For the first time in years, Elestia felt… peace.The palace gardens were vast and gentle, filled with the laughter of birds and the glow of spirit lights. Kale ran between the flowers with a bright smile, and Elestia followed after him, the corners of her lips lifting despite herself.
Days passed in quiet bliss — playing with Kale, teasing Sirene, and occasionally arguing with the palace maids about letting her "help" clean her own room.
It was almost perfect.
Until realization struck like thunder.
"GAAAAAHHHH!!!" Elestia suddenly screamed, startling every servant within earshot. "I—I'M SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE ARMY CAMP RIGHT NOW!"
Her panicked voice echoed across the courtyard.
"Ah… so that's what it was," came a calm, teasing voice from behind her.
She turned — and there stood Prince Ciel, sword in hand, sweat glistening down his neck and jaw. His usual composed expression was replaced by a broad, satisfied grin.
"Don't worry. I sent them a notice," he said, wiping his blade with a cloth.
"Eh? Really? Then it's oka—"Her brain caught up. "LIKE HELL IT'S OKAY!"
Prince Ciel laughed softly, watching her flail about. Every little reaction of hers seemed to entertain him more than he expected.
"As I thought…" he said with a faint chuckle, "you really are intriguing."
Elestia puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "Weirdo."
He only smiled wider, walking off with the air of someone who'd won a battle no one else knew existed.
Later that evening, Elestia sat with Kale in the garden. The little boy played with the spirit fairies that fluttered around his head like petals in the wind. His laughter was so pure that even the most jaded knights who passed by couldn't help but smile.
He'd grown a little plumper, his cheeks rosy and soft.
"Sister~ Sister~" Kale sang, running into her arms.
"Yes, baby~" Elestia answered playfully, hugging him close. He didn't say anything—just held onto her like she was his entire world.
Somewhere deep inside, that simple warmth soothed a wound Elestia thought could never heal.
A week later, their short stay in the Zhekiel Palace came to an end.Elestia had received permission to continue her journey to the Wizard Association, and to her disbelief—Prince Ciel decided to come along.
As the carriage rolled through the countryside, Elestia finally snapped. "By the way, why are you here?"
"What do you mean by that?" he asked innocently.
She glared. "Don't play dumb, Your Highness."
"Ouch," he said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Don't seduce me like that."
"Excuse me?!" Elestia almost choked. "What part of that was seductive?!"
Ciel's quiet laughter filled the carriage. To think this was the same tyrant who once conquered nations… Elestia wasn't sure what to believe anymore.
"Well," he said eventually, eyes glinting, "you'll know later."
Elestia sighed and turned toward the window, choosing to admire the rolling fields instead of strangling him.
For a moment, Ciel just watched her — the sunlight touching her silver hair, her eyes distant yet calm.
He murmured under his breath, "As I thought… you're beautiful. Inside and out."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
"Nothing." He flicked her forehead lightly, smirking as she pouted in confusion.
Hours passed, and the gentle rocking of the carriage lulled Elestia to sleep. Her head slowly dropped—until it landed softly on Ciel's thigh.
He froze.
"…You really are careless," he muttered.
His hand brushed against her silken hair, tracing the strands that shimmered like moonlight. There was a faint smile on her lips even in sleep, peaceful yet fragile.
Ciel's chest tightened with something unfamiliar.
"She's fierce, reckless, and too easily flustered," he whispered to himself. "She smiles like nothing can hurt her, but that smile… hides too much."
His fingers hesitated—then gently intertwined with hers.
"You should really be careful with me," he murmured, his voice low. "I might be even more dangerous than other men."
Elestia stirred slightly, a soft chuckle escaping her. "Hehe…"
Ciel froze again, staring down at her sleeping face. Then, with a faint, flustered smile, he bent forward and pressed a quiet kiss to the top of her head.
"Sleep tight… love."
His ears turned crimson. Somewhere in the carriage, Sirene covered her mouth with both hands, whispering gleefully,"He's turned into a boiled octopus."