Chapter 5.2

Looking at it again, he wondered how a human’s hand could be that dainty, but he also realized that he had to put an end to that train of thought.

She turned to Leonida, holding up her skirt as she bent her knee. “Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Ferdinand, heir to the duchy.”

The silent tension shifted slightly. Alessia was impeccably polite, and that was why everyone was embarrassed.

How arrogant would Ingelos’ princess be?

The vast majority of the household was waiting to see how she would compare to the arrogant mages Ferdinand had already met. In their minds, it was likely that she would be just as terrible, if not more. Even if the two families were currently allied on the pretext of an engagement, nobody believed that she would give up her pride.

“You’ve gone through a lot to have come this far, Princess.”

However, far from being arrogant, Alessia was constantly respectful.

Those whose ears were wide open in hopes that she would insult their master looked at each other.

‘What’s your plan?’

‘You probably haven’t revealed your true colors yet.’

They stared with doubtful eyes.

Kaon, who had grasped the atmosphere instantly, smiled bitterly. He could practically see Alessia’s future amidst all the deep-rooted distrust.

Would this little, slender girl be able to withstand such a formidable territory? The concerns that had been lingering for months reared their heads again.

Not to mention that she looked so fragile. If her disposition was cold and indifferent as she entered her family’s enemy, it would have been better, but she didn’t look like that at all.

And so she was concerned. There was no other reason except for feeling sorry for the hardships that this soft-looking princess would suffer.

“You must be tired after the long journey, so let’s talk during the dinner banquet tonight.”

“Thank you for your kind consideration.”

***

Baroness Robert stiffly led Alessia to her room. True, she was a noblewoman who valued a dignified attitude and the right posture—straightened neck and waist and all—but she’d gone too far today and now looked like a soldier marching to battle.

Kaon sighed and followed after them. To observe the baroness’ extraordinary momentum, yes, and also to go to his own room, which was just opposite his fiancée’s anyway.

As they walked, he occasionally peeked at her, still surprised that he was actually engaged to an Ingelos and that the person was actually on their land voluntarily.

Of course, the most surprising thing was Alessia herself. There were a lot of people shorter than him within the duchy, but to have someone that was that slim in addition as well? Was she really not a fairy?

He squinted.

Pale eyelashes, just a few shades darker than her hair, were so long that they looked like butterfly wings.

They entered the mansion and crossed the lobby. Kaon’s eyes flitted around as they climbed the stairs.

“…!”

Bright red eyes looked up without warning and met his. Because of the huge height difference, his head was a little tilted, so he couldn’t even pretend that they hadn’t made eye contact. He contemplated how to get out of this ambiguous situation that he couldn’t face openly nor avoid.

“It’s well-lit here.” Alessia closed her eyes and smiled lightly, likely aware that he was looking at her but unperturbed all the same.

“…Isn’t it the same in Ingelos?”

“The weather is not so good there. Our windows are small and always covered with thick curtains. Mages don’t normally welcome the light, so they are very thorough in that.”

On the other hand, Ferdinand was a warm, sunny land, so the light was inevitable, really.

Kaon paused.

‘Mages don’t welcome the light…?’

Then was she like that as well? Alessia’s room had been newly renovated a few months ago, and although he hadn’t looked inside yet, he knew that most rooms in their residence had a large window.

‘Should I ask for the curtains to be changed into thicker ones?’

The gears in his head started spinning again, but they were halted when Alessia turned her head.

“But I like the light.”

It was like she had read his mind. Kaon was a bit startled, but he felt fortunate all the same.

Mages were a unique bunch, but it was impossible for all of them to be the same.

“This is the room where the princess will stay in the future,” Baroness Robert said coldly, breaking the silence.

“I hope you rest comfortably,” he added, then backed away.

Or at least tried to.

“As you have to stay with Young Master Kaon, we have prepared the largest room, so please feel at ease.”

‘Wait, what?’