I made those gloves!

Somehow I had mixed feelings, feeling gratified on the one hand, but embarrassed on the other. Whats wrong?

Well, the gloves and the scarf

Oh, you mean this? These were made by my beloved wife, so I definitely should wear them on a day like this, right?

My beloved wife

My heart was pounding. When I stepped forward with a gentle smile, suddenly he stopped. When I turned around to see what happened, I saw the silver-haired knight looking at us with a smile.

Suddenly, I was choked up with tears. He was smiling at me calmly, but I saw his blue eyes wet with tears.

Daddy

When I was murmuring, he suddenly stepped forward and bowed to my father slightly.

There was shock again among the participants. Startled, I also looked up at him. What did he do now? Even if he was my father, how could the ruler of the emperor bow to him?

But he said calmly that he thanked my father for raising me as a beautiful daughter, and that he would make me happy by all means.

At that moment, I came near crying. I had mixed feelings of gratitude for him and complicated thoughts about my father. I hurriedly bowed my head not to show any tears and showed due manners to my father.

Thank you, Daddy. Without you, I wouldnt have been able to seize this new opportunity. I will live a really happy life. So, keep watching me, your daughter, leading a happy life.

When I stepped out of the entrance, I saw the knights saluting with swords, with various expressions on their faces. I wanted to say something to some of the familiar knights, but because he took his steps without any hesitation, I just smiled at them and got in the open wagon. I could see the white breath since it was midwinter, but I didnt feel cold because he put the coat on me and wrapped it around my shoulders.

Start! The wagon wheels began to roll slowly.

When the wagon passed by the lower nobles bowing deeply to us, I saw the scenes outside the temple. People cheering us brightly, peddlers selling food in a happy mood, and children running around here and there caught my eye.

With my full affection for them in this empire, I smiled as much as I could at them who seemed very happy in a festive mood.

***

< Dear Your Highness Empress,

Its the first letter Ive sent you since I saw you when I left the empire.

How have you been? I hear that you already have typical warm spring weather there. I was worried that you, who are sensitive to the cold, might have a hard time because of the cold.

Its still winter in the kingdom of Lisa, but its not as cold as it sounds. Of course, some of the delegation members are suffering from colds, but, as you know, Im doing fine because Im strong, as you know.

Oh, dont worry about us. It seems that Kryans III still hasnt given up the case of the concubine, but he doesnt have the courage to mention it to you. Well, there would be few who can dare to mention it to your father, in particular.

Well, Im sorry, but I dont think I can continue to write a letter in the way I do now. Although we were close friends when young, I tried to keep manners because you were now the empress, but I really cant. So, please understand me as a friend generously even if you feel hurt by the way I speak to you.

Oh, I feel like I can breathe freely now.

So, how about your palace life? Is the emperor kind to you? If he makes you upset, feel free to tell me any time. I can generously understand your hurt feelings, so dont hesitate to tell me.

Oops, you shouldnt tell the emperor what I have just said. Im not saying this to save my life. In fact, men sometimes can be very upset at trifling things. As Im saying this for your own good, keep it in mind.

Anyway, you wont have to worry about us here. Ive never seen your father so strict. Of course, Marquis Enesil has made some contributions, but I think if your father had been dispatched, he would have solved the matter very early on.

Anyway, I am learning a lot here. So, whenever you need me, talk to me. Probably I will be more helpful to you than before, be it political or not.

Oh, I thought of something while mentioning political stuff to you. Is there a woman with silver hair in your family? Actually, I saw something strange a while ago. While I was walking along the street to check out the popular sentiment, I saw a woman with long hair that looked like silver or gray passing by. Her hair was much closer to gray than yours and your fathers, but anyway I saw her hair was partly silver. As you know, nobody cant have silver hair unless they are from the Monique family. So, I stopped her out of curiosity, but she really looked like Lady Jena. Isnt it really amazing? I hear there are several people who really look alike, and I could confirm it.

Oops, thats not important. Im just telling you that for your reference. Given that your father didnt say anything, it looks like she is not from your family. Isnt it a big problem if its known that someone from your family is in the Lisa kingdom not to mention her silver hair?

Oh my, your father is calling me now. Its time to attend the meeting.

See you later, Tia. Let me stop here.

Your close friend, Carsein de Lars.>

***

All that happened on a cold winter morning when Allendis suddenly visited my house, saying he was bored, and asked, Tia, let me ask you something.

Ugh?

What do you like?

What kind of question is that? Its too broad.

Well, you can name anything you like. What is your favorite?

Well, things I like?

I put down the mug I was holding and thought about it.

Anything I like? Let me see. What was my favorite?

Since he asked me suddenly, I thought about lots of things for a while, but couldnt figure out anything particular.

What should I do? Can I say Ive got nothing that I like?

When I hesitantly looked back, I suddenly noticed the scenery outside the window.

It snowed a lot all night long.

A smile came to my lips at that moment. Yes, this is it.

Snow.

Snow?

Yes. I love white snow piled up high when I look out the window in the middle of the night. I like snow.

Why? Because its beautiful?

Well, it s beautiful, but it also looks warm. And it also looks sweet.

What the heck? Allendis looked at me with an embarrassed expression. I heard him muttering something like what is warm or sweet? I dont get it, but I continued without caring about him, I wish there was only something white, warm and sweet like snow. I feel good when I imagine it.

Really? Hmm

Then he kept nodding by repeating, You like something white, sweet and warm?

I was curious why he suddenly asked it, but he just laughed, but didnt answer my question.

Well, you asked me first, then you wouldnt answer my question?

When I complained about it, Allendis stroked my hair with a smile, and said, Its a little difficult to tell you now, but Ill tell you later.

Well, okay.

Okay, lets go. We have to practice in the morning.

Oh, yes.

While heading for the training field with Allendis, I just forgot about it until today.

Only

Then

My lady, Duke Verita Jr wants to see you now.

I tilted my head. Allendis and I are supposed to practice fencing in the training field, so he didnt need to come to my house to see me. Why did he want to see me separately? Does he have anything to tell me?

I couldnt figure out what was going on, but I put down the sword and headed to the drawing room. When I hurriedly came in, I saw a boy with light green hair wearing a white vest, which was unusual.

Why is he wearing a formal dress? Is he going somewhere now?

Smiling at me when I looked at him curiously, he presented a small box to me. It was a small silver box tied with a beautiful green ribbon.

What is this, Allen?