Chapter 55: Where to Go from Here

Chapter 55: Where to Go From Here

After the banquet, Laura led Ye Tian back to their residence. Declining the offer of company for the night, Ye Tian lay alone on the bed, turning the medal over in his hand. A smile played at his lips. “How interesting,” he murmured.

“Enough of that, time to sleep!” Soldiers meet force with force, water meets earth with earth—Ye Tian didn’t care for trouble, but that didn’t mean he feared it. Since they wanted to play, he’d play along on his own terms. With that thought, he rolled over and drifted off.

When he woke, Ye Tian stretched comfortably. Oddly, Laura and Lige had not come to pester him this morning. “It’s probably near noon by now,” he yawned, opening the door.

“Awake?” Laura appeared before him.

“What is it?” Ye Tian scratched his head.

“Nothing much. His Majesty has already bestowed a residence on you, remember? Lige and I went to tidy it up.” Laura grinned. “Come wash up. You’ll need to check on the princess.”

Ye Tian changed into his casual clothes, but felt awkward as he glanced at himself in the mirror.

“Stop fussing. Your clothes are so strange, I haven’t figured out how to copy them yet. Once I do, you’ll have something new to wear.” Laura straightened his collar. In the palace, appearance was everything.

When Ye Tian arrived at the princess’s chambers, the girl was still asleep. Kana bustled about, serving tea, her hands trembling. Ye Tian watched, amused.

“Why do you think Miki likes such a scatterbrained girl?” he asked.

“How should I know?” Laura grumbled. “Still, Kana is rather cute—just a bit clumsy.”

“Maybe that’s what he likes about her,” Ye Tian mused, rubbing his chin as Kana nervously brought over a plate of cake.

“Careful!” Kana tripped over her own feet, sending the cake flying toward Laura. Kana landed in Ye Tian’s arms, and when he turned to check on Laura, he couldn’t help but laugh—the plate had landed squarely on Laura’s ample chest.

Kana looked up and burst into laughter herself. Laura simply tapped the plate and said, “Delicious, did you make this yourself, Kana?” She lifted the plate.

“Yes, I did,” Kana replied, embarrassed, as Ye Tian helped her to her feet.

“I’d better see to the princess now. She’ll probably sleep all day.” Ye Tian didn’t dare linger—who knew what further mishaps clumsy Kana might cause. He was getting hungry, too.

The princess was simply exhausted, her health still fragile. Even at last night’s ball, Ye Tian had discreetly supported her with his inner strength; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to stand, let alone dance.

“How is the princess?” Kana asked nervously.

“She’ll be fine,” Ye Tian reassured her.

“That’s wonderful.” Kana sighed in relief, tears welling up. “Thank you, thank you so much, Lord Gale.”

“It was nothing,” Ye Tian smiled. “Now that the princess is all right, I’ll head back to eat. You should get something for yourself, too.”

“Thank you, I will. If you don’t mind, would you like to eat here?” Kana suggested.

“That would be too much trouble,” Ye Tian replied.

“Not at all! Not at all!” Kana insisted, eyes shining.

“Well, perhaps the princess will wake soon, and I won’t have to come back again,” Ye Tian reasoned. “By the way, has His Majesty visited?”

“He came yesterday morning,” Kana answered before hurrying off.

“Charles V, you really do dote on your daughter,” Ye Tian thought to himself.

“I’ll step out for a bit. Keep an eye on the princess,” he said to Laura.

“I’ll stay here,” she nodded.

Ye Tian sat in the courtyard. They say the imperial family is cold and heartless, and he could see the truth in that. Though the garden was bright with flowers and the sun shone overhead, he felt no warmth at all.

“What are you thinking about?” Kana bustled out with steaming dishes.

“I hope you like it,” she said shyly, wringing her hands.

“So fast? Did you make all this?” Ye Tian eyed the table. The dishes were simple but fragrant—not the work of palace chefs, but clearly Kana’s own efforts.

“Yes, my cooking can’t compare to the royal chefs. I hope it suits your taste,” she said nervously.

