Seated at the table, I anxiously open the letter, dreading its contents.
"Hello dear, today will be a long day. Preparations for the party have begun already; mother chose today to go downtown to pick out my dress. I'm not fond of shopping, but I just want to see her happy. It's been a while since I've seen everyone so excited about something. Maybe they're right; maybe I should accept courtship to find peace. I hope you have a good day, see you later"
She's going downtown! Could I possibly spot her there? No, I don't even know what she looks like! How would I recognize her?
I try to work, but she lingers in my mind. I have lunch and rest in the garden. As I mentioned, I'm not keen on flowers, but these are somewhat pretty. I spend my afternoon amidst the blossoms, waiting for Paulo to return, forgetting the important tasks I had to do. The king must forgive me; she is more significant.
I wake with a strong gust of wind and realize I've fallen asleep on the garden bench. Rising, I head to my room, feeling lighter, as if the flowers have brought me closer to her...
Such folly! An archduke, respected throughout the realm, asleep among flowers over a woman! I don't even know if she's beautiful—it's disgraceful!
I stand up, angry with myself. To what depths have I sunk?
Come morning, I'm determined to forget her. It's futile; I need to accept she'll be with someone. She doesn't even know me. I will focus on kingdom affairs, not the love life of a woman!
Dressing, I descend for breakfast. While eating, Paulo suddenly appears.
"Good morning, sir. I've obtained the address, and here is last night's."
"..."
"Sir?"
"Did you see her?"
"Yes, sir."
"...What does she look like?"
"I only caught a glimpse, sir, but she's a beautiful lady."
"Thank you. Come by my office later to receive your reward."
"Thank you, sir."
I stare at the letter and the slip of paper bearing the information I've longed for months.
What shall I do? I was right in what I said yesterday!
Unfolding the letter automatically,
"Hello dear, it's me again. Just wanted to say that I found my dress; it's beautiful! Mother said I'll be the fairest at the party. I wish you were real..."
What does she mean? Am I not real to her? Why send me so many letters then? Does she think I don't exist because I haven't answered? And if that means she won't send any more letters?!
Before I know it, I've opened the paper with her address—it's across the city! I rise quickly to prepare to meet her.
"IRENE! IRENE!"
"Yes, my lord!?"
"Fetch me a suit immediately, please. I'm stepping out soon. And prepare a hot bath."
"Right away, sir."
I head to my garden; I can't arrive empty-handed. If she can't visit my garden daily, then a piece of it shall reach her. With the help of a servant, I select the most striking lilies and arrange a fine bouquet for her, then hastily make my way to the bath and don my attire.
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Updated 88 Episodes
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