in Kraus' Lordship, there was not a single person with divine power... And suddenly, I recalled the words Paul had said to Damian before I entered the castle.

The sound of footsteps was no longer audible.

However, even so, my consciousness was more vivid than ever.

I slowly turned my head from the window and looked towards the corridor.

Familiar golden hair came into view.

Even though I had already guessed to some extent from the sound of footsteps, I couldn't help but frown as soon as I saw that face.

--- END OF CHAPTER ---