Volume 10 Chapter 20 Escape
I returned to the party venue because it's not good to be away from the celebration for too long.
Sitting next to Sir Stefan, I greeted many nobles with a smile.
I had no idea who was who, but there were some classmates and friends from my school days.
They kept asking me if I had any wedding news yet.
Sir Stefan said, "There won't be a re-engagement with Lydia, but she is an important Saint for the country," and then the nobles started suggesting that their family's son should...! Sir Roxas shot them a glare and said, "That's a bit pushy," while helping to send the nobles away.
Sir Roxas and Sir Rail were both chatting with the nobles like it was nothing, and I thought it was impressive how at ease they were.
Sir Stefan was also confident, and Lady Anna and Lady Emilia always had smiles on their faces.
I know it's my job to greet everyone with a cheerful smile, but doing something I'm not used to makes me a bit tired.
The dinner party goes on until night, and by now, I usually would have taken a bath and be ready to sleep, so I started feeling sleepy.
I want to roll around in a fluffy bed with Eir-Eir and the others.
I know I shouldn't be thinking about that, but I really miss the soft bed and the warm Eir-Eirs.
Eir-Eir and the others, who are usually outside, must be full or tired from all the people because they squeezed into my dress, hiding themselves away.
My chest can fit Eir-Eir and the others and Ms. Famine, even the big Nel-Nel.
But Mer-Mer couldn't fit. It seems like Mer-Mer is the only one who can't be tucked away in my chest.
"...Ms. Lydia."
The line of people coming to greet me hasn't stopped, but Sir Ciel gently touched my shoulder and leaned in close to whisper in my ear.
"Let's take a break soon. I've already informed His Majesty."
"But..."
"Don't worry, let's leave the rest to His Majesty. In a little while, everyone will sneak out of the venue. The final celebration event is coming up soon."
Glancing at Sir Stefan, he gave a slight nod.
I stood up from my chair, adjusted my skirt to bow, and was led off the stage by Sir Ciel.
Before I knew it, my dad had disappeared, and Mer-Mer was perched on Sir Ciel's shoulder.
Mr. Lucian, who was guarding near Sir Stefan, said in a low voice, "I'll catch up in a bit."
As we slipped out of the lively venue, Sir Ciel took me away from the great hall, heading towards the research building of Saintwise in the palace.
"Um, Sir Ciel... why are we going to the Saintwise work area?"
"Because there aren't many people there. Saintwise has a bit of a scary image, so nobles rarely step into the workplace, and no one will be chasing after you."
"Ah... um..."
"I want to let you rest in a quiet place... and those shoes look hard to walk in. Are your feet okay?"
Seeing how difficult it was for me to walk in the unfamiliar high heels, Sir Ciel stopped.
Once we left the great hall, the palace was quiet. The corridor was lit by Magic Stone lamps, but outside the window, night had already fallen. In the darkness, I could see the flowers and trees in the garden swaying gently in the wind.
"My feet are fine... thank you for taking me out. The party was fun. But a quiet place is also nice."
"You must be tired. You did really well. I also felt that it was fun for the first time, but honestly, I wanted to escape with you early on."
"I thought Sir Ciel was a serious person."
"Not really, actually."
Sir Ciel effortlessly lifted me up.
I was gently lifted up, feeling a light floating sensation, and I hesitantly wrapped my arms around Sir Ciel's neck.
"Um... I can walk, but is it okay if I lean on you a bit?"
"Of course. I'd be happy to."
Feeling reassured, I relaxed my body a little.
My feet were actually a bit sore from the shoes I wasn't used to, so I was grateful.
Walking in heels is tough.
Wearing a dress and tightening a corset around my waist is no easy feat either.
Thinking about it, my free life in Lobelia was──quite a blessing, wasn't it? The nobles must have their own struggles too.
Sir Ciel seemed to be chatting a bit with Mr. Wilshark and Mr. Clifford, but considering the past, he probably didn't want to see their faces at all.
Sir Ciel is an adult.
Even though he's an adult, there are times when he must want to run away.
Everyone must have things they endure silently.
King Zeere is the same.
It's tough, but as His Majesty, he has to hold it all in.
Just remembering King Zeere's calm and relieved smile makes me want to cry.
At the top of the stairs in the Saintwise Tower, there's a rooftop.
To get through the dark tower, Sir Ciel was floating a glowing orb to light up the area.
I'm a bit scared of the dark, but being held by Sir Ciel makes it feel safe.
Looking up at the sky from the rooftop, the stars sparkled like scattered jewels.
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