Leonhard shouted at Heinrich, "What's wrong with you? Nine months away, and you couldn't even guard His Highness's side—"
Heinrich frowned. "What could I do when His Highness was organizing the special selection?"
Marcus looked terrified, on the verge of tears. "Lord Leonhard, Lord Heinrich, do you find me be in the way? I was born lowly and unworthy to serve at His Highness's side. Please do not blame the two lords, Your Highness."
I frowned. "Who said unworthy? I chose you—do not belittle yourself."
The corners of his eyes curved slightly. "Yes, I was overthinking."
I pointed to his neck. "Come here. Let me see that abrasion."
He said softly to Leonhard, "Lord Leonhard, please step aside."
Leonhard's gaze could have burned through him.
Heinrich suddenly interjected, "Lord Leonhard has countless scars from quelling the rebellion. Herr Stein, if your neck troubles you, you should consult a court physician."
I looked at Heinrich. "Heinrich, you understand me best."
I approached Leonhard and said gently, "Is this worth getting angry over? I see the silver amulet is worn—it's time for a new one."
His blue eyes gazed at me wetly. "Is Your Highness serious?"
I took his hand. "When have I ever lied to you? Today is yourtriumphal feast, so of course you are the focus. Heinrich is right—you've worked hard these past months. By the way, Heinrich—"
I instructed, "Since you know palace affairs well, send for a physician to examine Marcus."
Heinrich replied calmly, "I've already sent for one."
I took Heinrich's hand with my other hand. "Don't let his tough talk fool you—Heinrich has been looking forward to your return."
Leonhard looked skeptical, but Heinrich added, "Our loyalty to Your Highness has endured for years. How could it waver because of newcomers?"
I thought to myself that Heinrich had finally stopped being stubborn; every word now matched my wishes.
I squeezed his hand firmly, and he smiled, his eyes bright.
My heart skipped a beat, like a fawn leaping in my chest—I should lay off late-night horseback rides.
I turned to Marcus. "Rest well and stay off your feet today. Come back when you've recovered."
Leonhard suddenly smirked and whispered, "—He who tries to steal a chicken only loses rice."
He exchanged a look with Heinrich and stood on either side of me. "This way, Your Highness."
I walked briskly forward.
Leonhard had made my cousin cough up a fortune and uncovered several hidden accounts in the duke's mansion—a truly meritorious deed.
I hosted a private banquet in the Crown Prince's palace; while the outer halls were lively, only close confidants remained inside.
Leonhard finally mentioned escorting our cousin back to Vienna, predicting our uncle would cause a stir tomorrow.
I sneered. "Does he dare?"
Before I could speak further, an attendant announced, "Her Majesty the Queen has arrived!"
The queen and my aunt entered the hall smiling. "Leonhard, you're back."
The three of us quickly rose to bow.
The queen smiled and waived the formalities. "In the blink of an eye, you've all grown into dashing gentlemen. Is there any lady you fancy?"
My aunt teased, "If you have a sweetheart, speak now! Her Majesty is in a good mood today and might just grant a marriage!"
Leonhard exclaimed in alarm, "G-grant a marriage?!"
Heinrich asked solemnly, "Why does Your Majesty bring this up?"
The queen chuckled. "Young love is only natural. I was young once too. Marriage is a major matter—one should choose someone they truly love."
She glanced at me. "What about you, Eleanor? What kind of crown princess do you want?"
I replied calmly, "I hope the future crown princess is dignified and refined, with a talent for poetry."
Heinrich's ears turned red, a faint, reserved smile on his lips.
"But with a lively spirit, skilled in horsemanship and hunting."
Leonhard raised his wine cup, laughing heartily.
"She should also understand accounting and management, capable of overseeing the royal household and inner court."
Marcus entered the hall, slightly out of breath, his eyes bright.
After my words, the hall fell silent.
The queen coughed softly. "You think too highly."
She couldn't help but tease, "What noble lady meets all your criteria? It sounds like you're looking for a fairy."
I said solemnly, "A fairy like Your Majesty would be perfect."
She flicked my forehead with a laugh, while the maids nearby stifled their giggles.
My aunt interjected, "Eleanor, I don't meet a single one of those criteria!"
I said matter-of-factly, "But you're beautiful, Aunt!"
I smiled. "In the end, as long as they're pleasing to the eye and lovable, nothing else matters."
After laughing, the queen looked at me meaningfully. "Gender? Does that not matter either?"
"Clang!"
The silver cup in Leonhard's hand fell to the floor, shattering into pieces.
After the palace banquet, I did not see Leonhard for days.
"He claims to be unwell," Heinrich told me. "I've sent tonics to inquire about his health."
I still worried. "Could he have caught an epidemic?" After all, Leonhard was as strong as an ox—he'd never been sick before.
Heinrich paused. "It's likely not serious. I haven't heard he's summoned a court physician."
I thought for a moment and smiled. "Well, the autumn hunt is approaching. Even if he's ill, he'll have to drag himself out by then."
The hunt was a prime opportunity for military officials to shine.
Sure enough, when the procession departed for the Black Forest, Leonhard appeared—though listless, avoiding my gaze as he saluted.
"One illness, and you've lost your spirit?" I asked with concern.
Leonhard had dark circles under his eyes, his gaze flickering. "Thank you for Your Highness's concern."
This was unlike his usual straightforward demeanor.
He looked at me as if to speak, but I encouraged him with a nod—honesty was key to a healthy lord-servant relationship.
But Leonhard stammered for ages without saying anything, then suddenly turned and ran.
Was the boy delirious from fever?
I sent a court physician to check on him.
When Heinrich and Marcus came to pay their respects, I gave a few instructions and let them mount their horses, telling them not to follow me closely.
Though skilled in archery and riding, I had no ambition in the hunt—the number of prey did not affect my status as crown prince. Why kill needlessly?
A long whistle sounded, and the group charged into the forest. The hunt traditionally lasted a day and night, with the one who killed the most prey declared the winner—a favorite contest of my father's.
Experienced knights could even secure victory by hunting at night.
After shooting a few pheasants, I grew tired and dismounted to sit on a tree stump, watching the clouds drift by.
A heavy thud sounded behind me. I did not turn. "Aren't you supposed to be avoiding me?"
Leonhard trudged out, looking dejected. "Your Highness has sharp ears."
I sighed. "Heinrich and Marcus are not as skilled in riding as I am—only you can keep up."
Leonhard hesitated before sitting beside me. I smiled. "Are you feeling well enough?"
He looked away. "Your Highness always teases me."
He was now a young man, with a tall nose and lashes as curly as butterfly wings in profile. The twilight light softened his honey-colored skin, making him look warm and gentle.
As darkness fell, he seemed to suddenly realize something, leaping up like a bear startled by a swarm of bees. "Y-your Highness is spending the night here? I-I will keep watch!"
I watched coldly as he fussed over starting a fire, roasting game, and sprinkling salt and black pepper from his pouch. Only then did I deign to take a bite.
"Not bad."
I ordered, "Then keep watch properly. I'm going to sleep."
Leonhard immediately deflated. "Oh."
This man—he offered to keep watch, yet now looked reluctant.
I sighed. What else could I do as the future wise ruler?
"Fine," I said. "You may share my tent."