Chapter 13 – The Traveling Merchant
From the very morning, the palace had been wrapped in a restless, excited atmosphere.
As I walked down the hallway after studying in Lord Keith’s study, I noticed the maids moving about with an unusual restlessness. Whispered voices floated from all directions.
“The traveling merchant is almost here, apparently.”
“Really? I’m still carefully using the perfume he brought last time.”
“Luke said that starting this afternoon, the maids can go take a look one by one…!”
“Eh, really!? Maybe I should move my break time…!”
The light footsteps of girls running ahead echoed through the hall. The edges of their aprons swayed softly, almost as if they were joyful.
Even I found myself tilting my head in curiosity.
(…A traveling merchant?)
I had known that preparations had been underway recently for Luke’s birthday, but it seemed that today was part of that: a traveling merchant, employed by the palace, was coming.
It was no wonder the maids were abuzz. Rumor had it that this merchant, who dealt in rare goods and decorations from foreign lands, appeared only at this time of year.
Watching the commotion stirred a flutter of anticipation in my chest.
(I wonder if I could peek a little…?)
I didn’t have any money to spend freely, so I would only be able to look. Still, it sounded fun.
Surely, the birthday banquet celebrating my older brother’s birth would be a grand event.
In this country, turning eighteen was a sign of adulthood. On top of that, my older brother was promised to become the crown prince and eventually the king. There was no doubt that his birthday celebration would be a special occasion.
Lately, I had few opportunities to be involved in such events, so the memory of them had been pushed to the back of my mind. I thought I must have attended one grand banquet when I was very small.
Someone had been holding me in their arms. That must have been my mother’s memory.
Feeling a little lonely, I continued down the corridor, swept along by the maids’ excitement, when a familiar voice called from behind.
“Lady Lilibelle, Lord Luke requests your presence.”
Turning around, I saw Rosarina standing straight, though slightly out of breath.
“Eh… for me…?”
“Yes. He would like you to come to his study right away.”
I instinctively stopped in my tracks and clasped my hands in front of me. Since I had last visited my older brother to tell him I wanted to study medicine, we hadn’t seen each other, so this felt strangely new.
Could it be that I was allowed to return to the palace?
Or… would he scold me for making Lord Keith work overtime…?
Today, as always, Lord Keith had taught me without change. I didn’t want those study sessions to stop.
“Then, I will guide you there.”
“…Yes, please.”
Led by Rosarina, I let my mind wander with all sorts of imaginings. I knew my brother’s birthday was approaching, so perhaps it was something related to the preparations… maybe.
(Even so, I think this is the first time the castle has been this lively.)
With each step, the sweet scent of perfume floated through the air. Flowers were arranged along the corridors, and even the curtains by the windows had been replaced with finer ones than usual.
It felt like the night before a fairy-tale ball.
—Yet, amidst this buoyant atmosphere, I alone was swallowed up by nerves.
(Had I done something to anger Luke…?)
With that worry, I took a deep breath and approached his study.
(Huh…? It seems the guards have changed…)
The two knights stationed at the door of Lord Luke’s study were not the ones from the other day.
Curious, I met the eyes of one of the knights.
“Ah, Lady Lilibelle! Please, Lord Luke awaits you.”
Noticing that Rosarina and I had approached, the knight saluted and led me toward the room.
Still puzzled by the difference, I gently knocked on the door.
“It’s Lilibelle. I have come at Lord Luke’s request.”
“Come in.”
My brother’s voice returned, muffled but kind.
…He wasn’t scary. Not scary, but still…
Clutching my hands lightly as they grew slightly sweaty, I pushed the study door open.
Inside stood Lord Luke, and next to him, an older man in fine, navy travel attire bowed politely.
It was immediately clear that he was not someone from the castle.
(Ah… that must be the traveling merchant.)
His neatly combed hair and well-groomed mustache exuded refinement, and his presence carried an air of elegance. He showed no signs of fatigue from a long journey, making me straighten my back without realizing it.
“Lilibelle, sorry to call you so suddenly. He is a merchant from the neighboring country. He has been visiting this castle for a long time.”
“…Nice to meet you. I am Lilibelle, the first princess of the Kingdom of Gutenburg.”
I bowed politely. The merchant returned the gesture with a warm smile.
“Well, what a charming princess. I am honored to meet you. My name is Hermann.”
Behind him, several wooden crates had already been opened, displaying an array of dazzling items: gemstones, perfume bottles, silver-crafted combs—every item arranged meticulously, their beauty arresting the eye.
