Chapter 5
“…Because I wanted to travel.”
I looked at him and answered as calmly as possible.
Albert frowned, as if he couldn’t believe such nonsense.
“Do you think I’m going to believe that?”
“It’s true. I just felt stifled and wanted to travel.”
I knew why he was so sensitive about being on the same train as me.
‘In the novel, Irene stalked Albert…’
From a young age, because of political reasons, there had been marriage talks between Albert and me, Lady Hartmann. Irene had once gone around claiming Albert was hers.
But Albert had never once thought of marrying her.
Eventually, Albert, who had a bad temper, publicly humiliated Irene in front of everyone, unable to tolerate it anymore.
After that, things had become awkward between them, but Irene didn’t back off and continued following him around.
“It’s really true, Your Highness. Please believe me just this once.”
I felt unfairly judged. I had just wanted to travel…
Who would have thought I’d run into him here?
“I really had no idea I’d meet you here, Your Highness.”
“…I see.”
Huh?
His reply was much simpler than I expected. I blinked at him.
“I’ll believe you. What you said, that it’s a coincidence.”
“Ah… yes.”
I answered, flustered.
“Thank you for believing me.”
…But why?
It was strange that he believed me so easily. I thought he would scold me, telling me not to lie.
“Excuse me. Here’s your breakfast.”
At that moment, a staff member arrived with a tray and set down plates of bread, soup, and salad in front of me. Finally, a cup of black coffee was placed on the table.
“…Eat,” Albert said.
“…Yes.”
I picked up my fork. Clink. The sound of me poking at food filled the silence.
The food was as delicious as I had expected, but I couldn’t even taste it. My head was full of questions.
‘Why is Albert acting like this?’
He should hate me…
“So, if you’re traveling, what’s your destination?”
“Ah…”
While I was deep in thought, Albert asked a question.
I set down my fork and answered.
“I plan to go all the way to the final stop, the Turke Kingdom, and then return. I’ll also get off and look around at places I like along the way.”
“I see.”
“…Yes.”
I briefly wondered if I should ask about his trip, but I didn’t want to talk to him more than necessary.
As I tried to quietly continue eating, he asked again:
“Is your health okay?”
“Eh…?”
I was so surprised I couldn’t even hide my expression.
What kind of unexpected concern is this?
“I heard your health has been poor since your magic manifested.”
“Ah… yes, I’m fine.”
I couldn’t possibly tell him I was terminally ill. Even in the novel, Albert never found out Irene was terminally ill until the end.
So I just said I was fine and looked down at my plate. I quietly picked up my fork again, but…
Clack.
“Your Highness. I have a question.”
“Go on.”
Albert looked at me seriously as I set down my fork.
“Why are you believing me so easily?”
“…?”
“I could have followed you onto this train with ulterior motives. Even now, you’re worrying about my health. Don’t you hate me?”
“…Hmm. Do I have a reason to hate you?”
“…What?”
His answer made my eyes widen.
‘Ah. Could it be…’
I suddenly realized something, as if I’d been struck by lightning.
Albert didn’t have a reason to hate me yet.
‘Albert only started hating me after Emily appeared.’
Right now, we were just a bit awkward because of Irene’s clinginess in the past.
“He must have doubted me earlier just because he didn’t want rumors to start again.”
At that moment, the train’s announcement system blared loudly.
【Next stop is Risman Station. Departure will resume after a three-hour stop.】
It was the first announcement since the train had left the starting point. People started to stir.
“Three hours, huh,” Albert said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
“Risman is famous for its port, so you should take a look. But be careful—there are many pickpockets.”
“…Ah.”
“And you seem to be mistaken, but I’ve never hated you. I just don’t see you as a romantic interest. As long as you don’t cross that line, I still think we can be good friends.”
“….”
“Then, enjoy your trip.”
Albert stood up and left first.
I just quietly watched his back as he walked away.
“Finally, we’re getting off the train. Let’s make the most of our time and explore, Miss!”
By the time breakfast was over, Sophie and I were preparing to get off the train.
“Yeah, I’m excited too.”
The train was big enough that I hadn’t felt cramped, but the thought of stepping onto unfamiliar ground again made my heart flutter.
“Forget about the male leads for now and just enjoy the trip.”
Although running into Albert had made me even more uneasy, I decided not to think about it anymore.
Now, we had arrived at the first destination!
“Risman Port… I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere before…”
With excitement, I stepped out of the cabin and saw people preparing to get off the train.
Bwoo—
The sound of the train slowed as we reached the platform.
Clank—
The massive train doors opened, and people began to disembark.
Sophie, our escort knight, and I also got off the train in order.
“Miss, be careful. There are a lot of people,” Sophie said, holding my hand gently as I stepped down.
Tap.
My shoes touched the platform, and a refreshing breeze rustled my skirt.
<Risman Station>
The huge station name caught my eye first, and beneath it were countless people coming and going through the platform.
Risman was a harbor city.
Because it was by the sea, it was a famous tourist spot, and the small station was packed with people.
“Ah, it’s so refreshing… Okay, the train departs at noon, so we have three hours to look around,” Sophie said, stretching as she glanced up at the clock tower.
“Miss, where should we go? Should we take a look around the Risman Port?”
“Sure, let’s go.”
Risman Port, which Albert had recommended, was already well known.
Ships came and went constantly, trade was bustling, and the market sold fresh fish and seafood caught that day.
The port was also close to Risman Station, so it was convenient to get to.
Looking around, I saw that most people were heading in the same direction, planning to visit the port.
We walked along the path toward the sea, the breeze lightly brushing against my hair.
“This is really nice. I think I’ll get to see plenty of the sea during this trip,” Sophie said.
“Yeah.”
Even while looking out the window earlier, I realized I liked seeing the sea.
Back when I lived as Yoon Sehee, I had once impulsively gone to see the ocean when life felt suffocating.
“Seeing that vast open scenery made my chest feel lighter.”
Suddenly, I remembered a woman I had met there long ago.
