One Step Forward to the Flower Path

The letter Dante wrote while staying with Ivanna all night was promptly delivered directly to the Emperor.  The Emperor immediately opened the black seal with Vicente’s crest on it.

“Everyone get out.”

Under the emperor’s order, Renia, an aide, waved the bell on the desk.  The maid, attendant, and escorts who were in stand-by were withdrawn.  The only ones left were Renia and Ed Maxian, the Emperor’s escort.

“There was a big deal, but it seems that Ivanna’s condition got much better after going through a hurdle.”

Renia and Ed, who were nervously waiting for the Emperor, were relieved at the same time.  If there had been a problem, the Emperor would have tossed everything that he’s doing away and set off to the Vicente Duchy.

“It’s okay to go see her.”

But it seemed that either way, he just wanted to run away.

“No, Your Majesty.”

Renia firmly blocked it.

“I have to see with my own eyes if the kid is really feeling better.”

“Never.”

“If he was lying, I would slit the Duke’s neck.”

“He’s not the one who lies about things like that, and you won’t be able to slit his neck.”

“Ed, get ready to go to the Duchy right now.”

“I refuse, Your Majesty.”

Trapped between the fierce battle between the Emperor and Renia, Ed stamped his feet.  But contrary to his mind, the two did not intend to leave him alone.

“Ed, I told you to get ready to go.”

“Sir Maxian, if you follow it through, I won’t let you go.”

Is there anything scarier in the world than the gaze of two people glaring out at the same time?  The silent knight fumbled in silence.  Honestly, he also thought that it was not good for the emperor to go directly to the Duchy.  But Ed couldn’t refute the Emperor like Renia.  Anyway, the two of them understood all the meaning of the silence.

“This is why the Emperor’s escort and aides are so important.”

When the emperor clicked his tongue hard, Ed bowed his head, not knowing what to do.  Of course it didn’t work at all for Renia.

“I know you didn’t intend to go from the beginning even if you said so.”

This time, the Emperor expressed his affirmation in silence.  Ed, who thought it was not a joke, was very shocked.  When his face showed his complaint, the emperor snorted loudly.

“You look like you’re about to cry.”

When he reached Renia’s gaze, Ed bowed his head.  His ears were burning.

“If I move, a lot of eyes will follow.  It’s not a welcomed movement when Ivanna has to hide away with absolute secrecy in the Duchy.  I’m well aware of that.”

“Of course, I fully understand your desire to meet the Young Lady.”

“Do you plan to give a bottle of medicine?”

“That’s exactly what this aide will do.”

Renia’s dust-free, transparent glasses glitter especially brightly today.

“Who the hell recommended you to be my assistant?”

“Your Majesty, I’m sure it’s a great choice, even now.”

“If I make such a good choice twice, I’ll die.”

“You’ve already done it, haven’t you?  I think it was very good of you to choose Sir Maxian.”

“I really think he’s going to cry, so let’s stop here.  You can return for now.”

No, he’s not crying.  And Renia has been answering well earlier, but she suddenly was silent again.  Indeed, there has never been a day when a bickering doesn’t happen between the two.  Ed lamented deeply.

“I can’t move, and the same goes for them.”

“It’s important to let them have their own time since they finally met.”

“You look happy already.”

The emperor threw Dante’s letter randomly on the desk.  His face was full of discontent.

“I became Emperor for this day, but I’m really dissatisfied now.  I should’ve just handed over the throne to my brother.”

The current emperor and Dante were cousins, and Dante, who was recognized for his descent, also had the right to succeed to the throne.  If he had become emperor, Ivanna would have become a Princess.  Then, he, the one who became a duke could have come to the Imperial Palace with ease and met Ivanna.

‘It was a pity to think so.  But I don’t have any regrets about being the emperor anyway.’

“I can’t help it.  I have no choice but to send her as many gifts as I wish.  Go get some toys that kids can play with.  No, I’ll go myself.”

As the Emperor rose from his seat, Ed glanced at Renia.  In fact, Ed was a little worried about preventing this, but fortunately, he wouldn’t have to.  Ed was deeply relieved.

“How much should we make the budget? I think we can separate a lot of money because the state coffers are quite strong.”

“H-hold on!”

Ed cut in quickly.  Something was weird.  Government treasury? Government treasury!? He can’t believe they are buying toys using the national treasury!

“Y-you are taking the budget out of the treasury.  That’s impossible.  Besides, how much are you going to budget for a children’s toy?”

“What bullshit are you talking about, Ed?”

Not only the Emperor, but also Renia looked incredulously at the pathetic Ed.

“Compared to the compensation Louise should have received from the country, this is not even close.  Shouldn’t I have to fill at least five wagons?”

“That’s a very good idea.  If you don’t mind, I’d like to go with you.  Would you allow me to?”

“It’s Louise’s daughter, so I’ll give a special permission.”

Ed was not confident he could stop the two.  Who can stop them when it is related to Louise?  Ed sighed.  And frankly, it was true that Louise Hugor did not receive proper compensation.

