They meant to compliment her, but they made a mistake in the excitement of meeting the great Dimla.
[The great Baiferm...]
How many times had she heard people start with these words? Instead of hitting the fools on the head with her cane, Dimla kindly explained using her words.
[That’s in the old past. Presently, Dope-Zertaye Dimla is just protecting the Baiferm. I hope you understand.]
But even after she had said that the stupid fools still made the same mistake. Everyone seemed to interpret her words as modesty, including the Emperor, Laino Girantes Illavenia. Dimla was still unsure whether the Emperor’s head was just for decoration because his son, Elpidio, showed a similar brainlessness.
So Dimla had come without expecting anything from Ricardis. Seeing his smooth face, she thought his head at least had some value as an ornament, but look at this situation.
His eyes were deep lakes reflecting the bright luster of the moon. Luckily, I met a sane guy. Dimla was a little intrigued. The fact that the two children of Gala-Zertaye followed him also added to her curiosity.
Dimla smiled, brightening her stern face.
“Prince Ricardis.”
“Yes, Regent.”
“This old body doesn’t have much time left. It’s been a long time, and I’ve forgotten how to talk in a roundabout way.”
“Please speak comfortably.”
“I have no intention of getting involved in the affairs of the Empire while Lagos’ wounds still bleed. Can I tell you this?”
It was very straightforward. Ricardis laughed softly.
“To tell you the truth, I wasn’t behind Young Lord Calyx’s diplomatic actions today.”
“So, you’re saying you didn’t know about it?”
Ricardis gave a stunning smile.
“I didn’t order it, but that doesn’t mean I’m dissatisfied with this situation. I’m happy you’re here, and I won’t waste this opportunity. Have a cup of tea and relax. There will be nothing more going against the Regent’s will.”
Ricardis filled Dimla’s cup himself. Dimla was surprised that the act of pouring tea could look so elegant. She let out a laugh. Few people kept their bravery when facing her, and even fewer dared to look straight into her eyes as a true equal rather than pretending to be one. Should she call him someone with an impressive mind or someone with the guts of a fearless dog?
Dimla leaned back in her chair, staring at the man who stood like a painting dappled in the shadows of leaves under the bright sun.
“I’ve grown tired of endlessly meeting people while in Illavenia. I will be grateful for the time you suggested.”
Since Dimla said she would take a break, she didn’t act like someone facing one of the successors of the only empire on the continent. They sat together but did not make eye contact, let alone talk. Eye contact was impossible in the first place because Dimla had her eyes closed.
As she approached the table, she suddenly held out her hand. Ricardis and Dimla’s gaze turned to the hollow of her cupped hands. Chirp. Chirp. It was a little white bird, crying with a tinny voice atop a pile of leaves.
Dimla made a sound of admiration.
“It’s an animal you can’t see in Lagos.”
“It looks like it fell out of its nest. People say the mother might throw it away if it smells like a human, so I wrapped it in leaves for the time being. I brought it here to show you before putting it back into its nest.”
Rosaline looked at Ricardis with pride. Ricardis smiled, completely forgetting the burning stare of Dimla next to him. She wanted to show me something pretty and cute, so she carried it here. How cute... His heartbeat quickened.
“It looks just like Your Highness.”
Ah, it would have been better if she hadn’t said that. Ricardis’ smile hardened.
“White and soft.”
His face flushed. Rosaline’s comparison of a burly man to a baby bird made Ricardis want to find a rat hole and hide.
“Don’t you want to protect it because it’s cute?”
She shredded Ricardis’ heart in a short amount of time. So you want to protect me because... I’m white, soft, and cute... Okay...
“Yes... very... cute... Sir Rosaline, thanks for your care...”
Ugh... Ricardis clenched his fists under the table.
“...I’ve seen it now. It’s the first time I’ve seen a young bird this close. Thank you, Sir Rosaline. Uh, it’s better to put it back soon in case its mother is looking for it. Be careful... when you climb up the tree.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Rosaline smiled broadly and ran back to Guandite and Calyx. Dimla looked at Ricardis with a gaze that was a mixture of pity and irritation. She could roughly guess what a man would feel when told he was white, soft, and cute by a woman he had in his mind.
“...I hope you don’t say anything, Regent.”
“I didn’t plan to say anything, but it seems you’re expecting something, so let me add a few words.”
Ricardis buried his face in his hands. The great-granddaughter and great-grandmother took turns attacking and leaving him stunned.
“I asked Sabek before she got married what she liked about Radwiell.”
Having heard from Calyx, Ricardis knew that Sabek was Countess Radwiell’s name. Ricardis bowed his head quietly and listened to Dimla.
“She said he was cute.”
Ricardis stiffened with his face buried in his hands. He could neither laugh nor cry. So Countess Radwiell, too, wasn’t ordinary to see the rugged, scarred man as cute.