Episode 30
“So, when everyone was against putting her on stage at first, I was the only one who supported my brother until the end.”
“Thank you.”
“…Every choice you made was always rational, and you were never wrong.”
With that, Caitlyn shook her expensive earrings with a grin.
“These? A gift, of course.”
– Jingle jingle
Her expensive-looking earrings let out a clear, ringing sound.
Only after saying everything she wanted, she clasped her hands behind her back like a typical gentleman and gracefully exited the study with light steps.
“Anyway, thanks for worrying. But if you’re going to nag like Father again, I’m leaving.”
– Click
“Good night, brother.”
As she left, the rich scent of freesia, just like her, briefly lingered in the study.
Randel brushed his forehead, looking slightly troubled, then tried to refocus on his writing.
But after scribbling just a few lines, he eventually got up and began preparing to head back to the capital the next day.
—
The next morning.
A large carriage, rarely used except for important outings, rolled into the front yard.
Randel was standing in front of it, giving Autumn some last-minute help with her lines before departing for the capital.
“You memorize lines very quickly.”
“Ahem—of course! That’s just how I am.”
Autumn’s shoulders perked up at his rare compliment.
“But.”
Randel’s sharp gray eyes, looking more serious than ever, locked onto hers.
“You lack the ability to deliver them to the audience.”
“…You’re right.”
She nodded quietly, unable to argue with his point.
‘So much for that compliment…’
Her once-puffed cheeks deflated as her confidence took another hit.
Perhaps due to his constant criticism and strict teaching, Autumn’s self-esteem had been low lately.
“Especially your expressions and gestures—they feel one-dimensional. Even though the scenes are different, it feels like you’re repeating the same face and movements.”
He continued pointing out things she already knew, hitting where it hurt.
Even though she looked at him with a hint of resentment, Randel, always strict in practice, kept drilling her.
“It feels like you’re hiding something.”
“…”
At his piercing remark, Autumn’s sunset-colored eyes widened.
“Like you’re holding back Rosalynne Kiss’s emotions… and more.”
She looked away from his gaze, feeling oddly exposed.
“Then what should I—”
“Practice. Until it works.”
As if there was no secret trick, Randel simply emphasized her shortcomings again.
“First, look closely in the mirror and focus on your inner emotions.”
He gently lifted the corners of her lips with his fingers.
“Eugh, w-what are you doing?”
“Try showing different expressions repeatedly. I can’t define the full range of emotions you should feel. Acting is something you must interpret and create on your own.”
“My lord, it’s time to depart.”
At that moment, Husson arrived, panting slightly from running.
“Oslo!”
Woof woof!
Even though his master was right there, Oslo ignored both Husson and Randel and went straight to Autumn, wagging his tail.
Watching this, Husson held the back of his neck as if betrayed and looked at Autumn with envy.
“How dare that ungrateful mutt! I’m the one who always feeds him, yet—!”
But Oslo, turning his back on Husson, wagged his tail only for Autumn.
“You’ve been doing well, huh? You look a bit bigger… Or is that just me?”
“Finish the rest of your practice with him.”
“With him?”
Randel gestured at Oslo circling around Autumn.
“Oh. Oslo?”
“He’ll be a good partner.”
Woof!
As if understanding his master’s words, Oslo gave a short bark.
Randel patted his head and stood up with a faint smile.
“Well then, as I said, I must return to the capital for some urgent matters. I’ll be back before your next practice session tomorrow.”
“Yes, safe travels.”
With that, Randel headed toward the carriage, seeing Autumn off.
But just as he was placing his bag into the carriage, he suddenly remembered something and quickly turned back.
“Is there something you wanted to say?”
Seeing him approach so seriously, Autumn stood frozen with tension.
“Is there anything you like?”
His steps had been so determined, but now he couldn’t even meet her eyes and spoke quietly.
“Aah~ my lord, we’re going to be late!”
From a distance, Husson’s annoyed voice echoed.
Still, Randel spoke with a firm tone, determined to hear her answer.
“…Like something you want to eat.”
“Oh—so you’re going to bring it back for me?”
Now understanding his intention, Autumn thought for a moment and recalled her favorite dessert.
“Chocolate fudge brownies.”
She licked her lips.
“From the new special limited edition at the Lotos Bakery in the capital.”
“Understood.”
“Ahhh—I’m going ahead! You can ride a horse if you want! Coachman, let’s go!”
Ignoring Husson, who was hanging out the carriage window waving, Randel gently took Autumn’s hand.
His lips touched the back of her hand, making her heart flutter.
“I’ll return.”
“G-go safely, then.”
And with that, Randel and Husson departed.
– Whirr
Autumn watched until the carriage became just a dot in the distance, dust trailing behind it. She pushed the dust aside with her arms and shouted,
“He’s gone. He’s really gone!”
Her slightly overexcited voice echoed through the quiet garden.
Looking around once more, she quickly threw her script aside.
Then, she turned to Oslo and began speaking in an excited voice.
“Of course I can’t do well. He always watches amazing performances from top actors. If he sees me, I must look awful by comparison.”
She spun in circles with Oslo, like playing tag.
“Oslo, I must be a fool.”
Woof!
Oslo barked loudly, as if trying to comfort her.
“I got scolded again. I can’t even get the basics right. But it’s so hard.”
Sigh.
Autumn slumped down and began furiously petting Oslo’s fluffy fur.
Watching his wagging tail made her feel a little better.
After a while, she suddenly stood up.
“Oslo, shall we go for a walk? Wanna play?”
Woof!
Feeling the sweet freedom after hours of strict training, Autumn grabbed Oslo’s leash and ran off happily.
Oslo stuck close to her, clearly delighted by her energy.
“Hehehe.”
Then, suddenly—
Autumn heard a barely suppressed chuckle from above her head and instinctively looked up.
“Prince Theodore?!”
“Haha, there’s never a dull moment around here. Did you sleep well, my lady?”
“What are you—! B-be careful!”
At that moment, Theodore jumped from the second-floor terrace of his room, scaling the wall as he came down.
“Uh, uhhh…?”
“From my room, I can see everything going on. It’s great.”
Surprisingly, he landed gracefully.
“You… you came down from there…?”
Autumn kept looking between the terrace and his feet, at a loss for words.
He looked at her, amused by her gaping expression, and finally said,
“I never realized my Lady Rosalynne was this adorable.”
Autumn stared at his playful demeanor and thought to herself,
‘What kind of royal behaves like this?!’