***

Ivanna’s condition improved as the days went by.  Perhaps it was because she ate well, slept well, played well, washed well, and was treated well.

Sullivan, who takes care of Ivanna’s wounds twice a day, smiled happily looking at her lovely cheeks which are now chubby are rose colored.

“Good job today, my pretty Eve.”

Sullivan can’t do anything to help with the scars, but the bruises and scabs have subsided a lot.  However, that twisted finger bone and pelvis are the problem.  If left alone, it will be harder as she gets older.

‘But not only I can’t hit her again, I can’t even break the bone to fit it well, this is difficult.’

She was smiling on the outside, but her insides are really hurting.  Sullivan sighed as he looked at the child’s subtly twisted body.  Thankfully, the child’s bones are soft, so she could try to correct them little by little.  But of course it will hurt a lot, so she’ll have to talk with the Duke first.

Knock, knock.

“Yes.”

“Are you done?”

It was Dante who came in after knocking on the door.  She still couldn’t hide her anxiety, and Ivanna glanced at her door, raising her head.  She suddenly thought that if the child had a tail, she might have been shaking it enthusiastically.  Sullivan replied, swallowing a smile.

“Yes.”

“Daddy!”

“Did you finish your treatment?”

“Yes.”

Ivanna, who had come down from the bed, reached out and Dante held the child lightly with one hand.  The weight pressing the arm was very pleasing.

“Good girl.  Shall we have a snack now?”

Dante had a tray in his other hand.  Ivanna looked at it right away.

“Snack?”

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“A little hungry.”

“That’s when you eat snacks.”

There were not only macarons but also things she haven’t seen before.  Ivanna’s pretty eyes glistened.

“Then, have a good time, you two.”

Sullivan smiled and packed her bags in an atmosphere that looked as sweet as the dessert in the Duke’s hand.  Dante didn’t even show her out.  He only sat on a soft sofa, still hugging Ivanna.  Ivanna’s gaze, who comfortably occupied the Duke’s knee, was fixed only on the tray.

“Strawberry!”

It wasn’t just macaroons that Dante brought.  He also brought a bunch of strawberry cheese tart and other snacks made with strawberry juice and fresh strawberries.  Dante kissed Ivanna’s head and held the small pieces of strawberry tart with a fork to the corner of the child’s mouth.  Ivanna ate quickly.

“My Favorites!”

She had a lot of cheese cream on her lips and munched. The round eyes twinkled beautifully.  Dante did not put Ivanna down, but kept her in his arms and fed her the tarts.  Ivanna did not refuse and ate as well as a baby bird.  It was a very warm atmosphere.

Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock.

Until there was a loud knock.

Dante frowned at once, and Ivanna’s body stiffened.  When her mouth, which had been open and ready to eat the tart, was about to close quietly, Dante put a piece in it.

“You don’t have to worry about it because it’s Valerie and Luan.”

It was obvious.  As soon as Dante patted Ivanna’s hair and said that, the door opened.

“Oh my God, it was real.”

“How come we are the only ones out?”

Valerie and Luan, who came inside, tried to hold Ivanna in their arms and stared at Dante with envious eyes; while Dante continued feeding her snacks.  But the winner was Dante.

“You surprised your sister.”

The twins shut their mouths immediately.  Then they exchange silent words looking into each other’s eyes, and then they jump out again.

Each of the two soon returned with a tray in their hands. This time Dante had a frown on his face.

“Father can’t have a snack time with Ivanna alone.”

“It’s nicer if the family is all together.”

The twins came in very triumphantly, sat across from Dante and Ivanna and laid down the tray. Ivanna opened her eyes round.

“Are you eating together?”

“Do you not want to?”

The twins looked sad and pitiful.  Ivanna tilted her head and looked up at Dante.  Dante patted her on the head.

“Do what you want, Ivanna.”

Ivanna did not answer immediately.  In a look of agony, Luan hurriedly handed her one of the snacks.

“I’ll give you this!”

It was a cookie.  It smelled so sweet that Ivanna nodded her head immediately.

“Let’s eat together.”

These cute kids.  Dante smiled and took the cookie from Luan and put it in Ivanna’s hand.  She bit into it.  Cookies with chocolate chips seemed to suit her taste.  It was a sudden family snack time, but the atmosphere was harmonious.  It was all because of Ivanna.

Dante then boasted in front of the twins, for holding Ivanna in his arms and feeding her every snack that the twins somehow handed over while trying to get Ivanna’s attention.

However, Ivanna did not go into the arms of anyone other than Dante.  And Dante was very elated.

Knock, knock.

But there are so many distractions today that Dante could not help but twist his face.

“Who is it?”

“This is Den, Master.  His Majesty’s letter has arrived.”

‘This one can’t be helped.’

Dante clicked his tongue, and this time the twins laughed.  Ivanna was still scared to sit in a chair without him, so while the Duke was thinking about what to do, Ivanna, who was chewing on the cookies Valerie gave, suddenly shouted loudly.

“Gerard!”

The three pairs of eyes widened at once.  Gerard? How does Ivanna know the Emperor’s name? That’s the middle name that only those who are close to the Emperor knows.