The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

19 : The Race

"Please tell me what have I done, your highness."

When Princess Darya opened her eyes, Sir Theobarlt was already on his knees and begging for forgiveness. After she forgave him, he is now asking what he had done.

"You have no need to be concerned, Captain Theo. I asked the owner to help me." That was her reason and until now, he could not meet her eyes. Maybe because of embarrassment that he is a light drinker.

Captain Theobarlt was just following her all day while they walked around Summeria. He would only speak when the Princess would talk to him and that he needs to respond. The Princess would just pick up random fruit, buy it, and eat it. Until then, Princess Darya comes inside a fancy restaurant. It was a bit surprising to see a fancy restaurant in a faraway town. He just followed where the Princess went and did as he was told. When the Princess sat in a spot, she asked him to sit across from her. So then they were asked what they were going to eat and it was served after a few minutes.

While drinking tea, Princess Darya's eyes were on the woman who was entertaining the other customers. She had dark curly hair, tied up. She is wearing simple garments, good to look like a woman who is a high ranking commoner. She has a beautiful smile and is looking so kind and elegant.

Captain Theobarlt could only look at the Princess and then to the woman who she is looking at. And then he stopped when Princess Darya looked at him after putting down the cup of tea.

"Seven years ago, Viscount Morata announced the death of his only daughter." She began speaking, so he listened, and at the same time, figured out what she was trying to say.

"It was said to be due to a disease to which he did not specify," she added. Princess Darya looked back at the woman before. "She is the daughter who was announced to be dead."

His eyes went wide and glanced at the woman she was talking to. No wonder she does not feel like a real commoner. He had been working under commoners areas and high ranking commoners are most likely informal.

"She is Lady Kathika Morata."

He was not able to speak as he did not know how to react. All he could think is why Viscount Morata disguised the death of his only daughter. And why is the Princess investigating this? Is it perhaps because... Viscount Morata is into something? He nodded and listed in his mind that Viscount Morata is his enemy since Princess Darya is wary of him.

Later, a carriage stopped in front of the restaurant and a noble man came in. He was wearing thick and luxurious clothes. He has a golden brooch on his tie. He had a thick beard and was bald and fat. He had his aid with him too. "I would like to have a conversation with Lady Kath."

So then, the woman with curly black hair approaches the nobleman. "I am a Lady Kath, my lord."

"I am here to get the child." The nobleman immediately replied.

Lady Kath flinched upon hearing that but then she smiled. "Are you Count Marshall?"

"Yes." The Count had a smug look on his face.

"Please give me a minute. I will call Lore." Lady Kath excused herself and left the restaurant as Count Marshall came to a position next to Princess Darya and Captain Theobarlt.

"My lord, why would you take a child that will not be beneficial to your title?" Count Marshall's aid began rambling, while he was looking at the surroundings of the restaurant. He was disgusted by the sight of a non-luxurious restaurant.

"The child is said to be the future Crown Prince."

"What?"

"Just shut up, we will just do as the Duke says."