TPHRU 33

Chapter 33…

The Embroidered Handkerchief of the Mirage Princess.

After their usual, slightly late breakfast, Felicia timidly held out an embroidered handkerchief. Johan widened his eyes and froze for several seconds. He already felt overwhelmingly blessed just by the sweets she made him every day—so to think that Felicia had gone as far as to embroider something for him personally was beyond anything he could have imagined.

Johan hesitated before reaching out, disbelief written on his face as he accepted the handkerchief.

“It’s beautiful embroidery. Are you sure it’s really all right?”

He gently traced the stitched letters of his own name with his fingertips. Felicia, her cheeks faintly flushed with embarrassment, nodded.

“I’m sorry for embroidering on the handkerchief you lent me without permission. I’m just… so grateful to be allowed to stay in this castle. Every day has been filled with happiness, and I wanted to do something to express my thanks.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you. Ever since you came to the castle, my days have been more fulfilling than ever. The sweets you make are delicious, they heal both my body and spirit, and they give me strength. More than that, the fact that you’re here with me now—when before, I could only see you through my familiar—feels like a dream come true.”

Felicia’s face turned bright red, all the way to her ears. Johan’s words were always so straightforward that they shook her heart deeply every time.

(Could it be that my presence here—someone who came only because of his excessive kindness—has somehow brought him a bit of joy in this castle, where it used to be just him and Mr. Hugo…?)

She couldn’t quite grasp what feelings truly lay behind Johan’s words.

Seeing Felicia bow her head, face crimson, Johan gazed tenderly at the handkerchief in his hands and spoke.

“If… it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could you embroider the other handkerchiefs as well? But only if it isn’t too difficult for you…”

Felicia quickly lifted her head. From Johan’s expression, she could tell his request was genuine. She knew he didn’t tell lies, nor did he flatter or say things he didn’t mean—but because he was so kind, she worried he might be saying it only to please her.

“Of course. If you permit it, I’d be happy to.”

As she replied, Johan’s face lit up with pure joy.

“Use the same color thread as this one. I like this color. And this rose—did you choose it because you knew my seal?”

He touched the embroidered rose, a beautiful smile curving his lips. The thread Felicia had chosen while thinking of him—like the color of a beautiful night—had pleased him, and that alone made her smile in return.

“Yes. I once saw your seal at the royal castle. I’m glad you liked it.”

Hugo, who had been quietly listening to their exchange, gave a polite bow and left at once to prepare more handkerchiefs.