* * *
As Hesia wished, the days of sharing his daily life piled up one by one.
The teacher instructing him in archery now naturally accepted my presence.
And I’d gotten used to smiling in praise whenever Hesia turned to look at me after landing a bullseye.
Like always, I sprawled comfortably in the shaded chair set up just for me.
The sound of arrows slicing through the air under the sunlight, and the teacher’s occasional compliments or corrections, filled the space.
“It’s better to adjust your posture like this when that happens.”
“I know.”
“If you know, why aren’t you doing it?”
“Because it’s too much of a hassle to care about every little thing. I’m getting good enough scores without it—”
“Hesia, the teacher’s saying it for your own good. You shouldn’t brush it off like that.”
I rolled an ice cube around in my mouth and teased him, making Hesia’s shoulders twitch.
The teacher, now completely accustomed to my playful interference, puffed his chest proudly.
“Lord Vivisian agrees with me too, doesn’t he? Please, Your Highness, listen to me. Have I ever given advice that wasn’t helpful?”
“You haven’t. Sorry, I’ll do it your way this time, so can you quiet down a bit? Your voice is ringing in my head.”
“You only ever scold me.”
“That’s because no teacher talks as much as you do.”
I already knew Hesia acted differently when speaking to me versus others.
At first, when I caught him doing that, he looked nervous, but now he didn’t even bother hiding it.
It had thrown me off at first, but after the second, third, and countless repeats, I’d grown used to it.
Sipping my tea, I watched Hesia and the teacher bickering like always.
If I remembered correctly… the teacher was the captain of Hesia’s personal guard.
That probably explained why they seemed so close.
Still, I was relieved Hesia seemed to be doing well.
I was just about to bring the cool tea to my lips when I sensed someone running this way.
Tilting my head, I turned to look and saw a knight approaching.
“Something happened?”
I muttered under my breath.
Hugo, standing beside me, followed my gaze and lowered his voice to respond.
“It seems heretics have appeared.”
“…Heretics?”
I’d heard whispers about heretics popping up after my death, not just in the duchy but in other regions too.
But the empire as a whole wasn’t exactly crawling with them.
I asked again, half in confusion, half in surprise.
Hugo, gathering the candy wrappers in front of me, answered calmly.
“Yes. The principality has many harsh, desert-like areas where people can’t live. Heretics often appear in those places. They can also appear where apostles were wrongfully killed… but even uninhabited lands aren’t exempt. So, while heretics showing up isn’t exactly common, it’s not unheard of either. Looks like the knight’s here to report to His Highness.”
“Hesia handles heretic subjugation?”
“In the principality, it’s tradition for the heir to take responsibility for that once they come of age.”
I nodded at the matter-of-fact answer, turning my head toward Hesia.
The knight was reporting respectfully and calmly.
As expected, it was heretic-related.
Just like they’d said, they appeared in the uninhabited regions beyond the borders.
Thinking back to my previous life, I wondered how I’d managed to stick by his side all the time.
The prince’s grandfather, the High King, apparently doted on him… maybe he made an exception for his only grandchild?
I made a mental note to ask Hesia about that later as I stirred the teaspoon in my glass, sending the petals resting at the bottom floating to the surface.
Watching them drift lazily, I asked Hugo:
“So do the prince consorts or royal spouses also participate in those duties?”
“…In those duties…?”
“Heretic subjugation.”
I shrugged casually, and Hugo, seeming to mull over the intent behind my question, gave me a thoughtful look before nodding.
“The spouses usually accompany them. They may not fight directly, but their presence alone carries significance.”
“I see… Hesia never mentioned any of this. It’s all new to me.”
I muttered with an awkward smile. Hugo shook his head slightly.
“That’s natural. His Highness only wants to show you the best sides of himself. He avoids showing you anything else. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he scolds me for telling you this.”
“Scold you?”
“Yes. He’ll probably say, ‘Why’d you tell him unnecessary things when he was resting peacefully?’”
“Then why tell me?”
I tilted my head in question.
Hugo stared at me for a moment, then, for the first time, gave a faint smile.
It was the first time I’d seen him smile, so my eyes widened slightly.
But he quickly wiped away the expression and explained.
“From my limited perspective… Lord Vivisian doesn’t seem like someone suited to just staying quietly in this castle. You strike me as the type who feels the need to give back when receiving something… If I was meddling, I apologize.”
I waved him off, watching him bow his head.
