IPWDP 20

Chapter 20

“Thank you.”

Ephelia accepted the milk tea Regios offered and took a sip. The warm, sweet, fragrant taste spread across her tongue.

The milk tea he made matched her taste perfectly. There was a subtle difference in flavor that neither the butler Ramond of the crown prince’s palace nor the servants from her own ducal estate were able to match.

Of course. Before destiny tied them together, Regios had brewed her tea since childhood. She had grown used to that taste. No tea brewed by anyone else could suit her palate.

“It’s delicious.”

“Really? Good.”

The tea tasted exactly the same as it had when they were children, yet Regios himself had changed. Ephelia could no longer think of anything to say. The boy sitting across from her, drinking tea, didn’t even look at her. His expression showed how uncomfortable he was being in her presence. What was she supposed to say to someone who clearly didn’t want to be here?

“Has Hailen still not returned?”

It was the only topic she could grasp. The birthday banquet week began today, yet he still hadn’t arrived—something felt strange.

“How did you know Hailen wasn’t here?”

“Oh… I checked because I didn’t receive an invitation.”

“I see.”

He didn’t express it directly, but she could tell he was displeased. Hidden in his response was: If it’s not an official event, don’t come to the palace looking for him.

He was clearly unhappy that she had waited for Hailen’s invitation and even looked into his whereabouts.

Their tea time ended in heavy silence. A knock broke the stillness. It was time to leave.

“Let’s go.”

When Regios rose, Ephelia stood as well. Normally, a fiancé would offer his hand when his fiancée stood, but because his face always tightened whenever he touched her, she had told him that when they were alone, there was no need for formal courtesies.

“May I go to my room for a moment?”

There was something she hadn’t been able to bring when he suddenly came to fetch her.

“You could have said so earlier.”

“…Sorry.”

“We’re leaving soon. Make it quick.”

Ephelia entered her room and pulled a small box from a drawer, fiddling with it nervously.

Should I bring it? He probably won’t like it anyway.

“What are you doing?”

Regios was standing at the door.

“Oh—I was just about to leave…”

“It’s time. I told you to be quick.”

Had that much time already passed? She must have hesitated too long with the box in her hand.

“What’s that?”

His gaze fell on the box. She had a formal gift prepared for the birthday banquet, paid for with the allowance allotted to the future crown princess. But she wanted to give him something personally, from herself.

“Please… take this.”

“What is it?”

“A birthday present. For this year.”

“…Thank you.”

He accepted it and opened the wrapped box. Inside was a handkerchief, embroidered by Ephelia herself. She wished she could give something better, but the ducal household didn’t give her personal allowance. This was all she could prepare.

“I’ll use it well.”

“Thank you for accepting it.”

The handkerchief was immediately handed to Tail.

“Let’s go.”

Regios offered his gloved hand. Ephelia took it, and the attendants followed them.

“You didn’t need to prepare something like this.”

He whispered quietly, so the attendants wouldn’t hear. She knew he wouldn’t like it—she knew he might even hate it. Still, she wanted to give him something.

Anything.

Just like every year.

‘His Majesty ordered it. To spend some time with you, even if briefly.’

He didn’t need to say that. But he hated letting Ephelia expect anything. Yet the moment he said he was only there because of the emperor’s order, the way her expression dimmed irritated him.

It was a lie. He had come earlier than necessary and spent tea time with her of his own will.

[What are you going to do if you get sick of her and run away?]

Damn it. That sentence kept echoing in his head like a spell.

He disliked everything—her question about Hailen, her flinch when he glanced at her, the way she avoided his gaze.

Ephelia didn’t return for a while. Regios stopped Ramond from going to get her and went himself. She was standing in the room, clutching something and frozen in indecision.

The box.

The moment he received it, he understood why she had requested embroidery supplies. Ramond had mentioned she was holed up in her room, embroidering. She had embroidered the flowers on that handkerchief.

He escorted Ephelia to the carriage. Her small hand held his as she stepped inside. The carriage headed toward the hunting grounds on the outskirts of the capital.

“Have you been busy?”

After a long silence, that was all Ephelia asked. She didn’t complain, didn’t ask why he hadn’t visited.

“Yeah.”

“I thought so. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Mm.”

His answers were curt—clear signs that he didn’t want to talk. Ephelia’s lips trembled as if searching for more words, then she gave up. The carriage moved quietly toward their destination. The heavy silence lifted only when they arrived.

Regios stepped down first and held out his hand to help her descend. Ephelia, noticing his gaze fixed on her shoes, asked:

“Is something on my shoes?”

She was terrified of giving him any reason to criticize her. The shoes were new and spotless; the path had been carpeted.

“No. Let’s go.”

As they walked, nearby nobles approached.

“The honored birthday guest has arrived.”

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“His Majesty must be very proud of how splendidly you’ve grown.”

“Thank you, Count.”

Following her husband, the countess addressed Ephelia.

“Your Highness, you look beautiful today.”

“You truly suit each other.”

Compliments poured in. Normally, they would avoid mentioning Ephelia at all if Regios was nearby. But recently, that changed.

Because of what he did.

It didn’t make him smile.

“Thank you. Your necklace is lovely, madam.”

Unaware of anything, Ephelia simply smiled and thanked them.

“It’s new. My husband bought it as a birthday gift. Thank you for noticing.”

“It suits you well.”

“And Your Highness—the dress you’re wearing, isn’t it from Le Mar? His Highness had it custom-made for you, didn’t he? You look adorable.”

“Huh? From Le Mar?”

Ephelia tilted her head, not because she didn’t know the boutique—it was famous enough even she recognized the name.

“Oh—was I mistaken? I heard—”

The lady looked nervously at Regios. His beautiful face was stone-cold. She realized her mistake too late.

It was custom-made at the most famous boutique, and he had ordered them to pay extra attention… but he never intended for that to be made public. Apparently, the shop had spread the story for advertising.

“Ah… um… well—”

“Ah, look—it’s Lord Hailen! You’re late!”

The count quickly changed the topic.

Hailen? Already?

They turned to see Hailen approaching.

“Hi, brother.”

“Yeah. Long time.”

“Thanks to you.”

Hailen shrugged and grinned.

“What’s with that outfit?”

His clothes were a bit dirty and not worthy of his status—not even hunting attire.

“I rushed. Didn’t have time to change.”

“What was so urgent that you couldn’t dress properly?”

“Obviously. It’s your birthday.”

“You could’ve just attended the evening banquet. You barely made it.”

“You don’t understand a younger brother’s desire to congratulate you early. It’s your birthday week—I couldn’t be late. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

“You can open my gift later. …Hello, Ephelia.”

He smiled at her.

“Hello, Hailen.”

Ephelia smiled gently back. Regios’s face hardened. That smile directed at Hailen irritated him more than anything else.