24 - Guardians
The tea party slowly drew to its natural end.
The afternoon sun dipped lower beyond the cherry trees, casting long golden shadows across the garden. One by one, the visiting nobles began to rise from their seats. “Thank you for the delightful gathering, Your Grace.”
“It was truly a pleasure.”
“The Vernon estate is as magnificent as ever.”
Grand Duchess Darelene accepted each farewell with the same calm elegance she had displayed throughout the entire event. “You honor us with your presence.”
“We look forward to your safe journey home.”
“Please visit again.”
Servants moved quietly along the paths, collecting empty teacups and folded napkins while escorting the departing guests toward the estate gates.
Soon, the lively murmur of noble conversation faded into the distant rumble of carriage wheels. The garden grew quiet. Only the Vernon family, Crown Prince Zafiel, and Leonhard remained beneath the drifting blossoms.
Darelene rose gracefully from her chair. “Clean everything,” she instructed the servants calmly. “The tables, linens, and silverware.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” The staff bowed and immediately began clearing the garden.
Maximus stretched his shoulders slightly, looking relieved now that the nobles had departed. “Well then,” the Grand Duke muttered. “That went… surprisingly smoothly.”
Darelene gave him a sidelong glance. “Did it?”
Maximus coughed lightly. “… mostly.”
Meanwhile, Zafiel had also risen from his seat. “Your Grace.”
Darelene turned to him. “Yes, Your Imperial Highness?”
“I believe I will retire for the evening.”
Maximus blinked. “So early?”
Zafiel smiled politely. “The journey from the capital was long.”
That part, at least, was technically true.
Darelene inclined her head. “Of course. Shall we prepare dinner for you in the main hall?”
Zafiel shook his head lightly. “If it is not inconvenient, I would prefer my meal delivered to my chambers.”
“Certainly.”
Darelene gestured to a nearby servant. “See to His Imperial Highness’s dinner immediately.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Zafiel gave a final polite bow. “Thank you for your hospitality.” Then he turned and walked toward the estate. Leonhard followed silently behind him.
The moment the Crown Prince disappeared through the doors, Maximus exhaled loudly. “… finally.”
Aguerico snorted. “That man is exhausting.”
But Eirwen was still watching the direction Zafiel had gone. “… don’t relax yet.”
Maximus frowned slightly. “You think he’s still planning something?”
Eirwen shrugged faintly. “That man always is.”
Darelene said nothing. But her gaze lingered on the estate doors longer than the others noticed.
---
Inside the estate corridors, Zafiel walked calmly toward the guest wing. Leonhard followed at his usual quiet distance. The hallway was silent.
When they reached the eastern guest suite, Zafiel entered the chamber and removed his gloves leisurely. Only then did he speak. “Leonhard.”
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”
“Go to the Luminaris Chapel.”
Leonhard paused. “The chapel?”
Zafiel walked toward the window and looked out across the estate grounds. “Yes.” His voice remained calm. “Inform them that the Saintess they are searching for has already been found.”
Leonhard’s eyes sharpened slightly. “… Grand Princess Mariana.”
Zafiel did not turn. “Yes.”
Leonhard considered this for a moment. “Discreetly?”
Zafiel smiled faintly. “Of course.”
The knight nodded. “As you wish.”
Then, without another word, Leonhard stepped back and disappeared from the room in a faint ripple of aura. Zafiel remained by the window. The evening sky was slowly darkening beyond the gardens.
His gaze drifted upward, toward the wing where Mariana’s bedroom was located. His expression softened slightly. “Let us see,” he murmured quietly, “how long you can continue hiding.”
---
Elsewhere in the estate, Grand Duke Maximus had retreated to his private study with his sons. The heavy door closed behind them with a dull thud.
Maximus immediately turned toward them with a grave expression. “Sit.”
The three young men obeyed without question. Aguerico leaned casually against the desk. Eirwen sat in a nearby chair. Alistair remained standing with his arms crossed.
Maximus exhaled slowly. “You all saw it.”
Aguerico raised an eyebrow. "The Crown Prince?”
“Yes.” Maximus rubbed his temples. “That man is dangerous.”
None of his sons disagreed.
Eirwen nodded slightly. “He’s far more interested in Mariana than before.”
Maximus scowled. “Exactly.”
For years, he had been grateful that Zafiel had ignored the engagement agreement.
The Crown Prince had shown no interest in Mariana.
None. And Maximus had quietly hoped the arrangement would eventually fade away.
But now the wolf had noticed her. And wolves did not lose interest easily.
Maximus looked at his sons seriously. “From now on, you three will act as Mariana’s guardians.”
Aguerico blinked. “… guardians?”
“Yes.” Maximus pointed toward the door. “That Crown Prince will be staying in this estate for several days.”
Alistair frowned slightly. “And you don’t trust him.”
Maximus snorted. “Trust him?” He leaned forward over the desk. “That man could smile while planning the downfall of half the empire.”
Eirwen chuckled softly. “… that sounds accurate.”
Maximus’ voice lowered. “I don’t care if he’s the Crown Prince. If he gets too close to your sister—”
Aguerico cracked his knuckles. “We’ll handle it.”
Alistair nodded. “No one bothers Mariana.”
Eirwen leaned back in his chair thoughtfully. His sharp eyes glinted slightly. "… especially not a wolf.”
Maximus finally relaxed a little.
Good.
His sons understood.
Across the estate, however, in the quiet guest chamber beneath the darkening sky, the wolf in question was already smiling.