Julia and Killian danced gracefully, changing direction to the music. Julia's skirt rose like flower petals.
"Oh. How is your health these days?"
Julia asked in a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
She had heard in passing that he had recovered from his illness a long time ago, but since this was the first time they had met, he was being polite.
"I am healthy. I have not had a cold since I came out of the hospital bed when I was 12."
Killian answered politely. Julia nodded in relief at the sight of him looking perfectly fine on the outside.
The two danced while talking more about Ametrine's recent activities.
"After recovering from my illness, I was assigned to tutor His Highness the newly appointed Crown Prince for a few years. Through him, I was allowed to take on court affairs, and I was fortunate enough to be promoted to the position of Minister of the Interior some time ago."
"Oh, a lot has happened in the meantime."
It was refreshing that the detailed palace affairs were not written in the correspondence exchanged with the King.
Julia listened with interest to Killian's story about his homeland, and then suddenly opened her mouth out of curiosity.
"I know it's been a while since I asked this, but what was the cause that made a healthy person stay in bed for so long?"
Julia asked cautiously. Then Killian closed his mouth for a moment and smiled awkwardly.
'Oh, is that difficult to say?'
What the heck.
Julia tilted her head and was about to add that she didn't have to say anything if it was difficult, but Killian naturally changed direction to a less crowded place and opened his mouth.
"It was a side effect of forcibly pressing down on the force."
Julia blinked at what Killian said in a small, barely audible voice.
"Side effects, huh?"
"Yes. As Your Majesty knows..."
Killian carefully lifted the hand he had been holding while dancing. Julia's eyes naturally turned to their hands.
She noticed a gold ring and a silver ring that looked identical. They looked exactly like the rings Killian had given her when they first met.
"It seems that the oppressed power resisted and caused problems internally. Fortunately, I learned how to control the power while lying in bed for two years. Since then, I have not had a single problem, so don't worry."
Killian looked at his silver ring, then moved his gaze to the gold ring on Julia's left ring finger.
And he carefully as if worried, covered her finger. The gold ring made its presence felt with a slight press.
"Is Your Majesty okay? If you were in any pain because of me..."
Uh.
For a moment, Julia tilted her head inwardly.
It's a concern that she appreciates. If it's natural, it's a natural concern, and it must be because of his naturally affectionate personality... The contact is a little and it feels overly affectionate.
'Hmm, am I being sensitive?'
Julia paused at the sight of their hands intertwined like lovers, then shook her head slightly.
"I haven't had any problems. I won't have any problems in the future. So don't worry."
Then, she naturally pulled her hand out a little.
Killian didn't seem to notice anything. He didn't react much even when she removed her hand, and he just smiled brightly, visibly relieved by her words.
'I guess it was a mistake.'
Julia felt guilty because she thought of her childhood friend strangely. He was the one who helped her keep her secret by giving her a ring.
"Shall we go over there?"
Feeling somewhat apologetic, Julia playfully waved her overlapping hands and quickly changed direction.
The topic changed to small talk and Julia and Killian exchanged news.
Killian nodded in agreement with Julia's words and gave her a gentle compliment as he told her his story in a gentle tone.
"You're a great dancer. I think you're better than me now."
"Yes, thanks to whom?"
Julia playfully replied, mimicking Killian's tone.
As they talked, she began to feel nostalgic for Ametrine. Killian, who was warm and kind, felt like a hometown she missed, like a memory from her childhood.
"Since you've come this far, why don't you go sightseeing in Semele? My father and the Crown Prince are both healthy, so it'll be fine even if you don't have a meal."
"If the Minister of the Interior leaves his post without permission, he will be severely punished."
Killian smiled softly. Julia shrugged.
Julia, who was feeling a longing after a long time, naturally treated Killian with the same casual attitude as when she was a child.
"Then I'll write to my father. I danced too much at the ball and my shoes hurt my feet so much that you have to carry me."
"The worthy Queen of Semele is being carried by me because of her shoes?"
Killian smiled faintly and gave the same answer as when he was young.
She couldn't help but laugh as she recalled her days as a Princess, innocent and ignorant. The flustered nanny and gardener, and even her innocent father.
Oh, those were really good times.
'After the coming-of-age ceremony, when I have some free time, I should go to Ametrine.'
It's been a whole 12 years. Julia raised her chin proudly, almost feeling like she was going to cry from longing.
"My feet really hurt."
It was the same excuse she used to make every time she had to practice dancing as a child.
It was an unbecoming behavior for a Queen, but seeing someone sharing stories about her hometown in front of her made her feel like she was back in her childhood, so she pulled off a mischievous prank...
"Just a little more and then rest. Your Majesty is smart, so I'm sure you can endure it."
Killian comforted her just as he had done in those days when he was a child.
He was a kind but strict teacher who would gently coax his students into practicing until the end as if he was giving them a tantrum.
Every time that happened, Julia would grumble and dance in frustration. Sometimes she would even step on Killian's foot on purpose, pretending it was a mistake.
'Wow, when did that happen? It's exactly like we practiced.'
