~Chapter 30~
Ivan thought carefully before answering.
“…Then let’s do as you said. Let’s take more time.”
“Good. Then I’ll arrange to visit the palace again next time, with my siblings.”
Hearing this, Ivan finally looked toward Theo, Calix, and Sasha — the ones Ruby had been watching all along.
The three children, being so young, had already grown comfortable with one another.
It was only Ivan, with his stubborn pride, who found it difficult to get along.
If things continued like this, Theo might win over their hearts completely… and then Grand Duke Lux would surely favor Theo instead of him.
Ivan turned back to look at Ruby’s red hair fluttering in the breeze.
I want to be close enough to brush that hair away without hesitation.
That thought suddenly filled Ivan’s mind, pushing out all concerns about Theo, succession, or politics.
“Alright,” he blurted out without realizing it.
Ruby smiled her usual calm, confident smile.
“I hope we’ll become true friends who can understand one another.”
How can she be so at ease all the time?
Ivan once again found himself staring at her, almost entranced.
Ruby noticed and met his gaze directly.
The two were still locked in that silent exchange when—
“Uwaaaaah!”
A loud cry broke out from the middle of the garden.
Both of them turned instantly.
Ruby didn’t hesitate — she ran toward the children. Ivan followed close behind.
It was Theo who was crying.
Calix and Sasha were panicking, unsure what to do.
“What happened?” Ruby asked, panting as she arrived.
“T-The prince got stung by a bee!” Calix pointed to Theo’s arm.
Theo was clutching the spot where the sting had landed.
“Don’t touch it, Your Highness!” Ruby quickly stopped him.
If he pressed it, the stinger might sink deeper.
She gently removed Theo’s hand and tied a handkerchief around the area so the doctor could easily see it later.
The sting hadn’t swollen yet, but if he had an allergic reaction, it could be dangerous.
Ruby called out immediately, her voice sharp.
“Prince Ivan, please fetch the physician! We’ll take him back to the drawing room.”
“A-alright!”
Flustered, Ivan obeyed her without question.
“Calix, can you carry Prince Theo on your back?”
“I can.”
Though only seven, Calix’s body had been trained through sword practice. He managed to lift Theo onto his back with ease.
“Sasha, follow us too.”
The children hurried Theo back toward the reception room.
Without waiting for a servant to announce them, Ruby pushed the door open.
Both the emperor and the grand duke turned to look at her.
“Prince Theo has been stung by a bee,” she announced.
At that, both men leapt to their feet.
Calix gently set Theo down onto the sofa. The boy was still sobbing.
“Where was he stung?”
“Here, on his arm.”
Ruby untied the handkerchief, revealing a swollen red spot.
“And the doctor?”
“Prince Ivan went to call him.”
“Are you alright, my son?” The emperor came closer, his face lined with concern.
Theo bit down hard on his lower lip, trying to hold back his tears. His expression showed fear of being scolded rather than pain.
He can’t even cry freely in front of his father…
Ruby’s heart ached for him.
She sat beside him. “Prince Theo, are you scared?”
Tears spilled down his cheeks as Theo shook his head.
Ruby could see it wasn’t pride but fear of the emperor that made him deny it.
She took out her handkerchief and wiped his tears.
“You’re very brave, enduring this. But it’s alright to say it hurts when it does.”
“R-really?”
“Of course. Admitting pain also takes courage. Does it hurt a lot?”
“Yes—it hurts!” Theo finally burst into sobs again, looking at Ruby.
“Excuse me, Your Highness,” Ruby whispered, then gently embraced him.
Theo cried loudly in her arms as she patted and soothed his back.
The emperor watched in surprise.
Ever since Theo had begun royal training, he had almost never cried openly in front of his father. This was the first time in years he looked like a normal child.
And it was Ruby who had drawn that out of him so easily — treating him as if he were her own younger brother.
Perhaps, the emperor thought, she cared for Theo better than even he did.
Before long, the physician arrived with Ivan, who looked pale.
“Prince Theo, please show me the sting.”
Theo, still in Ruby’s arms, eyed the physician warily, afraid of more pain.
Ruby leaned down. “It might sting a little, but if you’re scared, I’ll cover your eyes for you.”
Theo buried his face against her shoulder, offering his arm while hiding from the sight.
The treatment was quick.
“It’s done,” the doctor finally said, wiping cold sweat from his forehead.
Calix and Sasha rushed closer, asking anxiously,
“Is he really okay?”
“Is he gwon’ be okay?”
“Yes. The swelling will go down soon. Thankfully there are no other symptoms.”
The two children sighed in relief.
Watching this, Duke Lux bowed his head toward the emperor.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. It was my failure to watch the children properly.”
Calix and Sasha, sensing the seriousness, also bowed their heads.
“We’re sorry.”
“So sorry.”
Even though they hadn’t meant it, hurting a prince could mean severe punishment.
Ruby too bowed deeply.
“I apologize as well. I should have taken better care of Prince Theo and my siblings.”
Silence fell — heavy and tense. Everyone awaited the emperor’s judgment.
Then Theo tugged on Ruby’s dress hem.
“I’m fine.”
He looked up at the emperor, trembling but meeting his gaze directly.
“Really? You’re alright?” the emperor asked.
“Yes. No one else did wrong. I touched the bee because I was curious. It’s my fault.”
Theo confessed honestly — and then pleaded,
“Please don’t punish anyone, Your Majesty.”
The emperor stroked his chin, clearly weighing the matter.
Hurting a royal was no small offense. Even if Theo claimed it was his fault, those nearby — Calix, Sasha, Ruby, even the grand duke — could not be completely free of blame.
Then Ivan spoke up as well.
“Prince Theo is right. These children are not at fault. In fact, if not for Ruby Brooklyn’s quick response, Theo’s injury might have been far worse. Shamefully, I was too flustered to act.”
Ruby looked at him in surprise — she hadn’t expected Ivan to support them.
The emperor studied both princes, then finally spoke.
“Very well. Since you both say so, I will not punish the children.”
Relief swept through the room.
“In fact, I was impressed by how you cared for Theo, Ruby. A fine response.”
“You honor me, Your Majesty.”
“Thanks to you, I even saw a rare, childlike side of my son.”
Theo blushed and looked away.
“Yes… I believe you truly are suitable as playmates. After spending time together, what do you think?”
Ivan answered on behalf of everyone.
“It’s still too soon. Today was not enough to know each other fully. If we could meet a few more times, then perhaps we’ll know whether true friendship is possible.”
