TPOP 34

Chapter 34

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The air was crisp in the early morning when Catherine knocked on Diana's door.

"His Highness wants you. He said to bring all the painting tools."

"Yes, head maid."

It was just after dawn. At this hour, Felix would not be holding a brush. He left the palace every morning and headed for the hunting grounds.

Diana was puzzled, but she left the room and asked the maid who was tidying up around the window.

"Excuse me... Where are His Highness's drawing tools? They're no longer where I knew they were."

"They should be in the workshop on the left on the third floor, go check there."

The maid, who smelled like tree roots, replied bluntly. The description was too vague for Diana. She'd never been to the workshop before, and she had no idea where exactly the tools she needed were located.

Diana struggled to follow the scattering servants and finally learned that the workshop was on the third floor, far to the left. As she lingered near the stairs, someone called out to her.

"Diana, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, head maid."

It was Catherine. Diana breathed a sigh of relief and turned around.

"The painting tools you were talking about earlier have been relocated. I heard they were in the workshop, so I was trying to find them."

"You've been working here for two months and you still don't know where the workshop is? Come with me."

Catherine reached to Diana's right and pushed the door open. Diana stepped back, half-pushed into the room.

"The painting tools are organized on the wall shelves to the right. Be sure to bring them all with you."

"Yes, head maid."

The sound of Catherine’s footsteps grew closer, her purposeful steps sharp and heart. She lowered her voice and pushed Diana toward the wall.

"One more warning. Don't act like you're important just because His Highness calls you often."

"I have done no such thing, head maid."

A person's arrogance should be proportional to the listener, but considering how she treats me as if I don't even exist... Before Diana could finish her thought, Catherine spoke coldly.

"Don't think of yourself as a woman who can manipulate His Highness. Remember, everyone here is watching your every move."

Diana, of course, was aware of the chatter and constant surveillance around her, but she didn't feel particularly hurt or frightened; rather, she thought the situation was ridiculous. With her gaze on where Catherine's waist should be, Diana asked.

"Do you think His Highness is the kind of person who would fall into my hands?"

"You said you were blind, do you really not see anything?"

"...What does that have to do with my question?"

Some people didn't have even the most minimal courtesy for people with disabilities. Catherine waved her hand in front of Diana's face and clicked her tongue.

"The world is unpredictable. Why His Highness….. someone like this…”

In the end, Catherine did not answer Diana's question.

Diana packed all of Felix's favorite tools into a painting bag. With the paint buckets and the glass utensils for mixing the paints, the bag was quite heavy. It was hard to lift without using two hands.

Diana took a deep breath and started down the stairs.

Her steps were unsteady with both hands busy.

Luckily, she made it to the first floor safely. Beads of sweat formed on Diana's forehead. There were still 50 steps to go to the garden. As she took a deep breath, she heard Felix shouting in the distance.

"Why are you standing there?"

Diana panicked, but his words didn't seem to be addressed to her. A servant, standing stiffly by the door, rushed towards Diana and practically snatched the bag from her.

"I’m sorry, Your Highness."

"Is this how the duke's servants are trained? Do not make me bring it up again.”

"I understand, Your Highness, and I will keep it in mind."

Diana had vaguely suspected that she would have to master the art of mind reading to serve the Crown Prince.

Now, standing there empty-handed, she took his command.

"Diana."

At the sound of her name, Diana stepped forward. But the bag was no longer with her, and her mission was effectively over.

Diana stopped where she could hear the horses grazing at the grass, but she stood still, unsure of what to do next.

The warm sunlight touched her skin, and the air carried the smell of dust.

Something heavy, leather and metal, clattered loudly, and Diana instinctively flinched, remembering the terrifying whip she'd encountered on her first day here.

"You've never seen a horse before?"

"Excuse me?"

"...That's right, you can't see them, but can you ride them?"

Felix sighed irritably, realizing the loophole in his question.

He was not one for much conversation with maids or servants; it was irritating to deal with obtuse servants who had to be constantly instructed, and even more so with Diana Escalif, who could only understand verbal commands. He was a real control freak.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before...?"

"Never mind, that's a pointless question."

Diana was surprised when Felix strode over and put his arm around her waist. He lifted her lightly onto the saddle. It took little effort, and her weight was surprisingly light compared to the last time he'd carried her. Had she lost weight?

"I, Master, this is..."

Alone on the gleaming black horse, Diana fidgeted uneasily in the saddle. But she wasn't particularly afraid. Felix's horse was unusually calm and obedient, just like his master, despite his notoriously tricky temperament.

"It's been a long time since I've been on a horse, so I must be clumsy..."

Diana found the reins hanging from the saddle and grabbed them, catching her breath.

She seemed to have trouble keeping her balance, but she had no particular aversion to riding. Felix watched her carefully as she turned her face forward.

A blind woman on horseback. There was no way Eisen would have taught his maid to ride.

"Was it because you grew up in the Spring?"

"...!"

Diana's face instantly paled. The servant standing right next to her could hear him!

"They say spirits are naturally attuned to nature. Does that extend to animals or-"

"Master!"

Felix raised his eyebrows sharply as Diana rudely interrupted him.

But his irritation was outweighed by curiosity. Could she ride a horse alone? The path to the hunting grounds was familiar to the horse, and he was eager to explore.

Of course, the landscape also had an aesthetic appeal. The combination of splendor and delicate beauty was a satisfying composition, except that the horse was a bit too much for her.

Should she get a smaller horse? His thoughts were interrupted as Diana slid down from the saddle.

"Oh...!"

A startled squeal burst from Diana's mouth. She tried to shift her position and lost her balance. As her darkened vision tilted and the fear of falling overwhelmed her, strong arms quickly steadied her and lifted her onto the horse.

"Tsk..."

Felix clicked his tongue with irritation, but it was clear he was panicking.

Once he was sure she was stabilized, he climbed up behind her. She awkwardly reached out and touched his thigh and arm to acknowledge his presence. She was momentarily surprised by his sleek, tailored jacket, but then realized.

Ah, the way he dressed... Not his usual.

In the living room or bathroom, he usually wore loose robes, oversized shirts, or casual cotton clothes. But now that he was dressed in a suit, Diana realized he was taking her somewhere.

Felix took the reins from Diana's hand and nudged the horse with his heel. The black horse let out a long neigh and began to gallop toward the hunting grounds.

***

Diana did not know the layout of the entire palace, but it was clear that the Crown Prince's palace was far to the north. Once on horseback, Felix never changed direction.

As they rode along a straight path, the air blowing across her face gradually began to change.

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