It wasn’t entirely wrong.
I didn’t come here to be coddled by Hesia.
I never was the type to simply enjoy luxuries without contributing.
Turning my head slightly, I blinked as I watched Hesia glance at me occasionally while speaking to the knight.
People knew—despite the High King’s favoritism—that Hesia avoided his duties for the sake of that guest who was always around.
The idea that such rumors might circulate around Hesia irritated me.
Those who truly knew him would never believe it, but people are gullible to hearsay, and plenty want to drag him down.
The higher you climb, the more you’re surrounded by admirers… and those waiting for you to fall.
Leaning back comfortably into the chair, I let out a quiet hum, eyes fixed on Hesia.
“The consort wouldn’t tag along for this, right?”
“Pardon? The consort? Did someone call you that?”
“No, but… if we’re being honest, I basically look like one, don’t I?”
Hugo momentarily lost his words at the lighthearted tone, letting out a faint sigh.
His eyes narrowed slightly, as though lost in thought, before he carefully began to speak, recalling something.
“The government has never supported a consort regarding succession matters. However, there are quite a few records of lovers assisting in official affairs. Of course, that’s only possible if they were recognized at the level of a crown princess, or if the King explicitly permitted it.”
“Then… it’s a bit ambiguous. I’m considered a guest right now, so unless His Majesty the King himself grants permission, there’s nothing I can do…”
Murmuring softly, I leaned back heavily into the chair.
An idle guest—or perhaps someone so cherished by the prince that even the title of ‘lover’ couldn’t be used openly.
Speaking so bluntly while appearing to be nothing more than that made Hugo blink a little faster, seemingly flustered.
Amused by that, I let out a faint laugh, tilting my head back against the chair rest.
“I don’t like only receiving things, but I hate even more if Sha’s reputation suffers because of me. From what I can tell, Sia… doesn’t really want to participate in this subjugation campaign. And it’s because of me. If it’s because of me, all the more reason it’s an unwelcome matter.”
I have no desire to be a hindrance to someone who’s meant to shine at all times.
Hesia probably thinks it’s just one year we’ll spend together, but from another perspective, that single year could leave behind a label that follows him for life.
“That won’t do.”
I murmured under my breath.
The knight who had come to report left shortly after, and lessons resumed.
A little while later, the moment class ended, Hesia ran straight toward me.
His youthful face flushed from the sunlight, and I habitually curved my lips into a smile.
“Finished?”
“Yeah! Now I just have to talk with Grandmother about state affairs.”
“Good work.”
I spoke kindly, patting his head lightly, and Hesia beamed sweetly.
Looking at his bright face, I gently rubbed the tip of his slightly reddened nose.
The warm skin cooled quickly against my cold touch.
“You must’ve been hot standing under the sun. Come sit and rest… Ah, Hugo’s already brought a chair. Thanks. Sia, sit here. Rest for a bit before you go. You’re not busy, right?”
At my words, Hesia happily sat down, nodding enthusiastically.
His reaction was so eager, it made me wonder if he would say he wasn’t busy even if he was, but I shrugged it off without showing it.
Hesia picked out the sweetest treats among the relatively bland desserts prepared for me, munching away as he chatted endlessly.
What could he possibly have so much to talk about?
I chuckled quietly at his endless words and picked up the book I had set down.
“Are you going to read?”
“No, I’m listening, so keep talking.”
“Okay. So, back then I asked them, ‘Why are you bringing up the same policies again when we already have them in place’…”
Chatter, chatter.
We talk every evening, yet he never runs out of topics.
It’s impressive, honestly.
Already knowing the contents from reading it before, I leisurely skimmed the book’s pages while halfheartedly agreeing with him.
Watching Hesia, it was obvious.
Rather than trying to fit me into his daily life, he wanted to insert himself into mine.
I paused as I read a passage questioning the nature of trust and casually lifted my teacup to ask lightly:
“Sia, is there anything I should be doing?”
At my question, Hesia blinked his large eyes several times, as if contemplating, before nodding.
“Nope, Vivi, you don’t have to do anything. Why? Are you bored here? Then… do you want to go on a picnic with me? Oh! Camping sounds nice too!”
It was clear from his bright response that he never intended to burden me with any obligations.
Watching his cheerful face, I simply curved my eyes into a smile.
“That sounds good too.”
Looks like I’ll have to visit the King at least once.
Staying still like this doesn’t suit my nature.
* * *
