MCFH | Chapter 002

Chapter 2

『To my dear Dante,

By the time this letter reaches you, Lorensia must already be in the height of summer. It feels like spring was just yesterday, and yet summer has arrived so quickly—it’s hard to believe. The season when the rich fragrance of flowers wafts through the window has come!

To get to the point, I’ve arrived safely. Thanks to the pleasant weather, the seasickness I was worried about wasn’t as bad as I expected, which is a relief. It’s a national event, after all—I couldn’t very well show up with a pale, sickly face.

Since the customs and language here are completely different from our kingdom, I struggled a bit at first, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. Only now am I able to send you my regards. I only hope you’re not upset that it took me so long.

Venzel is a beautiful kingdom. From the window of my room, I can see a garden lush with greenery, and in the distance, the turquoise sea draws a line across the horizon.

When I first arrived, the pear blossoms were blooming brilliantly, but now the scent of lilies fills the air. Walking among them calms my heart. I wish I could show it to you.

I wonder how you’re doing. I hope you’re not just swinging your sword all day in the marquis’s courtyard.

The garden at the marquis’s estate must be beautiful this year, too. The vivid scarlet rose bushes, fruit blossoms, petunias, and phlox blending together like a painting—it’s still so clear in my mind.

To think you have such a garden and not a shred of interest in it. Honestly, you’re as indifferent as ever.

How is everyone in Lorensia doing? If you include some interesting stories, they’d be a delightful comfort during the lonely midnight hours.

Hoping for a reply with your news soon,

With affection, Fay Lorensia』

『To the esteemed Princess,

I had hoped the fine weather would ensure a smooth voyage, but it is an honor to hear directly from you with news of your well-being.

I’ve heard that the Venzel Kingdom enjoys warm and mild weather even in winter. I’m glad to know the gardens there are to your liking.

As you know, my life revolves around training, so I found it difficult to come up with stories that might entertain you. If something interesting happens later, I’ll do my best to share it with my limited writing skills.

You mentioned wanting to see the estate’s garden, so I’ve enclosed a few flowers blooming here now. I hope they bring you a moment of joy.

May the blessings of the divine Seiren forever grace the path of Princess Fay, now a prince’s consort.

Your loyal knight, Dante Igniel』

『To my dear Dante,

I’m writing this letter under a summer night sky, feeling the cool evening breeze coming through the window. It’s definitely summer, but being near the sea makes the nights refreshingly cool.

I wrote in my last letter that I was adjusting to the kingdom, but it still feels like a long way off. Today, the first prince’s consort picked a fight with me, talking so fast I could barely understand half of it. Is that a blessing in disguise?

There are always people who make things difficult, aren’t there? Still, I’m relieved that the queen seems to like me quite a bit.

By the way, I was so surprised to see the pressed flowers you sent with your reply. You don’t know a thing about flowers—did you ask the gardener or something? Honestly, it’s a miracle they didn’t get ruined.

And to say you don’t have a single interesting story? That can’t be true. My memories of our time at the marquis’s estate are filled with fun and joyful moments.

If nothing else, tell me about Giulio and Vivian’s latest news. You can skip the overly sensitive personal details! If that’s too much, your daily life will do just fine.

Under the summer sky, Fay Lorensia』

『To the esteemed Princess Fay,

As it happens, I did get an earful from Reden, the gardener. I tried to be careful, but flowers are as delicate now as they ever were. Without his help, I might have damaged the garden you cherish so much.

Recently, I tried making a flower crown, and it made me appreciate your skill all over again. It seems I’m destined to have no affinity for anything other than a sword.

As for my brother’s news, I recently saw Giulio and Vivian having a big argument. The moment I opened the door, I witnessed Vivian slap him across the face—I’ll admit, I was a bit shocked. But knowing my brother, he was probably in the wrong. His left cheek was still red and swollen this morning.

As for me, there’s not much to report, as usual. Oh, but do you remember Dane? The dog Prince Leo was raising? She gave birth to five puppies this time.

When I first saw them, I was surprised that such tiny creatures had eyes, noses, and mouths. When I gently stroked them with my finger, they whimpered softly.

I thought you’d find them adorable if you saw them. I hope there’s a cute little companion for you in that royal court, too.

I’ll soon be heading south on a pilgrimage, so it may be difficult to reply for a while.

At the edge of summer, Dante Igniel』

『To my dear Dante,

I received the puppy drawings you sent, and they’re all so adorable! I feel a bit guilty for putting you through the trouble.

I’m writing this letter by the fireplace, sipping warm milk. I caught a slight cold recently, so the maids insisted on shutting all the windows tightly.

Winter here is still quite warm, though. The maids told me that even in winter, it rains rather than snows. I’m a bit disappointed I won’t see snow, though.

I’m still in a cold war with the first prince’s consort. Does she just not like me? I’ve never thought I needed to win her over, but I wonder if I’m really that bad at managing my expressions.

Being disliked by a beauty is a bit tough, but what can I do? I’ll just have to push through.

By the way, you mentioned throwing a glove at Therius last time. How did the duel go? I’m sure you won, but I’m still surprised you challenged him to a duel. What happened?

I don’t think it’s likely, but as your friend, I can’t help but worry that you might have gotten hurt. Please let me know you’re safe.

With concern, Fay Lorensia』

『To the spirited Princess Fay,

There’s no need to worry about the drawings—I can send as many as you like. In fact, I consider it an honor to bring you even a small bit of joy with something so simple.

I can’t help but sympathize with your maids. It’s only natural they’d be on edge when someone as healthy as you gets weak in the winter. Please dress warmly when you go out.

As for the duel, I managed to win, but I didn’t get a proper apology from Therius. He’s been avoiding me since he nearly lost his right arm, but I plan to make him pay his dues soon enough.

As for matters between people, I’m no expert myself, so I hesitate to say much… but I believe it’s not your fault, no matter the reason.

I pray that all your troubles resolve smoothly.

With sincerity, Dante Igniel』

『To Sir Dante,

The second summer since I arrived here is already approaching. I’ve been quite busy with various royal events lately. Standing still while His Majesty delivers speeches is, as always, quite the ordeal.

As for me, I recently figured out the cause of a problem I’d been wrestling with. But I’ve learned that some problems are hard to solve even when you know the reason.

Still, if it were you, Sir Dante, you’d probably encourage me to keep going, wouldn’t you? Knowing you’re that kind of person gives me a vague sense of optimism to push forward.

For that reason, I’m enclosing a four-leaf clover I happened to find in the garden. May it bring you luck on your pilgrimage.

With trust, Fay Lorensia』

『To Sir Dante, who hasn’t written,

First, congratulations! I heard you’ve been officially appointed as the deputy commander of the knights.

But honestly, I can just imagine you responding with a sulky, “Is that so?” You’ve never cared much for honors, have you?

It’s been that way since we were children. In an era where many prioritize their own glory while claiming to serve the divine, I’ve never met anyone as devout as you.

That’s why the temple’s decision makes perfect sense, but sometimes a naughty curiosity creeps in. Will there ever come a day when you turn your gaze to something other than the divine?

It’s hard to imagine, though. I know all too well, from our many years together, just how stubbornly single-minded you are.

With congratulations, I’ve enclosed a small gift this time. It’s not anything extravagant, so please accept it without feeling burdened.』

The quill pen, which had been elegantly gliding across the paper, paused after writing the last sentence. It hovered hesitantly for a long moment, and a single drop of ink fell onto the paper.

But soon enough, the quill resumed its smooth dance across the page, as if nothing had happened.

『Wishing for your happiness, Fay Lorensia』