“I’ll try it.” He examined a steak, cut a piece, and tasted it.

“How is it?” Kana asked, her heart in her throat.

“Delicious, truly delicious!” Ye Tian praised.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you. It’s thanks to you I can enjoy such wonderful food.”

“I have nothing else to offer, so I hope this meal conveys my gratitude. Thank you, Lord Gale, for curing the princess.” Kana bowed deeply.

“Can I ask you a question?” Ye Tian suddenly said.

“Of course,” Kana replied.

“Is His Majesty planning to marry the princess off?” Ye Tian asked abruptly.

“You…” Kana clapped a hand over her mouth.

“So it’s true. Can you tell me to whom?” Ye Tian pressed.

Kana shook her head.

“Never mind, I was just curious. Could you fetch Laura for me?” he asked.

“Certainly!” Kana hurried off. Soon Laura emerged, smiling, “Did you tease Kana? Her face is all red.”

“Don’t make me sound like a lecher,” Ye Tian protested. “Come eat with me.”

“Gladly!” Laura grinned. “What’s on your mind?”

“I asked Kana if the princess was being promised to someone,” Ye Tian replied.

“You really are bold,” Laura sighed. “That’s a private matter.”

“It’s important,” Ye Tian insisted.

“Not really,” Laura laughed. “Don’t overthink it. You still need to visit your friends. I’ll go with you after we eat.”

Ye Tian glanced at her, but she just smiled and said nothing more.

After dinner, Laura didn’t summon a carriage but walked with Ye Tian out of the palace. “This way,” she said, leading him to a coachman’s yard. They rented a carriage and headed west across the city.

“Prince Dircadan of the Sisyphus Empire—the imperial heir,” Laura said suddenly as they traveled.

“Aren’t you worried about causing trouble, telling me this?” Ye Tian asked.

“You’re trouble all by yourself,” Laura replied with a mischievous smile.

“What were you investigating that day you went out?” Ye Tian asked.

“That’s a secret,” Laura replied playfully. “I can’t tell you.”

“Tch.” Ye Tian snorted and settled back, closing his eyes to rest.

Soon the carriage stopped at their destination. Ye Tian opened his eyes, smiled at the steps, and got out.

“Your Highness, what brings you here?” he called to the man waiting on the steps.

It was none other than Prince Rudy. When he saw Ye Tian, Rudy smiled, “Didn’t your friends tell you? I brought them here.”

“They didn’t mention it,” Ye Tian replied. “Thank you for looking after them. Shall we go in together?”

“I’ll take my leave instead. I have other matters. If your friends find my hospitality lacking, I hope you’ll forgive me,” Rudy said sincerely.

“They’re used to hardship. This is probably a bit too comfortable for them,” Ye Tian joked.

Rudy laughed, clapping Ye Tian’s shoulder. “You have a way with words. Well, I’ll be off. Bye!”

“Farewell, Your Highness!” Ye Tian called after him. “Laura, come inside with me?”

“I’d rather not,” Laura hesitated.

“Oh? Something you’re afraid of?” Ye Tian teased.

“I changed my mind, I’ll go!” Laura dashed in first. Ye Tian chuckled and followed.

Inside, the girls had just finished eating and were sipping tea in the courtyard. When they saw Ye Tian, they rushed to greet him.

“You always bring gifts when you come!” Alansa laughed, approaching with open arms.

“Come here for a hug,” Ye Tian grinned, but Alansa ducked away, turning instead to Laura. “Come in! And what’s your name?”

Amidst laughter, the girls swept Laura inside, leaving Ye Tian standing alone. A breeze rustled the fallen leaves.

“Seriously?” Ye Tian groaned, holding his forehead. “Is this how you treat me?”

Alansa peeked out, pretending to search for more gifts. “Did you bring anything else?”

“Nothing at all!” Ye Tian replied.

“You’re the real gift!” Ye Tian grabbed her, swept her up, and carried her inside. Seating himself, he placed Alansa on his lap.

“Do you realize your mistake?” Ye Tian asked, raising his hand.