Julia was secretly amazed at Killian's unchanging appearance. It was so strange like he was a bridge connecting her childhood and her present self.
"You're going too far. I think you can let it go now."
"Well."
Killian spun around and smiled at the music that reached its climax. Julia blinked in disbelief and gave him some advice.
"Lord Oberon, If you keep being so strict and tactless, your fiancée might get angry."
He was only introduced as Killian Oberon, so he's older than her, but he's probably engaged but not married yet.
If he had married, he would have already received the title of Viscount or Baron, which is passed down through generations in the Earldom.
"You is good in everything, but do she know he's too upright? Please don't do that to your fiancée. Wouldn't it be okay if you called me like before?"
Killian smiled faintly and wrapped his arms around Julia's waist again. Julia, who had been placing her hand on Killian's arm as usual, tilted her head.
At that, Killian smiled and whispered.
"Because you feel so distant."
"Ah... is that so?"
Julia blinked at the unexpected request.
She doesn't think they're close enough to even call each other by their honorifics. Of course, the psychological distance between them has indeed become quite close as they talk about their hometowns.
"Was I rude?"
Killian noticed that and looked around cautiously.
Because the sight seemed so kind, Julia couldn't help but wonder if he was just thinking a lot about it, even though the other person didn't seem to think much of it.
'Well, it's just a title.'
He is a friend from childhood and is also a vassal of Ametrine who will closely assist her father in the future.
Julia shook her head, wondering if she had been too harsh.
So, the last time she called him was...
"Then, brother."
Because her brother is so childish.
Let's call carefully. Killian smiled with a regretful expression, but also as if he was happy. It was as if he had been waiting for this, so Julia was dumbfounded but also snickered.
"Brother, you shouldn't be so strict with your fiancée. If a woman says her feet hurt, you have to bring her over and sit her down on a chair right away to make her look pretty."
Julia was proud to offer advice as a senior in marriage.
With the performance reaching its end in the background, Killian, who had been holding Julia's waist and spinning her around lightly, smiled and nodded.
"If I ever get a woman to escort me, I will."
"Yes?"
Julia, who was drawing a circle with her palms together as a finishing gesture, asked back. Her ears perked up at the unexpected words.
"Because I don't have a fiancée."
Papaaa...
The soft voice was buried. The trumpet sounded briskly and ended the performance with a lyrical yet m
agnificent ending.
'None?'
Marriage may not be imminent, but it was rare for someone of that age to remain unengaged. Not only Semele, but even Ametrine, who was relatively old, was rare.
Why?
"If it's not too late, may I ask for a chance to be loved?"
Killian asked with a calm face, in contrast to Julia's puzzled expression.
Julia, who had been smiling reflexively, was momentarily bewildered.
It was because it was such sweet words to hear. However, since it was said so naturally with such a kind expression, she was ambiguous as to what he intended.
"I will now invite you to rest."
Killian smiled and spoke softly. His attitude was bland as if she had mistakenly thought it sounded sweet.
'Ah.'
Perhaps Killian was just joking around like she did. He was a calm and serious person, so she was confused for a moment. Julia quickly smiled again and nodded.
'Well, since he's the Minister of the Interior, he'll be busy, so he might be able to postpone the wedding.'
It was at that moment that Killian took a step forward to support Julia's hand and escort her out of the hall.
"Your Majesty! I feel happy to see you in such a good mood today."
"Ah, Duke Hyde."
From behind, Iris was seen sitting next to Milady, enjoying finger food together.
Duke Hyde seemed to have awkwardly gotten stuck between the mother and daughter who had become much closer, and then he approached Julia when her dance was over.
Killian, who exchanged a polite bow with Duke Hyde, naturally stepped aside.
"Your Majesty, would you do me the honor of serving you?"
After dancing twice in a row, her feet wrapped in high heels were starting to get a little tired. Duke Hyde was kind but a little dull, and it didn't seem to occur to him that it would be appropriate for Julia to take a break.
Killian looked at Julia with concern.
"Of course."
But Julia smiled and nodded. The Duke of Hyde was always a grateful family.
Duke Hyde smiled broadly, nodded., and lightly lifted Julia's hand. He then walked towards the edge of the crowded hall instead of into the middle.
"Are you okay where you were injured last time hunting?"
Duke Hyde asked as they passed the curtained balcony for relaxation. Julia nodded, holding onto the hem of her skirt as she went in alone.
"Of course. I'm completely healed now, so don't worry."
"Thank goodness. Oh my, if our Queen gets hurt, it looks like my lady won't let me live anymore."
"Phew. If something like that happens, I should go see it too."
"Huh? How could you say such a thoughtless thing!"
Duke Hyde shrugged his mountain-like shoulders and shouted in frustration.
Julia laughed heartily and walked towards the Duke, who was waiting to escort her into the hall first.
The third dance, which changed the mood, was beginning. As the romantic harp began to play, Julia reached out to the Duke of Hyde and spoke affectionately.
"Of course, I'm joking..."
Just then, someone intervened and gently pulled Julia's hand away.
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