Prologue 11: The Color That Never Matched

“It’s about time for the debutante season.”

“Yes, it is.”

A debutante ball is held to introduce young noblewomen who have come of age. 

Especially when hosted by the Imperial family, it draws the attention of the entire nation.

Since it happens around the same time every year, preparations must begin soon.

“Shall we have Charmont make your dress as usual?”

“Yes. I always love their dresses—they’re wonderful.”

“Will you coordinate the color with His Highness the Crown Prince again this time?”

“……”

Until last year, they matched the colors of the jewels they wore, but this year, they hadn’t yet decided.

It was meant to show at least a hint of closeness between the two, something that would still be necessary this year.

Because it was important to make sure the other nobles knew.

‘Your daughter will never become the Crown Prince’s bride.’

If Patricia were to secure that position, it would be a simpler matter, but things don’t go so smoothly.

There are many who try to seize on any opening, so keeping them in check is crucial.

“……Hah.”

But even understanding all that, the thought weighed heavily on her. 

Meeting him, talking to him—it all felt burdensome.

Would he even listen to her opinion?

“For now, I’ll go see Alex.”

“Understood. I will make the preparations.”

In any case, she had to speak with him.

As Patricia made ready to head to the Royal Palace, Emma apparently finished all the arrangements.

Impressed by just how capable Emma was, Patricia boarded the carriage and set off.

As usual, Alex did not come out to greet her, and she expected to be kept waiting again, but instead, she was soon guided to the room where he was.

“I offer greetings to the young sun of the empire, His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“……”

No reply. 

Well, as usual.

She sat down in a chair and took a sip of her favorite tea.

Somehow, she understood what he wanted to talk about.

Steeling herself for when he would bring it up, she was then addressed by him as he also took a sip of his tea.

“……I heard you met with the Empress.”

“Yes. I was invited.”

So that was it.

To Alex, the Empress was a thorn in his side.

He could remain Crown Prince only because she allowed it, and if Clive began to pursue the throne, conflict would be inevitable, so Alex closely watched her moves.

He hated the idea of Patricia meeting with her.

“What was it about?”

“Nothing in particular. Just encouragement regarding everyday matters.”

That wasn’t a lie. 

That was her way of showing support.

Yet Alex looked skeptical, clearly not convinced.

“Encouragement? From the Empress to you?”

“Yes. About the Slave Liberation Bill. Her Majesty has also expressed opinions on slavery.”

Again, this wasn’t untrue.

The Empress had long been opposed to the institution of slavery and had brought it up with His Majesty multiple times.

But since no concrete policies had been formed, progress had been slow.

“……I see.”

He still didn’t seem fully convinced, but it seemed she had dodged the topic well enough.

Since that was what he wanted to hear, she could afford to bring up what she wanted next.

Just as she opened her mouth to ask what to do about the debutante ball, he spoke first.

“Was Clive there?”

“Clive? No, he wasn’t.”

Why bring up Clive now?

He certainly hadn’t been there, and lately she hadn’t seen him.

Since Clive was currently attending the Academy, they rarely met even within the palace.

Their recent meeting had been mere coincidence—he just happened to be back at the time.

Alex should have known all this, so Patricia tilted her head at the strange question.

“He’s probably busy at the Academy. I haven’t seen him recently.”

“……I just wondered if he was following you around again with some excuse, since he seems attached to you.”

“Is that so? Clive treats me more like an older sister, nothing more.”

“……Then that’s good.”

Why was he so opposed to Patricia meeting with Clive?

True, Clive could be considered an enemy to Alex, but there was no need for such extreme caution.

“Anyway, you had something to discuss?”

“Oh, yes. The debutante ball is coming up, so I thought we should decide on various things.”

“……Right.”

Young noblewomen would soon arrive, cheeks flushed with excitement and nervousness.

The Imperial family’s debutante ball was a special day where only carefully selected individuals could attend, and it was a day to greet both the Emperor and Empress.

Everyone would dress to impress, sparkling and radiant.

Watching these young ladies, full of both hope and tension, was Patricia’s duty and joy as someone who would bear the future of the nobility.

That was why she wished, if only for that day, to be at least on good terms with him.

But Alex suddenly stood up and gave her a glance.

“I’ll coordinate with you. Send me a letter specifying the color.”

That was all.

With those words, he left the room.

What was that about?

Patricia had cherished this day since she was a child. 

Last year, they even chose the colors together.

“……I see. Is it already over then……”

Though she felt like crying, not a single tear came.

Stunned, she watched his retreating back and whispered to herself.